3D printing is revolutionising manufacturing processes with its ability to create lightweight, custom-designed parts on demand, making it a key technology for industries like aerospace and automotive. With the market projected to expand at an impressive annual rate of nearly 19% through 2030[1], 3D printing is poised to play a central role in the future of these industries.

However, 3D printing relies on high-quality metal powders, which presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Europe. The continent’s reliance on imported raw materials creates vulnerabilities in securing a stable supply, especially as global demand for critical raw materials continues to rise.

Advanced materials offer a way forward by substituting at-risk raw materials - improving product performance, reducing weight and enhancing energy efficiency while strengthening Europe’s supply chain resilience, and maintaining its competitive edge.

AM 4 AM is a startup addressing these challenges by enhancing the performance of metal powders for additive manufacturing while prioritising the development of a European supply chain.

A triple threat in additive manufacturing

Short for Advanced Materials for Additive Manufacturing, Luxembourg-based startup AM 4 AM has developed a new cold plasma technology that enhances conventional metal powders, making them stronger and more adaptable. Their eco-friendly process uses only 2 kW of energy per hour and operates solely on nitrogen gas, removing the need for harmful chemicals.

AM 4 AM’s patented atmospheric cold plasma treatment evenly distributes ceramic particles on the surface of metallic powders, significantly improving their properties and processability. This creates a dense, crack-free microstructure that enhances durability and reliability, making it ideal for applications in the automotive, aerospace, and space industries.

Using this technology, the company has created HiperAl - an advanced aluminium alloy specifically designed for additive manufacturing. HiperAl delivers outstanding mechanical performance, surpassing both wrought components and parts made with traditional powders, especially under high temperatures. It also supports industrial-scale applications and offers weight reductions of up to 70%.

Currently, AM 4 AM is focused on producing aluminium alloys, which are in high demand across Europe. Unlike traditional alloys that rely on scandium - primarily sourced from regions like Russia, China, and Kazakhstan - AM 4 AM’s alloys use zirconium, a material that can be sourced from recycled nuclear waste within Europe.

Beyond its technical and environmental capabilities, AM 4 AM also supports the European critical raw materials supply chain. By sourcing and manufacturing regionally, the company is clear evidence of European policy in action, helping startups in the sector set up sustainable and responsible operations.

“I believe it’s crucial to deeply understand and analyse the origins of the materials we use - their roots, how and where they are produced, and the impact of transporting them,” says Maxime Delmée, AM 4 AM’s CEO and Founder. “The time of launching products without considering where materials come from is over. For any entrepreneur entering the raw materials space, I’d say: start by understanding where your supply chain starts.”

Attracting customers with high-quality products

Backed by EIT RawMaterials, AM 4 AM recently raised €1.3 million in seed funding to fuel its next phase of growth. The funding will support the launch of a state-of-the-art production facility in Luxembourg, set to open by early 2025, and allow the company to bring an experienced business developer on board.

The new facility will expand the production capacity of its enhanced metal powders and accelerate the development of high-quality materials to meet the high standards of customers in the aerospace and automotive industries.

“With the platform we have now and the factory we’re building, we’ll be able to speed up the process of getting new products to market. Our target customers need very high-quality products and that is what we are focused on delivering, as fast as possible,” says Maxime.