IperionX titanium powder expansion reshapes US titanium supply

IperionX

IperionX titanium powder expansion marks a major step in US titanium reindustrialisation. The company will invest $75mn to lift powder output sevenfold at its Virginia plant. As a result, IperionX titanium powder expansion supports domestic aerospace, defence and additive manufacturing supply chains.

Capacity, technology and cost reduction

The expansion will raise annual powder capacity from 200t to 1,400t by mid 2027. IperionX will add more HAMR furnaces while maintaining spherical powder capacity at 15t per year. Meanwhile, optimisation work has already lifted modular HAMR nameplate capacity by 60pc to 200t per year. These process gains cut unit operating costs by 27pc to $55 per kilogram today. Therefore the company targets $29 per kilogram once the IperionX titanium powder expansion is complete.

Downstream titanium parts and US supply chain impact

IperionX will grow downstream manufacturing alongside the IperionX titanium powder expansion in Virginia. The company targets near net shape production of titanium fasteners, brackets and other structural components. It will also produce mill products, including titanium plate, sheet and bar, for industrial customers. In addition, IperionX plans additive manufactured components using laser and electron beam powder bed fusion. As a result, the project strengthens US titanium value chains from powder through finished parts.

The Metalnomist Commentary

IperionX’s investment highlights how advanced process technology can reset titanium’s cost curve in North America. For aerospace and defence buyers, US based powder and parts capacity reduces reliance on imported sponge and mill products. However, execution on cost targets, quality standards and downstream qualifications will determine how quickly the market adopts this capacity.

IperionX Titanium Expansion: $47mn Raise to Scale US Titanium Powder

IperionX Titanium

IperionX titanium expansion accelerates with a planned $47mn capital raise. The IperionX titanium expansion targets angular titanium powder output of 2,000 t/yr by end-2026. This IperionX titanium expansion also strengthens domestic titanium supply chains for aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing.

Capacity scale-up and product roadmap

IperionX will push phase-one operations beyond its 125 t/yr modular furnace nameplate. The company plans to build out forging capabilities to offer semi-finished and near-net-shape parts. Potential customers completed inspection and pre-qualification visits to its Virginia campus.

Financing structure and timeline

Funding will come via a private placement executed in two tranches. The first tranche is expected to close “on or about” Tuesday. The second tranche, for directors, remains subject to shareholder approval.

IperionX aims to expand angular titanium powder supply for additive manufacturing. Meanwhile, the company will diversify into forgings to widen its product portfolio. These steps support resilient US supply chains amid rising titanium demand.

The plan includes scaling to 2,000 t/yr of titanium powder by 2026. Therefore, IperionX positions itself as a key US titanium feedstock source. The company will leverage its modular furnace technology to lift throughput efficiently.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This raise is sized for industrial proof, not mega-capex. Execution hinges on furnace debottlenecking, qualification wins, and forging ramp economics. Watch for multi-year offtakes with aerospace tier-ones to validate the capacity target.

IperionX Targets Mid-2025 Expansion for Titanium Powder Production

IperionX

Focus Keyphrase: IperionX titanium powder expansion

IperionX titanium powder expansion is now expected to occur earlier than planned, with output capacity set to rise by mid-2025. The US-based company has accelerated its guidance due to improvements in its modular HAMR furnace process.

In January, IperionX projected increased output later in 2025. However, operational efficiency and technology upgrades have moved the timeline forward. Though the firm didn’t disclose exact numbers, capacity will rise above the current 125 metric tonnes per year.

Downstream Manufacturing Systems and Aerospace Demand Fuel Growth

The company also launched its first-phase downstream manufacturing systems in Q1, enabling production of semi-finished and near-net-shape parts. It validated its hydrogen sintering and phase transformation (HSPT) process and installed a cold-isostatic press for titanium tubes and rods.

IperionX is collaborating with eight partners on pilot production and qualification programs. Customer interest expanded to aerospace firms, indicating strong market potential for its advanced titanium materials.

Focus on Efficiency and Scrap Reduction in Titanium Products

Initial production will prioritize titanium parts with traditionally high scrap rates and low material yield. Target applications include fasteners, luxury electronics housings, and premium enclosures, areas with high value-added demand.

The company plans to announce its full growth strategy by mid-2025, aligned with its IperionX titanium powder expansion roadmap. This includes optimization across product types, refining capabilities, and scaling supply for strategic sectors.

The Metalnomist Commentary

IperionX’s early expansion highlights a shift in titanium manufacturing toward efficiency and localized supply. Its traction with aerospace clients signals growing demand for precision titanium parts in high-performance applications.

DongA Special Metal Begins Mass Production of High-Purity Ferro-Titanium

DongA Special Metal - Fe-Ti(Ferro-Titanium)

Korean firm pioneers domestic supply of advanced ferroalloy using titanium scrap and sustainable refining technology

Strategic Entry into the Ferroalloy Market

DongA Special Metal, a South Korean metallurgy company, has launched commercial-scale production of high-purity, high-quality ferro-titanium, marking a strategic entry into the global ferroalloy market. Ferro-titanium — an alloy of iron and titanium — is a vital material in steelmaking, where it serves as a powerful deoxidizer and cleanser, especially for high-grade steels, stainless steel, and special alloys. Despite growing demand, Asia has long relied on imports from Japan and China, with no domestic mass-production capacity — until now.

Closed-Loop Scrap Recycling and Custom Alloy Precision

DongA’s breakthrough lies in its ability to produce ferro-titanium using recycled industrial titanium scrap, implementing a proprietary refining process that ensures strict impurity control and customizable titanium content. The firm’s production allows titanium content to be adjusted between 30–75%, with tailored particle sizes and distribution, offering superior quality consistency over traditional suppliers. “The key differentiator is stable quality with adaptable specs. That’s our competitive edge,” said Vice President Jae-Ie Jang in an interview with The Metalnomist.

Powder-Grade Product for Core Wire Export

Beyond ingot forms, DongA also produces ferro-titanium powder for cored wire applications, used to inject precise Ti content into molten steel. Due to stringent quality requirements in powder metallurgy, any inconsistencies would render the material unusable — yet DongA's product has earned international recognition and is now being exported abroad. In applications like aerospace, defense, and high-temperature industrial components, ferro-titanium ensures both performance and durability under extreme conditions.

From Domestic Substitution to Industrial Security

By securing ISO quality and environmental certifications, DongA aims to align its products with global standards, reinforcing Korea’s self-sufficiency in strategic materials. Amid increasing global supply chain risks — including recent tariff tensions led by the Trump administration — the localization of key inputs like ferro-titanium is emerging as a national competitiveness issue. DongA’s model of resource circulation and material independence could soon become a blueprint for Korea’s broader industrial resilience.

The Metalnomist Commentary

DongA Special Metal's entry into the ferro-titanium space is more than market diversification — it's a national-level materials strategy. With advanced purification technology, recycling innovation, and precision metallurgy, the firm not only reduces reliance on imports but also sets the stage for Korean alloys to lead in critical sectors like aerospace, defense, and next-gen steelmaking.

FE Mottram Ferro-Titanium Expansion Strengthens Baltic Scrap Processing Capacity

Mottram

FE Mottram ferro-titanium expansion is moving into a more important phase in Estonia. The company is installing titanium turnings roasters and ferro-titanium crushers sourced from the former TiVac facility in the UK. This equipment will strengthen titanium scrap processing and improve product preparation at its Ahtme plant. As a result, FE Mottram ferro-titanium expansion is becoming a meaningful development in the Baltic ferro-titanium market.

The first milestone is already complete. Mottram said the turnings roaster has been commissioned and fully tested. That unit removes oil contamination from titanium turnings before melting. Therefore, the new line should improve feed preparation and widen the plant’s scrap handling flexibility.

This matters because scrap quality directly affects melting efficiency and alloy consistency. The roaster also complements Mottram’s existing wash line, which is a more specialized and costly method for higher-grade scrap. Consequently, FE Mottram ferro-titanium expansion gives the company a more practical processing mix for different scrap streams.

Titanium Scrap Processing Gets More Flexible With New Roaster and Crushers

Titanium scrap processing is gaining more flexibility through the new equipment package. One additional crusher is already installed and operating, while two more are nearing commissioning. These crushers can size ferro-titanium into specific fractions such as 10-50mm lumps or 0-2mm powder. As a result, Mottram can improve product customization for different customer requirements.

The company is also benefiting from operational continuity with former TiVac expertise. Former TiVac director Richard Matthewman is advising Mottram in Estonia on scrap processing and ferro-titanium melting. That support matters because equipment transfer alone does not guarantee a smooth scale-up. Therefore, experience and technical know-how are helping reduce execution risk.

The project is not fully complete yet. Installation work has paused temporarily while UK technical specialists return home for a scheduled break. However, Mottram still expects all UK equipment to be fully installed and operational in early March. Meanwhile, that timeline suggests the company remains broadly on track.

FE Mottram Ferro-Titanium Expansion Could Lift Plant Readiness Beyond Current Capacity

FE Mottram ferro-titanium expansion also includes a broader capacity option. The Ahtme plant currently has nameplate capacity of 600 t/month. Mottram plans to commission an additional furnace transferred from the former Mottram/TiVac site at Oakes Green in May-June. That furnace could approximately double plant capacity if fully used.

However, the company’s current strategy is more cautious than aggressive. Mottram plans to reserve the extra furnace as a backup rather than immediately use it as primary expansion capacity. That decision suggests management is prioritizing reliability and operational security. As a result, FE Mottram ferro-titanium expansion looks disciplined rather than speculative.

This approach may prove commercially smart. In ferro-titanium and titanium scrap processing, equipment resilience can matter as much as maximum throughput. A backup furnace gives the plant more flexibility during maintenance, disruptions, or shifts in feedstock quality. Therefore, the company is building a stronger operating platform, not only chasing volume growth.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This project matters because it combines equipment transfer, technical continuity, and cautious capacity planning in one move. FE Mottram is not simply adding machinery. It is building a more flexible titanium scrap processing base that could strengthen its position in the regional ferro-titanium market.

PyroGenesis Gains Second Aerospace Order for Titanium Powder

PyroGenesis

Montreal-based PyroGenesis Canada, known for its advanced plasma processes, has secured a second order for titanium metal powder from a Spanish aerospace client for use in additive manufacturing. The client, who specializes in advanced aeronautics technologies for the European aerospace industry, had previously placed an order in April. This repeat order may lead to a long-term contract with PyroGenesis.

After terminating its distribution agreement with French alloy producer Aubert & Duval, PyroGenesis is now directly selling its metal powders to European customers. The company is also negotiating with other European clients interested in its titanium powder for additive manufacturing.

Earlier this month, a global aerospace original equipment manufacturer notified PyroGenesis that its Ti-6Al-4V titanium-vanadium alloy coarse powder has been approved for its supplier list. The powder, with a size range of 45-150µm, is typically used in additive manufacturing applications such as electron beam melting and direct energy deposition.

European Lithium Velta Acquisition Expands Titanium Exposure in Critical Minerals

Velta Holding

The European Lithium Velta acquisition marks a strategic shift beyond lithium into titanium. European Lithium agreed to fully acquire US-based Velta Holding through an all-scrip deal. The transaction will diversify its critical minerals portfolio and support titanium production plans. As a result, the European Lithium Velta acquisition broadens the company’s long-term industrial relevance.

The deal also preserves operational continuity at Velta. Chief executive Andriy Brodskyi and the existing management team will remain in place. Production processes and export contracts will also stay unchanged. Therefore, the European Lithium Velta acquisition appears designed to add capacity without disrupting current business.

The transaction value remains flexible, but the strategic logic is already clear. The implied value stands at about A$48.5mn-A$50.1mn based on recent share prices. European Lithium will transfer 173mn fully paid ordinary shares to Velta shareholders. Consequently, the deal gives European Lithium direct exposure to operating titanium assets and technical know-how.

Ukraine Titanium Assets Add Processing Depth and Strategic Optionality

Ukraine titanium assets are central to the appeal of this transaction. Funding will be directed toward stabilising operations at Velta’s Byrzulivske mining and processing complex. That support is important because asset reliability matters as much as resource ownership. Meanwhile, the company gains access to a working titanium platform rather than an early-stage concept.

Velta also brings a more advanced technology angle. The company has plans tied to a US titanium manufacturing site that would process ilmenite into titanium powder. That project would use Velta’s patented process and Ukrainian feedstock. Therefore, the European Lithium Velta acquisition adds both upstream resource exposure and downstream processing potential.

This matters for the wider critical minerals market. Titanium is increasingly relevant to aerospace, defence, additive manufacturing, and industrial applications. A company that combines lithium exposure with titanium capability can position itself more broadly in strategic materials. As a result, European Lithium may gain a more diversified investment narrative.

Titanium Production Plans Still Depend on Security and Execution

Titanium production plans now depend on more than corporate ambition. Any larger expansion in capacity or investment will remain tied to the security environment in Ukraine. That creates a clear execution risk for the acquired assets. However, it also means the upside could be meaningful if conditions stabilise.

The US angle adds another layer of strategic value. Velta previously received a letter of interest for $60mn from the Export-Import Bank of the United States. That support relates to development of a US titanium manufacturing site. Consequently, the European Lithium Velta acquisition could eventually support a more international titanium supply chain.

For European Lithium, this is a portfolio-shaping move rather than a simple asset purchase. The company is using Velta’s assets and technical capabilities to expand its reach in critical minerals. Meanwhile, it is doing so through a structure that avoids immediate cash strain. Therefore, the deal could prove important if management converts strategic optionality into operating progress.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This acquisition is notable because it links lithium strategy with titanium industrial capability. European Lithium is no longer presenting itself as a single-metal story. If execution holds and security risks ease, the company could emerge with a more credible role in the broader critical minerals chain.

EU Awards €7.3mn Grant to Titanium Consortium for Sustainable Extraction and Processing

EU Titanium

The EU has awarded a €7.3mn ($8.1mn) grant to 13 companies under its REPTiS project for the responsible extraction and processing of titanium and other primary raw materials for EU industrial value chains and strategic sectors. The grant will be used to demonstrate the viability of titanium extraction, processing, and deployment within the EU in collaboration with Ukraine.

Funded under the EU's Horizon Europe programme, the project will run for four years, ending on August 31, 2028. The project is coordinated by the European Powder Metallurgy Association (EPMA), with major participants including Ukrainian titanium producer Velta and aerospace manufacturer GKN Aerospace. Most of the funding is earmarked for Velta and the EPMA, while other recipients include companies specializing in metal injection molding, additive manufacturing, research centers, and universities. The full €7.3mn budget allocation is yet to be detailed.

The goal is to showcase solutions for titanium extraction and processing across the value chain, including mining ilmenite ore at Velta's Byrzulivske deposit and producing low-carbon titanium powder. Technologies like additive manufacturing and metal injection molding will be employed to manufacture aerospace components and medical products.

A life-cycle assessment will compare these methods to conventional practices. Velta's CEO, Andriy Brodsky, emphasized that the EU’s recognition of Ukraine as a strategic partner ensures a secure titanium supply chain, crucial for global industries. The Ukrainian government has been encouraging international investment in the country's titanium industry, with a key auction for titanium firm UMCC set for October 9.

GKN Aerospace Rolls-Royce Repair Contract Strengthens Titanium Fan Blade MRO

GKN Aerospace

GKN Aerospace Rolls-Royce repair contract will expand titanium fan blade repair work across three legacy engine platforms as airlines continue flying older aircraft for longer. The five-year agreement covers RB211-535, Trent 700 and Trent 800 titanium fan blade repairs.

The GKN Aerospace Rolls-Royce repair contract adds Trent 700 capability to GKN’s existing repair base. The company already has about 20 years of experience repairing Trent 800 and RB211-535 fan blades, fan disks and annulus fillers.

The GKN Aerospace Rolls-Royce repair contract is important because the aerospace aftermarket remains strong while new aircraft deliveries stay constrained. Airlines are extending the service life of existing fleets, creating steady demand for engine maintenance, repair and overhaul capacity.

The agreement also reinforces the strategic role of premium-quality titanium in aircraft engines. Hollow titanium wide-chord fan blades require advanced repair capability, strict qualification and reliable material performance.

Legacy Rolls-Royce Engines Drive Aftermarket Demand

The agreement covers three established Rolls-Royce engine families still used across major aircraft fleets. The RB211-535 powers Boeing 757 aircraft, the Trent 700 supports Airbus A330ceo aircraft, and the Trent 800 powers Boeing 777 aircraft.

These engines remain important because many airlines are keeping older aircraft in service. Delivery delays for new-generation aircraft and engine supply constraints have increased reliance on existing widebody and narrowbody fleets.

This operating environment supports aerospace MRO demand. Airlines need qualified repair partners that can restore engine components safely, reduce downtime and extend engine life.

GKN’s expanded capability for Trent 700 fan blade repairs gives Rolls-Royce another repair route for a widely used legacy engine platform. This can improve service flexibility as installed fleets continue generating aftermarket demand.

All repair work under the agreement will be carried out at GKN’s San Diego, California, facility. The site opened in December 2024 and now becomes a stronger platform for titanium engine component repair in the US.

Titanium Fan Blades Highlight Materials-Critical MRO

The agreement has clear materials significance. The RB211-535, Trent 700 and Trent 800 all feature hollow titanium wide-chord fan blades, a high-value component class tied to premium aerospace titanium supply.

Titanium is used in fan blades because it offers high strength, lower weight and strong fatigue performance. These properties are essential for rotating engine components exposed to stress, vibration and demanding operating conditions.

Repair capability is therefore not only a service function. It is part of the aerospace materials supply chain, helping preserve high-value titanium components and reduce the need for complete replacement.

This matters as aerospace supply chains face pressure across forgings, castings, powder metallurgy, titanium sponge, alloy feedstock and qualified machining capacity. Extending the life of approved titanium components can support fleet availability while new production remains tight.

For GKN Aerospace, the deal strengthens its position in engine MRO and high-specification titanium repair. For Rolls-Royce, it supports aftermarket reliability across legacy platforms with continuing global fleet relevance.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The GKN-Rolls-Royce agreement shows that aerospace growth is not only about new aircraft production. Legacy engine MRO, titanium repair capability and qualified aftermarket capacity are becoming strategic tools for keeping fleets flying amid delivery delays.

IperionX and Aperam Expand Titanium Partnership

Aperam

IperionX, a US-based titanium manufacturer, and Aperam, a Luxembourg-based specialty metals producer operating through its US subsidiary, are intensifying efforts to establish a closed-loop domestic supply chain for titanium.

In a recent agreement, Aperam's ELG Utica Alloys will supply IperionX with 12 metric tonnes of titanium scrap sourced from consumer electronics and technology hardware sectors. IperionX will meticulously qualify the scrap, providing ELG with comprehensive reports on its quality and material properties.

As part of the trial program's initial phase, IperionX will convert 1 ton of titanium scrap into titanium powder, subsequently using the powder to produce various semi-finished products, including near-net shapes, in the second phase. The remaining 11 tonnes will be securely stored for future use, contingent upon a forthcoming agreement. Without such an agreement, IperionX will return the scrap to ELG.

After each trial phase's completion, IperionX will invoice ELG $150,000. The agreement is set to remain in effect until June 30, 2026, unless terminated by either party.

This collaboration builds upon their initial agreement in July 2023, wherein ELG supplied 10 tonnes of titanium scrap to IperionX for $60,000. Concurrently, discussions commenced for a comprehensive, long-term supply and processing arrangement. ELG proposed to provide IperionX with 12 tonnes of titanium scrap monthly, while acting as a toll processor for titanium scrap sourced independently by IperionX.

IperionX Expands Forging Capacity to Meet Growing Titanium Demand

IperionX

US Titanium Producer Advances Production Capabilities and Technology for Enhanced Efficiency

IperionX, a leading US titanium producer, is significantly expanding its forging capacity to meet the rising demand for high-quality, near-net-shape titanium products. The company has recently commissioned a new 100-metric ton uniaxial hydraulic press and is set to acquire additional critical equipment in late 2024 to further boost production.

These expansions follow IperionX's breakthrough in enhancing its titanium angular powder production process. This innovation aims to increase output beyond its current capacity of 125 metric tonnes per year, with expectations for further growth by late 2025. As a result, the company is positioning itself for greater market demand, particularly from industries seeking specialized titanium products.

IperionX's Hydrogen-Based Technology Brings Efficiency Gains

One of the key factors driving IperionX's expansion is its proprietary hydrogen sintering and phase transformation (HSPT) technology. This cutting-edge process allows the company to produce products with "forged-like" quality while maintaining lower costs compared to traditional ingot-to-forging manufacturing methods. The company's approach offers an efficient, innovative solution to meet the needs of various industries, including aerospace and defense.

IperionX has already started ramping up its pressing and sintering capabilities in 2025, ensuring faster product commercialization. Additionally, the company has significantly increased its prototyping and validation efforts to keep up with growing demand and to fine-tune its production processes.

Looking to the Future: Machining and New Alloys

IperionX is also exploring opportunities to expand its offerings further down the value chain. The company has received increasing interest from industrial and defense sectors for products such as titanium fasteners. As a result, IperionX is evaluating the addition of machining capabilities to better serve these markets.

Additionally, the company is reconfiguring its pilot plant in Salt Lake City, Utah, to focus on producing new titanium alloys, including those incorporating zirconium, tantalum, and niobium. This move reflects IperionX’s commitment to diversifying its product range and strengthening its competitive position in the titanium market.

In conclusion, IperionX is setting the stage for a significant increase in production capacity and product innovation. With its advanced technologies and strategic expansions, the company is poised to meet the surging demand for titanium products in the coming years.

Fastmarkets Ferroalloys Asia 2025 Positions Bangkok as Key Global Hub for Ferroalloy Trade

Fastmarkets Ferroalloys Asia 2025

India, China, and South Korea Showcase Market Strength as Global Players Tackle Tariffs and Sustainability Goals

The Fastmarkets Ferroalloys Asia Conference 2025 concluded in Bangkok with more than 800 global industry professionals in attendance. Held from April 8–10, this flagship event solidified its role as Asia’s largest ferroalloy trading platform, focusing on trade flows, tariffs, sustainability, and supply chain strategies.

This year’s conference drew key stakeholders from across the ferroalloy value chain. Attendees participated in active deal-making, high-level panels, and targeted networking—further reinforcing Asia’s position as the world’s dominant ferroalloy market.

Indian and Chinese Firms Expand Regional Influence Amid Tariff Pressures

Ferroalloy giants from India and China made a strong statement at the event. Companies such as BFCL, INDIANO, MORTX, BERRY ALLOYS, MTALX, and CCMA attended as sponsors. Their presence underlined a strategic shift to deepen market penetration in Asia while mitigating challenges from recent U.S. tariff policies.

By sponsoring the event, these companies emphasized regional alliances and adaptability to global trade shifts. With India and China playing leading roles in global ferroalloy production and exports, their efforts at Fastmarkets Asia 2025 signal a robust push for market resilience and growth.

Producing Ferro-Titanium in Korea

South Korea’s Dong-A Special Metal stood out by announcing its expansion in Ferro-Titanium and Ferro-Titanium Powder production. The company uses eco-friendly pretreatment methods to manufacture high-quality products, gaining attention as one of Korea’s few domestic Ferro-Titanium producers.

This development strengthens Korea’s presence in specialty ferroalloys and aligns with rising global demand for lightweight, corrosion-resistant alloys in aerospace and defense sectors.

Focus on Asia’s Role in a Changing Global Alloy Market

The conference underscored Asia’s growing dominance in ferroalloys, especially through China and India. Fastmarkets emphasized this trend, with expert panels addressing topics like supply chain optimization, carbon reduction, and long-term demand outlook. As trade dynamics evolve, Asia is becoming the central pivot for pricing and policy trends in the ferroalloy industry.

TheMetalnomist continues to track how international conferences like these shape global metal market strategies and investment priorities.

Pratt & Whitney Capacity Expansion Targets Forgings and GTF MRO Bottlenecks

Pratt & Whitney

Pratt & Whitney capacity expansion plans will add production and aftermarket capability across commercial and defence engine programmes. The RTX subsidiary will invest $200mn to increase engine component output and strengthen maintenance, repair and overhaul capacity.

Pratt & Whitney capacity expansion is strategically important because the company remains under pressure to improve geared turbofan engine deliveries for Airbus narrowbody aircraft. It must also support defence engine demand tied to F-15, F-16 and F-35 fighter programmes.

The investment will be split between manufacturing and GTF engine MRO. Half will support a new facility in Rzeszow, Poland, while the remaining $100mn will expand three US aftermarket sites.

The plan shows how aerospace supply chains are moving deeper into materials and repair bottlenecks. Engine production now depends on qualified forgings, titanium and nickel disks, powder metallurgy control, spare parts availability and faster shop-visit turnaround.

Rzeszow and Columbus Expand Forging Disk Output

Pratt & Whitney will invest $100mn in a new facility at its Rzeszow site in Poland. The facility will include equipment to heat treat, machine and test isothermal forgings.

The Polish operations support components for GTF engines used on Airbus narrowbody aircraft. They also support F100 and F135 engines used in F-15, F-16 and F-35 fighter programmes.

The Rzeszow expansion will support Pratt & Whitney’s plan to add a seventh isothermal forging press at its Columbus, Georgia manufacturing campus. Both projects are expected to be operational by 2028.

The combined investments are expected to increase output of nickel- and titanium-based compressor and turbine disks by 30%. These disks are critical rotating components in high-performance jet engines.

This matters for metals supply chains. Titanium compressor disks and nickel turbine disks require strict chemistry control, high-quality melting, forging, heat treatment and inspection.

Isothermal forging is especially important because it supports complex, high-strength components used under demanding temperature and stress conditions. Capacity expansion in this area directly affects engine production reliability.

Pratt & Whitney capacity expansion therefore targets one of the most sensitive parts of the aerospace supply chain. More disk capacity can help reduce constraints in both new engine output and spare parts availability.

GTF Aftermarket Investment Targets Turnaround Times

Pratt & Whitney will also invest $100mn across three US MRO sites to expand aftermarket capacity for the GTF engine. The sites are located in Irving, Texas, West Palm Beach, Florida, and Springdale, Arkansas.

Most of the MRO funding will go to Irving. The investment will add new equipment, increase on-site inventory and expand facility footprints.

The goal is to improve throughput and reduce repair turnaround times. This is crucial because GTF fleet issues have created heavy demand for inspections, shop visits and replacement parts.

The investment follows a $70mn expansion at Pratt & Whitney’s Columbus aftermarket services operation earlier this year. That project increased annual overhaul capacity by 25%.

Pratt & Whitney has been under pressure from Airbus because GTF delivery shortfalls have affected aircraft ramp-up plans. The company’s large commercial engine shipments fell by 15 units year on year to 235 in the first quarter.

The main challenge is balancing new engine production with spare parts and repair demand. A powder metal issue identified in 2023 forced accelerated inspections and potential rework across hundreds of A320neo aircraft.

Durability has also been a point of tension. European regulators approved Pratt & Whitney’s GTF Advantage for the A320neo on 17 April, and the upgrade is expected to double time on wing. An upgrade kit for in-service engines is expected later this year.

The MRO investment is therefore not only a repair capacity expansion. It is part of a wider effort to stabilise the GTF fleet, rebuild Airbus confidence and improve engine availability across the installed base.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Pratt & Whitney capacity expansion shows that aerospace bottlenecks are now concentrated in qualified materials, forgings and MRO infrastructure. The company’s ability to restore GTF reliability will depend as much on titanium and nickel disk capacity as on final engine assembly.

RTX Boosts Heat Exchanger Production for Boeing 787 Dreamliners

U.S. aerospace giant RTX is ramping up production of heat exchangers crucial for Boeing's 787 Dreamliner aircraft, which had faced production slowdowns due to a shortage of this key component. RTX CEO Chris Calio addressed investors, stating, "We're starting to ramp up there to the rates that we need to support what we think Boeing's demand is."

Heat exchangers were among the supply issues that Boeing cited in April as factors reducing the manufacturing rates of the twin-aisle aircraft, with production dipping below the five jets per month achieved at the end of 2023.

Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of RTX, manufactures these heat exchangers, which can include metals like titanium. The unit struggled to meet Boeing's requirements after relocating its Russian operations due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. "We had to set up another source here and set up a separate supply chain," Calio explained. "And that has taken some time."

Boeing expects to return to normal production rates by the end of the year, aiming to produce 10 787s per month by 2026.

RTX also acknowledged it is "not necessarily where we need to be" in terms of engine production rates for Airbus, which reduced its full-year delivery guidance in June due to supply chain challenges. The company, through its Pratt & Whitney unit, continues to manufacture jet engines.

The company is addressing issues related to its geared turbofan fleet management plan, identifying a "rare condition in powder metal" used in high-pressure turbine and compressor discs that could lead to operational failures in Pratt & Whitney's PW-1100G-JM fleet, which powers Airbus' narrow-body A320 family. RTX is producing spare engines with full-life powder metal parts after addressing these issues in first-run engines. Two new maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities have been added to increase capacity.

Despite these challenges, demand for aerospace original equipment and aftermarket services remained strong, leading RTX to raise its full-year earnings guidance to $78.75bn-79.5bn from the previous forecast of $78bn-79bn. Pratt & Whitney's quarterly deliveries of large commercial engines rose by 24% to 236 units from the same period last year.

However, RTX's profit for the quarter fell sharply to $111 million from $1.3 billion in the prior-year period, largely due to over $1 billion in one-time charges related to outstanding legal issues. Revenue rose by 7.7% to $19.7 billion during the same period.

Airbus 2Q Deliveries Decline as Production Ramp-Up Slows

European aircraft manufacturer Airbus reported the delivery of 181 jets in the second quarter (April-June), down from 189 jets delivered during the same period last year. This decline comes as the company grapples with ongoing supply chain disruptions, leading it to revise its 2024 guidance and the ramp-up rate for the A320 program last month.

For the first half of the year, Airbus delivered a total of 323 jets, slightly up from 316 jets delivered in the first half of the previous year. This modest increase can be attributed to higher output in the first quarter. Despite June's deliveries reaching 67 jets—the highest monthly total so far this year—this figure fell short of the 72 jets delivered in June of the prior year, highlighting the challenges Airbus faces in accelerating production. Nevertheless, second-quarter deliveries exceeded first-quarter figures by 39 units, thanks to an uptick in single-aisle aircraft deliveries.

In the second quarter, Airbus delivered 161 single-aisle aircraft, including 85 A321neos and 60 A320neos. The company also delivered 14 A350s and six A330s as part of its widebody programs, which feature higher titanium content.

During the quarter, Airbus secured 157 gross orders, translating to 140 net orders after accounting for a few narrowbody cancellations. New orders for the A350 decreased, with only 32 orders compared to 71 in the first quarter, of which 30 were from Indian airline Indigo. Net bookings for single-aisle jets totaled 84 units, predominantly for the A321neo.

Looking ahead, Airbus has set a target of approximately 770 deliveries for 2024, down from its previous target of 800. The company has also postponed its goal of achieving a production rate of 75 A320 aircraft per month from 2026 to 2027. These adjustments are due to specific supply chain challenges, particularly with suppliers failing to scale up production at the pace required by Airbus, resulting in significant shortages of parts and engine volumes.

Airbus' A320 aircraft are powered by either CFM International's Leap-1A engine or Pratt & Whitney's PW1100G-JM. CFM also manufactures the Leap-1B engine, which exclusively powers Boeing's 737 MAX. This dual responsibility places CFM in a challenging position as it balances the demands of both Airbus and Boeing, the latter of which is currently dealing with quality issues and federal investigations. Meanwhile, Pratt & Whitney is managing accelerated inspections of its geared turbofan engines following the identification of a "rare condition in powder metal" used in the manufacture of high-pressure turbine and compressor discs last year.

GE Aerospace Engine Deliveries Rise as LEAP Shipments Support Aircraft Ramp-Up

GE Aerospace Engine

GE Aerospace engine deliveries rose sharply in the first quarter as the company increased commercial engine shipments and benefited from strong aerospace maintenance demand. Total engine deliveries climbed by 50% on the year to 640 units in January-March.

GE Aerospace engine deliveries were led by the LEAP engine, where shipments rose by 63% to 520 units. The LEAP is the sole engine for Boeing’s 737 MAX and one of the two engine options for Airbus’ A320neo family.

GE Aerospace engine deliveries helped offset weaker volumes from rival Pratt & Whitney, whose large commercial engine deliveries fell year on year. This matters because engine availability remains one of the biggest constraints on narrowbody aircraft production.

The result shows that aerospace demand remains strong, but the supply chain is still under pressure. Engine makers need more castings, forgings, rotating parts, powder metal components, superalloys, titanium parts and qualified spare capacity to meet aircraft build-rate targets.

LEAP Ramp-Up Offsets Pratt & Whitney Weakness

GE Aerospace attributed higher shipment volumes to better supplier performance. The company has been working to increase output of new engines and spare parts to support Boeing and Airbus production plans.

The company announced another $1bn supply-chain investment in March. About $100mn of that will support external suppliers and help them increase output capacity.

This investment is strategically important because commercial engine production depends on a deep, qualified supplier base. A single bottleneck in forgings, castings, coatings, disks, blades or precision machined parts can slow engine deliveries.

GE Aerospace competes with Pratt & Whitney on the Airbus A320neo programme. Pratt & Whitney’s delivery pressure has affected Airbus production planning, while GE’s stronger LEAP output gives aircraft manufacturers another source of support.

However, demand still exceeds available supply. GE Aerospace said supplier throughput rose by double digits, but spare parts delinquency increased by 70% from the end of 2024 because of material availability constraints.

That warning is important for metals and aerospace suppliers. Higher engine deliveries do not mean the supply chain is fully recovered. It means suppliers are improving from a constrained base while demand continues to rise faster than available capacity.

MRO Demand Stays Strong but Fuel Risk Emerges

Aerospace MRO demand remained robust in the first quarter. LEAP internal shop visits rose by more than 50% from a year earlier, while spare parts sales increased by more than 25%.

The aftermarket outlook remains strong because LEAP work scopes are increasing and older-generation CFM56 and GE90 engines still face major shop-visit cycles. Many of these engines are approaching their first or second major maintenance events.

This creates a powerful revenue base for GE Aerospace. Even when new engine deliveries face constraints, airlines still need repairs, overhauls, spare parts and component replacement to keep fleets flying.

However, the Middle East war has created a new risk for airline economics. Higher oil prices and tighter jet fuel supply could pressure airline finances and delay some aftermarket work in the near term.

GE Aerospace lowered its full-year forecast for global commercial flight growth to flat-to-low-single-digit growth. It had previously expected mid-single-digit growth.

The company still maintained its 2026 earnings guidance. It said that without the war, it likely would have raised its forecasts.

Defense and power-generation engine deliveries also increased. Quarterly shipments for defence and aeroderivative applications rose by 24% to 185 units, adding another source of industrial demand for high-performance engine materials.

GE Aerospace’s quarterly revenue rose by 25% to $12.4bn, while profit fell by 2.1% to $2.2bn. The figures show that demand remains strong, but supply-chain cost, material constraints and geopolitical pressure continue to shape margins.

The Metalnomist Commentary

GE Aerospace’s first-quarter results show that aircraft production recovery is now a supplier-capacity story. LEAP shipments are improving, but material availability and spare parts delays prove that aerospace metals, forgings and MRO capacity remain strategic bottlenecks.

Elmet and Taniobis Partner to Strengthen North American Niobium and Tantalum Alloy Supply

Elmet Niobium

Strategic Alliance to Bolster Aerospace and Defense Supply Chains

Elmet Technologies and Taniobis have entered a long-term partnership to enhance North American supply lines of niobium- and tantalum-based alloys essential to aerospace and defense industries. The collaboration will initially focus on producing and marketing C-103 and FS-85 alloys, primarily in powder form, with potential expansion into Taniobis’ AMtrinsic product line.

The deal provides US-based Elmet with an opportunity to broaden its product portfolio beyond molybdenum and tungsten, leveraging its manufacturing capabilities, including an extrusion press in Coldwater, Michigan. Germany-based Taniobis gains access to Elmet’s North American distribution network and technical expertise, ensuring faster delivery and greater production flexibility for regional customers.

Alloy Applications and Market Potential

C-103, composed of 89% niobium, 10% hafnium, and 1% titanium, is highly valued for maintaining strength at extreme temperatures. It is widely used in hypersonic missile components, rocket nozzles, and jet engine afterburners. FS-85, consisting of 61% niobium, 28% tantalum, 10% tungsten, and 1% zirconium, offers similar mechanical performance at a lower cost by omitting hafnium.

However, FS-85 adoption faces hurdles due to its heavier weight and aerospace customers’ preference for proven materials. Elmet highlights FS-85’s higher ultimate tensile strength compared to C-103, positioning it as a potential alternative in cost-sensitive applications.

Outlook for Advanced Alloy Supply Security

The partnership underscores the importance of diversifying alloy supply sources in North America amid rising geopolitical pressures on critical minerals. Niobium and tantalum are both considered strategic materials due to their scarcity, high performance, and reliance on limited global production sources.

With aerospace and defense demand expected to rise, the Elmet–Taniobis alliance could play a pivotal role in mitigating supply chain risks and advancing domestic manufacturing capabilities for high-performance alloys.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This partnership aligns with broader efforts to secure critical mineral supply chains for strategic industries. If FS-85 gains traction, it could reshape alloy procurement strategies in aerospace and defense, offering a cost-effective alternative to established high-performance materials.

Airbus 2026 Delivery Guidance Holds Despite Engine and Delivery Bottlenecks

Airbus

Airbus 2026 delivery guidance remains unchanged even after supply constraints and administrative delays reduced first-quarter deliveries. The European aircraft manufacturer is still targeting around 870 commercial aircraft deliveries this year and adjusted earnings before interest and taxes of about €7.5bn.

Airbus 2026 delivery guidance now depends on another heavily backloaded delivery year. The company delivered only 114 aircraft in January-March, leaving a large volume to be handed over across the remaining nine months.

Airbus 2026 delivery guidance is being tested by two separate issues. The first is the continuing dispute with Pratt & Whitney over geared-turbofan engine supply. The second is a temporary delivery delay involving nearly 20 aircraft for Chinese customers.

The company said its commercial programme ramp targets remain unchanged. However, the first-quarter result shows that aircraft production is still constrained by engines, quality repairs, customer delivery timing and geopolitical cost risks.

Pratt & Whitney Dispute Shifts Focus Toward 2027 Engine Supply

Airbus said scheduled Pratt & Whitney engine deliveries for 2026 are confirmed. The dispute with the RTX subsidiary now centres more heavily on 2027 supply.

This matters because Pratt & Whitney’s GTF engines are used on the Airbus A320neo family. A shortage of engines has already affected Airbus’ narrowbody production planning.

In February, Airbus cut its A320 build target to 70-75 aircraft a month in 2027. The adjustment was based on this year’s expected GTF receipt levels and the outlook for future engine availability.

Airbus is working with Pratt & Whitney to resolve the issue. Chief executive Guillaume Faury said the company is also assessing its contractual rights.

Airbus has leaned on alternative engine supplier CFM International where possible. However, Faury said CFM supply is not enough to offset the significant number of missing Pratt & Whitney engines.

The company is not currently producing A320 gliders, or completed aircraft without engines. That indicates Airbus is still trying to keep production and final delivery flows aligned rather than building unfinished inventory.

The engine issue remains strategically important for aerospace suppliers. Narrowbody aircraft output depends on a deep chain of titanium parts, nickel superalloy components, forgings, castings, powder metal parts, fan blades, disks and certified MRO capacity.

China Deliveries and Panel Repairs Add Short-Term Inventory Pressure

Airbus also faced an administrative delay that prevented the delivery of nearly 20 aircraft to Chinese customers in the first quarter. The issue increased inventory to €5bn, up €1.5bn from a year earlier.

The China delivery delay has now been resolved, and aircraft handovers resumed after the end of the first quarter. This should support second-quarter delivery recovery if no new bottlenecks emerge.

Airbus manufacturing and deliveries have also been misaligned because of repairs on fuselage panels disclosed last December. The company expects to resolve that panel quality issue and realign production with deliveries by the end of this quarter.

These issues show how sensitive aircraft deliveries remain to late-stage disruptions. Even when aircraft are built, certification, paperwork, engines, interior systems or quality repairs can delay revenue recognition and cash conversion.

Airbus said it has not experienced direct supply disruption from the Middle East crisis. However, it is monitoring higher oil and derivative product prices and their possible effects on global air traffic.

That risk matters because airline profitability can influence delivery schedules, fleet decisions and aftermarket demand. Higher fuel costs can also ripple through plastics, chemicals, logistics and aerospace supply costs.

For now, Airbus is keeping confidence in its full-year plan. But the company will need a much stronger delivery pace through the rest of 2026 to meet its 870-aircraft target.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Airbus’ unchanged guidance shows confidence, but the first quarter highlights how fragile the aerospace ramp-up still is. Engine availability, quality repairs and delivery timing are now as important as final assembly capacity in determining real aircraft output.

Niobium Alloys for Space and Defense: Taniobis Sees Rising Demand

Taniobis

Niobium alloys for space and defense are entering a pivotal phase. Niobium alloys for space and defense now answer tougher thermal and mechanical requirements. As a result, niobium alloys for space and defense stand out across propulsion and protective systems.

Additive manufacturing unlocks complex niobium components

Taniobis says space and defense programs want materials that endure extreme heat and stress. The firm highlights growing use in reaction control and attitude thrusters.

Meanwhile, additive manufacturing now produces intricate parts directly from digital models. C-103 leads current adoption, with 89pc niobium, 10pc hafnium, and 1pc titanium. Engineers value C-103 for hot-gas exposure and repeated thermal cycling. However, programs still evaluate alternatives for higher temperature margins.

Pricing, alloy choices, and performance trade-offs

Columbite prices support the trend, rising with alloy demand. First-half averages reached $20.13/lb cif main airport. That level sits 31pc above the five-year average of $15.37/lb. Tight supply from central Africa also lifts pricing. Taniobis notes additional niobium options for harsh environments. FS-85 blends 61pc niobium, 28pc tantalum, 10pc tungsten, and 1pc zirconium. Cb-752 combines niobium with tungsten and zirconium. Both alloys suit additive routes and high heat flux zones. They withstand temperatures beyond nickel superalloys, which plateau near 1,050°C. Even so, FS-85 faces weight penalties versus C-103. Therefore, teams hesitate to shift away from a proven workhorse.

Clear use cases continue to expand across space systems. Thermal protection tiles and hot structures benefit from niobium alloys. Propulsion chambers and nozzle throats also gain durability and life. Program managers now balance mass, cost, and printability. They also weigh powder availability and qualification timelines. Taniobis expects more flight hardware as printing scales. Qualification depth will decide the pace of fleet adoption.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Niobium’s high-temperature window aligns with next-gen propulsion and hypersonic needs. Additive manufacturing lowers entry costs and speeds iteration. If columbite supply remains tight, buyers may diversify sources or lock multi-year contracts to manage risk.

RTX Engine Deliveries Rise as Airbus Ramp-Up Drives New-Build Focus

RTX

RTX engine deliveries are set to rise in 2026 as the company shifts more output toward new aircraft builds. RTX expects large commercial engine shipments to increase by a mid-to-high single-digit rate from 2025 levels. That follows deliveries of 1,055 large commercial engines last year. As a result, RTX engine deliveries are becoming a more direct measure of Airbus ramp-up progress.

This shift matters because Pratt & Whitney supports key Airbus programs. Its engines mainly serve the A320neo and A220 families. RTX said the split between new-build installs and aftermarket shipments will favor new aircraft in 2026. Therefore, RTX engine deliveries will increasingly track airframe production rather than spare engine demand.

The company is making this move while aftermarket demand remains strong. Airlines still fly older fleets longer because new aircraft deliveries remain delayed. However, RTX now wants more of its engine output directed toward Airbus assembly lines. Consequently, the market will watch whether RTX engine deliveries can support higher narrowbody build rates without weakening service support.

Pratt & Whitney Supply Chain Expansion Is Becoming the Key Enabler

Pratt & Whitney supply chain capacity is now central to this delivery plan. RTX said it is expanding forgings and castings capacity to ease production bottlenecks. Those investments are designed to support Airbus as it pushes toward much higher monthly output targets. As a result, internal supply chain execution is becoming as important as final engine assembly.

The company has already committed major capital to this effort. RTX announced a $206mn expansion in Columbus, Georgia, covering engine MRO, nickel and titanium forgings, and compressor blade production. It also announced a $285mn investment in Asheville, North Carolina, to expand turbine blade castings. Therefore, RTX is reinforcing the upstream parts base that supports future engine growth.

These additions will not deliver full benefits immediately. RTX said the Asheville casting project remains in the build-up phase. Management also highlighted work on yields to ensure efficient production when output rises further. Meanwhile, a new powder metal tower and forging press are expected within the next 24 months. That means the supply chain still has execution risk even as capacity grows.

Airbus Ramp-Up Will Test Engine Flow and Material Discipline

Airbus ramp-up will put real pressure on engine delivery discipline. The aircraft maker wants to raise A320neo production to 75 aircraft per month by 2027. It also wants to lift A220 production to 12 aircraft per month this year. Therefore, RTX engine deliveries must improve not only in volume, but also in timing and consistency.

That challenge is already visible in recent numbers. Fourth-quarter large commercial engine shipments rose 12pc year on year to 312 units. RTX benefited from Airbus’ year-end push to meet its revised outlook. However, the market still sees engine shortages as one of the main constraints on narrowbody production. Consequently, 2026 will be a test of whether RTX can move from recovery to reliable support.

RTX’s broader results show it has momentum. Defense engine deliveries rose strongly in 2025, while Pratt & Whitney Canada also posted modest growth. Profit and revenue both increased over the year. Even so, the most strategic question remains clear. Can RTX engine deliveries rise fast enough to support Airbus without creating new strain elsewhere in the system?

The Metalnomist Commentary

RTX is no longer just solving a delivery backlog. It is rebuilding the industrial base behind future engine flow. If forgings, castings, and yield improvements hold, RTX could become one of the key enablers of the next aerospace production upcycle.