C103 Alloy: The Material
For Extreme Environments
High-Performance Niobium C103 Alloy Solutions
Elmet Technologies’
Center For C103
Our Coldwater, Michigan plant holds the Renishaw Laser-Powder Bed Fusion printer, allowing for complex 3D printing projects with C103 powder.
C103 Powder for
Additive Printing
C103 powder provides advantages in the aerospace industry and is provided at a lower cost when compared to platinum group metals.
Extensive Extrusion Services
Elmet takes pride in offering an extensive product lineup and a wide assortment of toll services. These include extrusion, forging, and both hot and cold rolling.
Designed for the Future
C103 has applications spanning from small satellite propulsion motors for agile direction and control to second-stage rocket motor shrouds.
It is indispensable in the aerospace industry. Furthermore, its contributions extend to afterburner plates for fighter jet engines and leading edge components for hypersonic vehicles and missiles.
Effective Solutions for Refractory Metals
Niobium C103 alloy has exceptional strength and versatility. We create this innovative metal by alloying niobium, hafnium, and titanium using vacuum melting technologies. Renowned for its robust properties, C103 is essential in producing advanced AM powders and strong bar and rod, elevating the creation of custom AM-printed parts.
At Elmet, we specialize in additive manufacturing of C103, extruding and rotary forging it to meet the demands of both internal and external clients. Alongside our trusted external vendors, we produce premium AM powder, printed parts, and machining services for bar and rod. We are proud of the cutting-edge capabilities and strive to propel innovations to new heights.
C103 Production from Elmet Technologies
The production process begins by procuring high-quality ingots from trusted Western vendors. After that, we take this raw material and engage in a series of precise manufacturing steps. By extruding the ingot, we ensure it is perfectly shaped for the next phase.
Following this is rotary forging, which further enhances structural integrity. The rods are meticulously machined to exact specifications. Once these processes are completed, we then send them to a reliable external vendor. Following this, they’re expertly converted into Additive Manufacturing (AM) powder.
Upon obtaining the AM powder, we seamlessly transition to in-house custom AM printing. This step allows us to create custom components tailored to our customers’ unique needs, ensuring every product meets our rigorous standards of excellence.
Benefits of C103
- Holds its strength up to 1500 °C, which survives past the limits of nickel-based superalloys
- High melting and boiling points
- Relatively low density
- Excellent strength
- Good corrosion resistance
- Excellent room-temperature ductility
- Holds high strength at elevated temperatures
- Has low ductile-to-brittle transition temperature for cryogenic applications
C103 in Additive Manufacturing
At the forefront of innovation, we specialize in utilizing additive manufacturing in our process. By harnessing the remarkable qualities of C103 powder, we deliver 3D-printed components that thrive under extreme conditions, resulting in unparalleled performance. We can also expertly print intricate C103 parts using cutting-edge Laser-Powder Bed Fusion technology.
Known for its outstanding ductility, C103 powder ensures versatility and is essential for crafting complex shapes, pushing the boundaries of 3D printing advancements. By embracing additive manufacturing, we not only enhance the production of sophisticated parts but also improve properties and reproducibility. This is all while achieving significant savings in material costs and production schedules. As a result, our solutions stand out as high-performance manufacturing.
C103 in Aerospace
One of the most crucial parts of space travel is a rocket’s motor propulsion. C103 is a niobium-based alloy known for its ultra-high temperature capabilities, tensile strength, and corrosion resistance, making it indispensable for motor propulsion. This versatile material holds extensive applications in fighter jet engine exhaust systems and is integral to the leading-edge components of hypersonic vehicles. Chosen for the nozzle-extended segment of the Apollo manned lunar module spacecraft and the command module in 1965, C103 boasts its critical importance in early space exploration.
Despite facing challenges from economic pressures and costly development efforts, C103 has proven its value and resilience. Today, it continues to be a preferred choice for demanding applications like thrust augmenter flaps in jet engines and rocket nozzles. It ensures efficient and reliable performance under extreme conditions.
Printed Parts
Elmet Technologies excels in crafting custom powders and optimizing printing parameters to produce high-density refractory metal components that serve a diverse array of applications. By harnessing the capabilities of 3D printing, we provide high-quality solutions for fabricating gradient structures with intricate geometries.
This innovative approach enhances precision and unlocks substantial potential for the large-scale production of gradient-structured metals and alloys. We are proud to push the boundaries of manufacturing to meet the demands of today’s advanced industries.
