“Alcoa is forging a leadership path in additive manufacturing with a sharp focus on the critical input material—metal powders,” said Alcoa chairman and CEO Klaus Kleinfeld. “We are combining our expertise in metallurgy, manufacturing, design and product qualification to push beyond the possibilities of today’s 3D printing technologies for aerospace and other growth markets.”

Through this expansion, Alcoa will develop materials with the specific properties needed to 3D print high-performance components. The facility will form part of Arconic, following its separation from Alcoa’s traditional commodity business in the second half of 2016. Arconic focuses on the manufacturing of multi-alloys for the aerospace and automotive industries.

The plant is part of a $60-million investment in advanced 3D printing materials and processes that builds on the Alcoa’s 3D printing capabilities in California, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Texas. In addition to producing powders, Alcoa is focused on advancing a range of additive techniques, including its recently unveiled Ampliforge process, a hybrid technique that combines additive and traditional manufacturing.

Using the Ampliforge process, Alcoa designs and 3D prints a near complete part, and then treats it using a traditional manufacturing process, such as forging. The process enhances the properties of 3D printed parts, increasing toughness and strength as compared to parts made solely by additive manufacturing while also significantly reducing material input.