US Metal Powders (USMP)
Manufactures atomized and ultra-fine aluminum powders (coarse to fine grades, 1.5µm–100µm+) optimized for additive manufacturing, powder metallurgy, and metal injection molding; holds position as largest aluminum powder producer in North America.
- CEO / Founder
- Eric Degenfelder
- Team Size
- 51-200
- Stage
- Active
- Total Funding
- $10K
- Latest Round
- Bootstrapped
- Key Investors
- Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania
Technology & Products
Key Products
Atomized aluminum powders (gas-atomized, rapid solidification); Ultra-fine powders (1.5–30µm, spherical/nodular morphologies); Aluminum alloys for AM (proprietary formulations); Aluminum flakes and pastes (custom coatings, wax/organic); Powder blends for MIM/PM (custom particle size distribution); Nodular and spherical morphology variants
Technological Advantage
CLAIMED: Custom formulation capability, ultra-high purity (99.7%+), narrow particle size distribution, proprietary powder coating technologies, multiple morphologies (spherical/nodular). VERIFIED: 50+ years of proven quality in aerospace/defense supply chains; ISO/AS9100 capability implied by aerospace customer base; proprietary blending and coating processes (per website). DEFENSIBLE: Trade secrets in coating formulations and atomization parameters; established quality systems; supply chain relationships.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Consistent particle size distribution (99.7%+ purity), global supply reliability via dual US (Palmerton, PA) + France (Hermillon) facilities, custom formulations and coatings, dedicated R&D and quality control, 50+ year track record in aerospace/defense powders
How They Differentiate
USMP focuses exclusively on aluminum powders (vs. Carpenter/Kennametal broad portfolios). North American production + European capacity provides supply flexibility. Established aerospace/defense reputation (50+ year track record). Smaller, agile operator vs. large multinational competitors (faster custom formulation). NEW CAPACITY (mid-2025) positions for AM growth. However, no apparent proprietary AM-specific technology (competitors like Elementum emphasize reactive processes); competitive moat is operationally-based (supply reliability, quality reputation) rather than technology-based.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Aerospace OEMs, defense contractors, automotive manufacturers, MIM/PM component makers, 3D printing system operators
Industry Verticals
Aerospace/Defense; Automotive; Chemical/Pyrotechnic; Powder Metallurgy; Metal Injection Molding; Additive Manufacturing (3D printing); General Industrial; Construction; Energy
Competitors
Elementum 3D (US-based, reactive AM powder process, venture-backed growth-stage); Carpenter Technology (major US metal powder producer, public company, broad material range); Eplus3D (Chinese aluminum 3D printing powder supplier, emerging in Western markets); Kennametal (global leader, gas-atomized cobalt/nickel/iron-based AM powders); Oerlikon Metco (Swiss-US player, two state-of-the-art facilities in Michigan, established AM supplier); voestalpine HPM (Austrian-US producer, dedicated AM R&D centers)
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
Ampal facility producing since 1981; new aluminum powder production line scheduled mid-2025 (expansion capex indicates strong cash generation); supplying aerospace/defense OEMs for 50+ years; geographic presence (US + France) indicates stable, profitable operations
Major Milestones
1918: United States Metal Powders founded; 1966: Ampal Inc. subsidiary begins aluminum powder supply; 1981: Ampal facility starts aluminum powder production; 2016: Family transition - Louise Ramsey Thomas assumes leadership after father's death; 2024-02-20: Eric Degenfelder appointed President; 2025-06: New aluminum powder production line comes online (scheduled)
Notable Customers
Aerospace/Defense OEMs (unspecified, confidential); Automotive Tier 1 suppliers; MIM/PM component manufacturers; 3D printing system operators (EOS, SLM Solutions, Concept Laser implied by application listing)