ATI expands advanced manufacturing capabilities with new additive manufacturing facility in Florida

ATI Inc. (NYSE: ATI) has officially commissioned its state-of-the-art additive manufacturing facility in Margate, Florida, marking a significant advancement in the production of high-performance metal components. The new facility integrates cutting-edge metal additive manufacturing technologies with ATI’s extensive expertise in metallurgy, forging, and machining, creating a vertically integrated production hub.

This facility, one of the most advanced of its kind, enhances ATI’s ability to produce highly engineered components for the aerospace, defense, and space industries. By utilizing metal additive manufacturing, ATI can manufacture complex geometries previously unattainable through conventional processes, reducing material waste while increasing efficiency.

What Makes ATI’s Additive Manufacturing Facility Unique?

ATI’s additive manufacturing facility is designed to be a global leader in advanced manufacturing capabilities, leveraging cutting-edge equipment and materials science expertise. The facility houses the tallest metal additive manufacturing printers in the Western Hemisphere, capable of producing components up to 1.5 meters in height. These new capabilities position ATI as a leader in large-format additive manufacturing, offering solutions for industries that demand precision, durability, and performance.

Kimberly A. Fields, President and CEO of ATI, highlighted the impact of this technological advancement, emphasizing that additive manufacturing allows for the rapid production of complex, high-performance parts while significantly reducing waste. “Layer by layer, metal additive manufacturing enables us to create intricate components faster and with greater efficiency than ever before,” Fields stated.

The additive manufacturing facility is fully integrated, consolidating design, metal printing, heat treatment, machining, and inspection under one roof. This approach streamlines production, ensuring that ATI delivers high-quality engineered solutions while optimizing cost-effectiveness and sustainability.

How Does This Facility Support the U.S. Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program?

One of the most significant milestones for ATI’s additive manufacturing facility is its first contract with Bechtel Plant Machinery Inc. (BPMI), supporting the U.S. Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program. The contract calls for ATI to supply highly specialized, additively manufactured components designed to enhance naval fleet capabilities.

Barbara Staniscia, President and General Manager of BPMI, emphasized the critical role of metal additive manufacturing in defense applications, stating that the technology is essential for accelerating ship construction, improving operational readiness, and reducing costs. She noted that the ability to rapidly produce complex parts will provide the U.S. Navy with a strategic advantage in fleet modernization efforts.

With national security and defense applications at its core, ATI’s additive manufacturing facility is designed to meet stringent quality and security standards. It operates within a 132,000-square-foot secure facility that complies with ISO 9001 and AS9100D certifications, ensuring rigorous quality control in metal additive manufacturing processes.

Why Is This a Game-Changer for Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing?

ATI’s additive manufacturing facility represents a strategic investment in the future of aerospace and defense manufacturing. By integrating metal additive manufacturing with its expertise in forging and metallurgy, ATI is well-positioned to deliver next-generation solutions for mission-critical applications.

The facility’s location in Margate, Florida, near Fort Lauderdale, provides ATI with direct access to key aerospace and defense contractors. This proximity enhances collaboration and accelerates production timelines, allowing ATI to meet the growing demand for high-precision, additively manufactured components.

The additive manufacturing facility is equipped with an uninterruptible power supply and backup generators, ensuring uninterrupted production cycles. This infrastructure is crucial for maintaining quality and reliability, particularly in defense and aerospace manufacturing, where precision is paramount.

How Is ATI Ensuring Sustainability in Additive Manufacturing?

Sustainability is a key focus of ATI’s additive manufacturing facility. The company has implemented an eco-friendly powder recycling system, ensuring that excess material from metal additive manufacturing processes is recovered and reused. This approach reduces waste while maintaining high-quality standards.

Additionally, ATI has made a long-term commitment to workforce development within the additive manufacturing sector. The facility currently employs 20 engineers, technicians, and specialists, with plans to double its workforce by 2030 as demand for advanced manufacturing capabilities continues to grow.

What Does ATI’s Investment Mean for the Future of Manufacturing?

ATI’s additive manufacturing facility signals a shift in the way high-performance metal components are designed and produced. By combining metal additive manufacturing, materials science expertise, and advanced machining capabilities, ATI is setting a new standard for aerospace, defense, and industrial manufacturing.

“With this facility, we’re not just expanding our capabilities—we’re reshaping the future of metal additive manufacturing,” Fields concluded. The investment aligns with ATI’s broader strategy of innovation, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of advanced manufacturing technologies.

The facility’s commissioning is part of ATI’s long-term capital expenditure plan, reflecting its commitment to scalable, high-quality production for industries that demand precision and reliability. As the company continues to push the boundaries of metal additive manufacturing, its additive manufacturing facility in Florida is poised to play a critical role in the next generation of engineered components.