PTC Industries Launches India's First Private Sector Vacuum Arc Remelting Furnace for Aerospace-Grade Titanium

In a major boost for India's aerospace manufacturing capabilities, Aerolloy Technologies, a subsidiary of PTC Industries, has inaugurated the country's first private sector Vacuum Arc Remelting (VAR) furnace. The commissioning ceremony, held today in Lucknow, marks a significant step towards self-reliance in the production of critical aerospace-grade titanium alloys.

The state-of-the-art facility, sourced from Germany, boasts an annual melting capacity of 1,500 metric tonnes and can produce titanium alloy ingots with diameters up to 1,000 mm, meeting the stringent demands of the aerospace industry. This development elevates India's position in global aerospace manufacturing, placing it alongside countries like the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom, renowned for their expertise in high-grade titanium production.

VAR technology is crucial for refining metals under vacuum conditions, ensuring a superior metallurgical structure and uniform alloy composition. This process is essential for manufacturing components used in jet engines and airframes, where material integrity is paramount for performance and safety.

Jim Collins, Chief Technology Officer of PTC Industries, emphasized the facility's adherence to global standards, stating, "This facility not only meets but matches global standards for the production of aerospace-grade titanium alloys. It's a testament to our commitment to quality and innovation in the aerospace sector."

Chairman Sachin Agarwal highlighted the strategic significance of this achievement, stating, "By commissioning this facility, we eliminate India's dependency on imports for these critical materials. This is a significant stride towards 'Make in India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat', fostering growth in our aerospace and defence sectors."

This development comes at a crucial time as India strengthens its defence and aerospace capabilities. Domestic production of high-quality titanium alloys will bolster the manufacturing of indigenous aircraft and military equipment, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers and enhancing national security through self-sufficiency.

By achieving this milestone, PTC Industries has not only demonstrated its commitment to innovation but has also contributed significantly to India's journey towards becoming a global leader in aerospace manufacturing.

 

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[abhinav srivastava]

With such capabilities we should plan a AL31FP derived engine.

 

[The Presence]

Anyone can buy. The real challenge is designing the machine itself.

 

[Instant Karma]

With such capabilities we should plan a AL31FP derived engine.

Such capabilities for titanium are already plenty with other companies such as Misra dhatu nigam, Bharat forge, Bhel, KCP industries.

 

[AK S]

With such capabilities we should plan a AL31FP derived engine.

On of the biggest developments in the area of Military Industrial Complex side. Some of the PSU had the similar tech, but they lacked the scale and size of ingot itself. Size of ingot, economy of scale and private sector efficiency will make PTC the leader in this space. PTC’s aerospace materials innovation under Jim Collins has been phenomenal. Last year they announced powder single crystal ( used in jet engine blades) and now highest quality Titanium (and their alloys) will not only establish PTC as the leader in the space of aerospace materials, but can free India from two major constraints.

Contractually, we are obliged to import the Russian raw materials and Russian tech for liquid crystal blades for AL 31F, however the efforts are underway for quite some time to use powder single crystal blades. I’m reasonably sure India will come out of this obligation as Russian supply chains themselves are oriented exclusively for Russian war efforts in Ukraine.