This type of research emphasizes Nornickel’s ambitions in the field of innovation and the company’s drive to seek new opportunities for improving its own processes and products.

Powder metallurgy is an economically beneficial alternative to mechanical processing of various metal parts. It allows for the creation of items with unique properties, significantly increasing the use ratio of metal and enhancing the competitiveness of the final product. Up to 40% of metallic powders used in specialized powder metallurgy are made from alloys based on Nornickel’s key metals — nickel, cobalt, and copper.

Given the active integration of powder technologies in high-tech industries, Nornickel specialists see a good prospect for the development of powder materials. Demand for them is growing due to the intensive development of 3D printing technologies, pressure die casting, hot isostatic pressing, and coating application. Powders can also be applied to other innovative developments of the company, from new heat-resistant alloys based on nickel and cobalt.

Kirill Yartsev, Department of Technological Innovations, commented: “Our main interest at the moment is related to powders made from heat-resistant alloys based on nickel and cobalt and copper-based powders. These are primarily high-temperature materials that are used in aviation, rocket and space technology, and engine manufacturing.”

**Nickel carbonyl powder produced by Nornickel's Kola Division serves as a base for the development of new materials**

Last year, Nornickel obtained the first prototypes of powders from nickel alloys for use in 3D printing and hot pressing technologies. At present, comparative studies of the characteristics of the obtained materials have been carried out, and their industrial testing is being carried out using a 3D printer.

This year, the company is considering the possibility of replenishing the line of prototypes from nickel alloys with powders for coating application and pressure die casting, as well as obtaining prototypes from alloys based on cobalt, and stainless steels.

Nornickel explores opportunities to produce and use powder materials