Rotherham tech firm’s 3D metal printing gains £20m investment

Metalysis, the Rotherham-based 3D printing metal powder tech firm, has secured £20m in new investment from British investor Neil Woodford and Australian mineral firm Iluka Resources.

Metalysis specialises in producing powdered metals - specifically powdered titanium - for use in 3D printers. The firm has developed a new process for producing powdered titanium, which uses half the energy required for conventional melting, extracting and powdering of the metal.

Titanium powder is a lightweight metal used to print aerospace and automotive parts, as well as tailor-made replacement hip joints.

Metalysis has said that the £20m investment will boost its growth and help fund the commercial promotion its powdered metals.

Dion Vaughan, CEO of Metalysis, commented: “Metalysis’ development and expansion over recent years has been remarkable, as we have attracted strong market interest and developed great commercial relationships.

“This latest investment underpins our commitment to deliver against the enormous potential of our disruptive powder metals technology.

“In Iluka and Woodford Patient Capital Trust, we have outstanding strategic partners and we welcome their support alongside longstanding backers such as Environmental Technologies Fund in realising the commercial potential of our technology.”

David Robb, managing director of Iluka Resources which will increase its interest in Metalysis to 28.8% as a result of the investment, added: “The prospect of commercial volumes of titanium metal powder, direct from rutile and synthetic rutile, at a materially lower cost than current technologies, could drive a dramatic expansion in global demand for titanium metal and titanium alloys.

“The application of titanium powder in 3D printing also presents potentially significant opportunities in a rapidly expanding market. Such developments would be positive for high grade titanium dioxide feedstock demand.”