SBO Expands Metal AM Capacity in US and UK; Continuum Powders Partners with Mastrex
SBO AG is significantly increasing its metal additive manufacturing capacity in the US and UK with new printers and expanded facilities, while Continuum Powders and Mastrex are collaborating to optimize metal powder processes for LPBF systems.
SBO AG, a manufacturer of high-alloy steels and precision components, is bolstering its metal additive manufacturing (AM) capabilities in both the United States and the United Kingdom. In the second quarter of 2026, the company integrated a Velo3D Sapphire XC 3D printer into its US operations and added two Renishaw 500Q 3D printers for processing titanium and Inconel alloys. Further expansion in the US includes the forthcoming delivery of two more Sapphire XC systems in the third quarter, alongside a 50% increase in its Houston AM facility's footprint to over 2,100 square meters. This strategic expansion is projected to support SBO's growth from approximately $1.5 billion in 2025 to $4.8 billion by 2030.
In Europe, SBO's subsidiary, 3T Additive Manufacturing Limited, has been recognized as "Tech SME of the Year" at the 2026 Thames Valley Tech & Innovation Awards. Complementing this accolade, 3T has introduced an additional EOS M400 printer to its fleet, with a second unit scheduled for delivery by the end of the third quarter. These combined efforts in the US and UK are integral to SBO's strategy of diversifying its presence within the AM market, targeting growth sectors such as space, aerospace, defense, and semiconductors.
High-performance metal powder specialist Continuum Powders and laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) manufacturer Mastrex have established a partnership aimed at optimizing metal AM processes. The collaboration will initially focus on Continuum's powders for Ti-6Al-4V, 17-4 stainless steel, and cobalt chrome. The two companies will work together to develop refined process parameters for Continuum's sustainable metal powders and validate their performance across Mastrex's MX series printers, ensuring consistent and repeatable results. This initiative includes detailed assessments of powder behavior, build stability, processing conditions, and material performance, with plans to incorporate additional materials like copper-nickel alloys and nickel-based superalloys in the future.
SBO's significant capacity expansion underscores the growing demand for metal AM in high-value sectors like aerospace and defense, aligning with industry trends towards on-demand production. The Continuum Powders and Mastrex partnership addresses a critical bottleneck: material and process qualification, aiming to streamline adoption and enhance confidence in AM solutions, which is vital for broader industrial integration.
Edited by the news editor with AI from the original report — please refer to the original source.