• Researchers atRWTH Aachen Universityare investigating whether steel scrap can be transformed into certified, load-bearing construction components using 3D printing. • The BMWE-funded AddMamBa project focuses on producing optimized facade brackets from recycled steel powder via laser powder bed fusion (PBF-LB/M), aiming to reduce material consumption and improve circularity in the construction sector. • The research is led by the university’sChair Digital Additive Production(DAP) in collaboration withPaul Kamrath Ingenieurrückbau GmbH,RSB Rudolstädter Systembau GmbH, andLaser Melting Innovations GmbH. • The project is funded by theGerman Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energyunder the Lightweight Technology Transfer Program and managed byProject Management Jülich. • From steel scrap to PBF-LB/M-qualified powder AddMamBa examines whether recycled structural steel can meet the quality requirements for additive manufacturing of load-bearing facade connections. • Steel scrap is first sorted according to age, grade, and condition before being chemically analyzed.
Article Summaries:
- Researchers at RWTH Aachen University, supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, have demonstrated that recycled structural steel can be converted into certified, load‑bearing components for 3D printing. The AddMamBa project, funded under the Lightweight Technology Transfer Program, uses laser powder bed fusion (PBF‑LB/M) to produce optimized facade brackets from recycled steel powder. After sorting, chemical analysis, and gas atomization, about 60 % of the scrap is recovered as suitable powder (15-45 µm). Topology‑optimized brackets reduce mass and thermal bridging, and a digital planning tool helps users select compliant designs. Life‑cycle assessment shows that operational energy savings can offset higher manufacturing emissions, supporting circularity in construction.
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