A metal 3D printer is a device that can create three-dimensional metal objects through additive manufacturing. In contrast to a regular inkjet printer, which ejects ink onto paper creating an image in two dimensions, a metal 3D printer creates objects by layering metal powder and other materials in three dimensions based on computer-aided-design (CAD) data.

A key advantage of metal 3D printers (also called 3D metal printers) is that they can create three-dimensional objects having structures that cannot be easily made using other manufacturing methods.

There are a variety of methods used in metal 3D printing. Some common methods are Powder Bed Fusion (PBF), whereby a fine layer of metal powder is spread and then irradiated with thermal energy from a laser or electron beam to melt and solidify it; Direct Energy Deposition (DED), whereby metal powder is injected through a nozzle and layered while irradiating with thermal energy; and Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) or Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), whereby a filament made of metal powder mixed with resin is extruded through a nozzle.

Since accuracy and cost differ depending on the particular method used, it is necessary to understand the characteristics of each method and select the most appropriate one for the three-dimensional object to be modeled.

3D Metal Printer / Metal 3D Printing

Industrial 3D Printer / Additive Manufacturing