Home Materials Powder Production for Metal AM: Interview with VMP on Development and Applications

Powder Production for Metal AM: Interview with VMP on Development and Applications

Image: VMP

Jiangsu Vilory Advanced Materials Technology Co., Ltd. (VMP), founded in 2015 and based in Xuzhou, China, develops and manufactures metal powders for additive manufacturing applications. The company supplies a range of metal powders designed for industrial 3D printing, supporting applications in aerospace, medical, tooling, and electronics sectors. In a recent interview with 3Druck.com, VMP discussed its contributions to metal additive manufacturing through advanced materials, industry applications, and future developments.

The company operates ten Vacuum Induction Gas Atomization (VIGA) production lines with an annual output capacity of approximately 750 tons. Its product portfolio includes titanium alloys, nickel-based superalloys, tool steels, and aluminum alloys. These powders are engineered for high sphericity, controlled particle size distribution, and low levels of oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen—characteristics critical for reliable performance in metal 3D printing processes.

VMP also provides services in laser cladding and powder processing and continues to develop custom alloy compositions tailored to specific thermal and structural requirements. In response to growing demand, the company invested $50 million in 2024 to expand its production facilities, aiming to improve material availability and support the broader industrial adoption of metal additive manufacturing.

Interview with VMP

In the interview with 3Druck.com, VMP discusses its role in advancing metal additive manufacturing through the development of specialized 3D printing powders. The company highlights key industry applications, recent material innovations, and future trends, with a focus on sustainability, production scalability, and expanding access to high-performance metal powders across multiple sectors.

Which industries and applications benefit the most from your 3D printing powder materials, and how do they enhance performance in these fields?

Our 3D printing metal powders are strategically applied across key industries to drive innovation and efficiency:

-Aerospace: By converting high-performance alloys (e.g., titanium, nickel-based superalloys) into spherical powders optimized for additive manufacturing (AM), we enable lightweight, complex component designs with superior mechanical properties, including tensile strength, yield strength, and high-temperature durability. This supports fuel efficiency and structural integrity in aerospace systems.

-Medical: Our certified materials, including CoCr alloys, titanium, and 316L stainless steel (FDA/ISO 13485-approved, with MDR certification pending), ensure biocompatibility and regulatory compliance for implants and medical devices. AM allows customization for patient-specific solutions while maintaining sterilization and corrosion resistance.

-Civilian (Tooling & Moldmaking): High-thermal-conductivity die steel and high-strength steel powders enhance AM’s role in rapid prototyping and tooling. These materials reduce cycle times, improve heat dissipation, and extend mold lifespan, revolutionizing automotive and industrial production.

– 3C Industry (Consumer Electronics): While still emerging, AM in 3C applications (e.g., heatsinks, precision components) is gaining traction. Our third-phase factory expansion targets this sector, aiming to enable mass production of lightweight, high-performance metal parts for electronics.

Cost & Accessibility: By scaling production capacity and reducing material costs, we democratize AM adoption, making it viable for small-to-medium enterprises and diverse sectors.

What innovative materials have you recently developed, and what are their key characteristics and applications?

Our latest innovations focus on optimizing performance and sustainability:

Image: VMP

-High-Thermal-Conductivity Die Steel: Engineered for AM, this material offers 60 W/(m·K) thermal conductivity (double that of traditional H13 steel), enabling faster heat dissipation in hot stamping and injection molding. It enhances production efficiency and reduces energy consumption.

-Sustainability-Driven Alloys: We are increasing the use of secondary raw materials (e.g., recycled steel scrap) in powder production, cutting carbon footprints by 99% while maintaining mechanical properties. These eco-friendly powders are ideal for automotive and structural components.

-Customized Titanium Alloys: Tailored for aerospace and medical applications, these powders balance strength, biocompatibility, and printability, supporting complex geometries and weight reduction.

Additive manufacturing has advanced significantly in recent years. Which innovations or technological breakthroughs do you consider particularly transformative for the industry?

Key transformative advancements include:

-Continuous Powder Production: Innovations like our integrated VIGA & EIGA process and continuous melting systems boost output to 4,000 tons/year while slashing costs. This scalability is critical for mass adoption.

-Closed-Loop Recycling: Improved powder reuse technologies reduce material waste and production costs, aligning with circular economy goals.

-Multi-Material Printing: Emerging capabilities to print hybrid metal-ceramic or graded materials open doors to multifunctional components for the aerospace and energy sectors.

-AI-Driven Process Optimization: Machine learning tools predict defects and optimize printing parameters, ensuring consistent quality in high-stakes applications like medical implants.

In your opinion, what are the most significant future trends and advancements in material development and production for additive manufacturing?

We foresee four key trends:

-Sustainability: Wider adoption of recycled materials, low-carbon production processes, and bio-inspired alloys will reduce the environmental impact of AM.

-Multi-Industry Expansion: 3C, energy, and automotive sectors will increasingly leverage AM for mass production, driven by cost-effective, high-performance powders.

-Regulatory Compliance: Streamlined global certifications (e.g., MDR, FDA) will accelerate medical and aerospace applications, ensuring safety and standardization.

-Advanced Alloys: Development of high-entropy alloys, nanocomposites, and functional materials (e.g., superconductors) will unlock entirely new applications for AM.

By combining scalable production, material innovation, and sustainability, we aim to solidify China’s leadership in shaping the future of metal AM globally.

Here you can find further information on Jiangsu Vilory Advanced Materials Technology Co., Ltd. (VMP).


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