Amaero International Limited (ASX:3DA), a pioneer in the additive manufacturing sector, is set to become the largest and most responsive domestic producer of C103 and high-value specialty alloys in the United States, following a comprehensive market study by Fairmont Consulting Group LLC. This strategic move is aimed at capitalizing on the projected surge in demand for Niobium C103 alloy (Nb C103 or C103) and other specialty materials critical for defense and space applications.
The independent market assessment, commissioned by Amaero and conducted by Fairmont, a leader in Aerospace and Defence (A&D) market insights, forecasts a significant growth in demand for C103 PBF powder. Expected to reach 105 tonnes by FY2028, this represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 62% over a five-year period. This demand is driven by substantial investments in hypersonics, strategic missiles, space launch, and satellite programs.
Fairmont's 72-page market study, along with a proprietary market model, provides an in-depth analysis of 550 discrete programs within the defense and space sectors. The findings offer Amaero detailed insights into demand signals, market supply, powder pricing, feedstock costs, and strategic positioning. This invaluable information will guide Amaero's production and market strategies, ensuring the company's growth and profitability.
The current market price for C103 powder ranges from $4,150 to $5,385 per kilogram, with order lead times extending from 12 to 24 months. In response, Amaero is gearing up to meet this demand by securing 2.5 tonnes of C103 feedstock and planning an expansion of its production capabilities. This includes the addition of four atomisers and related capital investments, aimed at enhancing the company's production of C103 and other high-value specialty alloy powders.
Amaero's strategic focus on the production of C103, development of refractory alloys, and other specialty alloys, as well as Ti-64 powder, positions the company as a key U.S. domestic producer. This move is designed to meet the growing needs of the defense, space, and aviation industries for high-value, specialty powders for additive manufacturing of mission-critical components.
While Amaero does not provide financial guidance, the company has shared key assumptions and financial performance drivers based on the Fairmont Consulting report and discussions with stakeholders. These plans are subject to Board approval, with a final investment decision expected by the end of FY2024.
Amaero Chairman and CEO, Hank J. Holland stated, “We took bold and decisive steps over the past year to position Amaero as the largest and most responsive U.S. domestic producer of C103 and other high-value specialty alloy powders. The Fairmont Consulting market report validates the strategic direction and provides important market signals for demand, supply and pricing. The report also provides important insights at the program-level that will assist the business development strategy. Amaero has an opportunity to play an important role in re-shoring highly strategic industrial base capabilities to the U.S. and to contribute to a more resilient and scalable supply chain for defence production and for the space ecosystem. We expect that prioritising the production of C103 and high-value specialty alloy powders will materially increase revenue trajectory and will accelerate the path to profitability.”
About us:
Amaero International Limited is an ASX-listed company focused on high-value refractory, specialty alloy and titanium powder production for additive manufacturing of mission-critical components utilised by the defence, space and aviation industries.
Contact details:
Jane Morgan
jm@janemorganmanagement.com.au
