Scandium International Mining Corp. Signs Letter of Intent with AML Technologies to Test Scandium Alloys in 3D Printing Applications
Scandium International Mining Corp. Signs Letter of
Intent with AML Technologies to Test Scandium Alloys in
3D Printing Applications
Reno, Nevada--(Newsfile Corp. - January 16, 2018) - Scandium International Mining Corp
.
(
TSX: SCY
)
("Scandium
International" or the "Company"
) is pleased to announce that it has signed a Letter of Intent
("LOI")
with AML Technologies
("AML")
,
an Adelaide, Australia based start-up company with proprietary technology for applying aluminium alloys to additive
layer manufacturing processes, also commonly referred to as 3D printing
.
The LOI calls for the Company to supply
aluminium-
scandium alloys
(
"
Al-Sc
"
),
as wire, in relatively small amounts, for testing by AML in their proprietary metal additive
manufacturing process, referred to as the WAM™ process.
AML intends to report the results of the testing program utilizing
scandium-containing alloys, as does SCY, upon completion of the testing period, which extends a minimum of 6 months.
LOI AGREEMENT
HIGHLIGHTS:
LOI defines work program to test scandium alloys in 3D printing applications,
AML employs a wire-feed system, capable of making larger parts than typical,
SCY to contribute scandium-containing alloys to the program, as wire,
Al-Sc alloys have been made by SCY, as part of its Al-Sc development programs,
AML has an excellent 3D printing platform to test scandium-containing alloys,
Test results will be shared with SCY, and
Successful test work program forms basis for future use of scandium alloy by AML.
DISCUSSION:
AML Technologies is commercializing a 3D printing metal additive manufacturing process, designed to operate at a speed that
will enable manufacture of medium to relatively large engineered metal parts and structures at low cost. The WAM™ process
combines an electric arc heat source with a wire-feed system, and a specifically programmed welding robot to manufacture
parts from 3D computer-aided drawings.
This is a near-net shape system, where final parts are then machine finished.
In June 2017, AML Technologies was recognized by the Australian Government with a A$500,000 funding grant for furtherance
of its work in this specific area of large parts metal print manufacturing.
Both SCY and AML recognize the unique role scandium
may well play in printing metal parts with aluminium feedstocks.
After reviewing a number of technologies in this area, SCY has
engaged with AML in its first testing program to follow this opportunity.
AML will utilize Al-Sc alloys that have already been manufactured for SCY.
These sample alloys are part of the Company's
ongoing marketing research into aluminium alloys with scandium, and display the Company's ability to make samples available
for specific testing regimes and market applications. As SCY reported in our December 14, 2017 News Release,
SCANDIUM
INTERNATIONAL — SALES AND MARKETING UPDATE
, we believe the work initiated in 2017 to specifically understand
scandium's effects on aluminium alloys and to be able to offer alloy samples to key potential customers is a key step in
promoting customer interest in our scandium feedstock products from the Nyngan Scandium Project in Australia.
George Putnam, CEO of Scandium International Mining Corp. commented:
"3D printing represents an emerging application for aluminium-scandium alloys.
Currently there are many application providers
using differing technologies, each with challenges to the use of conventional aluminium feedstocks.
Scandium will help in
addressing some of these challenges, and we are pleased to engage with AML to demonstrate this claim.
AML is working to
further develop their technology to address the economic challenges of 3D printing, particularly with regard to improving the
speed and range of printing larger aluminium based parts.
AML will also benefit from recent initiatives by the Australian
Government to encourage defence manufacturing activities in South Australia.
The timing is right to initiate our interest in
additive manufacturing in this growing hub of activity and technical development."
QUALIFIED PERSONS AND NI 43-101 TECHNICAL REPORT
Nigel J. Ricketts, BAppSc (Metallurgy), PhD (Chemical Engineering), MAusIMM CP (Metallurgy), holds the position of VP
Projects and Market Development, Australia in the Company, is a qualified person for the purposes of NI 43-101, and has
reviewed and approved the technical content of this press release on behalf of the Company.
ABOUT SCANDIUM INTERNATIONAL MINING CORP.
The Company is focused on developing its Nyngan Scandium Project, located in NSW, Australia, into the world's first scandium-
only producing mine.
The project has received all key approvals, including a mining lease, necessary to proceed with project
construction.
The Company filed a NI 43-101 technical report in May 2016, titled
"Feasibility Study — Nyngan Scandium Project"
.
That
feasibility study delivered an expanded scandium resource, a first reserve figure, and an estimated 33.1% IRR on the project,
supported by extensive metallurgical test work and an independent, 10-year global marketing outlook for scandium demand.
For inquiries to Scandium International Mining Corp, please contact:
Edward Dickinson (CFO)
Tel: (775) 233-7328
George Putnam (CEO)
Tel: (925) 208-1775
Email:
This press release contains forward-looking statements about the Company and its business. Forward looking statements are
statements that are not historical facts and include, but are not limited to statements regarding any future development of the
project. The forward-looking statements in this press release are subject to various risks, uncertainties and other factors that
could cause the Company's actual results or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by forward
looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, without limitation risks related to uncertainty in the
demand for Scandium
in 3D printing applications
; the possibility that results of
test
work
by AML
will not fulfill expectations
and realize the perceived
market utilization and
potential of
scandium alloys that may be developed for sale by the
Company
.
Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, opinions and expectations of the Company's management at the time
they are made, and other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to
update its forward-looking statements if those beliefs, opinions or expectations, or other circumstances, should change.