The ideal feedstock for AM manufacturing
Our spherical metal powder portfolio which includes stainless steel powder and nickel alloys can be used to manufacture various parts in different PM technologies such as Additive Manufacturing (AM), Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP), or Metal Injection Moulding (MIM).
The demand for metal powders is on the rise with the rapid growth of AM in recent times. Our metal powders are an important feedstock for the AM industry and can be used to increase the complexity of produced parts, reduce their weight, decrease lead times, and avoid supply chain disruptions.
Outokumpu metal powders are also perfectly suited to meet the needs of high-performance applications in industries such as aerospace, oil and gas, healthcare, and automotive.
Specialized production processes for perfectly customized powders
Our powder production plant uses Vacuum Induction/Inert Gas Atomization (VIGA) technology to generate highly spherical metal powders in a range between 0-300 µm. With low levels of particulate matter and high sphericality, the powders offer good flowability, making them a quality raw material for production. The size of the grain can be customized to accurately match MIM, AM, and HIP applications.

Sustainable raw materials: Our plant where we produce and pack our powders is in Krefeld, Germany, near Outokumpu’s flat product finishing line from where also get our scrap raw material — making our process sustainable.
Efficient melting processes: The metal is melted under vacuum conditions to avoid possible oxygen contamination. Important parameters of the process including the temperature, pressure, and vacuum conditions are carefully measured and controlled to ensure the right composition.
Customized specialties: The produced powder in the collections bins is sieved into different fractions by a mechanical sieving machine and air classifier to target different powder metallurgy technologies. We offer unique specialty powders that are not available in the market that can meet the demands of high performance applications.
Crucible furnace: The ability to make smaller batches allows us to work with our customers to develop and customize new alloys.
Nitrogen & argon atomization gas: Based on the customers’ needs, we have the flexibility to choose between nitrogen or argon gas to ensure the most desired output.
Anti-satellite system: Argon or nitrogen is recirculated into the atomization tower to push the small metal droplets to the bottom of the atomization tower and minimize the formation of satellites in the solidifying particles. This significantly increases the morphology and quality of the powder for AM technologies.
Fully equipped laboratory: All powder characterization techniques are included in our laboratories from density measurement and flowability to chemical analysis to provide our customers with the highest powder quality.