Elmet and Taniobis partner to bolster North American supply of niobium C-103 and FS-85 AMtrinsic powders
June 11, 2025
Elmet Technologies Inc, Lewiston, Maine, USA, has signed a strategic agreement with Taniobis GmbH, based in Goslar, Germany, to support the creation of a more resilient and agile North American supply chain for AMtrinsic Nb-Hf-Ti (C-103) and AMtrinsic Nb-Ta-W-Zr (FS-85) metal powders. The agreement also enables the potential distribution of other AMtrinsic powders, particularly those alloys based on niobium (Nb) and tantalum (Ta).
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Under the agreement, Elmet Technologies and Taniobis will leverage their respective experience and expertise in refractory metals, Powder Metallurgy processing, and Additive Manufacturing for the mutual benefit of both parties. They will work collaboratively to develop and enhance the Western supply chain for niobium, tantalum, and related Nb and Ta-based alloys for critical high-performance applications.
“For Taniobis, with our leading position in niobium-based Additive Manufacturing powders, including C-103, FS-85, and Cb-752, Elmet is the ideal partner to deliver comprehensive customer and application support to the US aerospace and defence industries,” stated Dr Ole Brettschneider, Chief Commercial Officer at Taniobis. “Combining Taniobis’ deep expertise in niobium powder manufacturing and Elmet’s advanced capabilities in Powder Metallurgy and application development, our long-shared history provides a strong foundation for continuing this journey together.”
Both companies share a common heritage in HC Starck. Elmet Technologies acquired HC Starck Solutions Americas in 2023, while Taniobis, formerly HC Starck Tantalum and Niobium GmbH, was acquired by JX Metals and Mining Corporation in 2018 and rebranded as Taniobis in 2020.
Elmet Technologies’ Executive Vice President of Strategy, Scott Knoll, commented: “We believe this strategic collaboration will garner strong support from end-users, and we intend to continue cultivating similar collaborations and alliances in line with our strategic objectives. In addition to unlocking a more comprehensive materials, products, and services portfolio for our customers, this collaboration also enhances supply chain resilience and reliability across critical United States and North American industries. Through our shared commitment to innovation and operational agility, the agreement is aligned on long-term growth, sustainability, and supply chain security.”
AMtrinsic powders
C-103 (Nb-10Hf-1Ti) alloy meets the requirements of space propulsion applications with its high-temperature strength, ductility, and high creep resistance. In addition to good mechanical properties, the alloy’s reduced weight compared to other refractory alloys is said to bring several advantages to aerospace applications and a lower cost compared to platinum group metals.
FS-85 (Nb-28Ta-10W-1Zr) is a high-strength niobium base alloy with good creep performance, tensile strength, and fatigue resistance. Due to its high-temperature stability, FS-85 is considered a structural material for various aerospace applications.
Niobium is the lightest refractory metal and exhibits unique properties such as high temperature stability, superconductivity, high ductility and biocompatibility. Niobium powders are widely used in aerospace, medical, nuclear, energy, and automotive industries.
Tantalum exhibits outstanding properties such as high strength, high ductility, excellent corrosion resistance and biocompatibility, providing unique possibilities for application in aerospace, medical, nuclear, and chemical industries.
New website
Coinciding with this announcement is the launch of a website centred around C-103. The website provides information about the products and services of Elmet and Taniobis’ capabilities related to the C-103 material.
