Alcoa Reveals Plan to Expand Research and Development Center in Pennsylvania

Alcoa (NYSE:AA) announced that it is investing $60 million to expand its research and development center in Pennsylvania to accelerate the development of 3D printing materials and processes.
As quoted in the press release:

Alcoa will produce materials designed specifically for a range of additive technologies to meet increasing demand for complex, high-performance 3D-printed parts for aerospace and other high-growth markets such as automotive, medical and building and construction. The $60 million expansion is under construction at the Alcoa Technical Center, the world’s largest light metals research center near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Highlights:

• $60 million expansion to include state-of-the-art additive manufacturing center focused on feedstock materials, processes, product design and qualification
• Investment advances development of proprietary metal powders engineered specifically for 3D printing
• Company unveils Ampliforge™ process, an Alcoa-invented technique combining additive and traditional manufacturing for enhanced properties
• Builds on over 100 years of metal powder production history and 20 years of additive manufacturing expertise with capabilities in California, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Texas

Klaus Kleinfeld, chairman and CEO of Alcoa, commented:

Alcoa is investing in the next generation of 3D printing for aerospace and beyond. Combining our expertise in metal alloys, manufacturing, design and product qualification, we will push beyond the limits of today’s additive manufacturing. This investment strengthens our leadership position in meeting fast-growing demand for aerospace components made using additive technologies.

Click here to read the full Alcoa (NYSE:AA) press release.