IperionX Triples Titanium Capacity with SACMI Press in Virginia

Major Capacity Boost in Virginia

IperionX (NASDAQ: IPX, ASX:IPX) has significantly expanded its U.S. titanium manufacturing footprint with the commissioning of a 300-ton six-axis SACMI powder metallurgy press at its Titanium Manufacturing Campus in South Boston, Virginia. This installation triples the company's existing powder metallurgy capacity, marking a substantial leap in its ability to produce complex titanium components domestically.

The SACMI press stands out for its multiaxis compaction force and precision, delivering improved repeatability and geometry control compared to conventional uniaxial presses. This enables IperionX to manufacture a broader range of near-net-shape titanium parts, including fasteners, gears, brackets, and actuators, which are critical for defense, aerospace, and industrial applications.

High-Volume Production Potential

Operating at up to 24 pressing cycles per minute, the SACMI press can produce approximately 11 million single-cavity parts annually before sintering. For simpler components, multi-cavity tooling can further increase output. This high throughput is designed to meet the substantial demand for lightweight, corrosion-resistant titanium parts in U.S. industrial and defense supply chains, where cost and supply constraints have historically limited titanium adoption.

The press forms titanium preforms from powder produced via IperionX's proprietary HAMR™ process, which uses low-cost, U.S.-sourced feedstocks. These preforms are then sintered and forged using the patented HSPT™ process, bypassing traditional and wasteful supply chains involving sponge, ingot melting, and extensive machining. This streamlined manufacturing pathway promises reduced waste, lower costs, and shorter lead times while maintaining titanium's performance characteristics.

Integration with Furnace Expansion and Government Support

The SACMI press will soon integrate with additional HSPT™ furnace capacity expected to arrive in June, purchased under the U.S. Government-supported IBAS expansion program. This integration aims to accelerate customer qualification and facilitate the transition from prototype to repeatable, high-volume production. The expanded capacity aligns with IperionX's ongoing efforts to scale titanium powder output, as highlighted in its recent move to continuous 24/7 production targeting 200 tons per annum by year-end continuous 24/7 titanium powder production.

CEO Anastasios Arima emphasised the milestone's significance, noting the new press enhances both capacity and manufacturing flexibility. He highlighted the company's integrated approach combining U.S.-sourced titanium powder, HAMR™, powder metallurgy pressing, and HSPT™ sintering and forging as a scalable platform to overcome cost and supply chain challenges.

This development builds on IperionX's prior government-backed expansions, including a US$47.1 million IBAS award supporting the Titanium Manufacturing Campus and critical minerals projects, underscoring the strategic importance of domestic titanium production US Department of War IBAS award.