Article

Metalysis has commenced production of aluminium-scandium alloy powder (Al-Sc) in South Yorkshire, UK, utilizing a solid-state route to manufacture Al₃Sc with 36 wt.% scandium. The alloy, supplied as powder or consolidated discs, has impurity levels of approximately 500 ppm oxygen and 50 ppm carbon, meeting specifications for semiconductor sputtering targets.

The production start aligns with rising demand due to China's control over scandium supply chains and recent export controls. Metalysis sources scandium oxide from various suppliers outside China and plans to scale production from current Gen 2 units to tonne-scale output from Gen 3 in the coming months.

The alloy is applicable in semiconductor fabrication and as a master alloy for aerospace and defense. Currently, four production units can generate up to 350 kg of Al-Sc per year, with future units aimed at significantly increasing output. Additionally, consolidation trials have produced dense discs from Al-Sc powder with over 98% relative density.