“Binder jetting is delivering industrial-scale production today and extending such production to high-performing alloys requires a rigorous materials development program,” said Brett Harris, Global HP Metal Jet Product Manager, HP Additive Manufacturing Solutions.
Continuum Powders will bring its expertise in producing high-performance powders here. Both partners will execute a multi-step program starting with the development of OptiPowder M247LC, a low-carbon, nickel-based superalloy engineered for high-temperature strength and corrosion resistance in aerospace and energy applications.
From powder characterization to mechanical testing
The program covers the entire value chain, starting with powder characterization. At this stage, Continuum’s Melt-to-Powder process ensures tight control over chemistry, particle size distribution, and morphology to meet binder jetting requirements. HP AM’s Barcelona R&D team will then fine-tune print parameters to achieve part densities above 98% of theoretical, ensuring consistent green strength and predictable sintering behavior. Finally, the project will assess hardness, microstructure — including the γ/γ′ phase distribution — and mechanical performance to validate compliance with aerospace-grade standards.
“This collaboration underscores the future of additive manufacturing—where best-in-class printing platforms meet sustainable, high-quality powders,” said Don Magnuson, Senior Vice President of Continuum Powders. “Working alongside HP, we are not just qualifying materials; we are enabling binder jetting of superalloys once considered out of reach. This means higher-performance parts, reduced supply chain risk, and faster pathways to production.”
The Continuum–HP collaboration is designed as a scalable framework. Once M247LC is qualified, additional high-value alloys—including other nickel superalloys and future titanium grades—can be advanced through the same rigorous methodology. This positions binder jetting as a production-ready solution for aerospace, defense, and energy applications where performance and reliability are non-negotiable, a press release reads.
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