Globus introduces high-strength Alloy-X metal powder
February 13, 2025
Globus Metal Powders Ltd, based in Middlesbrough, UK, has introduced its Alloy-X metal powder, a specialised nickel powder composed of alloying elements including molybdenum and tungsten, said to provide superior strength and durability compared to traditional materials.
Alloy-X’s intrinsic strength translates into enhanced performance, reduced maintenance needs, and overall longer service life, stated Globus. Its ability to maintain structural integrity under high heat makes it useful in sectors such as aerospace and automotive.
The alloy’s combination of molybdenum and tungsten provides a barrier against various forms of corrosion, including oxidation and sulfidation. This makes Alloy-X appropriate for use in chemical processing, marine environments and other corrosive settings.
In the aerospace sector, Globus expects to see increased adoption of Alloy-X for components like turbine blades and structural parts subjected to high temperatures and mechanical stress. The alloy’s lightweight nature also contributes to fuel efficiency, a critical factor in modern aerospace engineering.
Alloy-X is also ideal for manufacturing high-performance components (eg exhaust systems, turbochargers and other engine components) in the automotive industry. The material meets demanding requirements for components that must withstand high temperatures while maintaining superior performance.
In the energy sector – and the oil & gas industry, in particular – Alloy-X is well-suited for drilling equipment and components exposed in harsh conditions. Its resistance to corrosion and wear enables components to remain functional and safe over extended periods.
Alloy-X vs traditional materials
While suitable in a variety of applications, traditional metals have limitations when subjected to extreme conditions like those mentioned above (carbon steel, for example, is strong but prone to oxidation and corrosion, leading to failure in extreme environments).
Globus also highlighted Alloy-X’s weight-to-strength ratio and longevity in comparison to traditional materials.
Costs
While the initial cost of Alloy-X metal powder may be higher than traditional materials, Globus stated, the long-term savings outweigh the upfront cost. This saving is realised through the longer service life of components made by Alloy-X, reducing the frequency of replacements and repairs and thus reducing costs associated with downtime, maintenance and labour.
Alloy-X can also enable cost savings through increased efficiency (i.e. a component can be made lighter with Alloy-X, increasing fuel efficiency in the aerospace sector) and the ability to rely on fewer materials to achieve the same or better performances.
The future of Alloy-X
One area of research that has become more foregrounded is the optimisation of manufacturing processes integrated with Additive Manufacturing technology. Globus anticipates that the combination of this technology with Alloy-X will result in new opportunities for suitable applications across a variety of industries.
Alloy-X is also being researched to help engineers better understand its behaviour in different environmental conditions, especially extreme ones. This area of research is intended to aid in the development of new applications and refine existing processes.
Globus intends the future of Alloy-X metal powder to be in sustainability. Researchers are exploring ways to enhance the recyclability of the material and reduce the environmental footprint of its production. By focusing on sustainable development, Globus hopes to position Alloy-X as a material of choice for industries that prioritise ecological responsibility alongside performance.
