Metal 3D printing encompasses several technologies — most commonly DMLS (Direct Metal Laser Sintering) and SLM (Selective Laser Melting) — that use high-powered lasers to fuse metal powder into dense, fully functional metal parts. Binder jetting is a lower-cost alternative that uses a binding agent and sintering furnace to produce metal parts at higher throughput.
Metal-printed parts can match or exceed the mechanical properties of traditionally machined or cast equivalents, making them viable for aerospace, automotive, medical, and defense applications.
Lightweight titanium and Inconel parts for structural brackets, turbine blades, and heat exchangers.
Custom biocompatible titanium implants, surgical instruments, and orthopedic components.
Injection mold inserts with conformal cooling channels that reduce cycle times by 30–50%.
Lightweight, high-strength brackets, manifolds, and structural components for racing and production vehicles.
On-demand production of complex spare parts for equipment where casting tooling is impractical.
Custom gold, silver, and platinum jewelry produced directly or via casting from printed patterns.
Metal 3D printing is the most expensive and most capable of all additive technologies. For plastic functional parts, SLS nylon printing delivers excellent mechanical properties at far lower cost. For high-detail but non-structural applications, SLA resin printing or FDM printing may be more appropriate.
Read our full guide to finding metal 3D printing services for more help choosing the right facility.
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