NORDIC FOCUS
customers to 3D-print their unique designs in steel produced without fossil carbon dioxide emissions . The powder combines the properties of SSAB ’ s high-strength steel with the light structural possibilities of 3D-printing .
“ This is a game-changer in the world of 3Dprinted steel . SSAB has already proven it ’ s possible to produce steel without carbon dioxide emissions . Now we ’ re merging emission-free steel with powder technology to enable sustainable 3D-printed design with unlimited imagination ,” says Johnny Sjöström , EVP and Head of SSAB Special Steels .
The production of steel is a large source of CO 2 emissions when it comes to 3D-printing of steel products . By pulverising SSAB ’ s emission-free steel with fossil-free energy sources only , the carbon dioxide emissions from the steelmaking are reduced to virtually zero .
Last year , SSAB launched its first conventional steel powder to the market , SSAB AM Engineering , and now the portfolio is expanded with SSAB AM Tough Zero ® . SSAB will also be able to offer its unique fossil-free steel , based on HYBRIT technology , as a powder in limited volumes .
In 2020 , SSAB in Oxelösund invested in a steel powder production facility to produce premium advanced high-strength steel powder for additive manufacturing , also known as 3D-printing , as a complement to SSAB ’ s regular steel offering .
Steel powder is ideally suited for limited series of tailormade components or spare parts requiring high structural integrity and optimal functionality . It can be used in a wide variety of industries , from consumer goods to heavy machinery to automotive and more .
“ 3D-printing high-strength steel components will help reduce the amount of raw material used , and cut the weight and increase functionality of the final product . This is especially important for industries , such as automotives or heavy machinery , that are trying to save weight , increase performance , and reduce their CO 2 footprint ,” says Jesper Vang , Head of SSAB Powder Technology .
The product has a lot of potential in mining for 3D printing of parts and components . As an example in 2023 , Epiroc revealed a prototype hydraulic block for a rock drill in conventional steel powder and said it was exploring the possibility of using fossil-free powder .
To make powder , molten steel tailored for 3Dprinting is broken up by high pressurised atomisation gas , creating small spherical droplets which are solidified into powder . The steel powder is also produced using only fossilfree energy sources .
Volvo Autonomous Solutions steps up activity
In 2023 , Volvo Autonomous Solutions ( VAS ) achieved a major milestone with the removal of the safety driver in an active commercial mining operation at Brönnöy Kalk mine in Velfjord , Norway . The autonomous transport solution developed for Brönnöy Kalk consists of seven fully autonomous Volvo FH trucks and VAS ’ s inhouse developed virtual driver . Operating in challenging conditions that include steep inclination , extreme weather and long stretches of dark tunnels , the trucks haul limestone from the mine to the crusher .
“ A long-held vision is now a reality . Removing the safety driver in an active commercial transport operation in some of the world ’ s most challenging conditions is a major leap for the industry . With this milestone we are underlining VAS ’ s leadership in autonomous driving and paving the way for safer and more efficient future for the mining and quarrying industries ,” says Nils Jaeger , President of Volvo Autonomous Solutions .
“ This is a major step forward for us ,” says Raymond Langfjord , Managing Director of Brönnöy Kalk . “ We implemented autonomous trucks for several reasons – safety , efficiency and flexibility . With the removal of the safety driver we can now truly reap these benefits and increase our competitiveness in this tough industry .”
The solution implemented at Brönnöy Kalk has been in development since 2018 and VAS says represents not just a major breakthrough in technology but also provides exciting new business models . This is because rather than purchasing a truck or machine , Brönnöy Kalk is buying autonomous transport capacity from VAS .
“ While autonomy brings unprecedented benefits to the industry , incorporating new technologies into existing operations can be a daunting challenge for many customers . By providing a complete solution that encompasses everything from software to site infrastructure to training to operations , we are able to reduce complexity for customers like Brönnöy Kalk and enable them to be a part of the autonomous future ,” says Sven-Erik Gustafsson , Head of Solutions , Mining and Quarry at VAS .
The solution includes seven Volvo FH Trucks ,
Volvo Autonomous Solutions and Boliden have entered into a long-term collaboration
VAS in-house developed virtual driver for confined areas , infrastructure , training as well as a comprehensive repair and maintenance program . The wheel loader operator uses a touch screen in the wheel loader to call the trucks for loading and to manage the operation . The wheel loader operator uses a touch screen inside the wheel loader to call the trucks for loading and to manage the transport operation .
Elsewhere , Volvo Autonomous Solutions and Boliden have entered into a long-term collaboration that will see the pair take on various projects , the first of which will be the implementation of an autonomous transport and load solution for a dam project in Garpenberg , Sweden . The MoU also includes an agreement by VAS to deliver an autonomous transport solution that will move rock fill from an on-site quarry .
As a part of the implementation , VAS will deliver a complete autonomous transport solution that includes vehicles , hardware , software , control room , repair and maintenance , and training . The solution will be based on the OEM ’ s in-house developed virtual driver and the Volvo Trucks ’ premium truck range .
To prepare the site for the implementation of autonomous trucks , Boliden will adapt its operations and build the necessary infrastructure .
Nils Jaeger : “ Whether it is removing people from hazardous environments , 24 / 7 operations unencumbered by working hours or reducing emissions through better utilisation of resources and assets – autonomy offers several benefits that can help the mining and quarrying industries address its most pressing challenges . We are excited to partner with Boliden and support their journey towards a future where autonomous vehicles and humans work side by side to make Boliden ’ s operations safer , more efficient and sustainable .”
Mikael Staffas , President and CEO of Boliden , said : “ Autonomous solutions benefit both safety and productivity . The partnership with VAS is therefore of great strategic importance and we are of course delighted with the project in Garpenberg already underway . Demand for base metals will increase going forward and
58 International Mining | MAY 2024