Alloy Development

Using a suite of state-of-the-art equipment our expert team can assist in the development of novel alloys for industrial application as port of our vertically integrated factory within the Advanced Metals Processing theme.

Our unique capabilities, split across the Royce Discovery and Translational Centres, enable the end-to-end creation of new alloys, from concept to industry-ready scale-up. The Materials Discovery and Prototyping platform provides critical melting equipment, like Vacuum Induction Melting and Arc Melting, to precisely control the composition of novel metallic systems. This initial production is seamlessly linked to Thermomechanical Processing, which uses machines like the Hot Rolling Mill to shape and refine the alloy microstructure, simulating industrial manufacture. By bridging the gap between small-scale lab research and industrial application, Royce Sheffield is accelerating the deployment of next-generation alloys crucial for sectors like aerospace, nuclear, and automotive. The focus on resource-efficient and high-performance alloys supports global challenges in the transition to net-zero and a circular economy.

Capabilities:
Arc Melting
Vacuum Induction Melting (<10kg and <25kg)
Thin Film Deposition

Case Study:
An Experimental Approach to Simulate Ejecta on Titanium Spacecraft Surfaces Under Re-Entry Extreme Environment Conditions - https://sheffield.ac.uk/royce-institute/impact-and-outreach/impact/simulating-ejecta-titanium-spacecraft-surfaces