Xtalic Corporation, a global leader in nanostructured metal alloys, is proud to celebrate its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of materials innovation that has shaped the performance, sustainability, and reliability of modern technology.
Founded in 2005 out of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) by Dr. Chris Schuh and Dr. Alan Lund, Xtalic was built on a bold vision to transform how engineered metals perform through computational alloy design. From its earliest breakthroughs in nanostructured nickel-tungsten coatings to today’s portfolio of advanced materials, the company continues to redefine what’s possible in performance metals for consumer electronics, automotive, data communications and industrial applications.
Reflecting on the milestone, CEO Tom Clay emphasized how the company’s MIT roots have shaped its long-term success.
“Our founders instilled a rigorous, science-first approach that remains central to who we are,” Clay said. “Our commitment to customers is to provide thoughtful engineering and scientific insight into every project. Even when we don’t have an immediate solution, we deliver first-class analysis and build partnerships grounded in trust and technical excellence.”
That foundation has enabled Xtalic to grow from a small research startup into a trusted global materials partner. Its nanostructured alloys including, XTRONIC®, LUNA®, PALLEX®, XTALIUM® and XENERGY®, are embedded in hundreds of millions of devices and billions of parts worldwide, from smartphones and wearables to high-speed data centers and electric vehicles.
“The truly exciting moments are when you walk into a customer’s factory and see your materials being used at scale,” Clay reflected. “Our first major installations in the high-speed backplane and mobile electronics spaces were pivotal. I’m very proud of how our team was able to meet the highest standards of some of the biggest global manufacturers.”
Over the years, Xtalic’s close collaboration with industry leaders has become a hallmark of its value. The company doesn’t just supply alloys, it partners with engineers to solve complex challenges.
“We’re often sitting with customers to roadmap their next-generation technology needs,” Clay explained. “We co-develop testing methods, share insights on wear and corrosion mechanisms, and provide deep expertise that helps them bring products to market faster and with greater reliability.”
This science-driven approach has also led to a growing emphasis on sustainability. Xtalic’s materials are designed to last longer, use fewer mined resources, and incorporate recycled content — all while delivering superior performance.
“Sustainability has been part of our DNA from the start,” said Clay. “Our first applications were about replacing hazardous chromium coatings. Today, our alloys are engineered to extend product life by four to five times compared to conventional materials while reducing environmental and worker risks. Our customers increasingly want sustainable solutions, and we’re proud that our materials help deliver that.”
Today, as Xtalic marks 20 years, the company stands as a testament to what happens when science meets real-world application, a combination that continues to transform industries and deliver measurable value for customers worldwide.
“We can move from identifying a customer need to creating a commercially ready alloy in months. That speed, combined with our experience at both small and global production scales, positions us to make an even bigger impact in the years ahead, Clay said”
Read Tom Clay’s full Q&A and learn more about Xtalic’s journey.
