Metal additive manufacturing (AM) parts and materials manufacturer GKN Additive is expanding production of water atomized AM powders at its facility in Buzau, Romania through its business segment GKN Additive Materials to meet increased demand from additive manufacturing firms in Europe, the company announced Wednesday. 

“GKN Additive Materials’ goal is to supply various grades of AM materials to customers in Europe in a timely manner while focusing on water atomized low alloy steels powders to help our customers grow the market for AM produced parts,” the company said in the release. 

Initial production trials for the water atomized AM powders were recently completed at the Buzau plant, including test runs of ANCOR AM 4600 and ANCOR AM DP600 low alloy steel powders used in automotive and structural applications. The company said the two materials are being evaluated by the European research groups SUPREME and IDAM and several North American clients. 

GKN Additive is also preparing to improve its distribution of metal AM powders in Europe. In order to increase access to metal AM powders for customers in Europe, the firm is stockpiling standard AM powders like 316L, 17-4PH and 20MnCr5 at a facility in Hueckeswagen, Germany. The site will also warehouse custom materials developed by GKN Additive customers that can be shipped as needed. 

The company manufactures 300,000 tn/yr of metal powders at plants in Gallatin, TN, Bazhou, China, and Buzau, Romania. 

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