A new European industrial research initiative, SUMMSEED, has been launched with the objective of developing sustainable, cost-efficient steel solutions for mining and heavy industry applications. Supported by the Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS), the project focuses on creating medium manganese steels designed for both conventional casting and advanced remanufacturing using wire-based metal additive manufacturing.
The initiative brings together academic institutions, technology providers and industrial partners to build an integrated framework that spans alloy design, raw material production, manufacturing processes and real-world validation. The goal is to deliver steel solutions that meet industrial performance requirements while reducing environmental impact and reliance on critical raw materials.
SUMMSEED, which stands for Sustainable Medium Manganese Steels for cost-efficient applications in heavy industries, is working to develop new steel compositions that combine strength, toughness and wear resistance. These materials are expected to perform effectively in demanding environments such as mining operations, particularly under low to medium load conditions where durability and cost efficiency are essential.
A key feature of the project is the use of directed energy deposition (DED) with laser-wire technology, a form of metal additive manufacturing that enables the creation and repair of components layer by layer. This approach supports circular manufacturing by extending the lifespan of high-value industrial parts and reducing material waste.
The project is coordinated by the Technical University of Catalonia – BarcelonaTech and involves a consortium of partners across the value chain. These include industrial companies such as Sandvik, a manufacturer of mining equipment; Sidenor, a steel producer; and Meltio, a provider of wire-laser metal 3D printing systems. Academic and research institutions including Delft University of Technology, CIM UPC and TU Bergakademie Freiberg are contributing expertise in materials science, modelling and advanced manufacturing.
The development process includes laboratory testing, pilot-scale casting trials and validation through real-world applications, including the repair of mining equipment components such as cone crushers. Advanced characterization techniques, including in situ synchrotron analysis, are being used to assess microstructural and mechanical performance.
By reducing the use of alloying elements and enabling the reuse of end-of-life components, the project aims to lower greenhouse gas emissions associated with steel production. It also aligns with broader European efforts to reduce dependency on critical raw materials and promote sustainable industrial practices.
In addition to technical development, the consortium plans to provide industry guidelines, workshops and collaborative platforms to support adoption of these solutions. The initiative is expected to help manufacturers, technology providers and end users transition towards more sustainable and resource-efficient production models while maintaining performance and cost competitiveness.
