Outokumpu, a leader in sustainable stainless steel, expanded into the metal powder market for additive manufacturing in 2023. As of May 2025, the company has entered the commercial production phase for the aerospace and aviation sectors, delivering the first batch of a new stainless steel powder grade for a specialized 3D printing application.
Co-developed for a heat exchange component, the powder is a high-performance austenitic stainless steel refined with specific alloy additives. It offers an alternative to nickel-based alloys in demanding applications, addressing industry needs for low-volume production and faster development cycles.
Beyond aerospace, Outokumpu aims to develop new powder grades for a range of sectors. The company sees additive manufacturing as key to the green transition and is working to build a broader ecosystem that fosters cross-industry collaboration and supports circularity in advanced manufacturing.