The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) can now provide the local additive manufacturing (AM – popularly called 3D printing) sector with 316L stainless steel powder on a pilot scale. This powder has the particle size, density and flowability required for use in powder bed fusion AM systems. Hitherto, powders of this quality had to be imported.

“Our aim has been to create a sustainable local supply of high-quality stainless-steel powder, which currently has significant demand in the additive manufacturing space,” explains CSIR Powder Metallurgy Technologies research group leader Dr Miemie Maminza. “Utilising our capabilities and expertise, we believe we can contribute to the establishment of locally produced powder to grow the AM industry. We are excited about the potential this holds for driving industrial growth and localisation.”

The powder is being produced using a recently commissioned ultrasonic atomiser machine. This has been part-funded by the National Research Foundation (an agency of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation [DSTI]). This machine can produce a range of metal powders from both reactive and nonreactive materials.

“After reviewing the report on the initial batch production of 316L stainless steel powder produced by the CSIR, [local metal-focused AM manufacturer] Metal Heart has found the quality of this domestic powder to align with that of internationally sourced materials,” reports Metal Heart director Gerrie Lombaard. “The powder meets standards in aspects such as oxygen content, density, particle size and morphology. Therefore, Metal Heart is confident in using this powder for their production processes, anticipating no compromise in quality.”

The CSIR has already used its in-house produced 316L stainless steel powder to successfully make valuable prototype industrial tools. These were manufactured using local company Additiv Solutions’ Hyrax metal AM machines.

“By manufacturing our own metal powders and developing printers, we are fostering an ecosystem where innovation breeds economic empowerment; advancing in technology, supporting local businesses, and creating job opportunities,” highlights CSIR AM principal researcher Dr Ntombi Mathe. “This approach leads to a cycle of positive economic growth and development.”  

This initiative is part of a wider programme, being pursued by the DSTI, to strengthen and develop the South African AM sector, in all its dimensions. This includes localisation of the design and manufacture of AM machines, and of their feedstocks, as well as the use of AM to make products.