Outokumpu and MT Aerospace have jointly developed a modified 316L stainless steel powder specifically designed for aerospace applications. The cooperation demonstrates how vertical collaboration between a materials producer and a manufacturing specialist can achieve new performance levels in metal powder technology.
The collaboration was initiated after MT Aerospace encountered limitations with commercially available 316L powders in achieving the targeted mechanical properties. Outokumpu responded by launching a cross-functional initiative between its Metal Powder Team and its R&D departments. The product development project "Modified 316L powder for aerospace [1157]" was carried out at Outokumpu's metal powder Research Center in Krefeld. The focus was on precise chemical adjustments within the ASTM F3184 standard as well as optimisation of process parameters in powder production.
The result is a modified variant of 316L powder that enables MT Aerospace to achieve the desired mechanical properties in components produced by laser powder bed fusion, meeting the precision and performance requirements of the aerospace industry. To demonstrate the readiness of the jointly developed metal powder concept, Outokumpu supplied the powder to MT Aerospace for a particularly complex component: a 3D-printed heat exchanger for the aviation industry.
Shortened Innovation Cycles Through Close Cooperation
"The collaboration with Outokumpu helped us to significantly shorten the innovation cycles from powder selection to the finished printed component," said Robert Bonné, AM Sales Manager at MT Aerospace. "3D printing with metal powder supports the reliability of complex geometries. Outokumpu's profound metallurgical materials expertise combined with our know-how in additive manufacturing and aerospace engineering has led to practical solutions that strengthen tailored performance and durability for next-generation precision-manufactured aerospace components."
"Our collaboration with MT Aerospace embodies the results-oriented Outokumpu approach of bringing ecosystem partners together to drive ambitious innovation management, vertical cooperation and consistent customer orientation towards new solutions," said Marten Franz, Head of Metal Powders at Outokumpu. "By carefully analysing our customers' technical challenges and contributing our metallurgical expertise, we were able to jointly develop stainless steel powder solutions that deliver measurable performance improvements while also bringing the aspect of sustainability into additive manufacturing."
Expansion to Therma-253-MA and Nickel-Based Alloys
The partnership has since expanded beyond the development of the 316L powder. Outokumpu has validated the printing characteristics and performance of the Therma-253-MA stainless steel powder together with MT Aerospace – a resource-efficient, cost-effective stainless steel alloy developed by Outokumpu as an alternative to nickel-based materials for high-temperature applications. As a proof of concept, a prototype heat exchanger was manufactured from Therma-253-MA powder. The result illustrates the alloy's potential in terms of lightweight construction, robustness and temperature resistance – attributes required to meet the stringent specifications for aerospace components.
Outokumpu's metal powder portfolio – including nitrogen-atomised Supra 316L powder and Therma-253-MA powder – offers resource-efficient and cost-effective solutions optimised for additive manufacturing. Supra 316L powder achieves higher strength compared to argon-atomised grades while maintaining ductility, whereas Therma-253-MA powder represents a sustainable alternative to nickel-based alloys in demanding thermal environments. By using recycled scrap as a primary raw material, Outokumpu supports its customers in achieving their decarbonisation and circular economy goals.
Building on the successes of the modified 316L and Therma-253-MA metal powders, Outokumpu will expand its powder portfolio to include nickel-based alloys such as Alloy 718 – once again in the development phase together with MT Aerospace.
Joint Appearance at the rapid.tech 3D Congress
Outokumpu and MT Aerospace will be present at the rapid.tech 3D Congress from 5 to 7 May 2026 in Erfurt. Robert Bonné (MT Aerospace) and Andoni Sanchez-Valverde (Outokumpu) will jointly present their co-engineering results and deliver a talk entitled "The significance of developing powders for Additive Manufacturing (AM) market, illustrated with several real world examples," outlining the importance of powder development for the AM market using several practical case studies.
