PyroGenesis Receives New U.S. Patent for Its Innovative NexGen Plasma Atomization Metal Powder Production Technology for Use in Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing

Efficiency of Company’s Dual-Wire Feed Approach Broadens Metal Powder Market Opportunities to Include Metal Injection Molding for Consumer Electronics

MONTREAL, Dec. 18, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PyroGenesis Canada Inc. (http://pyrogenesis.com) (TSX: PYR) (OTCQX: PYRGF) (FRA: 8PY), a high-tech company (the “Company” or “PyroGenesis”) that designs, develops, manufactures and commercializes advanced plasma processes and sustainable solutions which are geared to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) and address environmental pollutants, is pleased to announce that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) has issued to the Company a new U.S. Patent No. US 11839918 encompassing the Company’s NexGen plasma atomization powder.

This U.S. Patent, entitled, “Method and Apparatus for Producing High Purity Spherical Metallic Powders at High Production Rates From One or Two Wires”, describes the Company’s NexGen plasma atomization technology for producing metal powder for use in additive manufacturing and 3D printing. In particular, the patent describes the innovative aspects of the NexGen system that create the potential for higher and more efficient production rates, including a two-wire simultaneous feedstock approach where the wires themselves are electrically charged prior to reaching the plasma atomization step.

According to Mr. Pierre Carabin, PyroGenesis’ Chief Technology Officer and Chief Strategist, and the co-inventor of the technology, “The NexGen process is a significant departure from conventional plasma atomization, as the improved efficiency from NexGen not only targets higher production rates, but also narrower particle size distribution for more uniformity and consistency, and an ability to tailor particle size distribution (“PSD”) to customer requirements.”

“For PyroGenesis, that means producing more powder in a single system and with only a single plasma torch – in accordance with our commodity security and optimization business strategy. For our customers, that means they receive the finest, most spherically-consistent, and densest powders from typical plasma atomization, but with the added benefits of buying from a North American-based source that offers higher yield and less waste of a recognized critical mineral, while also being more energy efficient – helping them to reduce their carbon footprint and meet their Scope 3 emissions targets,” continues Mr. Carabin.