{"id":22162,"date":"2023-12-08T15:28:16","date_gmt":"2023-12-08T15:28:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/articles\/metal-3d-printing\/"},"modified":"2023-12-14T09:49:05","modified_gmt":"2023-12-14T09:49:05","slug":"metal-3d-printing","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/en\/articles\/metal-3d-printing\/","title":{"rendered":"Technology Overview: When You Should Really Go for Metal 3D Printing"},"content":{"rendered":"<div role=\"navigation\" aria-label=\"Table of Contents\" class=\"simpletoc wp-block-simpletoc-toc\"><h2 class=\"simpletoc-title\">Table of Contents<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"simpletoc-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#h-metal-3d-printing-dmls-process-overview\">Metal 3D Printing (DMLS): Process Overview<\/a>\n\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#h-cases-when-to-choose-metal-3d-printing\">Cases When to Choose Metal 3D Printing<\/a>\n\n\n<\/li>\n\n<\/li>\n\n<\/li>\n\n<li><a href=\"#h-disadvantages-of-choosing-metal-3d-printing\">Disadvantages of Choosing Metal 3D Printing<\/a>\n\n\n<\/li>\n\n<\/li>\n\n<\/li>\n\n<\/li>\n\n<li><a href=\"#h-summary\">Summary<\/a>\n<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Ever since its inception, metal additive manufacturing has caught the attention of engineers and tech enthusiasts for its unconventional bottom-up approach and the buzz surrounding what it is capable of. Is it really advantageous to use additive manufacturing for a part that\u2019s been reliably produced through subtractive processes for years? This article discusses this question and points out cases when metal 3D printing can be a good choice for the production of parts and when not.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-metal-3d-printing-dmls-process-overview\"><strong>Metal 3D Printing (DMLS): Process Overview<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Conventional manufacturing technologies like CNC machining are normally subtractive processes which means it removes material in order to shape a product whereas metal 3D printing technology is additive. One of the most common and popular metal 3D printing technologies is direct metal laser sintering (DMLS).<\/p>\n\n\n<p>[ma-gdpr-youtube id=&#8221;FxzFzbi0wF4&#8243; gdpr-text=&#8221;&#8221; width=&#8221;600px&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The typical DMLS process begins by slicing the 3D design CAD file data into extremely thin layers, effectively generating a 2D model for each layer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The machine uses a high-powered optic laser. Inside the build chamber area, there is a material dispensing platform and a build platform along with a roller used to move new powder over the build platform. The technology fuses metal powder into a solid part by melting it locally using the focused laser beam. Parts are built up additively layer by layer.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cases-when-to-choose-metal-3d-printing\"><strong>Cases When to Choose Metal 3D Printing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Metal 3D printing comes with its own set of advantages over traditional machining. We listed here a few cases when it is worth considering metal 3D printing over CNC machining.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-your-design-is-complex\"><strong>Your Design is Complex<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>When it comes to design complexity and freedom, metal 3D printing has a huge edge over conventional. Many complex designs cannot be manufactured with conventional technologies with as much ease as with 3D printing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another advantage here is the low cost of complexity. Creating complex mechanical parts via traditional manufacturing requires precision and skills, especially for the assembly of complex parts, which means that price increases with complexity. It is not the case with 3D printing, which creates an entire piece in one process, instead of creating each component before assembling. Therefore, there is no added cost for complexity.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-you-urgently-need-metal-prototypes\"><strong>You Urgently Need Metal Prototypes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>If the number of parts required is less, say 1 to 5 or so or for prototyping, metal AM is much more advantageous. Since the cost is almost the same for each added unit, it is possible to make a needed amount of changes to the part. It can be used for prototyping: you\u2019d use 3D printing to make a prototype and update the prototype until the required features are met. This is a crucial step before getting the product to mass production. It can also be used during the rest of the manufacturing process, to create unique pieces that can be more responsive to your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, it can be faster to get metal 3D prints rather than CNC machined parts. CNC machining normally requires more time to stock materials, set up the machine, get the right tooling. As a result, it can take several weeks to have the first part in hand. For 3D printing, even for DMLS which is more complex than traditional ones, the part can be printed on demand and shipped without any ramp \u00adup or tooling, resulting in shorter lead time compared to conventional technologies. The combination of the reduced lead time and the more efficient prototyping process reduces the turnaround time. This is one of the biggest advantages of metal 3D printing.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"you-want-lightweight-and-durable-components\"><strong>You Want Lightweight and Durable Components<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Aerospace and medical industries naturally require lightweight yet durable parts. Super alloys like Inconel 718, AlSi10Mg, Cobalt-chromium are known to be lightweight compared to their conventionally machined counterparts. Manufacturing a part with these alloys naturally makes them lightweight comparatively. As an example, GE\u2019s renowned 3D printed fuel nozzles for its LEAP family of engines used to be made from 20 discrete parts coming from independent suppliers but using direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) resulted in a single-piece component that\u2019s 25 per cent lighter and five times stronger than the original parts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><div class=\"wp-block-image__wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"480\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/AM_Nozzle.jpeg\" alt=\"Fuel nozzle\" class=\"wp-image-17763\" style=\"max-width:268px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/AM_Nozzle.jpeg 480w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/AM_Nozzle-225x300.jpeg 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><a class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/AM_Nozzle.jpeg\" data-fancybox=\"gallery-22162\" data-caption=\"Fuel nozzle (Source: GE)\" aria-label=\"Open full image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/AM_Nozzle.jpeg\" class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><svg class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\r\n               <path d=\"M0 2V6H2V2H6V0H2C0.895 0 0 0.895 0 2ZM2 12H0V16C0 17.105 0.895 18 2 18H6V16H2V12ZM16 16H12V18H16C17.105 18 18 17.105 18 16V12H16V16ZM16 0H12V2H16V6H18V2C18 0.895 17.105 0 16 0Z\" fill=\"#092C47\"\/>\r\n             <\/svg><\/a><\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fuel nozzle (Source: GE)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-you-d-like-to-avoid-wastage-of-material\"><strong>You\u2019d Like to Avoid Wastage of Material<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>3D printing is incredibly resource \u00adefficient since the only material consumed is what passes under the laser (or through the extruder, etc.), whereas traditional CNC machining leaves chips and small pieces of metal that should be recycled. The fact that manufacturers don\u2019t have to produce as much of a given product to justify the setup costs also reduces waste.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-disadvantages-of-choosing-metal-3d-printing\"><strong>Disadvantages of Choosing Metal 3D Printing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<p>Apart from the advantages metal 3D printing possess over conventional technologies, there are a few considerations where preferring the latter is advised.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-grainy-surface-finish\"><strong>Grainy Surface Finish<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>3D printing is an additive process, which means surfaces won\u2019t be as smooth as with CNC machining, and that it won\u2019t be as easy to produce the desired surface textures. So if the surface texture is important for you, CNC machining should be considered instead. Nevertheless, there are many post-processing techniques that are available to remove support structures, enhance the finish and improve the aesthetics, the cost also increases accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><div class=\"wp-block-image__wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"789\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Grainy-structure-of-metal-3D-printing-1024x789.webp\" alt=\"Grainy structure of metal 3D printing\" class=\"wp-image-17775\" style=\"max-width:655px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Grainy-structure-of-metal-3D-printing-1024x789.webp 1024w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Grainy-structure-of-metal-3D-printing-300x231.webp 300w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Grainy-structure-of-metal-3D-printing-768x592.webp 768w, https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Grainy-structure-of-metal-3D-printing.webp 1440w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><a class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button\" href=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Grainy-structure-of-metal-3D-printing.webp\" data-fancybox=\"gallery-22162\" data-caption=\"Grainy structure of metal 3D printing\" aria-label=\"Open full image\"><img src=\"https:\/\/xometry.pro\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Grainy-structure-of-metal-3D-printing.webp\" class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"><svg class=\"wp-block-image__fancy-box-button-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" viewBox=\"0 0 18 18\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\r\n               <path d=\"M0 2V6H2V2H6V0H2C0.895 0 0 0.895 0 2ZM2 12H0V16C0 17.105 0.895 18 2 18H6V16H2V12ZM16 16H12V18H16C17.105 18 18 17.105 18 16V12H16V16ZM16 0H12V2H16V6H18V2C18 0.895 17.105 0 16 0Z\" fill=\"#092C47\"\/>\r\n             <\/svg><\/a><\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Grainy structure of metal 3D printing<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-less-stronger-parts\"><strong>Less Strong Parts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>Because of the additive technology itself, metal 3D printed parts cannot be as strong as the one machined out of a solid metal block. The final strength depends on the design, size and material, but in general compressive strength of metal 3D prints is on average 40-50% lower than of CNC machined parts.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-expensive-serial-production\"><strong>Expensive Serial Production <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>It becomes cheaper to mass-produce through CNC machining. Mass production is still a huge deciding factor across the industries and this is where 3D printing lags behind and the speed at which a 3D printer can assemble an object often pales in comparison to the traditional assembly line.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-limited-build-volume\"><strong>Limited Build Volume<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>When a large part size is required, it&#8217;s always better to go with CNC machining. For instance, the maximum part size that is achieved with DMLS is 250 x 250 x 325 mm and for CNC machining, it is 2000 x 800 x 1000 mm. The size comparison clearly shows the inability of 3D printing in manufacturing huge parts due to its limited powder bed size.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-limited-material-selection\"><strong>Limited Material Selection<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<p>Conventional manufacturing options like injection moulding and CNC machining can offer a high material selection. When it comes to metal 3D printing, the material selection is lower, which can be a limiting factor when specific materials are needed for the required part and must be taken into consideration when deciding which technical properties you want your product to have. As of now at Xometry we have five metal\/alloy powders that support DMLS whereas if the required part needs some other material, there is no other option apart from traditional machining processes.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-summary\"><strong>Summary<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<p>It cannot be said that metal 3D printing replaces traditional manufacturing technologies in all aspects as both of these have their own set of advantages where they shine and disadvantages where they don&#8217;t. Here is a brief summary of what are the strengths of both technologies:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"custom-table-block \" id=\"table-id-106\" >\r\n\t<div class=\"search-input-wrapper\">\r\n\t\t<svg width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\r\n\t\t\t<path d=\"M15.7812 13.833L12.6659 10.7177C12.5252 10.5771 12.3346 10.499 12.1347 10.499H11.6253C12.4877 9.39596 13.0002 8.00859 13.0002 6.49937C13.0002 2.90909 10.0911 0 6.50083 0C2.91056 0 0.00146484 2.90909 0.00146484 6.49937C0.00146484 10.0896 2.91056 12.9987 6.50083 12.9987C8.01006 12.9987 9.39742 12.4863 10.5004 11.6239V12.1332C10.5004 12.3332 10.5786 12.5238 10.7192 12.6644L13.8345 15.7797C14.1282 16.0734 14.6032 16.0734 14.8938 15.7797L15.778 14.8954C16.0718 14.6017 16.0718 14.1267 15.7812 13.833ZM6.50083 10.499C4.29167 10.499 2.50122 8.71165 2.50122 6.49937C2.50122 4.29021 4.28855 2.49976 6.50083 2.49976C8.70999 2.49976 10.5004 4.28708 10.5004 6.49937C10.5004 8.70852 8.71311 10.499 6.50083 10.499Z\" fill=\"#476175\"\/>\r\n\t\t<\/svg>\r\n\t\t<input type=\"search\" class=\"table-search-input\" id=\"table-search-106\" placeholder=\"Table search\">\r\n\t<\/div>\t\r\n\t<div class=\"table-wrapper\">\r\n\t\t<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"block-editor-rich-text__editable wp-block-table__cell-content rich-text\" style=\"width: 50%;\" role=\"textbox\" contenteditable=\"true\" aria-multiline=\"true\" aria-label=\"Body cell text\"><strong data-rich-text-format-boundary=\"true\">Metal 3D Printing<\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"block-editor-rich-text__editable wp-block-table__cell-content rich-text\" style=\"width: 50%;\" role=\"textbox\" contenteditable=\"true\" aria-multiline=\"true\" aria-label=\"Body cell text\"><strong data-rich-text-format-boundary=\"true\">CNC Machining<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"block-editor-rich-text__editable wp-block-table__cell-content rich-text\" style=\"width: 50%;\" role=\"textbox\" contenteditable=\"true\" aria-multiline=\"true\" aria-label=\"Body cell text\">Quicker turnaround<\/td>\n<td class=\"block-editor-rich-text__editable wp-block-table__cell-content rich-text\" style=\"width: 50%;\" role=\"textbox\" contenteditable=\"true\" aria-multiline=\"true\" aria-label=\"Body cell text\">Mass production<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"block-editor-rich-text__editable wp-block-table__cell-content rich-text\" style=\"width: 50%;\" role=\"textbox\" contenteditable=\"true\" aria-multiline=\"true\" aria-label=\"Body cell text\">Prototyping and low volume production<\/td>\n<td class=\"block-editor-rich-text__editable wp-block-table__cell-content rich-text\" style=\"width: 50%;\" role=\"textbox\" contenteditable=\"true\" aria-multiline=\"true\" aria-label=\"Body cell text\">Solid surface structure<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"block-editor-rich-text__editable wp-block-table__cell-content rich-text\" style=\"width: 50%;\" role=\"textbox\" contenteditable=\"true\" aria-multiline=\"true\" aria-label=\"Body cell text\">Ease of achieving complex designs<\/td>\n<td class=\"block-editor-rich-text__editable wp-block-table__cell-content rich-text\" style=\"width: 50%;\" role=\"textbox\" contenteditable=\"true\" aria-multiline=\"true\" aria-label=\"Open full image\"0>Use of materials and need for technical characteristics unavailable with 3D printing<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"block-editor-rich-text__editable wp-block-table__cell-content rich-text\" style=\"width: 50%;\" role=\"textbox\" contenteditable=\"true\" aria-multiline=\"true\" aria-label=\"Open full image\"1>Reduced waste<\/td>\n<td class=\"block-editor-rich-text__editable wp-block-table__cell-content rich-text\" style=\"width: 50%;\" role=\"textbox\" contenteditable=\"true\" aria-multiline=\"true\" aria-label=\"Open full image\"2>Large-sized parts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"block-editor-rich-text__editable wp-block-table__cell-content rich-text\" style=\"width: 50%;\" role=\"textbox\" contenteditable=\"true\" aria-multiline=\"true\" aria-label=\"Open full image\"30>Customization and adaptability<\/td>\n<td class=\"block-editor-rich-text__editable wp-block-table__cell-content rich-text\" style=\"width: 50%;\" role=\"textbox\" contenteditable=\"true\" aria-multiline=\"true\" aria-label=\"Open full image\"41>Strong parts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\t<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n<style>\r\n\t.custom-table-block table{\r\n\t\theight: initial!important;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.search-input-wrapper{\r\n\t\tposition: relative;\r\n\t\tmargin-bottom: 24px;\r\n\t}\r\n\t.search-input-wrapper svg{\r\n\t\tposition: absolute;\r\n\t\ttop:50%;\r\n\t\tleft:12px;\r\n\t\ttransform: translateY(-50%);\r\n\t}\r\n\t.table-search-input{\r\n\t\tpadding: 0 0 0 40px;\r\n\t\tborder:1px solid #C1CAD1;\r\n\t\theight: 44px;\r\n\t\twidth: 201px;\r\n\t\tcolor:#092C47;\r\n\t\tfont-family: Open Sans;\r\n\t\tfont-size: 16px;\r\n\t\tfont-weight: 400;\r\n\t\tline-height: 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- 16px);\r\n\t\t}\r\n\t}\r\n<\/style>\r\n\n\n\n<p>If you have ready designs, feel free to get a quote for both CNC machining and DMLS 3D printing in our Instant Quoting Engine to compare the prices and lead time.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":50,"featured_media":17802,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","categories":[],"c-tag-articles":[],"global-tag":[12],"class_list":["post-22162","articles","type-articles","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","global-tag-3d-printing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.7 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>When you should go for metal 3D printing (DMLS) | Xometry Pro<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"This article points out cases when metal 3D Printing can be a good choice for the production of parts and when CNC Machining is a better one\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, 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