Metal 3D printing is currently dominated by powder-based techniques like SLM (Selective Laser Melting). These processes yield incredibly precise parts, but the build times are slow. Furthermore, dealing with the powder increases manufacturing complexity: Whenever the powder is transported, loaded into the machine, or cleaned up afterwards, rigorous steps must
About 15 years ago I looked at 3d printers for an engineering team. Between $20,000 and $50,000 range. The best option was a powder based system. Parts were fragile, print time was slow, clean up was a pain.
One of our customers was using an SLA system…parts were fragile, print time was slow…clean up was a pain.
Now I have a 3d filament printer in my shop that cost me less than $1,000, and doesn’t have any of those issues. Of course it’s not mounted on a robotic arm.
About 15 years ago I looked at 3d printers for an engineering team. Between $20,000 and $50,000 range. The best option was a powder based system. Parts were fragile, print time was slow, clean up was a pain.
One of our customers was using an SLA system…parts were fragile, print time was slow…clean up was a pain.
Now I have a 3d filament printer in my shop that cost me less than $1,000, and doesn’t have any of those issues. Of course it’s not mounted on a robotic arm.
Hopefully the normal consumer will have cheap access like that to metal printers in 10years or less