A unique 3D printer for steel casting commissioned in Austria

Austria's largest steelmaker Voestalpine - Steel and Technology Group has launched Europe's most advanced 3D printer for heavy steel casting at its subsidiary in Traisen. New additive manufacturing technology for the production of complex castings using quartz sand shortens production times and is more environmentally friendly than the previous process.

Additive manufacturing has long been an established manufacturing method, especially in the aerospace, automotive and tooling industries, and medical technology. “In recent years, voestalpine has continuously expanded its activities in the field of metallurgical 3D printing. The new 3D printer in Traisen represents a key technological breakthrough in steel casting and will significantly increase our competitiveness in this area, ”said Herbert Eibensteiner, Chairman of the Management Board of voestalpine AG.

During operation, the 3D printer uses CAD data to directly manufacture sand molds into which liquid steel is poured. Sand forms are created by multiple layers of chemically bonded silica sand 300 micrometers thick.

The innovative manufacturing process is mainly used for the production of castings for the energy, automotive and rail industries. By eliminating the need for wooden models, integrated sand recycling and simplified logistics, 3D printing is also more sustainable and environmentally friendly than the process it replaces.