Mimecrisa launches CDTI-backed R&D project on nickel-enhanced alloys
Ecrimesa Group, headquartered in Santander, Spain, has shared that its Mimecrisa has launched a new Research and Development and Innovation (R&D&I) project in collaboration with the University of Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM), Ciudad Real, Spain, with the support of the Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI), Madrid, Spain.
The project, titled “High-nickel enhanced blends for applications with high mechanical requirements at elevated temperatures” (CDTI IDI-20250150), focuses on the design and validation of new catalytic feedstocks suitable for both Metal Injection Molding (MIM) and material extrusion-based Additive Manufacturing (AM). These developments target critical sectors such as aerospace, energy, chemical, and high-temperature industrial applications.
Key objectives and technical milestones
The project is organised around five key technical objectives:
- Waste valorisation, by converting injection scrap into usable Additive Manufacturing filaments, supporting a circular production model.
- Inconel 718 feedstock for components exposed to high temperatures (e.g. turbines and aerospace structures).
- Hastelloy C22 formulation, offering exceptional corrosion resistance.
- 420 MA stainless steel feedstock, designed for enhanced mechanical properties and industrial reintroduction.
- Printable filaments, derived from selected materials, for prototyping and short-run manufacturing.
Academic collaboration and industrial application
The scientific lead is Prof Gemma Herranz Sánchez-Cosgalla, with technical coordination from Manuel Caballero Molina at Mimecrisa.
UCLM contributes expertise in metal formulations and laboratory validation, while Mimecrisa handles industrial implementation, covering injection, catalytic debinding, and sintering in production environments.
Technical challenges and innovations
The project tackles several manufacturing challenges:
- Maximising metal load without compromising flow during injection or extrusion.
- Avoiding defects during catalytic binder removal, especially in continuous furnaces.
- Ensuring full densification to meet structural and mechanical standards.
For 3D filaments, balancing flexibility for spooling with stability during manufacturing is a major focus. The project also introduces hybrid formulations that work across both MIM and AM, enhancing process integration from prototype to production.
Sustainability, autonomy and market impact
A dedicated sustainability strategy includes waste recycling, reducing the company’s environmental footprint.
Mimecrisa also increases its technological autonomy by developing in-house formulations, reducing reliance on external suppliers and enhancing its responsiveness to supply chain changes.
Project outcomes and future outlook
By the end of the project, Mimecrisa states that it expects to have: three validated feedstocks ready for production; a new high-performance filament line for FFF manufacturing; a functional in-house recycling system for injection scrap; and opportunities for patent protection and participation in EU innovation programmes.
