Bill Hopkins, co-founder of Phoenix Scientific Industries, passes away aged 72
Bill Hopkins, co-founder of Phoenix Scientific Industries (PSI), Hailsham, East Sussex, UK, passed away on July 28, 2026, aged seventy-two.
Hopkins founded PSI with his wife, Jan, in 1987 and played a central role in the development of the company’s metal powder atomisation and rapid solidification technologies. His work included the design and development of vacuum inert gas atomisation (VIGA) systems supplied to research institutions, universities and industrial manufacturers worldwide.
The technologies developed under his leadership have supported the production of spherical metal powders for applications including Additive Manufacturing, aerospace, defence, medical applications and advanced materials research. His metallurgical expertise also contributed to the development of rapid solidification equipment used in alloy development and materials research.
PSI stated that many of the atomisation and rapid solidification technologies it offers today have their origins in Hopkins’ engineering work.
Following Hopkins’ passing, co-founder Jan Hopkins has taken on the role of Managing Director and will lead the company alongside its existing management team.
Phoenix Scientific Industries stated that it will continue to build on the technical foundations established by Hopkins, maintaining its focus on metal powder atomisation, rapid solidification technologies and related equipment.
