SSAB has commissioned SMS group to build a gas atomization plant for the production of metal powder for additive manufacturing

• The new plant will enable industrial-scale, high-quality metal powder output to meet growing market demand
• Advanced melting and atomization technology helps to produce clean, spherical powders suitable for reliable 3D printing
• The project marks a further milestone in the long-term partnership between SSAB and SMS group

SSAB, an advanced high-strength steel producer, has awarded SMS group a contract for a new gas atomization plant at its Oxelösund site in Sweden. This strategic investment allows SSAB to meet the rising global demand for high-strength powders and to scale up the production of SSAB’s high-performance metal powder developed for 3D-printing, such as SSAB AM Engineering’s steel powder. The project marks a significant expansion of the long-standing partnership between SSAB and SMS group, following recent major contracts for cold rolling and electric arc furnace technology. 

The atomization plant was designed by SMS to minimize particle collisions within the atomization process through targeted gas recirculation. This reduces the formation of undesirable particle morphologies. Combined with the advanced induction furnace, inert gas atomization, and sophisticated powder handling, the system enables the production of high-quality powders with precise chemical compositions.

“With this powder atomization plant, we will be able to provide the market with advanced high-strength steel powders at industrial scale, specifically tailored for the demanding requirements of additive manufacturing,” says Jesper Vang, Head of Powder Technology at SSAB. 

“We are proud to support our long-term partner SSAB in this milestone project. By integrating our furnace technology and atomization expertise, we provide a solution that ensures maximum productivity and a reproducible, high-purity product quality,” says Farhad Mostaghimi, Sales Manager at SMS group. 

This project highlights the increasing sophistication of the partnership between SSAB and SMS. By mastering the complete process chain—from melting and atomization to grading—SSAB can now serve high-end industries such as defense, industrial, and mobility with specialized materials. The SMS plant does not only secure a competitive edge for SSAB in a rapidly growing market but also sets new standards for the industrial-scale production of high-performance metal powders.