Metal 3D printing is the ideal alternative to complex designs that machining or casting can’t achieve. It offers the mechanical properties of aerospace standard materials and the design freedom of 3D printing.
The impact of metal 3D printing on the manufacturing landscape has become significantly more measurable within the last decade. Materials developments and concentrated research into producing fully dense additive metal parts has led to recent widespread adoption of the technology for end-use production.
While metal 3D printing has a variety of monikers, there are mainly two contrasting technologies with which to 3D print metal parts: Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) and Electron Beam Melting (EBM). Additional metal 3D printing processes include metal extrusion and a cold spray technology. According to the Wohlers Report 2015, DMLS comprises the largest installed base of metal 3D print systems worldwide.
It has perhaps warranted the most attention from R&D departments; therefore we’ll solely focus on DMLS in terms of design considerations, post-processing techniques and mechanical properties. By leveraging the mechanical properties of DMLS parts through optimized designs and post-processing treatments we’ll see the best results out of metal 3D printed parts.
This paper will cover metal 3D printing design constraints and freedoms, available metal materials, quality and process controls, surface finishes, and heat treatment methods that truly empower metals to overcome conventional manufacturing challenges and deliver incredible parts impossible to achieve through other production means. Download the white paper now to learn more.
