Case Study: VTT Technical Research Centre achieves 66% lighter hydraulic valve block with SLM Solutions additive manufacturing

Potentials of 3D-printing for light-weight components

VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., the largest multidisciplinary research organisation in Northern Europe, wanted to explore how additive manufacturing could improve the design of a hydraulic valve block for heavy-duty applications. Working with SLM Solutions and using the SLM®125 system with 316L material, VTT aimed to create a lighter, more efficient part that would enable customization and faster development.

SLM Solutions helped VTT and Nurmi Cylinders develop a 3D-printed hydraulic valve block with optimized internal channels and no auxiliary drillings, reducing leakage risk and improving flow. The final part was 66% smaller than the original design space and delivered a 76% reduction versus a traditionally manufactured valve block, cutting weight, space, and material usage.

VTT Technical Research Centre