ArcelorMittal SA is building an industrial-scale atomiser in Aviles, Spain, to produce steel powders for multiple Additive Manufacturing technologies.
Further to this, a new company, ArcelorMittal Powders, has been established to commercialise its metal powders, targeting users of Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB), Binder Jetting (BJT) and Directed Energy Deposition (DED) AM technologies.
The inert gas atomiser, which is expected to start production in January 2024, will have a batch-size production capability ranging from 200 kg to 3 tonnes, and an initial annual capacity of 1kt. The atomiser will produce powders from scrap steel, using renewable electricity, atomising with industrial gases produced by renewable energy, and using recycled and recyclable packaging solutions.
“Additive Manufacturing is an area we have been investing in and building our capabilities for several years, and we are now ready to scale up our production and offer our customers and partners a reliable and competitive source of high-quality steel powders.”
Colin Hautz, CEO of ArcelorMittal Powders
“Additive Manufacturing is an area we have been investing in and building our capabilities for several years, and we are now ready to scale up our production and offer our customers and partners a reliable and competitive source of high-quality steel powders,” stated Colin Hautz, CEO of ArcelorMittal Powders. “From our facility in Spain, we will offer a range of steel powders tailored to our customers’ needs. A technology as innovative and disruptive as Additive Manufacturing not only allows us to think about changes in the design and manufacturing process of many parts and components we use today, but also exploit one of the inherently sustainable characteristics of steel – its recyclability.”
ArcelorMittal has been producing steel powders in a pilot atomiser at its Additive Manufacturing lab in Aviles since 2018.
''We believe that steel has great potential to become the material of choice for Additive Manufacturing, thanks to its versatility, performance and sustainability.''
Gregory Ludkovsky, chief executive officer of global research and development, ArcelorMittal
“We are proud to launch ArcelorMittal Powders, a new business unit that reflects our vision to be at the forefront of innovation and sustainability in the steel industry,” commented Gregory Ludkovsky, chief executive officer of global research and development, ArcelorMittal. “By producing and supplying steel powders for Additive Manufacturing, we are expanding our portfolio of advanced materials and solutions for the future of manufacturing. We believe that steel has great potential to become the material of choice for Additive Manufacturing, thanks to its versatility, performance and sustainability.’’
Source: PM Review