Aluminum is one of the most widely used metals in the world, yet it remains one of the most challenging materials for additive manufacturing. High thermal demands, alloy sensitivities, and complex workflows often push companies toward easier metals, even when aluminum is the material they truly need. ValCUN developed its Molten Metal Deposition technology to change that. Instead of powders, lasers, or heavy infrastructure, MMD uses standard aluminum wire that is melted and deposited layer by layer. The goal is to make aluminum AM simpler, more accessible, and cost effective for real industrial applications.
These challenges and solutions were at the center of the webinar Aluminum AM Made Simple: Insights from Sirris and ValCUN. During the session, ValCUN and Sirris shared practical insights into how aluminum additive manufacturing can become viable for industry, supported by real-world examples and application-driven perspectives.
At the heart of the webinar was ValCUN’s Minerva MMD platform. The process removes the need for powder handling, inert environments, or specialist-only operation. By relying on aluminum wire and an efficient thermal system, it reduces energy consumption, shortens time to part, and significantly lowers the overall cost per component. According to ValCUN, MMD can deliver cost reductions of up to 75 to 90 percent compared to traditional metal additive manufacturing.
MMD is designed to work with widely used industrial aluminum alloys. This allows for reliable part quality, consistent mechanical performance, minimal distortion, and the ability to produce complex geometries with reduced support requirements. The platform is compact and straightforward to deploy, which helps companies move quickly from prototype to production without lengthy setup phases.
Supporting the technology is Sirris, Belgium’s collective center for the technological industry. With decades of experience in metal AM, Sirris brings deep knowledge in process development, quality assurance, and industrial implementation. Together, Sirris and ValCUN explained where MMD fits within the current market and how it can be applied to tooling, functional components, and production-grade aluminum parts.
During the session, Manuel, Olivier, and Matthieu explored how the Minerva MMD platform simplifies aluminum additive manufacturing, from working with well-known industrial alloys to reducing cost per part, improving workflow efficiency, and increasing process reliability. The webinar concluded with a live 15-minute Q&A, allowing attendees to engage directly with the experts.
Meet Our Speakers
Manuel Delgado, Business Director at ValCUN
Manuel brings 10 years of experience in polymer and metal AM across business development, commercial strategy, and global growth initiatives. At ValCUN he focuses on bringing next-generation metal AM technologies to industry.
Olivier, AM Metal Team Lead at Sirris
Olivier has spent more than 19 years developing metal AM at Sirris. His background includes work on binder jetting, SLM (LBM), and EBM. He currently leads the metal AM team and oversees Sirris’s work in quality assurance and powder-related expertise.
Matthieu, Industrial Engineer at Sirris
Matthieu specializes in electromechanics, mechatronics, and energy. He works on several AM technologies including polymer SLS, large-format extrusion, and MMD, with a focus on automation, materials development, and Industry 4.0.
Want to see how aluminum additive manufacturing can finally become simpler, faster, and more cost effective in real applications? Watch the webinar replay to explore the full session and key insights here.
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