Outokumpu Selects Powder Automatization Plant from SMS Group for 3D Metal Printing
Outokumpu has selected SMS group to supply an atomization plant for the production of high-quality stainless steel powder used in additive manufacturing. This is the first ever facility SMS group is going to supply under a Subscription contract. While this agreement is new territory for both companies, it will pave the way for a long-term cooperation between the two partners. Subscription is a business model under which SMS group will remain the owner of the powder atomization plant, while Outokumpu, as operator of the plant, will pay SMS group pro rata of the quantity of stainless steel powder produced. The atomization plant, scheduled to become operational in early 2022, will be designed for an annual production of up to 330 tons of stainless steel powder.
SMS group’s scope of supply will comprise the powder atomization plant complete with the grading equipment, spare parts service over the duration of the contract, and digital solutions. The powder atomization plant, which SMS is going to supply, includes the induction melter, the atomizer, two cyclones and filter elements. It will be designed for the complete process to take place in an inert atmosphere. This enables temperature measurements, sample taking and material feeding to be performed without causing any atmospheric variations. The atomizing nozzle is arranged below the distributor, which contains the molten metal. The metal runs through the nozzle, undergoing atomization in the atomization tower by means of inert gas. From there the resulting powder is conveyed, still under inert conditions, to the cyclone unit, separated from the inert gas and collected in containers. Then the metal powder, in its finished condition, is screened and graded.
The atomization plant will be designed to atomize powders of stainless steels, maraging steels, special steels, superalloys, nickel-based alloys, cobalt-chromium alloys and alloys on copper basis, among others.
As feed stock, lumpy material (such as metal scrap, virgin metal and master alloys) or non-specified powder (in fine and coarse fractions) can be used.
SMS digital, a company of SMS group, is going to supply the Smart Alarm system, which assures quick and straight-forward responses to alarms triggered in production plants. Thanks to intelligent priority scheduling and the direct linking of solution messages, the system supports the operator in increasing plant availability and enhancing the understanding of how the system works by sending out automated notifications.
Source : STRATEGIC RESEARCH INSTITUTE