Confluent Medical Technologies today announced an expansion of its supply agreement with Allegheny Technologies (ATI) related to the manufacture and supply of ELI nitinol, a specialized metal alloy used primarily to produce high-performance minimally invasive medical devices and components.

Under the revised agreement, Confluent will provide funding to increase the furnace capacity at ATI Specialty Alloys and Components to produce ELI nitinol at ATI’s Albany, Ore. site by 33%. Confluent has full access to production volumes through 2026.

“Expanding our strategic partnership with ATI is an important investment for Confluent,” said Confluent president & CEO Dean Schauer in a news release. “This investment significantly increases the available supply of ELI nitinol material, which is in high demand for the most critical medical device applications. Securing additional melt capacity for this unique, high-purity, high-fatigue-resistant material allows us to meet increasing demand for current customers, while also expanding availability for new offerings of medical device products and components.”

ATI is a global refractory metal producer, manufacturing specialty alloys, materials and components for more than 50 years. “This new agreement expands upon our collaboration with Confluent and builds our capacity so we may create the specialty materials that will propel the industry,” said ATI Specialty Alloys and Components president Lee Weber.

ATI and Confluent Medical Technologies have collaborated for more than 25 years. Under the agreement, ATI will add two melt furnaces, fully funded by Confluent. The additional capacity is expected to come online in early 2022.