Metal Powder Works (ASX:MPW) has signed a powder partnership agreement with Austal USA, a subsidiary of Australia’s largest shipbuilder, Austal (ASX:ASB), formalising an ongoing commercial relationship and paving the way for expanded collaboration.
Under the agreement, MPW will use its patented DirectPowder process to co-develop custom metal powders tailored for Austal USA's additive manufacturing operations, including programs at the US Navy's Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence in Danville, Virginia.
The partnership enables MPW to supply high-performance alloys, such as its CuNi powders, meeting stringent US Navy specifications while providing flexibility to optimise material characteristics for specific naval applications.
Successful development could lead to a commercial offtake agreement establishing minimum annual volumes, pricing structures, and lead times for ongoing supply.
MPW CEO John E. Barnes said the agreement positions the company's DirectPowder technology within a strategic US Navy supply chain initiative, enhancing domestic defense manufacturing capability amid growing Department of Defence investment in additive manufacturing.
Operating the Navy's AM CoE, Austal USA leads efforts to develop and qualify additively manufactured parts for submarines and surface fleet programs.
The MPW partnership strengthens the domestic supply chain for critical defence materials and aligns with NAVSEA's objectives to expand additive manufacturing capacity for naval shipbuilding and sustainment.