#3DExpress: The First Emission-Free Steel Powder for 3D Printing
Every week, we offer you an overview of the latest news from the field of additive manufacturing. In this #3DExpress, learn more about the world’s first emission-free steel powder from SSAB. Next, we tell you Sintratec, which is gaining a foothold in East Asia through a new partnership. Finally, wrap it up with a 3D-printed bicycle saddle from Specialized, information on Stratasys’ new Customer Advisory board and Würth’s new digital inventory services. Happy reading and have a great weekend!
The World’s First Emission-Free Steel Powder
Finding ways to lower carbon emissions has become a major goal for many different industries in the past few years as the effects of global warming have become ever more evident. And though AM is often shown as a more environmentally-friendly solution, the materials are not always as green as you would expect, hence recent R&D efforts. Now, SSAB, a Nordic and US-based steel company, has launched what they claim to be the world’s first emission-free steel powder. Designed for 3D printing, the new powder is made of recycled SSAB Zero steel, which is itself made from recycled scrap using fossil-free energy sources for virtually no emissions. “This is a game-changer in the world of 3D-printed steel. SSAB has already proven it’s possible to produce steel without carbon dioxide emissions. Now we’re merging emission-free steel with powder technology to enable sustainable 3D-printed design with unlimited imagination,” explains Johnny Sjöström, EVP and Head of SSAB Special Steels.
(Left) SSAB’s emission-free steel powder (photo credits: Hugo Leijon); (right) Jesper Vang and Johnny Sjöström in SSAB’s facility (photo credits: Jan Lindblad Jr.)
Sintratec Expands Sales Network in East Asia
Sintratec recorded record growth in 2023 due to the market launch of its All Material Platform (AMP), as we recently reported in #3DExpress. The Swiss company is now continuing its upward trajectory. Thanks to the cooperation with 3Dprinting Technology, Sintratec is now also establishing itself in the East Asian market. Since March 2024, 3Dprinting Technology’s portfolio has included SLS printers from Sintratec alongside Nexa 3D, Stratasys and HP machines. With its headquarters in Taiwan plus two branches in Taiwan and eight in China, 3Dprinting Technology has a strong presence in the East Asian 3D printing market. For Sintratec, this partnership is an ideal opportunity to expand its sales network in East Asia.
Photo Credits: 3Dprinting Technology / Sintratec
Specialized Develops New Bike Saddle Using 3D Printing
The bicycle and sporting goods manufacturer Specialized recently announced the launch of a new saddle produced using additive manufacturing. It is an improved version of the Phenom saddle, which now incorporates the brand’s ‘Mirror’ 3D printing process. This technology allows for infinite density adjustment with a single material, as opposed to traditional single-density foam. The Specialized team explains: “The 3D printed matrix adjusts to support the sit bones over a larger area, creating a hammock effect that allows the saddle to support your weight, rather than the fabric around your sit bones.” In short, the use of additive manufacturing has made it possible to adjust the density of the saddle in different areas, giving the rider more support and comfort.
Photo Credits: Specialized
Stratasys establishes customer advisory board to drive AM industry forward
Once again, Stratasys lands in our #3DExpress news. The renowned manufacturer of 3D printing solutions, Stratasys, has announced the creation of a new Industrial Customer Advisory Board (CAB) that will provide support to Stratasys customers. It is the first board of its kind in the AM industry. It consists of 12 members, including leading companies and manufacturers from the aerospace, automotive and industrial manufacturing sectors, as well as research and academic institutions. Advisory Board participants include Boeing, TE Connectivity, Toyota and universities with well-known manufacturing programs such as the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State, the University of Texas El Paso and the Milwaukee School of Engineering. The customer advisory board will provide input on the requirements for scalable production, quality, reliability or sustainability strategies.
Würth Announces Digital Inventory Services
At AMUG, visitors were able to see Würth’s new Digital Inventory Services (DIS) platform for the first time. With this inventory management product, the leading company in the field of supply chain solutions offers a tool for the secure transfer of intellectual property to different locations. It ensures quality control and controlled distribution. For users in the AM industry, this offers the opportunity to easily integrate printing machines, business models, applications, etc. into a digital supply chain platform. Würth Additive Group wants to live up to its motto “Always in Stock”, as DIS can be integrated into Würth’s stock programs, systems and software. For Würth Additive Group CEO AJ Strandquist, another goal of DIS is to make additive manufacturing more accessible: “We are committed to delivering reliable and effective solutions for the digital supply chain. With a straightforward implementation process, cost-effective options and comprehensive support, we want to enable companies in the industrial sector to use digital inventory effectively. Our main goal is to make managing the global supply chain a little easier.”
Photo Credits: Würth Additive Group
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