Equispheres announces a partnership with Taiyo Nippon Sanso
by CM Staff
The two organizations will work together to improve the economics and quality of additively manufactured parts in the Japanese market.
Densely packed Equispheres powder (Credit: Equispheres)
OTTAWA — Materials supplier Equispheres Inc. is expanding its global footprint by signing a strategic partnership agreement with Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation (TNSC). The two organizations will work together to improve the economics and quality of additively manufactured parts in the Japanese market. Equispheres produces specialized powder with unique attributes for additive manufacturing (AM) that can reportedly achieve faster build rates than legacy aluminum powders.
Kevin Nicholds, CEO of Equispheres, says the Canadian company is excited to be working with TNSC. “Their expertise in metal additive manufacturing, company resources and deep connections to the Japanese market will accelerate the adoption of our material in the marketplace, with an emphasis on the automotive industry.”
TNSC is a Japanese-based, global provider of gases and related welding solutions at its AM Innovation Center. The company has developed experience in technology and focuses on developing total solutions to improve the reliability and reduce the cost of AM part production. TNSC has a partner network of metal AM industry leaders which will now include Equispheres.
Tadaharu Watanabe, Senior General Manager of Innovation Business Division (TNSC) states, “We are very impressed with the quality of the Equispheres powder and view it as best-in-class for its ability to print high quality parts at a reduced cost. TNSC plans to offer the powder and our deep knowledge of its application along with our other integrated additive manufacturing services to better serve the AM industry in Japan.”
Material sales and engineering support for North America and Europe continue to be handled directly by Equispheres.
The relationship between TNSC and Equispheres was established after a year-long analysis of Equispheres powder by TNSC. Both Equispheres and TNSC plan to collaborate on R&D projects to develop enhanced applications for the powder and provide further value to the industry.
“TNSC has a history of seeking out best-in-class technology, and we’re very proud that they have added us to their additive manufacturing portfolio,” says Nicholds. “TNSC has the skills and the knowledge to represent and support our aluminum powders, and the company is already deeply integrated with manufacturers and the automotive sector in Japan.”
Equispheres produces proprietary, patent-pending, spherical aluminum powders. The company is working with partners in the automotive, aerospace and defense sectors to qualify its materials for industrial applications.
