FROM MINING TO MISSION CRITICAL CAPABILITY

“From mining to mission‑critical capability”, the adoption of Scalmalloy® (an aluminum‑scandium (Al‑Sc) alloy) is reshaping additive manufacturing (AM) for high‑performance aerospace systems. This presentation outlines the domestic supply chain; beginning with scandium extraction, progressing through certified AM feedstock production, and the qualification process of new materials.

The United States aerospace and defense sectors demand a high‑strength, corrosion‑resistant aluminum alloy that can be reliably fabricated using AM for structural airframe components. Aluminum‑scandium uniquely fulfills these requirements, delivering mechanical properties and temperature performance comparable to conventional 7XXX‑series alloys, while unlocking the design freedom of laser powder‑bed‑fusion (LPBF) processes.

By delivering a fully qualified, domestically sourced Al‑Sc AM solution, Lockheed Martin—and the broader industry—will benefit from emerging standards for Scalmalloy®, driving demand, expanding supply, and reducing cost.

Key focus areas of the presentation include:

• Mining process to Aluminum-Scandium Feedstock Lifecycle
• Identification and qualification of U.S. scandium‑powder suppliers
• Generation of a comprehensive mechanical‑property data set (tensile, fatigue, fracture toughness, corrosion) at both room‑temperature and elevated temperatures