3D printing materials producer Sandvik Additive Manufacturing is installing two new atomization towers at its Neath, UK production facility to increase its capacity for metal additive manufacturing (AM) powders, according to a company release issued Thursday.

“By installing these new atomization towers – one of which is already fully operational and quality assured, while the other is under construction – we bring our total tower count to twelve, and thereby significantly increase our ability to produce even larger quantities of premium metal powders,” said Annika Roos, business unit manager of Sandvik’s metal powder business, in a statement.

Sandvik atomizes its metal powders in-house and customized to meet clients’ specifications and needs. The company supplies additive manufacturing materials made from titanium, stainless steels, nickel-based super alloys, duplex- and super-duplex steels, aluminum, copper, and other metals.

“From our own AM service business, we have first-hand experience of printing in a wide range of materials for additive manufacturing – from tool steels and duplex steels to titanium and super alloys for high-temperature applications – and understand the importance of using premium raw materials in order to obtain an optimal end result,” Roos said. “Gearing up our manufacturing capacity means we are now even better positioned to meet the increased demand in terms of metal powders for AM.”

The firm’s powder production plant in Neath has received a number of certifications, including ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 50001, ISO 9001, and AS9100D.

Powder & Bulk Solids reported in September 2020 that Sandvik’s titanium metal powders plant in Sandviken, Sweden and its Osprey brand of titanium powders obtained ISO 13485:2016 medical certification, enabling the company to use the material in additive manufacturing of medical products.