White PaperMaterials
Metal 3D Printing Fundamentals
SPONSORED BY: ![]()
Go from digital CAD file to metal part in one day. How?
Get your critical parts fast, cheaper and more easily. While expensive and complicated is the reality of any metal fabrication process, one metal 3D printing process defies this status quo. Metal 3D printing is becoming more accessible, scalable, and robust. Download our white paper to learn the basics of metal 3D printing with a range of materials from stainless steel to copper.
Don't have an account?
Overview
The white paper on Metal 3D Printing Fundamentals provides a comprehensive overview of the current landscape and future potential of metal 3D printing technologies. It highlights the growing prominence of metal 3D printing as a viable fabrication method, which has recently gained traction due to advancements that make it more accessible, scalable, and robust for businesses.
The document categorizes the leading metal 3D printing processes into three main types: metal Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), powder bed fusion, and binder jetting. Each process is examined in terms of its operational mechanics, key considerations, and current technological status.
Metal FFF utilizes bound powder, which is safer and less flammable than loose powder, eliminating the need for specialized personal protective equipment (PPE) and controlled environments. However, it requires additional steps to remove binding materials and sinter the parts into fully metal components.
Powder bed fusion employs localized energy, typically through lasers, to fuse metal powder without direct interaction with molten metal, thus minimizing internal stresses and warping. This method is effective but requires careful handling of loose powders, which pose safety risks due to their flammability and respiratory hazards.
Binder jetting is an emerging technology that uses liquid polymer binders to adhere loose metal powder, creating lightly bound parts that can be sintered in batches. This two-step process shows great promise for future applications in metal 3D printing.
The paper also discusses the commonalities shared by these technologies, notably the reliance on powder-based media and the necessity of a high-energy event during the printing process, given the high melting points of metals (typically between 1100°C and 1400°C).
Overall, the white paper aims to dispel myths surrounding metal 3D printing while providing strategic and tactical insights into its benefits, such as design flexibility, reduced material waste, and the ability to produce complex geometries that are difficult to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods. It serves as a valuable resource for businesses considering the adoption of metal 3D printing technologies, offering a clear understanding of the processes, challenges, and opportunities in this evolving field.