#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.