Scandium Canada Ltd. (TSX-V: SCD) announced the execution of a mutual non-disclosure agreement with the University of Waterloo's Multi-Scale Additive Manufacturing Laboratory (MSAM), marking a strategic step toward advancing additive manufacturing of aluminum-scandium alloys. The collaboration, announced on June 1, 2026, aims to leverage MSAM's expertise in metal 3D printing to develop cost-effective processes and broaden market opportunities for these advanced materials.
The partnership will focus initially on Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) technology, a key additive manufacturing technique. According to Luc Duchesne, Ph.D., Chief Science Officer of Scandium Canada and Head of Scandium+, the first target is to reduce the cost of advanced manufacturing using L-PBF, which could unlock a wider spectrum of industrial applications. Dr. Duchesne recently visited MSAM, located at Catalyst137 in Kitchener, Ontario, to initiate research trials.
MSAM is recognized as one of Canada's leading additive manufacturing research centers, equipped with more than $25 million in state-of-the-art equipment. The laboratory has built a strong international reputation for its work on metal 3D printing, process optimization, development of advanced materials, and qualification of specialized alloys for industrial applications. The collaboration will be led by Professor Mihaela Vlasea, Ph.D., Co-Director of MSAM and Canada Research Chair (Tier II) in Sustainable Additive Manufacturing, with research support from Mohsen K. Keshavarz, Ph.D., Research Associate.
“Collaborating with one of the most respected additive manufacturing laboratories in the world marks an important step forward for Scandium Canada and for our Scandium+ division,” said Guy Bourassa, Chief Executive Officer of Scandium Canada. “This initiative reflects our commitment to generating concrete commercial opportunities for aluminum-scandium alloys. Working alongside MSAM, a top-tier Canadian research and development organization with deep market expertise and a strong business network, represents a significant step toward achieving our objectives.”
Aluminum-scandium alloys are known for their high strength, light weight, and corrosion resistance, making them attractive for aerospace, automotive, and defense industries. However, widespread adoption has been limited by high production costs. The collaboration with MSAM aims to address these challenges by optimizing additive manufacturing processes, potentially reducing waste and energy consumption while improving material properties.
“It is exciting to engage with the industry ecosystem to address pressing supply chain needs for metal additive manufacturing,” said Mihaela Vlasea, Ph.D., Co-Director of MSAM. The partnership could help bridge the gap between laboratory research and commercial production, a critical step for industries seeking lighter and more durable materials.
Scandium Canada is a public company focused on becoming a leading primary source of scandium, with its Crater Lake mining project and its Scandium+ division dedicated to developing and commercializing scandium uses. The company aims to meet the growing demand for high-performance materials that are lighter, greener, and longer-lasting.
