Metal powders used for additive manufacturing such as 3D printing are revolutionizing the industry by increasing production capacity through innovation and sustainability.
In April 2023, Outokumpu, a supplier of sustainable stainless steel, is entering a new business segment with the production of metal powders. The company's ambitious sustainability strategy will be further strengthened by metal powder production. The production also supports Outokumpu's efforts to promote the circular economy by using steel scrap from its own production, thus creating new solutions for the market.
"Global demand for metal powders is increasing and we see great potential for this business in the near future. Observing 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 stainless steel as a material and will work with interested customers. We are looking forward to starting internal production soon, followed a little later by production for external use. There is already a lot of interest from customers and the first projects have started," says Thomas Anstots, head of the Advanced Materials business line at Outokumpu.
Metal powders for high complexity
Outokumpu is focusing production of metal powders that are not yet available on the market - suitable for companies that use technologies such as additive manufacturing (AM), metal injection molding (MIM), binder jetting (BJ) and hot isostatic pressing (HIP) to produce parts for demanding applications. Metal powders enable manufacturers to produce parts with higher complexity, lower weight, and shorter lead times, and avoid supply chain disruptions.
"In the near future, the estimated total production capacity will be around 330 tons per year. Our long-term goal is to leverage the knowledge and expand our R&D know-how to support our customers' journey with expertise, new material development, flexibility, and adaptation for different powder metallurgy technologies. In our vision of the future, we can serve our customers so that they come to us with a problem and leave us with a solution," Anstots said.
Atomization plant as a large recycling unit
Outokumpu's business is based on the circular economy. The company's stainless steel has the largest share of recycled material, with a record 94 percent (2022). Globally, the company's stainless steel is also the most recycled material, and the company's plants in Europe and the U.S. are among the largest material recycling facilities in the world.
"We want to help our customers reduce their impact on the climate by choosing the right materials. I am proud that our new atomization plant in Krefeld is a major recycling unit helping to support the circular economy. The carbon footprint included in our entire production process is also reduced because generation of the raw material, manufacturing of the product and packaging all take place in one place. This ensures control of the entire process and also significantly reduces transportation emissions," says Anstots.
Outokumpu's brand new portfolio of high-quality metal powders, which includes stainless steel and nickel alloys, has been specifically developed to meet the demands of modern manufacturing in terms of quality, sustainability and flexibility. Outokumpu cooperates with SMS group as a technology supplier.
