From the Wire

ALPHA RESOURCES EXPANDS PRODUCT OFFERINGS NOW CARRIES OES SUPPLIES

Stevensville, Michigan, August 23, 2022 – Alpha Resources LLC, the leading aftermarket supplier of consumables and reference materials, has recently expanded their product line to include supplies for Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) analysis. In-stock OES supplies include: electrodes, syringes, o-rings, filters, vacuum pumps, and more. Alpha’s new OES products are compatible with OES analysis equipment from several leading OEMs, Thermo Fisher Scientific® and Bruker®. As with all Alpha products, the high-quality lab supplies are compatible for aftermarket use in the specified analyzers. “Many current Alpha customers are in the metalcasting and cement sectors where use of gas combustible analysis machines for quality checks is accompanied by use of an OES analyzer. Adding OES aftermarket product lines will allow our customers the convenience of ordering lab supplies from a trusted vendor,” notes Ken Mantei, Director of Operations, at Alpha Resources. “Customers know that Alpha’s quality is second to none and that they will pay less from an aftermarket supplier like Alpha than they would to an OEM.” Additional information about the new line of OES supplies may be found on the website, https://www. alpharesources.com/oes-consumables.php . About Alpha Resources Founded in 1978, Alpha Resources, LLC is a global leader in the manufacture and distribution of aftermarket consumables and certified reference materials for use in atomic spectroscopy analysis. Alpha Resources is ISO17034, ISO17025, ISO9001:2015 certified.

Kevin Kramer, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer, is retiring from ATI. He will become Special Advisor to the CEO effective January 1, 2023, until his retirement on January 31, 2024. Since joining ATI in 2014, Kevin has been instrumental in developing a customercentric leadership culture within ATI and expanding our commercial aptitude. He has helped solidify ATI’s position as a true customer partner. Marty Pike has been named VP of Global Commercial Strategies for ATI. In this new role, Marty will be the primary point of contact across ATI for strategic customers seeking to grow and expand their partnerships with ATI. With extraordinary expertise in materials science and incredible capabilities and process technologies, ATI is uniquely positioned to solve our customer’ most difficult challenges. Marty will be instrumental to expanding relationships to unlock that growth. Marty will build on his expertise as VP of Commercial for ATI Specialty Materials and his 20 years’ experience in sales and commercial roles at ATI, as well as the experience he gained as interim president of ATI’s Specialty Materials business unit last year.

NEW FACILITY IN WINDSOR, CONNECTICUT OPENING AUGUST 2022

Banner Industries (Banner) is pleased to announce the opening of its latest distribution and manufacturing facility in Windsor, Connecticut.

All 6 divisions of Banner - Banner Commercial; Banner Medical; Banner P & M Supply; Edge International; NKS/National Kwikmetal Service; Supra Alloys - will be utilizing this 52,000 SF warehouse, strategically located just minutes from Hartford-Bradley International Airport.

Banner serves a diverse range of aerospace, industrial, and medical customers and this new Northeast location will allow Banner to meet local customer needs in the region with lower freight costs and reduced lead times.

Initial operations will focus on a full suite of high-value metal bar and sheet products, including stainless steel, specialty nickel and cobalt alloys, and titanium, available off-the-shelf.

Banner will populate the newly acquired facility with a wide range of state-of-the-art machinery and equipment: small diameter (0.020” dia. to 1.250” dia.) Centerless Bar Grinding, Straightening and Cutting; Coil Shearing; Plate Cutting; and a Water Jet Cutting unit to supply near netshape pieces. Additional equipment will be installed as the facility ramps up. “Banner has established itself as a one-stop-shop for all customers’ bar and sheet product needs and employs a solutions-oriented business model,” stated Banner CEO, Dan Stoettner. “We are excited to expand into the Northeast region of the country with its high concentration of aerospace and medical customers.”

Established in 1961, Banner is a value-added metals processor and distributor serving OEMs, contract manufacturers, and precision machine customers. Banner is headquartered in Carol Stream, Illinois, with additional facilities in California, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, and Queretaro, Mexico.

For further information, please call (800) 950-3652 or visit www.banner-industries.com

LARRY HAUBNER JOINS US AS THE ENGINEERED PRODUCT SALES DIRECTOR

We are happy to share with you an addition to the Tricor Metals team. Larry Haubner joins us as the Engineered Product Sales Director with over 25 years of fabrication experience in the CPI, Pharmaceutical, Petrochemical, Steel, Oil & Gas and Mining markets globally with experience in corrosion resistant equipment that Tricor manufactures. His experience should be a valuable addition to our experienced Business Development and Project Management team. Feel free to Welcome Larry with us. His email is lhaubner@tricormetals.com.

GWANGJU INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY RESEARCHERS DESIGN DURABLE ORGANIC SEMICONDUCTOR PHOTOCATHODES WITH METAL FOIL ENCAPSULATION

Sep 23, 2022, 08:38 ET With this approach, the developed photocathodes exhibit a remarkable stability and demonstrate sunlight-driven clean hydrogen production by water splitting GWANGJU, South Korea, Sept. 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Hydrogen is emerging as a popular eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuel resources owing to its carbon-neutral combustion products (water, electricity, and heat) and is considered to be the nextgeneration fuel for a zero-emission society. However, the major source of hydrogen is, ironically, fossil fuels. One way to produce hydrogen in a clean and sustainable manner is through water splitting driven by sunlight. The process, known as “photo electrochemical (PEC) water splitting” is the basis of operation of organic photo voltaic cells. What makes this method attractive is that it enables 1) mass hydrogen production in limited space without a grid system and 2) high efficiency conversion of solar energy to hydrogen. Despite such advantages, however, the photo active materials used in conventional PECs do not have the properties required for a commercial setting. In this regard, organic semiconductors (OSs) have emerged as a potential photo electrode material for commercial PEC hydrogen production due to their high performance and low-cost printing. But, on the downside, OSs suffer from poor chemical stability and low photo current density. Now, a team of researchers led by Prof. Sanghan Lee from Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Korea, may have finally solved this problem. In their recent breakthrough that appeared on the front cover page of the Journal of Materials Chemistry A, the team adopted an approach based on encapsulating the OS photo cathode in platinum-decorated titanium foil, a technique known as “metal foil encapsulation,” to prevent its exposure to the electrolyte solution. “The metal foil encapsulation is a powerful approach for realizing long-term stable OS-based photo cathodes since it helps impede the penetration of electrolytes into the OS, improving their long-term stability as has been demonstrated in our previous studies and other reports on OS-based photo electrodes,” explains Prof. Lee. The study was made available online on 14 May 2022 and was published in Issue 25 of the journal on 07 July 2022. The team fabricated an organic photo voltaic cell, in which the OS photo cathode was covered with titanium foil and well-dispersed platinum nano particles. Upon testing, the OS photo cathode showed an onset potential of 1 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) and a photo current density of -12.3 mA cm at 0 VRHE. Most remarkably, the cell demonstrated a record operation stability, retaining 95.4% of the maximum photo current for over 30 hours without any noticeable deterioration in the OS. Further, the team tested the module under actual sunlight and was able to produce hydrogen. The highly stable and efficient PEC module developed in this study can enable large-scale production of hydrogen and inspire innovative routes for building future hydrogen gas stations. “With the growing threat of global warming, it is imperative to develop eco-friendly energy sources. The PEC module explored in our study could be installed in hydrogen gas stations, where hydrogen can be both mass-produced and sold at the same time,” speculates an optimistic Prof. Lee. We sure hope his vision is realized soon! Reference DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/d2ta02322a Title of original paper: A long-term stable organic semiconductor photo cathode-based photo electrochemical module system for hydrogen production Journal: Journal of Materials Chemistry A About the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) Website: http://www.gist.ac.kr/ Contact: ChangSung Kang 82 62 715 6253 345129@email4pr.com

U.S. VANADIUM’S NEW $5.8 MILLION UPGRADE IMPROVES VANADIUM RECOVERY, INCREASES RECYCLING, AND SUPPORTS CONTINUED PRODUCTION RATES FOR ULTRA-HIGH-PURITY ELECTROLYTE FOR VANADIUM REDOX FLOW BATTERIES

HOT SPRINGS, Ark., Sept. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- US Vanadium (“USV” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has completed a $5.8 million upgrade of its vanadium processing operations in Hot Springs, including the installation of an industrial Belt Filter plant that will further improve the facility’s vanadium recovery rates, cut operating costs, increase recycling operations, and reduce the plant’s overall environmental footprint. The USV facility produces ultra-high-purity electrolyte and other high-purity vanadium-based products by recovering contained vanadium from a variety of postindustrial waste streams. USV’s recycling of waste streams also allows it to produce vanadium products with a much smaller carbon footprint than primary vanadium mining operations. The plant’s new Belt Filter system allows for increased vanadium recovery and boosts production of high-value vanadium products. The belt filter generates a relatively dry cake, with only 5-6% moisture content, that can be recycled for use in other industrial applications such as the cement industry. In doing so, it is expected to eliminate the need to store leached solids in the facility’s tailings pond, significantly reducing the overall environmental footprint of the Hot Springs plant. “The Board of Directors is pleased to see the team complete this plant and we look forward to seeing the many benefits this upgrade is expected to deliver,” said Mark A. Smith, USV’s CEO and Chairman. “In addition to strengthening our production operations and streamlining costs, the belt filter also underscores USV’s commitment to maximizing sustainable practices in our operations. This is a win for the company, our employees, and the environment.” US Vanadium produces the world’s highest-purity vanadium oxides (V2O5 and V2O3) at its Hot Springs facility. The availability of extremely pure vanadium oxides is the critical component of the VRFB electrolyte supply chain. The new electrolyte production facility is adjacent to the vanadium oxide production facilities and puts US Vanadium in the unique position of controlling the entire supply chain for ultra-high-purity vanadium electrolyte. In addition to the production of electrolyte, high-purity vanadium oxides from the Hot Springs facility support production of titanium alloys in the U.S. that are critical for defense, commercial aerospace, and industrial applications. US Vanadium also supplies highpurity vanadium oxides and downstream vanadium chemicals to various chemical and catalyst production applications. Media Contact: Jim Sims 303-503-6203 344989@email4pr.com

SOLAR ATMOSPHERES ACQUIRES VAC-MET, INC.

Warren, MI, August 29, 2022 – Solar Atmospheres, Inc. is pleased to announce the acquisition of Vac-Met, Inc. With locations in Warren and Fraser, Michigan, Vac-Met has built a strong heat treating presence in the Midwest over the last 41 years. The addition of Vac-Met within the Solar Family of Companies will increase the total commercial vacuum heat treating and brazing facilities to a total of five (5) plants across the USA. Their goals of providing state-of-the-art commercial heat treating, primarily in a vacuum environment, aligns perfectly with Solar’s mission. Joseph White will continue to head the day-to-day operations of Vac-Met’s nine (9) vacuum furnaces, while leading an impressive team that he has built over the years. Joseph will report to Robert Hill, President of Solar Atmospheres of Western PA. Robert Hill states “We look forward to continuing to provide unparalleled vacuum thermal processing services to Vac-Met’s valued customers while expanding Solar’s footprint. Solar is excited to support a dedicated and loyal employee base and welcome them to the Solar Team. Together, we will grow the business with unwavering commitment to honesty as our core value.” For additional information about Solar Atmospheres, contact Bob Hill at 1-855-934-3284 x2224, email at bob@ solaratm.com, and visit us at solaratm.com.

VESTED METALS NAMES THOMAS ZUCCARINI AS CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER Local metals distribution company adds industry veteran

ST. AUGUSTINE, Florida (October 4, 2022) – Vested Metals International is pleased to announce the addition of Thomas Zuccarini as Chief Commercial Officer. Tom will begin his journey with Vested Metals on October 8th as part of the executive leadership team and will report directly to Founder and President, Viv Helwig. Tom brings more than 30 years of sales, marketing, supply, and commercial leadership experience in the specialty metals industry to this new role. Tom most recently retired from Carpenter Technology Corporation where he excelled in business development across multiple markets globally. He brings a vast level of knowledge from multiple markets, especially the Orthopedic Medical Device Market where he has worked with organizations across the globe at all levels of the supply chain. “I am very excited to be joining the Vested Metals team,” said Zuccarini. “Vested is a young, dynamic, and growing company that has made a significant impact in eight short years. I look forward to contributing to future growth through the investment in the best people, satisfied customers, and industry relationships.” “We are excited to have Tom join our team at this critical and exciting time in your company’s history and story,” said Helwig. “I have known and worked with Tom for over a decade and have always admired his business acumen and talent. He has always operated with the highest level of integrity, fairness, and transparency. He has a great desire to make sure customer’s needs are fully cared for while also being a great mentor and leader to his colleagues. Above all, I have admired his character, humility, and drive. I couldn’t be more excited not just to welcome his business prowess, but above all, his personhood. I would like to congratulate him on his retirement from a storied 37-year career in our industry and welcome him to the Vested family.” ABOUT VESTED METALS INTERNATIONAL – Vested Metals was founded in 2014 by Viv Helwig, a Jamaican native who grew up in Palm Bay, Florida and graduated from Flagler College. The fast-growing distribution company is headquartered in St. Augustine, Florida and has been on the Inc. 5000 fastest growing companies in America and Jacksonville Business Journal fastest growing companies in the region for the past four years in a row. Vested Metals sources hard-to-find alloys, grades, and sizes for niche applications and markets such as aerospace, medical, automotive, industrial, and power generation. For more information, visit vestedmetals.net.

T.I. INVESTS IN INVENTORY EXPANSION, STOCKING CAPACITY, AND PROCESSING CAPABILITIES

Rockaway, New Jersey, September 2022 – Titanium Industries (T.I.) continues to meet market demand head on. As a worldwide leader in specialty metals for the Aerospace, Defense, Industrial, Medical, Oil & Gas, and many other markets, T.I. is well positioned to serve customers across their expansive global service center network. Addressing material shortage concerns and long mill lead times, T.I. remains committed to expand inventory and stocking capacity, as well as processing capabilities. Distribution facility and sales office expansions in Europe and Asia, increased storage capacity in Jacksonville and Detroit, additional processing capacity and capabilities in Rockaway, N.J., Birmingham, U.K. and Los Angeles, CA. are examples of continued investment to expand and provide additional services to T.I.’s global customer base. Brett Paddock, T.I.’s President and CEO added, “T.I.’s focus during the COVID driven market issues and into the current supply constrained situation has been resiliency. Our investment in the expansion and depth of our inventory, our growing service center footprint, and continuous development of processing capabilities have put us in a position to outperform, for even our most demanding customers and markets.” Maintaining numerous distribution and sales operations across North America, Asia, Europe, and Latin America; T.I. is poised to handle economic volatility, supply chain disruptions, and the increasing demands of our loyal customers. For over 50 years, Titanium Industries has provided dependable, quality driven service. T.I. is the global leader in specialty metals supply for the aerospace, medical, industrial, and oil & gas markets. Holding the world’s most complete inventory of specialty metals across a global service center network, T.I. delivers supply solutions to every level of the supply chain. With a globally experienced and technically driven team, T.I. has provided dependable, quality driven service to customers since 1972.

6K ADDITIVE REDUCES MATERIAL COST, RECYCLES METAL POWDER AND SECURES DOMESTIC AM METAL SUPPLY FOR INCODEMA3D 6K Additive’s nickel alloy 625 powder surpasses every quality measure in tests performed by Incodema3D

North Andover, MA, September 8th 2022 – 6K Additive, a division of 6K, a leader in the sustainable production of engineered materials for additive manufacturing and lithium-ion batteries produced from its UniMelt® plasma technology, announces a strategic AM powder supply agreement and recycling partnership with Freeville, NYbased Incodema3D. Following increased demand and larger volume orders, predominantly from aerospace and defense customers, Incodema3D sought to secure a domestic AM metals powder supply that met strict quality standards and a solution for recycling their used powder and parts. 6K Additive, through its UniMelt plasma microwave powder production system, is able to provide high volumes of domestically manufactured powder and a route to sustainably recycle Incodema3D’s used metals through its Powder Buy Back program. Incodema3D director of additive manufacturing and metrology operations, Kevin Engel explains: “We are talking to clients now about projects for 2023 that will require ten tons of metal powder per month. When you’re going through that volume of powder, recycling becomes imperative, and sustainability is key to our business. By recycling our used powder with 6K Additive we have been able to drive down our contribution costs for material by 15% already. Add to it the quality standards both Incodema3D and our customers demand sets a high bar for any one supplier. 6K Additive overachieved on this front.” 6K Additive’s mission is to provide a solution for global decarbonization in producing performance additive manufacturing materials that are critical to production in markets such as aerospace, medical and industrial applications. The company recently released results from an LCA study conducted by Foresight Management comparing the environmental impact of 6K’s UniMelt microwave plasma technology to current atomization technologies to produce metal powders. The results showed a 91% reduction in energy use and a 91.5% reduction in carbon emissions when using the 6K UniMelt process. The independent studies can be download here. Incodema3D undertook its own pre-qualification of 6K Additive’s nickel alloy 625 (Ni625), a high-strength and corrosion-resistant alloy, popular with many of their customer’s applications. Internal qualification samples measured tensile strength, microstructure, density, and chemical composition and benchmarked the results against existing suppliers and their strategic customer’s requirements. 6K Additive’s Ni625 surpassed every measure used in the assessment, including tensile strength (greater than 125 ksi), yield strength (greater than 85 ksi), and elongation at break (greater than 30%). “We tested five samples and each one returned density results of 99.9%, which far exceeds the minimum requirement. Anything over 99.5% density in additive manufacturing is a good part,” continued Engel. Securing a scalable domestic materials supplier was also important to Incodema3D. As 6K Additive upcycles used and waste material from domestic sources, they are not at risk of supply chain disruptions. For defense customers a shorter domestic supply chain is also preferable from a security and traceability standpoint. In addition to Ni625, 6K Additive produces a full suite of AM powders including Ni718, low oxygen (500-700ppm) Ti64, stainless steel 316/17-4, copper 18150 and GRCOP, refractory powders including tungsten, tantalum, and rhenium.