The Swedish group Sandvik is adjusting its strategy in the field of additive manufacturing. In future, the company wants to focus more on the development and production of metal powders for 3D printing. This reorientation is accompanied by a number of structural changes.
Sandvik is planning to sell its minority stake in the Italian 3D printing service provider BEAMIT. The company is also divesting the engineer-to-order business of DWFritz Automation. These measures will result in charges of around 390 million Swedish kronor (SEK) in the third quarter, of which around SEK 140 million is attributable to the amortisation of the BEAMIT stake.
The decision is in line with the new direction of Sandvik Manufacturing Solutions. This business area will increasingly focus on software solutions and software-enabling hardware solutions to automate and optimise manufacturing processes.
Sandvik has been active in the field of metal powder solutions for additive manufacturing for over two decades. Since 2013, the company has invested significantly in various 3D printing technologies. During this time, Sandvik has developed innovative materials such as Osprey 2507 super-duplex stainless steel and patented processes for 3D-printed carbides and even diamonds.
As part of its focus on materials for additive manufacturing, Sandvik presents the new Osprey HWTS 50, a lean-alloyed hot work tool steel powder specially developed for improved printability in the laser powder bed fusion process. It is designed to address challenges in the production of hot work tools such as hot forming tools, extrusion and injection moulds as well as die casting tools.
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