Key Takeaways
- Rosswag Engineering, qualloy, and EPlus3D have released a jointly‑validated metal‑powder portfolio covering 316L stainless steel and 17‑4PH precipitation‑hardening steel.
- Powders are stocked in Germany with a standard 5‑day lead time and can be purchased directly from qualloy’s online store.
- Validation was performed on the EPlus3D EP‑M300 (50 µm layer height) achieving >99.9 % relative density on 0.5 mm walls and 35° overhangs.
- The partnership, formalised by an MOU in April 2026, targets a complete end‑to‑end additive‑manufacturing tool chain—from powder supply to process qualification.
Overview of the New Powder Offering
Partnership Background
In April 2026 Rosswag Engineering, the German service‑provider and process‑settings specialist, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with EPlus3D (the hardware manufacturer) and qualloy (the material distributor). The MOU set out a roadmap to create a seamless metal‑additive‑manufacturing workflow that integrates powder sourcing, machine optimisation, and post‑process validation.
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
