Höganäs reports that it has expanded its powder production capabilities with the opening of a vacuum induction gas atomizer (VIGA) plant in Laufenburg, Germany.
Plans are for the plant to produce metal powders for additive manufacturing following increase demand in the energy, medical and aerospace markets.
‘The individual production of high-end components for critical applications is growing rapidly,’ said Human Gherekhloo, manager of applied technology at the plant. ‘This not only requires stable production processes, but also places ever increasing demands on the physical and chemical properties of the raw material.’
Höganäs says that it has also focused on improving workplace conditions at the site. ‘Product quality and workplace quality go hand in hand,’ said production manager Daniel Reimann. ‘So, it was important to come up with a solution for the design of workplaces where staff feel comfortable and can concentrate on their tasks. For instance, this includes consideration of the fact that it is more pleasant for staff to monitor the melting and atomization process from an air-conditioned control room rather than standing near the intense heat of the crucible.’
The company says that it plans to expand the Laufenburg plant further in future.
This story uses material from Höganäs, with editorial changes made by Materials Today. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of Elsevier.
