Scandium (Sc) is a rare and strategic metal known for its exceptional performance in lightweight alloys, fuel cells, 3D printing, and advanced electronics. As a foundational material in many high-performance applications, the purity and morphology of scandium metal powder play a critical role in determining final product performance.

This article outlines the typical purity grades, preparation processes, and selection considerations for scandium metal powders.

1. Common Purity Grades of Scandium Powder

Scandium powders are classified by impurity levels. The most commonly available grades include:

• 3N (99.9%): Suitable for general industrial applications, such as alloying additives.

• 4N (99.99%): A standard high-purity grade for advanced material uses.

• 4N5 (99.995%): Reduced trace elements for more demanding applications.

• 5N (99.999%): Ultra-high-purity, ideal for sensitive electronic, optical, or research applications.

Higher purity levels directly impact the electrical, mechanical, and corrosion-resistant properties of final components. For high-end alloys and nano-engineered materials, even trace impurities can lead to significant performance variations.

2. Key Processing Steps in Scandium Powder Production

Producing high-quality scandium metal powder involves several technical steps:

Step 1: Raw Material Preparation

Sources of scandium include:

• Natural ores (e.g., thortveitite, laterite)

• Industrial by-products (e.g., red mud from aluminum refining)

These are chemically converted into:

• Scandium oxide (Sc₂O₃)

• Scandium fluoride (ScF₃)

Step 2: Metallothermic Reduction

A widely used method is calciothermic reduction, especially from scandium fluoride:

This process takes place in a controlled vacuum or inert atmosphere at high temperatures to prevent contamination and oxidation.

Step 3: Purification

The resulting scandium metal is often purified via:

• Vacuum distillation: Removes volatile impurities.

• Zone refining or sublimation: Further improves purity for 4N5–5N levels.

Step 4: Powder Formation

Scandium metal is processed into powder using various techniques depending on end-use requirements:

Mechanical Methods

• Ball milling, hammer milling

  • Suitable for brittle metals

  • Economical and scalable

  • Less control over particle shape and size distribution

Atomization Methods

• Gas atomization

  • Produces spherical, uniform powders

  • Excellent flowability for additive manufacturing

  • Requires advanced equipment

Physicochemical Methods

• Hydrogen reduction, electrolysis, carbonyl processes

  • Can yield ultra-fine, high-purity powders

  • Used for specialized or research-grade applications

Step 5: Quality Inspection

Typical testing includes:

• Chemical analysis (ICP-OES, GDMS) for purity

• Particle size and morphology (laser diffraction, SEM)

3. Process Comparison and Suitability

4. Summary & Recommendations

Scandium powders vary significantly in purity and morphology depending on how they’re made. When selecting scandium powder for your application:

• Use 4N or higher for electronic, aerospace, or energy-related uses.

• Choose atomized powders for 3D printing and high-performance coatings.

• Match the production route to your technical and economic requirements.

Careful control of impurity levels and particle characteristics is essential to ensure reliable performance, especially in demanding environments.

At Stanford Materials Corporation (SMC), we offer scandium metal powders across a range of purities and particle sizes, with customization options available. Contact our technical team to request data sheets, pricing, or application support.