EuroWire May 2023

Corporate News

Metal powder for additive manufacturing – new atomisation plant opens

that use technologies such as additive manufacturing (AM), metal injection moulding (MIM), binder jetting (BJ) and hot isostatic pressing (HIP) to produce parts for demanding applications. With metal powders, manufacturers can produce parts with higher complexity, less weight and decreased lead times, avoiding disruptions in the supply chain. “In the near future, the estimated total production capacity will be approximately 330 tons annually,” added Mr Anstots. “Our longer-term target is to utilise the learnings and to build up our R&D know how to support the customer journey with expertise, new material development, flexibility and customisation for various powder metallurgy technologies. In our future vision, we could be able to serve our customers in such a way that they could come to us with a problem and leave with a solution.”

Outokumpu, a specialist in sustainable stainless steel, is entering a new business by starting to produce metal powder at the company’s mill in Krefeld, Germany. The metal powder production strengthens the company’s sustainability strategy and circular economy efforts by using steel scrap from local production to create new market solutions. “The global demand for metal powder is on the rise and we see great potential for the business in the near future,” said Thomas Anstots, president of BL advanced materials at Outokumpu. “We have seen the growth of additive manufacturing industries and the potential to strengthen the position and use of stainless steel for metal powder products, and therefore decided to start the construction of a new designed atomisation plant.” Outokumpu’s primary focus is on pro- ducing metal powders that are not yet on the market, suited to companies

The atomisation plant in Krefeld, Germany

circular economy. In 2022, it achieved a record-high recycled material content rate of 94 per cent. The new metal powders, including stainless steel and nickel alloys, have been specially formulated to meet the demands of modern manufacturing in terms of quality, sustainability and flexibility. Outokumpu is partnering with SMS group as the technology supplier. The equipment as a service (EaaS) contract ensures continuous line optimisation and close collaboration in the powder business between the supplier and the producer. Outokumpu www.outokumpu.com

Outokumpu’s business is based on a

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May 2023