Metal powders are revolutionizing the additive manufacturing industry through innovation and sustainability. Outokumpu, a leading manufacturer of sustainable stainless steel, is moving into metal powder production, starting in April 2023 at its Krefeld plant in Germany. Local steel scrap utilization supports Outokumpu’s sustainability strategy and circular economy.
Thomas Anstots, President of BL Advanced Materials at Outokumpu, comments, “Global demand for metal powders is increasing, and we see great potential for the business in the near future. Recognizing the growth of the additive manufacturing industry and the potential to strengthen the position and use of stainless steel for metal powder products, we decided to start building a newly designed atomization plant. Outokumpu has extensive expertise in these materials and will work with interested powder customers.”
Outokumpu focuses on metal powders for technologies such as additive manufacturing (AM), metal injection molding (MIM), binder jetting (BJ) and hot isostatic pressing (HIP) for demanding applications. Metal powders enable manufacturers to produce parts with higher complexity, lower weight and shorter lead times.
Anstots mentions, “In the near future, estimated total production capacity will be around 330 tons per year. Our longer-term goal is to leverage the knowledge gained and expand our R&D expertise to support our customers with expertise, new material development, flexibility and customization for various powder metallurgy technologies.”
“We want to help our customers reduce their climate impact through the right choice of materials. I am proud that our new atomization plant in Krefeld will be a major recycling facility to further support the circular economy. The embodied carbon footprint of our entire production process will also be reduced as the raw material is generated, the product is manufactured and packaged – all in one place. This gives us control over the entire process and also allows us to significantly reduce transportation emissions,” says Anstots.
Outokumpu’s new metal powder portfolio, including stainless steel and nickel alloys, meets the requirements of modern manufacturing in terms of quality, sustainability and flexibility. The company works with SMS group as a technology supplier, with an Equipment as a Service (EaaS) contract ensuring continuous plant optimization and close cooperation in the powder business.
Find out more about Outokumpu at outokumpu.com.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
3DPResso is a weekly newsletter that links to the most exciting global stories from the 3D printing and additive manufacturing industry.
