Equispheres builds global distribution network with Taiyo Nippon Sanso

Equispheres Inc. is expanding its global footprint by signing a strategic partnership agreement with Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation (TNSC). The organizations will work to improve the economics and quality of additively manufactured parts in the Japanese market. Equispheres produces specialized powder for additive manufacturing (AM) achieving 3x faster build rates than legacy aluminum powders.

“Their expertise in metal additive manufacturing, company resources and deep connections to the Japanese market will accelerate the adoption of our material in the marketplace, with an emphasis on the automotive industry,” says Kevin Nicholds, CEO of Equispheres.

TNSC is a Japanese-based, global provider of gases and related welding solutions at its AM Innovation Center. The company has developed a deep level of expertise in the technology and focuses on developing total solutions to improve the reliability and reduce the cost of AM part production. TNSC has a partner network of metal AM industry leaders which will now include Equispheres.

“We are very impressed with the quality of the Equispheres powder and view it as best-in-class for its ability to print high quality parts at a reduced cost,” says Tadaharu Watanabe, Senior General Manager of Innovation Business Division TNSC. “TNSC plans to offer the powder and our deep knowledge of its application along with our other integrated additive manufacturing services to better serve the AM industry in Japan.”

Material sales and engineering support for North America and Europe continue to be handled directly by Equispheres.

Equispheres and TNSC will collaborate on R&D projects to develop enhanced applications for the powder and provide further value to the industry.

“TNSC has a history of seeking out best-in-class technology, and we’re very proud that they have added us to their additive manufacturing portfolio,” says Nicholds. “TNSC has the skills and the knowledge to represent and support our aluminum powders, and the company is already deeply integrated with manufacturers and the automotive sector in Japan.”

Equispheres produces proprietary, patent-pending, spherical aluminum powders. The company is working with partners in the automotive, aerospace and defense sectors to qualify its materials for industrial applications. Third-party testing has demonstrated Equispheres’ high-performance aluminum powders can print three times faster than traditional powders and achieve part cost reductions of 50%, enabling metal 3D printing to compete economically with traditional manufacturing processes.