Metal Powder Works has partnered with CenterLine to develop Kirksite alloy powders for cold spray automotive tooling, targeting a USD 100-300 million market. This collaboration aims to enhance tooling repair speed and cost-efficiency in the automotive sector.
- MPW signs Powder Partner agreement with CenterLine to develop Kirksite cold spray solutions
- Partnership targets USD 100-300 million automotive tooling market using zinc-aluminum alloy
- Combines MPW’s DirectPowder™ process with CenterLine’s Supersonic Spray Technologies
- Initial development and validation work to start immediately
- Potential for commercial offtake agreements upon successful validation
Strategic Partnership to Enter Automotive Tooling
Metal Powder Works Limited (ASX: MPW) has announced a significant new partnership with Canadian firm CenterLine (Windsor) Limited to jointly develop advanced metal powder materials for automotive tooling applications. This collaboration focuses on utilising cold spray technology with Kirksite, a zinc-aluminum alloy widely used in automotive, aerospace, and defence tooling.
The partnership leverages MPW’s patented DirectPowder™ process, which produces high-quality engineered metal powders, and CenterLine’s expertise in cold spray technology through its Supersonic Spray Technologies (SST) platform. This combination aims to deliver tooling repair and prototyping solutions that are faster, more flexible, and cost-effective compared to traditional methods.
Expanding MPW’s Powder Portfolio and Market Reach
Kirksite represents a new alloy addition to MPW’s growing portfolio, which already includes over 25 materials such as high-strength aluminum, copper alloys, and specialty metals like CP-Ti and Zircaloy. The development of Kirksite powder for cold spray applications opens access to an estimated USD 100-300 million addressable market in automotive tooling alone.
While MPW has established a strong presence in aerospace, defence, and energy sectors, this partnership marks a strategic entry into the global automotive industry. CenterLine’s established relationships with major automotive OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers provide MPW with an accelerated pathway to commercialisation in this new sector.
Cold Spray Technology: A Game Changer for Tooling Repair
Cold spray technology offers a unique advantage for tooling repair by restoring material properties without the heat-related distortion or metallurgical changes common in traditional welding. MPW’s DirectPowder™ materials have already demonstrated superior performance compared to legacy atomised powders, and this partnership extends that capability to Kirksite alloy.
The collaboration is driven by direct automotive customer demand, highlighting the market pull for solutions that extend tool life, reduce downtime, and lower manufacturing costs. Initial development and validation work is set to begin immediately, with the goal of establishing commercial offtake agreements that define supply volumes, pricing, and lead times.
Looking Ahead
As the automotive industry increasingly adopts cold spray for tooling repair and rapid prototyping, MPW and CenterLine’s partnership positions both companies at the forefront of this technological shift. Success in this venture could unlock significant growth opportunities for MPW, expanding its footprint beyond traditional markets and reinforcing its reputation as an innovator in metal powder manufacturing.
Bottom Line?
MPW’s collaboration with CenterLine could redefine automotive tooling repair, but the path to commercial success hinges on swift validation and market adoption.
Questions in the middle?
- How quickly will the development and validation phase progress to commercial agreements?
- What pricing and volume commitments will be established in the anticipated offtake agreements?
- Can MPW’s Kirksite powder gain traction against established tooling materials in the competitive automotive sector?