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Last updated: 17 May 2021

Scientists at our Critical Minerals and Technology Centre in Sorel-Tracy, Canada, have developed a new kind of steel powder for 3D printing.

It’s called water atomised steel powder, and it’s made by spraying liquid metal through a special nozzle at high pressure, transforming it into tiny particles – much smaller than a grain of sand. The metal powder delivers mechanical properties superior to conventional metal manufacturing techniques – from the shapes you can create to a lighter-weight finished product – and can be used across many industries.

And because it’s made using North America’s largest water atomiser, we can make the powder at the volume needed for industrial use.

Now the team are working on a range of other powders with specialist properties to support customers’ different 3D printing needs.

Here are some of the benefits of 3D printing using metal powders like ours:

You can make quality metal parts, quickly and reliably.

If you are based in a remote location and need a spare part, with a 3D printer and the right powder, you can make any parts you need on-site.

You can be your own supply chain.

Printing your own part is much quicker – and more sustainable – than ordering it from a supplier and waiting for it to be shipped. In many cases you may not be able to order just one part, and so then you need to store the extra parts in a warehouse. That costs time and money.

Less waste.

3D printing is an additive process, meaning it builds things by adding layer upon layer of material until it’s completed. So, you only ever use what you need. Conventional manufacturing techniques – like machining, where parts are cut out – leave leftover metal.

You have full design freedom.

Because you’re printing it yourself, you can make the part exactly as you need it. You’re able to create prototypes quickly, without first manufacturing multiple moulds. And you can print complex and intricate designs – even with moving parts – in one go, with no assembly needed.