Introduction to 3D Metal Printing, Features, Uses

Metal 3D printing is a combination of the design flexibility of 3D printing and the mechanical features of high-performance metallic alloy for making strong and low-weight components also used for complicated projects. Metal 3D printing is best used for making fully operational prototypes and end-use components that are difficult to make with the use of conventional manufacturing methods. In this post, we will cover details of metal 3D printing features and learn how to get services for metal 3D printing.

Table of Contents

What is 3D Metal printing? SLM vs. DMLS

Selective laser melting and direct metal laser sintering are two metallic additive manufacturing techniques that are part of powder bed fusion 3D printing.
The two techniques have the same features: both employ laser scanning and separately fuse metal powder components connected and make layer-by-layer parts.
Materials used for these techniques are metals that are in granular form.
The difference between SLM and DMLS is based on the basic particle bonding process. SLM uses a metallic powder with a single melting temperature and completely melts particles, and DMLS powder comes with materials that have different melting points that fuse at a molecular level at high temperatures.
Normally SLM makes parts from single metal, and DMLS makes parts from metallic alloys.
SLM and DLMS are part of industries for making end-use engineering modules.

3D Metal printing working

The basic manufacturing process is like SLM and DMLS, and its workings are as
The build chamber is first filled with inert gas to reduce oxidation of metallic powder and after that heated to optimal build temperature.
The thin layer of metallic powder is spread on the made structure, and high-power lasers scan the cross-section of the parts, melting metallic components with each other and making another layer.
The complete part of the model was scanned to make the complete part solid.
After completion of the scan process, the built platform moves downwards through one layer of thickness, and the recoater spreads to another thin layer of metallic powder. This process is again used until the complete part is made.
After completion of the build process, the parts are completely covered in metallic powder. Contrary to the polymer powder bed fusion process, the parts are connected with a made platform with support structures.
For support in metal 3D printing, the use of the same materials is made as part of the needed warping and distortions that occur as a result of high processing temperatures.
Bin cools to room temperature, and extra powder is removed through a manual process, and parts are heated and connected with a build plate form to remove extra stress. After components are connected and disconnected from the build plate through cutting, machining, or wire EDM and used for the next processing

Post-processing techniques for metal 3D printing

Different post-processing techniques are used to increase mechanical features, high accuracy, and appearance for metallic printed components.
The important post-processing steps are the removal of loose powder and support design, and heat treatment is used for removing residual stress and increasing the mechanical features of the part.
CNC machining is used for dimensionality, important features, and metal plating; media blasting and micromachining increase the surface quality and strength of the metal printed part.

JustWay Metal 3D Printing Services

The capabilities of 3D printing are not limited to small companies, and discussing the chances of 3D printing larger-scale parts in a fast and flexible manner is important.
High accuracy and reliability are the main parts of the production process for engineers, manufacturers, and different suppliers. These features help to ensure high-quality results, reliable nature, and good working for different fields.
Justway is a famous CNC service provider. They also come with 3D metal printing services with the use of the latest technologies. They are experts who use SLS, DLP, MJF, SLA, FDM, and SLM for printed services and are the best in all these features.
They make products with the use of different metals such as aluminum, stainless steel, tool steel, and titanium.
Their services are high quality and offer different finishing options such as spray painting high gloss paint, vacuum plating high gloss paint, silk screening, laser engraving, and dyeing.
Justway is offering 3D printing metal services. They also offer plastic 3D printing quality services with good finishing features.
Their products are in different types of plastic, such as POM, PEEK, Nylon, PETG, ASA, and PALA.
Some other services of Justway are CNC machining, 3D printing, and injection molding.

Material used for 3d Printing

Aluminum

Aluminum is a comonly used metal that comes with a good strength-to-weight ratio, with recyclable features and low cost. It has resistance for corrosion, heat treatable with non-magnetic features.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel comes with good resistance to corrosion, good polishing features, high resistance. It has resistance maintenance features with good mechanical features and high temeprature features.

With a high strength-to-weight ratio of metal, Titanium is the best low weight features and comes with high tensile strength and fatigue resistance. That bio-compatible materials are used for medical devices like orthopedic joint replacements.

Tool steel is called carbon steel and alloy steel that is made into tools. This feature comes with hardness, resistance for abrasion and deshaping, and features for cutting edge at different angles.

Benefits and limitations of metal 3D printing

The main advantages and limitations of 3D printing are

The metallic 3D printing process is used for manufacturing complicated, bespoke parts with geometries that cannot be produced.
Metal 3D printed components are optimized for increasing their working features and reducing the weight and number of components of the assembly.
Metal 3D-printed parts come with good physical features, and with material range comes difficult processing like metal superalloys.
The materials and manufacturing expenses for 3D printing are high, and these techniques are used for parts that are made with traditional methods.
There are limitations for 3D printing system build size since accurate manufacturing conditions and process control methods are needed.

FAQs

What is metal 3D printing used for?

Normally, 3D metal printing is used for prototyping for larger-grade materials and making functional, end-use components. But also part of manufacturing components with complicated geometries and uses fewer metallic components for assembly.

Are support structures required for metal 3D printing?

Support structures are used for manufacturing components with metal 3D printing. Since high process temperature is involved, normally support structures are made in a lattice pattern.

Can we 3D print aluminum parts?

In different components, aluminum is the main component of the alloy used for metal 3D printing. The main uses of aluminum are its high flexibility, strength, and good thermal features. Aluminum is used for printing parts for vehicles, biomedical, aviation, and other industries, etc.