European Patent Office intends to grant PyroGenesis plasma atomisation patent
March 15, 2021
PyroGenesis Canada Inc., Montreal, Quebec, Canada, reports that the European Patent Office has issued its intent to grant the company a patent based on its prosecuted application for a “Plasma Apparatus for the Production of High Quality Powders at High Capacity”. This patent relates to the production of high-purity spheroidal powders for use in Additive Manufacturing, but can also be used in Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP).
The company explains that the patent aims to provide a simplified device geared to increasing productivity while at the same time allowing for further control over particle size distribution, thereby reducing overall costs. This patent has reportedly been filed for patent protection in an additional six different jurisdictions.
“European patents provide protection not only in the thirty-eight member states of the European Patent Organization, but also in two extension states plus four validation states,” commented Pierre Carabin, Chief Technology Officer of PyroGenesis. “This represents an area with approximately 700 million inhabitants. This new addition to our intellectual property portfolio brings the total number of issued and pending patents held by the company to 124, which is a historical high. We currently have 100 patent applications in progress, covering nineteen families of invention. When combined with our significant know-how and trade secrets, we are continuing to create a formidable barrier to entry in the markets we serve.”
P Peter Pascali, CEO and Chair of PyroGenesis, stated, “This European patent will further strengthen our position as a leader in powder production not only in Europe, but worldwide. We have seen a steady increase in demand for plasma atomised powders and not only with respect to titanium alloys. With an increased production rate and a higher yield, we can now open up new markets where materials, that would normally have been too expensive to consider in additive manufacturing, can now be used economically.”
“This type of innovation not only secures PyroGenesis’ position as a powder producer but, in management’s opinion, significantly increases the overall market potential for PyroGenesis’ powder offerings,” concluded Pascali.
