Luxemburg-based
ArcelorMittal, a multi-national steel manufacturing corporation, has expanded its use of 3-D printing with the installation of a
Stratasys F37 3-D printer within its research centre based in Maizières-lès-Metz, France. The system enables the steel maker to create complex tooling, jigs, fixtures, and functional prototypes that significantly reduced lead times while offering enhanced design flexibility — benefits previously ‘unattainable with traditional methods of machining’.
ArcelorMittal Maizières-lès-Metz says that using the Stratasys F370 printer and GrabCAD Print software, it can validate part shapes and measurements before going into final production, adding that 3-D printing prototypes of a part designed to be produced in aluminium can be done in under three hours with polymer additive manufacturing (AM) — and at a fraction of the cost. “A single 3-D print validation run can cost less than 200 euros, whereas part validation would have cost ArcelorMittal nearly 2,000 euros — per part.”
Louis Wolfer from ArcelorMittal Maizières Research added: “By integrating Stratasys solutions, ArcelorMittal Maizières Research has expanded its capacity to produce custom parts with enhanced lead times and agility. The flexibility of 3-D printing allows for quicker iterations and testing, reducing risk and reliance on traditional supply chains and ensuring continuous operational and cost efficiency.”
Accurate and repeatable 3-D printingHe continued: “Moreover, the Stratasys F370 printer offers a versatile selection of materials, including carbon fibre, thermoplastic polyurethane, and other engineering-grade thermoplastics. It combines fast and easy material swaps, a generous build volume, with dependable results, delivering accurate and repeatable 3-D printing suitable for both office and factory floor environments.”
Seido Systèmes, a key partner, has supported ArcelorMittal Maizières Research to further expand its AM uses, and will soon work with ArcelorMittal to integrate the Stratasys Origin DLP 3-D printer it recently acquired. This will enable them to work with a variety of resins with further mechanical performance and high-quality surface finish for more industrial applications.
Andreas Langfeld, Stratasys president (EMEA and APAC), concluded: “Our relationship with ArcelorMittal is a great example of how AM is finding its place on the factory floor. By adopting its solutions, ArcelorMittal is unlocking new use cases, streamlining production, and achieving the speed and precision required for modern manufacturing. Working alongside Seido, we continue to demonstrate the value that AM brings to industrial customers.”