Key Takeaways
- Rosswag Engineering, qualloy und EPlus3D haben ein gemeinsam validiertes Metall-Pulver-Portfolio veröffentlicht, das 316L Edelstahl und 17-4PH Ausscheidungshärtungs-Stahl umfasst.
- Pulver wird in Deutschland gelagert mit einer Standard-Lieferzeit von 5 Tagen und kann direkt im Online-Shop von qualloy erworben werden.
- Die Validierung erfolgte am EPlus3D EP-M300 (Schichthöhe 50 µm) mit >99,9 % relativer Dichte bei 0,5 mm Wänden und 35° Überhängen.
- Die Partnerschaft, formalisiert durch ein MOU im April 2026, zielt auf eine vollständige End-to-End-Additive-Manufacturing-Tool-Chain ab – von der Pulverversorgung bis zur Prozessqualifizierung.
Overview of the New Powder Offering
Partnership Background
Im April 2026 unterzeichnete Rosswag Engineering, der deutsche Dienstleister und Prozess-Einstellungs-Spezialist, ein Memorandum of Understanding mit EPlus3D (dem Hardware-Hersteller) und qualloy (dem Material-Distributor). Das MOU legte eine Roadmap fest, um einen nahtlosen Metall-Additive-Manufacturing-Workflow zu schaffen, der Pulverbeschaffung, Maschinenoptimierung und Nachbearbeitungs-Validierung integriert.
What’s Now Available
The first validated batch consists of two industrial-grade powders:
| Powder | Typical Particle Size (d₅₀) | Certified Chemical Composition* | Standard Lead Time (Germany) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 316L Stainless Steel | 15-45 µm | Fe ≈ 70 %, Cr ≈ 17 %, Ni ≈ 12 %, Mo ≈ 2 % | 5 days |
| 17-4PH Stainless Steel | 15-45 µm | Fe ≈ 71 %, Cr ≈ 15 %, Ni ≈ 5 %, Cu ≈ 4 % | 5 days |
*Values conform to ASTM F3184 and AMS 5605 specifications.
Both powders are listed in the EPlus3D “Select” material catalogue and are sold through qualloy’s e-commerce platform, which aims to become a global hub for small-batch metal powders.
Validation Process
Roles of the Three Companies
| Company | Primary Responsibility | Key Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Rosswag Engineering | Material qualification | Developed build parameters, performed density and mechanical testing, generated process windows. |
| EPlus3D Germany | Test-build execution | Printed the test coupons on the EP-M300, monitored laser power, scan speed, and layer thickness. |
| qualloy | Distribution & sales | Hosts the online store, manages inventory, handles logistics to end users. |
Test Conditions
- Machine: EPlus3D EP-M300 (laser-powder-bed fusion)
- Layer thickness: 50 µm
- Geometry: 0.5 mm wall thickness, 35° overhangs (worst-case support scenario)
- Measured density: ≥ 99.9 % (relative to theoretical density) for both alloys
Mechanical testing (tensile, yield, elongation) was performed in accordance with ISO 6892-1. Results are summarised below.
Mechanical Properties (Validated)
| Property | 316L (validated) | 17-4PH (validated) |
|---|---|---|
| Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) | 620 MPa | 1 150 MPa |
| Yield Strength (0.2 % offset) | 380 MPa | 1 050 MPa |
| Elongation at Break | 45 % | 12 % |
| Hardness (HV10) | 190 | 380 |
| Relative Density | 99.92 % | 99.95 % |
All values are averages of three coupons; standard deviation ≤ 2 %.
Why This Matters for Metal AM
- Speed to market – A 5-day lead time from order to powder delivery shortens prototyping cycles.
- Process certainty – Validated parameters eliminate the trial-and-error phase that typically adds weeks to a project.
- Global accessibility – qualloy’s e-store supports international shipping, making small-batch runs feasible for R&D labs and low-volume manufacturers.
Comparison with Conventional Powder Suppliers
| Metric | Rosswag/qualloy/EPlus3D | Typical Large-Scale Suppliers (e.g., Avimetal, CNPC) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum order size | 0.5 kg (small-batch) | 5 kg – 25 kg |
| Lead time (Germany) | 5 days | 14-21 days |
| Validation level | Full build-parameter qualification + >99.9 % density | Often only material certification; process qualification left to the user |
| Pricing (USD/kg) | $120 – $150 (incl. validation) | $100 – $130 (raw powder only) |
Bottom Line
The joint effort by Rosswag Engineering, qualloy, and EPlus3D delivers a ready-to-print, fully qualified metal-powder portfolio that bridges a critical gap between material supply and machine optimisation. By offering 316L and 17-4PH powders with proven >99.9 % density, documented mechanical performance, and a rapid 5-day German lead time, the trio empowers manufacturers to accelerate low-volume production and R&D without the usual material-qualification bottlenecks. As additional alloys roll out in the EPlus3D “Select” range, this partnership is
