MONTREAL, Nov. 13, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PyroGenesis Canada Inc. (http://pyrogenesis.com) (TSX-V:PYR)
(OTCQB:PYRNF), a high-tech company (the “Company” or “PyroGenesis”) that designs, develops, manufactures and commercializes plasma
waste-to-energy systems and plasma torch products, announces today that its powder performance characterization program (the
“Program”), for Titanium (Ti64 ELI) powders, by independent parties, has been completed, and will be revealed at FormNext this week
in Frankfurt, Germany. FormNext is the leading trade fair for the Additive Manufacturing (“AM”) industry.
The Program consisted of:
i) Powder Analysis: an analysis of the properties of PyroGenesis’ titanium (Ti64) powders in comparison to a well-known
titanium powder supplier, and
ii) Performance Testing: testing the performance of these powders on one of the most widely installed metal 3D
printers1, using the manufacturer’s settings, and generating a Material Data Sheet (“MDS”) which, management believes,
compares favorably to those available in the marketplace.
The powder analysis was performed by an independent laboratory, who analyzed common powder properties such as
sphericity, density and purity, using a cutting-edge digital imaging technique. During this process, PyroGenesis’ titanium powders
were scanned using a Nikon XT H 225 X-ray m-CT system. The volume was then reconstructed with a voxel size of 1.1 µm3
and analyzed with the Dragonfly V3 powder analysis routine. The aspect ratio, equivalent diameter, volume and porosity of the
powder were evaluated.
“We consider a perfect powder to be highly spherical, fully dense, and pure,” said Mr. Pierre Carabin, Chief
Technology Officer of PyroGenesis. “Our powders were sent to an independent lab for analysis, and when tested, reflected a high
level of sphericity, little-to-no porosity, with exceptional purity. These combined results make, in my opinion, our powder
exceptional in the market.”
The second part of the Program, which was performed by an independent university research team, consisted of
testing PyroGenesis’ powders on one of the most widely installed Selective Laser Melting (SLM) type printers, to produce test
parts, collect performance parameters, and generate a MDS specific to PyroGenesis’ titanium powders. The results were found to
compare favorably with those presently available in the marketplace.
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1 Wholer’s Report 2016
Printer OEMs characterize powders on their printers to provide a MDS which highlights the expected performance
of a specific part produced, using a specific powder, on a chosen setting. Typically, printer OEMs provide predefined parameter
settings for each material with the goal of optimizing a specific aspect of the print job (for example, one setting may optimize
quality while another typically optimizes productivity, i.e. faster build rate).
PyroGenesis worked with the university research team to generate a PyroGenesis’ MDS which outlines the
performance parameters of PyroGenesis’ titanium powders on an EOS M 280 400W printer, at the manufacturer’s standard settings, to
optimize quality. The results produced equivalent, or better, results than those widely accepted.
PyroGenesis is currently in the process of determining, and generating, two (2) additional performance MDS for
the same printer, but now focusing on productivity, i.e. build rate. The first (1st) data sheet will be generated using
the manufacturer’s standard settings for productivity, while the second (2nd) will be generated at a setting optimized
to take advantage of the specific characteristics of PyroGenesis’ powders.
“Given the data received to date, we expect that the build rate will be significantly higher, for the same
quality than that currently available,” said Mr. Pierre Carabin. “These results are excepted within the next four (4) months.”
“The economic value of a printer lies in the build rate. The more parts you can print without losing quality
implies significant value to the user,” said Mr. P Peter Pascali, President and CEO of PyroGenesis. “By making available a
competitively priced powder, which could increase build rates, will significantly impact the economics of the printer to an end
user.”
PyroGenesis will be presenting the results announced today at the upcoming FormNext show in Frankfurt, Germany
(Nov 14-17, 2017) in Hall 3.0, Booth G33, wherein the Company will reveal both i) the powder characterization test results and
related 3D animated images, as well as ii) the MDS for -53/+20 µm Ti64 grade ELI powders.
About PyroGenesis Canada Inc.
PyroGenesis Canada Inc. is the world leader in the design, development, manufacture and commercialization of
advanced plasma processes. PyroGenesis provides engineering and manufacturing expertise, cutting-edge contract research, as well as
turnkey process equipment packages to the defense, metallurgical, mining, additive manufacturing (3D printing), oil & gas, and
environmental industries. With a team of experienced engineers, scientists and technicians working out of our Montreal office and
our 3,800 m2 manufacturing facility, PyroGenesis maintains its competitive advantage by remaining at the forefront of
technology development and commercialization. Its core competencies allow PyroGenesis to lead the way in providing innovative
plasma torches, plasma waste processes, high-temperature metallurgical processes, and engineering services to the global
marketplace. Its operations are ISO 9001:2008 certified, and have been ISO certified since 1997. PyroGenesis is a publicly-traded
Canadian company on the TSX Venture Exchange (Ticker Symbol: PYR) and on the OTCQB Marketplace (Ticker Symbol: PYRNF). For more
information, please visit www.pyrogenesis.com
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements
containing the words "may", "plan", "will", "estimate", "continue", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "in the process" and other
similar expressions which constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws.
Forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current expectation and assumptions, and are subject to a number of risks and
uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve
risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, our expectations regarding the acceptance of our products by the market, our
strategy to develop new products and enhance the capabilities of existing products, our strategy with respect to research and
development, the impact of competitive products and pricing, new product development, and uncertainties related to the regulatory
approval process. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company with respect to future events and are subject to certain
risks and uncertainties and other risks detailed from time-to-time in the Company's ongoing filings with the securities regulatory
authorities, which filings can be found at www.sedar.com, or at www.otcmarkets.com. Actual results, events, and performance may differ materially.
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to
publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements either as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except
as required by applicable securities laws.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange, its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies
of the TSX Venture Exchange) nor the OTC Markets Group Inc. accepts responsibility for the
adequacy or accuracy of this press release.
SOURCE PyroGenesis Canada Inc.
For further information: Rodayna Kafal, VP, Investor Relations and Communications, Phone: (514) 937-0002,
E-mail: ir@pyrogenesis.com or rkafal@pyrogenesis.com
