Aerolloy Technologies, a subsidiary of PTC Industries, has marked a significant milestone by commissioning India’s first vacuum arc remelting (VAR) furnace dedicated to producing aerospace-grade titanium alloy ingots. The German-engineered facility, unveiled in Lucknow, boasts an annual melting capacity of 1,500 tonne and can create ingots with diameters of up to 1,000 mm.

The VAR furnace operates under vacuum conditions, a critical requirement to achieve the superior metallurgical structure and consistent alloy composition needed for high-performance applications like jet engines and airframes. Jim Collins, Chief Technology Officer of PTC Industries, stated, that the facility aligns with global standards for aerospace-grade titanium alloy production. Chairman Sachin Agarwal highlighted the strategic importance of the achievement, noting that it eliminates India’s reliance on imported titanium alloys.

PTC Industries is further strengthening its aerospace capabilities by constructing a new manufacturing facility in the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor. This facility will feature a fully integrated titanium and superalloy mill designed to produce aerospace-grade ingots, billets, bars, plates, and sheets. The expansion underscores the company’s commitment to boosting indigenous production and enhancing India’s self-reliance in critical aerospace materials.

The commissioning of the VAR furnace is a significant step forward in aligning with the government’s “Make in India” initiative, aimed at fostering domestic manufacturing capabilities in strategic sectors. With the capability to produce high-grade titanium alloys locally, India is poised to enhance its competitive edge in the global aerospace market while reducing its dependence on foreign suppliers. 

This development positions India among an elite group of nations, including the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom, which have the capability to manufacture such alloys.