TheSteelPrinters adds four EOS M400-4 to centralize AM production

TheSteelPrinters, a joint venture between two global steel giants – ArcelorMittal and Frankstahl –  is centralizing 3D printing production in its Asturias location, introducing four high-capacity EOS M400-4 machines at the headquarters to boost productivity, expedite delivery, and elevate customer service.

ArcelorMittal and Frankstahl are both companies active in the heavy industry sector and committed to finding innovative ways to serve their customers. To realize the future potential of additive manufacturing for the production of critical spare parts, the joint venture was formed and in 2018 TheSteelPrinters was born.

Arcelor Mittal also went one step further this past November by launching its new metal powders division. The company installed an industrial-scale inert gas atomizer in Aviles, Spain, to produce steel powders for AM technologies such as laser powder bed fusion, binder jetting, and direct energy deposition, under the AdamIQ brand.

The addition of the four production-level PBF systems from market leader EOS marks a significant step as it not only optimizes production processes but also distinctly reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and excellence.

After multiple years of supporting ArcelorMittal maintenance operations, enabling improvements in production reliability and supply chain performance, TheSteelPrinters has grown its abilities to serve other customers and industries.

The company initially implemented a global vision that began with a localized production effort. This localized manufacturing model has now been transformed into a more centralized model to boost productivity and scale material consumption by orders of magnitude, which is ultimately what Arcelor Mittal intends to achieve.

TheSteelPrinters is made up primarily of 3D printing enthusiasts, who are passionate about sharing this game-changing technology with the world. The team has in-depth knowledge of heavy industry applications, with engineers that come from heavy industry sectors, including steel, oil & gas and power generation sectors, and therefore understand the technical challenges adopting companies face.

The goal is to offer bespoke solutions, working closely with customers to produce prototypes and finished parts that are optimized for specific application requirements. As of a few months ago, the company had already delivered over 1,500 print jobs completed, over 600 design optimization projects, with 90% average reductions In delivery lead-time and a 70% average improvement Iin reliability