Revolutionizing Aluminum Additive Manufacturing: A Simplified Approach with MMD Technology

Aluminum, celebrated for its versatility and lightweight properties, remains a formidable challenge in the realm of additive manufacturing (AM). The complexities associated with its high thermal conductivity, alloy sensitivities, and intricate workflows often deter companies, pushing them towards more readily adaptable metals, even when aluminum is the ideal choice for their specific applications. ValCUN is addressing these challenges head-on with its innovative Molten Metal Deposition (MMD) technology.

MMD diverges from traditional methods by utilizing standard aluminum wire, which is melted and meticulously deposited layer by layer, rather than relying on powders, lasers, or extensive infrastructure. This groundbreaking approach aims to democratize aluminum AM, making it more accessible, cost-effective, and practical for a wide range of industrial applications. The core objective is to simplify the entire process, thereby unlocking the full potential of aluminum in the world of 3D printing.

The shift towards a simplified approach in aluminum AM is the central theme of our upcoming webinar, “Aluminum AM Made Simple: Insights from Sirris and ValCUN.” Scheduled for December 11th, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM EST and 4:00 to 5:00 PM CET, this session will provide a comprehensive overview of how aluminum additive manufacturing can finally achieve its potential in the industrial sector. The webinar will feature real-world examples from both ValCUN and Sirris, showcasing the transformative impact of MMD technology.

At the heart of ValCUN’s innovative solution is the Minerva MMD platform. This revolutionary process eliminates the need for cumbersome powder handling, controlled inert environments, and specialized operator expertise. By leveraging readily available aluminum wire and an efficient thermal management system, the Minerva MMD platform significantly reduces energy consumption, accelerates the production timeline, and dramatically lowers the overall cost per component. ValCUN estimates that MMD can achieve cost reductions ranging from 75 to 90 percent compared to traditional metal AM techniques. This cost-effectiveness makes aluminum AM a viable option for a wider range of applications and industries.

The MMD process is specifically designed to be compatible with widely used industrial aluminum alloys, ensuring reliable part quality, consistent mechanical performance, and minimal distortion. This compatibility also allows for the production of complex geometries with significantly reduced support structure requirements, further streamlining the manufacturing process. The Minerva platform is also compact and easy to deploy, enabling companies to rapidly transition from prototype development to full-scale production without experiencing lengthy and costly setup phases. This ease of integration is a key advantage for companies looking to adopt aluminum AM quickly and efficiently.

Supporting ValCUN’s groundbreaking technology is Sirris, Belgium’s collective center for the technological industry. With decades of experience in metal AM, Sirris brings a wealth of knowledge in process development, quality assurance, and industrial implementation. The collaboration between Sirris and ValCUN provides a comprehensive understanding of how MMD fits into the current market landscape and how it can be effectively applied to tooling, functional components, and the production of high-quality aluminum parts. Their joint expertise ensures that MMD technology is not only innovative but also practical and readily adaptable to real-world industrial needs.

During the webinar session, Manuel Delgado, Business Director at ValCUN, along with Olivier, AM Metal Team Lead at Sirris, and Matthieu, Industrial Engineer at Sirris, will delve into the specifics of how the Minerva MMD platform simplifies aluminum AM. The discussion will cover a range of key benefits, including the ease of working with well-known industrial alloys, the significant reduction in cost per part, improved workflow efficiency, and enhanced process reliability. The webinar will culminate in a live 15-minute Q&A session, providing attendees with the opportunity to directly engage with the experts and gain valuable insights.

Meet Our Speakers

Manuel Delgado, Business Director at ValCUN

Manuel Delgado brings a decade of experience in both polymer and metal AM, with expertise spanning business development, commercial strategy, and global growth initiatives. At ValCUN, he is dedicated to bringing next-generation metal AM technologies to the forefront of the industry, driving innovation and adoption.

Olivier, AM Metal Team Lead at Sirris

Olivier has dedicated over 19 years to developing metal AM technologies at Sirris. His extensive background includes work on binder jetting, Selective Laser Melting (SLM), also known as Laser Beam Melting (LBM), and Electron Beam Melting (EBM). Currently, he leads the metal AM team, overseeing Sirris’s contributions in quality assurance and powder-related expertise.

Matthieu, Industrial Engineer at Sirris

Matthieu specializes in electromechanics, mechatronics, and energy, contributing his expertise to a range of AM technologies, including polymer SLS, large-format extrusion, and MMD. His focus areas include automation, materials development, and the implementation of Industry 4.0 principles, driving efficiency and innovation.

Register Now and Discover the Future of Aluminum AM

Are you eager to discover how aluminum AM can finally be simple, fast, and cost-effective for your real-world applications? This webinar session will provide you with the answers you need. Register for free today to secure your spot and join us for an insightful exploration of MMD technology and its potential to transform the manufacturing landscape. Learn from industry experts and gain valuable knowledge that can help you optimize your production processes and achieve greater efficiency. Register HERE.

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