SESAM: Major research breakthroughs in Additive Manufacturing with laser and wire

In the SESAM project, researchers together with five industrial partners have achieved significant advances in the development of additive manufacturing with laser and wire. The process has become sufficiently fast and robust for one of the companies, Alfa Laval, to move forward and prepare for manufacturing of large components in stainless steel.

Forskarteamet i projektet SESAM

The research team behind the SESAM project, which involves Alfa Laval, Adaxis, Procada, Voestalpine Böhler Welding and EIT Manufacturing North. Photo: University West.

When the results of the SESAM research project were presented in March 2026, a large cylindrical stainless steel component was showcased, built in a demonstrator at the Production Technology Centre in Trollhättan. The cylinder measured approximately 80 cm in diameter, half a metre in height, and weighed 200 kg.

The tests demonstrated high deposition rates and good material quality, showing that the process is mature enough to be scaled up for full industrial production of large components.

Collaboration a key factor

Within the research project, researchers at University West have worked in close collaboration with five industrial partners, all contributing expertise in their respective fields:

Alfa Laval’s staff participated in process development and continuously monitored the material quality of the manufactured components.
Procada and Adaxis contributed with technology development and system expertise.
Voestalpine Böhler Welding provided expertise in welding wire and contributed to material analysis and development.
EIT Manufacturing North has disseminated—and will continue to disseminate—the project’s results and lessons learned through its extensive international network.

A process with many advantages

Additive manufacturing is seen as a key component of the next generation of industrial production, where sustainability requirements are high. The technology offers several benefits, including more efficient material use, lower energy consumption, and shorter lead times compared to traditional manufacturing methods such as forging, which require extensive subtractive machining.

SESAM (Sustainable Steel Additive Manufacturing) builds on the previously completed research project SAMw (Synergy for Additive Manufacturing using laser beam heat source and wire).

Summeringsbild för projektet Sesam