As metal 3D printing gradually enters the mainstream, more and more traditional enterprises are entering its basic industry - the materials industry. For example, the famous Swiss company Oerlikon has developed various materials that can be used for metal 3D printing, including cobalt alloy, nickel (super) alloy, non hardening stainless steel, high-strength stainless steel, etc.

    Now, this company has taken a new move - to meet the growing demand for materials in metal 3D printing, they have officially announced the construction of an advanced materials factory in Michigan, USA, for the development and production of a wider range of industrial grade metal materials.

    It is understood that this new factory is expected to officially start operation by the end of 2017, and the investment in the first phase alone will reach 50 million US dollars (approximately 340 million yuan)! It will mainly produce titanium alloys and other metal materials, while exploring more alloy materials based on metals such as titanium, nickel, copper, cobalt, etc. It will also try to produce customized powder materials in small batches.