UGIWAM® by Swiss Steel Group: Unlocking the future of additive manufacturing

Swiss Steel Group and its French subsidiary, Ugitech, are answering that challenge head-on with UGIWAM®, a cutting-edge wire solution developed specifically for Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM). Backed by over a century of metallurgical expertise and decades of experience in welding and alloy development, Ugitech is transforming how high-performance parts are produced across critical industries.

Rethinking Additive Manufacturing with UGIWAM®

Additive manufacturing has evolved from a niche prototyping technique into a robust, production-ready solution for manufacturing large, complex, and mission-critical parts. One of the most promising methods is WAAM, which uses wire as feedstock material and an electric arc as a heat source to build parts layer by layer.

This method offers key advantages: lower material waste, faster production times, and reduced tooling requirements. But to fully unlock its potential, manufacturers need materials that are engineered specifically for WAAM—not just repurposed welding wires.

This is where UGIWAM® steps in. Designed from the ground up for additive manufacturing, UGIWAM® wires are customisable, high-quality, and performance-optimised, giving manufacturers unprecedented control over material characteristics and production outcomes.

A Fully Integrated Approach to Wire Production

What makes UGIWAM® stand out in a crowded marketplace is Swiss Steel Group’s vertical integration—Ugitech is the only European filler metal producer with its own steel mill. This allows for full control of raw material origin, chemical composition, and wire drawing processes.

“The ability to adjust the composition of our products provides a major competitive advantage,” says Marc Marticou, Director of Strategic Marketing for the Stainless Steel Division of Swiss Steel Group. “We don’t just define the product—we co-engineer it with our customers, based on the part being produced, the processes used, and even the carbon footprint targets.”

This tailored approach means each wire is designed not just for a general application, but for a specific project, specific part geometry, and specific industry challenge. That’s a level of customisation rarely seen in traditional manufacturing supply chains.

Optimising Chemistry for Maximum Performance

At Ugitech’s R&D center, the development of UGIWAM® is an ongoing process. The chemical composition of each wire is carefully adjusted to improve weldability, reduce porosity, and ensure consistency in deposition—core requirements in WAAM-based production.

Specialised equipment for final wire drawing operations ensures surface finish stability, dimensional accuracy, and clean wire surfaces, which are critical for reliable arc behavior and defect-free builds.

These properties are validated through a rigorous testing protocol tailored to the demands of additive manufacturing—far exceeding traditional welding filler metal requirements.

Sustainability and Decarbonisation in Focus

Manufacturers worldwide are under pressure to reduce their environmental footprint. Fortunately, additive manufacturing is inherently more sustainable than subtractive methods—it generates less scrap and consumes less energy over the full production cycle. WAAM, in particular, excels in large-part production, further reducing material waste.

But Ugitech takes this a step further. As part of its commitment to sustainability and transparency, the company now provides carbon footprint data for every UGIWAM® wire, enabling customers to choose alloys that align with their environmental goals.

In addition, Ugitech has modernised its production lines—supported by the France Relance recovery program—to integrate more energy-efficient and environmentally responsible processes.

“We’re not just developing new materials,” Marticou adds. “We’re helping customers meet their CO₂ reduction targets without sacrificing performance or cost-effectiveness.”

Built for Demanding Industries

From aerospace and defense to nuclear energy, marine applications, and oil and gas, UGIWAM® is already being deployed across sectors where performance and reliability are non-negotiable. Each industry has its own specific requirements for mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, heat tolerance, or regulatory compliance—and Ugitech adapts the wire composition, dimensions, and packaging accordingly.

This capability to customise at such a granular level gives customers a significant edge—whether they’re producing lightweight airframe components or high-strength parts for energy turbines.

From Vision to Reality: A Future Powered by UGIWAM®

Swiss Steel Group’s strategic investment in additive manufacturing reflects a broader vision: to redefine how high-value components are produced—not only more precisely and efficiently but with long-term sustainability in mind.

“Our investments in research, development, and partnerships with globally leading companies show our dedication to advancing additive manufacturing,” says Frank Koch, CEO of Swiss Steel Group. “We aim to help shape industries that are both more sustainable and more competitive.”

As additive manufacturing moves into the mainstream, materials like UGIWAM® will play a defining role. By combining traditional metallurgical expertise with cutting-edge manufacturing science, Swiss Steel Group and Ugitech are ensuring that companies have the tools they need to thrive in the next era of industrial production.

Conclusion

In a world where manufacturers face increasing pressure to deliver complex parts faster, cheaper, and with fewer environmental impacts, solutions like UGIWAM® are not just innovations—they are necessities.

Through its complete control over material development, commitment to sustainability, and industry-specific customisation, Swiss Steel Group is showing that next-generation additive manufacturing requires next-generation materials.

Source: Swiss Steel Group