Materialise, ArcelorMittal Partner on Metal 3D Printing

Materialise and ArcelorMittal Powders, a business unit of ArcelorMittal established to produce steel powders, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to create solutions to optimize laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) equipment and metal 3D printing strategies. Through the MOU, ArcelorMittal will use Materialise’s next-gen build processor for 3D printers.

“Our collaboration with Materialise supports our vision that the key to success in additive manufacturing is about finding the right blend of digital instructions and steel powders to deliver the best balance of quality and productivity in an application. Whether developing new applications with new alloys or proving the feasibility of new designs for existing applications through steel additive manufacturing, Materialise offers us a formidable channel to bring build instructions straight to the heart of a 3D printer,” says Aubin Defer, chief marketing officer, ArcelorMittal Powders.

The two companies are partnering to develop solutions that integrate Materialise’s next-gen build processor and ArcelorMittal Powders’ AdamIQ range of steel powders to enhance LPBF for producing metal parts. Build processors link 3D printers with data preparation software, streamlining the additive manufacturing process from design to print.

Materialise’s build processor supports larger build volumes and more complex geometries than traditional build processors, so users will be able to customize process parameters, streamline workflows, and print faster, Materialise reports. Combined with the AdamIQ steel powders made specifically for additive manufacturing applications, these printing solutions can help improve setup and production speed, the companies note.

“Our collaboration with ArcelorMittal marks a significant milestone in advancing our shared vision. By enhancing processes and solutions, we aim to expand the applications and industries utilizing additive manufacturing. This partnership brings us closer to a future where 3D printing achieves its full potential, enabling both mass customization and large-scale production,” says Udo Eberlein, vice president of software at Materialise.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.