South Africa’s Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has successfully produced [1] 316L stainless-steel powder using a newly commissioned ultrasonic atomizer machine, marking a significant step toward localizing additive manufacturing (AM) materials. The machine, co-funded by the National Research Foundation (NRF), enables CSIR to provide high-quality metal powders tailored for powder bed fusion techniques, reducing South Africa’s reliance on imports.
The ultrasonic atomizer is designed to manufacture powders from both reactive and nonreactive materials, ensuring optimal particle size, flowability, and density for industrial applications. CSIR researchers meticulously characterized the powder using advanced analytical methods to maintain consistency and quality.
“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,” said Dr. Miemie Maminza, head of CSIR’s Powder Metallurgy Technologies research group. “Utilizing our capabilities and expertise, we believe we can contribute to the establishment of locally produced powder to grow the AM industry.”
CSIR has already leveraged its locally atomized powder to 3D print prototype tools for industrial use. The prototypes were manufactured using Hyrax, a system developed by Aditiv Solutions, a South African company specializing in AM technologies.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the development, with Metal Heart, a local AM manufacturer, confirming that CSIR’s 316L stainless-steel powder meets international standards in oxygen content, density, particle size, and morphology. “The powder aligns with globally sourced materials, ensuring no compromise in quality for our production processes,” said Gerrie Lombaard, Director of Metal Heart.
This initiative is part of South Africa’s broader strategy to drive localization, reduce import dependency, and enhance technological capabilities in advanced manufacturing. The Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI) has invested in expanding the AM value chain, including design for additive manufacturing (DFAM), machine development, and post-processing advancements.
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[1] South Africa’s CSIR delivers locally produced metal AM powder https://www.voxelmatters.com/south-africas-csir-delivers-locally-produced-metal-am-powder/