In recent years, there has been a surge in both the supply and demand for metal 3D printers.
Manufacturers are launching metal additive manufacturing products that are faster, more powerful, and easier to use, with an increasing number of compatible metals.
Many companies are adopting these metal 3D printing technologies to produce low-cost metal parts and prototypes, while also benefiting from greater design freedom associated with additive manufacturing. Metal 3d printers are suitable for a variety of industries such as aerospace, automotive, healthcare, engineering, and more.
Even though metal 3D printer prices have been slowly and slightly falling, these machines are still relatively expensive acquisitions.
With the selection of metal 3D printers, we provide a comprehensive overview of what is available at different prices and with different metal 3D printing technologies.
Also Read: Best Printers For Heat Transfers
Best Metal 3d Printer 2022
What is metal 3D printing and how does it work?
The metal 3D printing process uses a laser beam to melt layers of 20-60 micron metal powder in layers, allowing designers and artists to create complex shapes and details not possible with traditional manufacturing methods. ..
After printing, the metal is post-treated, including support removal, cleaning, and heat treatment. Sanding may be required depending on the surface finish required by the user.
Also Read:: Best Printer For Printable Vinyl Stickers
What are the benefits of metal 3D printing?
In terms of strength and flexibility, there is nothing better than metal.
Metal 3D printing has many advantages, one of which is that there are no design restrictions. Whether it’s a complex shape or a very complex shape, Additive Manufacturing allows you to manufacture each design with greater precision and faster.
One of the most well-known advantages of metal 3D printing is the elimination of tool overhead and bandwidth issues, allowing manufacturers to produce small quantities of parts quickly and at a low cost. It also eliminates manufacturing issues such as inefficient workflows, third-party manufacturers, and complex purchasing processes.
Needless to say, additive manufacturing is the perfect solution if you need to manufacture aftermarket products.
With so many benefits to metal 3D printers, manufacturers can’t help but invest in metal 3D printers.
Best Metal 3d Printer | Comparison Table 2022
| Image | Title | Buy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official Creality Ender 3 3D Printer Fully Open Source with Resume Printing Function DIY 3D Printers Printing Size 220x220x250mm | Comgrow | Check Price | |
| FDM 3D Printers, Official Creality Ender 5 Pro Business Grade 3D Printer, Fully Open Source with Power Off Resume Printing Function, Double Y-axis Control System, Build Size 220x220x300mm | AONESY | Check Price | |
| Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D Printer with Removable Build Surface Plate and UL Certified Meanwell Power Supply Printing Size 8.66x8.66x9.84in / 220x220x250mm | Comgrow | Check Price | |
| Voxelab Aquila 3D Printer with Full Alloy Frame, Removable Build Surface Plate, Fully Open Source and Resume Printing Function Build Volume 8.66x8.66x9.84in | Voxelab | Check Price | |
| NantFun DIY 3D Printer for Kids, Mini 3D Printer for Beginners, Upgraded Extruder Technology Small 3D Printer Fast Heating Low Noise with Free PLA Filament Printing Size 4"×4"×4" Black & Orange | NantFun | Check Price | |
| LOTMAXX Shark V2 3D Printer, Laser Engraving & Bi-Color Printing 2 in 1, Preassembled 3D Printer Machine with Dual Extruder, Print Size 235x235x265mm, (Space Gray) | LOTMAXX | Check Price | |
| Snapmaker 3D Printer, 2.0 Modular 3-in-1 3D Printer with 3D Printing/Laser Engraving/CNC Carving, All Metal, Auto-Leveling, Working Volume Support up to 320x350x330mm | Snapmaker | Check Price | |
| ANYCUBIC MEGA X 3D Printer, Large Metal FDM 3D Printer with Patented Heatbed and 1kg PLA Filament, Build Size 11.81in(L) X 11.81in(W) X 12in(H) | ANYCUBIC | Check Price | |
| Tresbro Creality Official Ender 3 V2 3D Printer, FDM 3D Printers Kit with Upgraded Silent Motherboard, Glass Bed, Mean Well Power Supply, Print Size 220x220x250mm | Tresbro | Check Price |
Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Best Metal 3d Printer | 2022 Products Overview
1. Comgrow Creality Ender 3 3D Printer
- Fully open-source: Creality 3D printers is working with its wonderful community of users and contributors to improve this open-sourced product every day. A design culminating from some of the best and brightest minds in the 3D printing world.
- NEXT GENERATION TECHNOLOGY: Our upgraded control board offers state of the art, Resume Print technology. Should your printer suffer unexpected power outages, it will resume from the last recorded extruder position. Goodbye failed prints! The advanced MK-8 extruders genius design greatly reduces the risk of clogging and uneven extrusion. High precision ball bearing wheels made from Delrin/POM engineering thermoplastic deliver high stiffness, low friction, and excellent dimensional stability.
- PARTIALLY-ASSEMBLED KIT: The lower base and all wiring completed in our factory. This kit-style 3D printer comes with all tools included and is an excellent project for middle school and high school-aged students. The perfect gift to spark a lifelong love for science and engineering, and provide a deeper understanding of machinery and robotics! updated USB Port makes it more convenient
- CREALITY Official Store We are the ONLY official Creality 3D store! Because all of our products are shipped to the consumer directly from the manufacturer, we provide a 1-year limited and lifetime technical assistance. Professional customer service has always been a cornerstone of our company philosophy.
- Resume Printing: Creality 3D printer equipped with super quiet printing designing, with smooth adjustable pulley, and if power is accidentally cut off during printing, accurate printing can be continued after power is switched on.
Product Overview:
The Creality Ender 3 3D printer is a fully open-source model that is designed for DIY enthusiasts. One of its key features is the resume printing function, which allows the printer to pick up where it left off in case of a power outage or lapse. This feature ensures that your print job is not compromised and saves time and resources.
The Ender 3 is also designed for easy and quick assembly, with several assembled parts included in the package. With only 20 nuts to be assembled, the process should only take around 2 hours to complete. The advanced extruder technology used in this printer also greatly reduces the risk of plugging and bad extrusion. The V-shape design with POM wheels provides a smooth and durable operation, with no noise.
- The resume printing function allows for continuous printing even after power outages.
- Easy and quick assembly.
- Advanced extruder technology reduces plugging risk and improves extrusion.
- V-shape design with POM wheels provides smooth and durable operation.
- Fully open source, allowing for users to improve the printer and share changes within the community.
- Assembly may still take up to 2 hours.
- The hot bed may take up to 5 minutes to reach 110℃
- It may not be suitable for advanced users who are looking for more advanced features.
Check Price
Also Read: Best Portable Printer For iPhone
2. AONESY Best Metal 3d Printer 2022 |
- 【Solid print quality】Boasting a cubic frame and a 220 x 220 x 300mm build volume, the Creality Ender 5 Pro has a similar look and specs to its predecessor. The 260°C nozzle temperature makes it compatible with a wide array of filaments, and as for print quality, the Ender 5 Pro can produce objects with a 100-micron print resolution.
- 【Dual Y-axis Control】Like the original Ender 5, the X and Y-axis measurements of the Ender 5Pro are the same as the Ender 3, but with more print area on the Z-axis. One unique aspect of the Ender5 Pro build is the Y-axis motor, which simultaneously directs both sides of the gantry to create a smoother overall movement. This so-called “double Y-axis control system” is integrated to reduce any potential vibrations that could cause flaws in your 3 D prints.
- 【More smoothly Feed-in】Creality Ender-5 Pro 3 D Printer with Imported Capricorn Blue TeflonTube and the metal extruding unit, provide stronger pressure, which helps stable in filament feed in and wear-resisting, hence, we can get a better printing quality.
- 【Flexible Magnetic Print Bed】The Creality Ender5Pro also features a flexible magnetic print bed that can be detached from the build plate, allowing prints to be removed with ease. this machine also offers a resume print functionality, which can help avoid potential print stoppage from a sudden bout of power failure.
- 【after sale worry-free】All AONESY Store 3d printers are provided lifetime technical assistance and 12-months hardware warranty ( Filament Except ). Whenever or why, when encountering any printing problems you can contact us, we will solve it.
Product Overview:
The Creality Ender 5 Pro is an official business-grade FDM 3D printer manufactured by AONESY. This 3D printer is fully open source, meaning that users have the freedom to modify and distribute the software and hardware. One of the standout features of this printer is the power off resume printing function, which allows for uninterrupted printing even in the event of a power outage.
The Ender 5 Pro boasts a double Y-axis control system, which increases the stability and precision of the printer. This allows for more consistent and accurate print results. The build size of this printer is 220x220x300mm, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of printing applications.
- The Ender 5 Pro is fully open source, which allows for users to modify and distribute the software and hardware.
- Has a power off resume printing function that allows for uninterrupted printing even in the event of a power outage.
- The double Y-axis control system increases the stability and precision of the printer.
- Has a large build size of 220x220x300mm, making it versatile for a wide range of printing applications.
- Supports multiple file formats including OBJ, STL, and AMF.
- The Ender 5 Pro may not be suitable for users who are not familiar with 3D printing technology.
- It may not be available in all countries.
- It may not be compatible with all types of materials, which may limit the types of projects that can be printed.
Check Price
Also Read: Best Black and White Laser Printer
3. Comgrow Creality Ender 3 Pro
- REMOVABLE BUILD SURFACE PLATE: Provide all-round protection to your 3D printer build plate and ensure consistent temperature throughout the build surface. Easy to remove the printing models after cooling.
- SAFE POWER SUPPLY: Ender 3 Pro comes with a UL Certified power supply, protecting your printer from unexpected power surges, that can heat the hot bed to 110℃ in just 5 minutes.
- RESUME PRINT FUNCTION: Ender 3 Pro can resume printing from the last recorded extruder position after suffering unexpected power outages.
- SEMI-ASSEMBLED KIT: This easy-to-setup kit comes partially assembled, allowing you to learn about the basic construction of 3D printers as you finish putting it together. A fun STEM educational experience in mechanical engineering and electronics.
- WHAT YOU GET: Ceality Ender 3 Pro 3D pinrter, lifetime technical assistance and 24 hours professional customer service.
Product Overview:
The Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D printer is an advanced model that comes with a number of features to enhance your printing experience. One of the standout features is the removable build surface plate, which provides all-round protection to the build plate and helps to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the build surface. This makes it easy to remove the printed models once they have cooled down.
Safety is also a key feature of the Ender 3 Pro, as it comes with a branded power supply that protects the printer from unexpected power surges. This power supply is capable of heating the hot bed to 110℃ in just 5 minutes, ensuring that your prints are ready quickly and efficiently. Additionally, the printer has a resume print function that allows it to resume printing from the last recorded extruder position after an unexpected power outage.
- Removable build surface plate for easy removal of printed models.
- Safe power supply to protect the printer from power surges.
- Resume print function to continue printing after power outages.
- Semi-assembled kit for a fun STEM educational experience.
- Lifetime technical assistance and 24-hour professional customer service.
- Some assembly is required.
- It may not be suitable for advanced users.
- It may require additional upgrades for optimal performance.
Check Price
4. Voxelab Aquila 3D Printer
- Fast Heating and Silent Printing: The Aquila 3D printer equipped with carbon crystal silicon glass plate and super quiet printing designing, the printing model will not easily become warped and the printing sounds is below 50 decibels.
- Resume Printing Function: Aquila 3D printer could automatically resume printing when power comes on. It won’t print from scratch once meeting filament breakage, saving time and avoiding waste.
- Semi-Assembled Kit: The easy-to-setup kit comes partially assembled, enabling you to learn about the basic construction of 3D printers as you finish putting it together.
- Fully Open Source: Aquila is a straight forward BD printer based on open source technology. It allows for flexible upgrades and various modifications. Meanwhile, you are able to choose your favorite software as VoxelMaker, Cura and more...
- Warranty and Service: All Voxelab 3D printers provides Lifetime technical support and 12 months warranty, with 24 hours quick response.
Product Overview:
The Voxelab Aquila 3D printer is a high-performance machine with a full alloy frame and a removable build surface plate. It has a large build volume of 8.66x8.66x9.84 inches, making it suitable for printing larger models. The printer is also equipped with a carbon crystal silicon glass plate, which allows for fast heating and silent printing. The printing sounds are below 50 decibels, ensuring that your printing experience is not disrupted by loud noise.
One of the key features of the Aquila 3D printer is its ability to automatically resume printing when power comes on. This is particularly useful in the event of filament breakage, as it saves time and avoids waste by not having to start the print from scratch. Additionally, the printer comes in a semi-assembled kit, which enables you to learn about the basic construction of 3D printers as you put it together. This is a great opportunity for those who are new to 3D printing to learn about the technology.
The Voxelab Aquila 3D printer is fully open source, which allows for flexible upgrades and various modifications. This means that you can choose your favorite software, such as VoxelMaker or Cura, to use with the printer. The company also provides lifetime technical support and a 12-month warranty, with 24-hour quick response. This ensures that you can get the help you need in case of any issues with your printer.
- Large build volume of 8.66×8.66×9.84 inches
- Fast heating and silent printing
- Resume printing function
- Easy-to-setup semi-assembled kit
- Fully open-source technology
- It’s not a fully assembled printer, it comes as a semi-assembled kit, it may require some technical knowledge to assemble.
- The product is not widely available, it may be difficult to find replacement parts or accessories.
- The printer is not mentioned to have a high printing precision, which may not be suitable for some specific projects or materials.
Check Price
Also Read: Best Cheap 3d Printer Under $100
Product Overview:
The Mini 3D Printer is a great option for kids and beginners looking to get into the world of 3D printing. It is easy to assemble and features fast heating and low noise operation, making it a user-friendly option. Additionally, it comes with a free testing PLA filament, so you can start printing right out of the box. With a printing size of 4"x4"x4", it is compact and perfect for small projects.
The printer is designed in black and yellow color, which makes it look cool and fun for kids. The STL file format is supported, which is a commonly used format in 3D printing. This feature allows you to use a wide variety of 3D models and print them with ease. The printer is also compatible with Linux operating system, making it easy to connect and operate.
- Easy to assemble
- Fast heating and low noise operation
- Comes with a free testing PLA filament
- Compact and perfect for small projects
- Cool and fun design for kids
- Only compatible with Linux operating system
- Printing size is limited to 4″x4″x4″
- Only support STL file format
Check Price
Also Read: Best Printer For Cricut
6. LOTMAXX Shark V2 3D Printer
- 【3D Laser Printer】LOTMAXX 3D Printer integrates the functions of 3d printing and laser engraving. Laser kit included, Laser Size: 235*235, Rated Power 1600mW and Support materials: Leather, Paper, Wood etc.
- 【All Metal Dual Extruder】This FDM 3D Printer is Equipped with two all-metal extruders, it supports automatic dual color filament switching in a single nozzle. With dual gear extruder, it provides better and more accurate printing.
- 【Ultra-Silent Driver】SHARK V2 adopts silent drive TMC2208, fully equipped on X, Y, Z, E axis, almost no sound can be heard during printing, and supports night mode.
- 【More Features】1: 4.3 Removable Touch Screen 2: Magnetic heated bed 3: Resume Printing 4: All Metal Frame Design 5: Meanwell Power Supply
- 【Warranty and Service】All of our 3d printers provide one month free return and exchange, one year warranty and lifetime technical support.
Product Overview:
The LOTMAXX Shark V3 is a multifunctional, modular 3D printer and laser engraver. It offers unique possibilities with its dual-color printing effect, achieved by including two nozzles and extruders. The printer is equipped with silent drive TMC2208, which is fully equipped on the X, Y, Z, and E axis, making almost no sound during printing and supporting night mode. The printer also features a 4.30-inch removable touch screen, glass build plate, and multiple functions for endless crafting and creating possibilities.
The laser size on the Shark V3 is 235, with a rated power of 1,600mW, and supports multiple materials such as leather, paper, and wood. The assembly of the machine is also very easy and fast, with just a few screws to complete, you can start printing in 10 minutes. The hotend can also be dismantled as a whole, with specially designed fans for more efficient cooling and more stable temperature.
- Dual-purpose DIY machine with 3D printing and laser engraving capabilities.
- Dual-color printing effect is achieved with 2 nozzles and extruders.
- Almost no sound during printing with silent drive TMC2208.
- Removable touch screen and glass build plate for multiple functions.
- Safe power supply with overvoltage and overload protection.
- Limited information was provided on the specific capabilities of the laser engraver.
- It is not specified if the printer can be used with third-party filaments.
- It is not specified if the printer is compatible with any specific slicing software.
Check Price
Also Read: Best Sublimation Printer For T-Shirts
7. Snapmaker 3D Printer
- Innovation 3-in-1: Snapmaker 2.0, the modular 3-in-1 3D printer that unlocks your full creative potential, from 3D printing to laser engraving, cutting, and CNC carving. Snapmaker 2.0 is smarter, faster, larger, and more powerful than ever before. It is a new generation of 3-in-1 3D printer that comes with everything you need!
- Large Workspace: Snapmaker 2.0 has three models: A150, A250 and A350. You can make large prototypes, or multiple smaller objects in one go. A150: 160 x 160 x 145 mm, A250: 230 x 250 x 235 mm, A350 provides the largest build volume, measuring 320 x 350 x 330 mm.
- Modular Design: Imagine a 3D printer that you can upgrade and customize. Snapmaker is more than just a series of machines. Its a system of powerful modules and add-ons for creative people like you. You can enjoy a lot of new features simply by getting the new modules or new kits.
- High Resolution: Built with high-precision parts and an overall upgraded design, Snapmaker 2.0 is able to consistently print, engrave, cut, and carve objects in high resolution. The repeatability of the machine is 0.005 mm, and the homing repeatability is 0.01mm.
- 3-in-1 Software: Our 3-in-1 software, Snapmaker Luban, is tailor-made for your Snapmaker machines. One single and powerful software for all your tasks. With a plugin system, API and tutorials, Snapmaker Luban enables you to easily add new features for existing modules. You can even develop new features for your customized modules. We will build a truly modular system together.
Product Overview:
The Snapmaker 2.0 is a modular 3-in-1 3D printer, laser engraver, and CNC carver. It is made of metal and has black in color. The item weighs 1 kilogram and has an operating system of Linux. With 3D printing, the Snapmaker 2.0 has a layer resolution of 50-300 microns and a nozzle diameter of 0.4 mm. The nozzle temperature can reach up to 275°℃ and it can print with a variety of materials such as PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, and wood-filled PLA, with more being tested.
With laser engraving and cutting, the Snapmaker 2.0 has a built-in camera and a laser power of 1600 mW. The wavelength is 450 nM and it is safety class 4. It can engrave and cut on various materials such as wood, leather, plastic, fabric, paper, and non-transparent acrylic with more being tested.
- It is a modular 3-in-1 machine, including 3D printing, laser engraving, and CNC carving capabilities.
- It can print with a variety of materials such as PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, and wood-filled PLA.
- It has a built-in camera for laser engraving and cutting.
- It has a safety class 4 for laser engraving and cutting.
- The CNC carving feature can support a wide range of materials such as wood, acrylic, PCB, carbon fiber sheet, and jade.
- The item weight 1 kg might be heavy for some users.
- The operating system is Linux, which may require additional setup for some users.
- The supported materials for CNC carving is limited with more being tested.
Check Price
Also Read: 3D Printer Under 150 Dollars of 2022
8. ANYCUBIC MEGA X Cheapest metal 3D printer
- Fast Assembly, Mega X 3D printer came in two modules and all it takes is to plug in 12 screws and 3 cables, easy to assemble and get printing right out of the box, Perfect choice for beginners and veteran
- High Print Precision, This 3D Printer’s print precision is greatly improved by equipping it with Y Axis Dual Sideway Design and Z-axis dual screw rod design, The pitting in the skin and texture in the clothing all can shows up
- Large Build Volume, This FDM printer comes with larger build spaces available, At 11.81in(L) x 11.81in(W) x 12in(H), able to print models that 90% of other 3d printers could not. More space for fulfilling your fantastic idea
- Patented Heat Bed, No hassle of sticker any more, Ultrabase bed surface coated with patented microporous coating, allowing the print holds strong when printing and then effortlessly falls off the bed when it cools to room temp at the end of the print, Kindly note, The bed will not go over 90 degree
- More Function, Resume Print: One click to resume from the last recorded position when suffered power outages, TFT Touch Screen: As responsive as operating on the phone, Meanwell Power Supply: Compliance with UL60950-1, enhance the safety performance, All ANYCUBIC 3D printers backed with lifetime technical support
Product Overview:
The ANYCUBIC MEGA X 3D Printer is a large metal FDM 3D printer that comes with a patented heatbed and PLA filament. It is easy to assemble, as it comes in two modules and all you need to do is plug in 12 screws and 3 cables. This makes it a perfect choice for beginners and veterans alike.
The print precision of this 3D printer is greatly improved by its Y Axis Dual Sideway Design and Z-axis dual screw rod design. The details in the skin and texture in clothing can all be clearly seen, making it a great choice for printing models with intricate details. Additionally, the large build volume of 11.81in(L) x 11.81in(W) x 12in(H) allows you to print models that 90% of other 3D printers cannot.
- Easy to assemble
- High print precision
- Large build volume
- Patented heatbed for easy removal of prints
- Resume print feature for power outages
- Bed temperature limited to 90 degrees
- Not specified if the product is for beginner or professional use
- Some users may find the printer a bit large for their needs.
Check Price
Also Read: Best 3d Printer Under 500 Dollar
9. Tresbro Crealityl Ender 3 Home metal 3D printer
- 【Excellent Technical Support】Ender 3 V2 has a wide audience which makes it easy to get guides or help in some communities. Tresbro also have a trained technical team to provide professional technical support to our customers. We offer One-Year-Warranty, life time tech support to all of creality 3d printers. Please do not hesitate to contact us for any questions regarding installation or DIY printers.
- 【Creality Upgrade 32 Bits Silent Mainboard】The noise of 3d printers can be very annoying. This upgrade mainboard has eliminates this problem. It has been built to offer a beefy level of power, featuring an ARM Cortex-M3 STM32F103 CPU and a TMC2208 stepper drivers. This makes it powerful to operating a great machine, but also near-silent in operations, completely void of the classic stepper driver squeaks and squeals as the stepper motors twist and turn.
- 【UL Certified MeanWell Power Supply】Equipped with brand name MeanWell power supply to heat up quickly and let useers choose between power voltage of 115V or 230V. Meanwhile the ender 3 v2 has been shielded by its power supply from voltage spikes and power outages. If electrical power is lost, prints can be resumed from the last layer, saving time and reducing waste.
- 【Beginner Friendly】Creality Ender 3 V2 offers easier to understand operations, simplified involvement from the user, and essentially more accessibility to Makers of all ages and expertise. These kinds of upgrades means beginners don’t have to spend the many hours of learning, testing and tweaking to enjoy great prints nowadays, reducing the barrier of entry and allowing everyone to get involved in the beautiful culmination of creativity and science that is 3D Printing.
- 【Many More Minor Improvements】The sleek design with discretely hidden power supply, the nice blue extruder knob for easy filament feeding and filament changes. A tiny tool drawer for keeping tools, spare nozzles and other handy items in, improved belt tensioners that are both easier to reach and nicer to use. They all add to the overall user experience, making the ender 3 v2 printer easier and more convenient to use and understand.
Product Overview:
One of the most notable upgrades on the Ender 3 V2 is the 32-bit silent motherboard, which comes equipped with TMC2208 stepper drivers. These drivers eliminate the classic stepper driver squeaks and squeals as the stepper motors twist and turn, resulting in a much quieter working environment during 3D printing. The Ender 3 V2 also comes with a Carborundum glass platform, which enables the hotbed to heat up quicker and helps the prints adhere better without warping.
Another useful feature of the Ender 3 V2 is the resume printing function. The printer is shielded by its power supply from voltage spikes and power outages, so if electrical power is lost, prints can be resumed from the last layer, saving time and reducing waste. Additionally, the Ender 3 V2 includes many mini improvements such as a nice blue extruder knob for easy filament feeding and filament changes, a tiny tool drawer for keeping tools and spare nozzles, and improved belt tensioners that are both easier to reach and nicer to use.
- Classic, integrated all-metal body design that is both firm and stable.
- 32-bit silent motherboard with TMC2208 stepper drivers for quieter operation.
- Carborundum glass platform for quicker heating and better adhesion.
- Resume printing function in case of power loss.
- Improved belt tensioners, blue extruder knob, and tool drawer for convenience.
- It’s not clear from the description if the printer comes fully assembled or not.
- No mention of the build volume of the printer.
- No information about the warranty.
Check Price
How to Choose The Best Metal 3d Printer | Buyer’s Guide 2022
Before you buy a 3D printer, ask the most basic questions.
- What kind of metal or composite material should I print?
- What are the mechanical properties required for the final print?
- Are speed and volume important to my business?
Before you buy a metal 3D printer, it's important to keep some important factors in mind when choosing the right model. Here, we will introduce what you need to do for that.
Printing Technology:
This is the most basic element. However, deciding which 3D printing technology to use is difficult, but it is the most important step in getting a 3D printed object to be what you expect. Ask yourself what characteristics the finished product should have. By enumerating these characteristics, you can determine which technology is best suited to your production needs and choose the printer accordingly.
Accuracy and print quality:
Take a close look at the machine's specifications to make sure it has all the attributes you need to ensure impressive accuracy and outstanding quality.
Ease of use: Equipped with advanced software that makes it easy to print parts without sacrificing quality. In addition, you should provide a user-friendly interface that guides you through each step.
Size:
Metal 3D printers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Take a close look at the machine's specifications to see if there is space available in your office.
Material Compatibility:
This is another important factor when buying a 3D printer. When a 3D printed product is used for a particular application, the part must be printed with the most appropriate technology. The material must have the properties required to meet the intended specifications. Therefore, it is essential to select a technology that can print with materials that are close to the intended use.
Speed and Volume:
If speed is important, it's wise to look for a printer that's smooth enough to require no post-processing. Also, if you want to print multiple metal parts at the same time, choose a printer with a large build volume.
Also, depending on the material, harmful gas may be generated when inhaled, so be careful. To avoid this, you need to buy a printer with a housing and ventilation system to let smoke and gas out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What metal can I use for a 3D printer?
Common metals such as titanium, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and bronze, and precious metals such as gold, silver, and platinum are printed directly by adhering to metal powder, resulting in a three-dimensional shape.
Where is metal 3D printing used?
Metal 3D printing creates tool parts and finished products in industries such as aerospace and automobiles. It is also widely used not only in dentistry but also in the medical field.
In other words, almost every industry that uses metal parts benefits from time, cost, labor, and material savings from metal 3D printing.
Are Metal 3D Printers Expensive?
Some metal AM systems are only available to large companies due to their high cost. However, other companies, such as Markforged and Desktop Metal, have more economical components in their systems that even smaller businesses can buy.
What are some of the metal printing technologies currently in use?
3D metal printing is evolving rapidly and new technologies are being introduced every day.
These include a variety of technologies that need to be selected depending on the project. Some of these technologies are introduced below.
- Direct laser sintering of metal
- Selective laser melting
- Melt deposition modeling
- Binder jet
- Low wax casting
- Powder extrusion with adhesive
- SLM and DMLS are currently the most mainstream metal 3D printing processes, especially suitable for high-end applications.
Are 3D-printed metal parts as strong as metal parts made by traditional manufacturing methods?
This is highly dependent on the environment and the type of technology used for the 3D printing of metal parts. However, in general, printed parts are as strong as parts made by traditional methods.
Conclusion
In recent years, metal 3D printing has received the most attention in the AM industry. As technology evolves, it has proven to be far superior to traditional methods.
Metal 3D printing is an expensive option, but it can add great value to the manufacturing process by giving new opportunities to manufacture parts that were previously uneconomical or exorbitantly expensive in design. The fact that it can be done cannot be denied.
Leave a Reply