Metal 3D Printing // Behind the scenes

[Tex Koder]

Here's a general overview of the processes involved with SLS/SLM metal printing.

The prep work to get the metal powder ready and loaded.. is a handful.
Let alone installing the "print bed" and cleaning the laser len(S) before hitting that print button...

Just look at how Thick the bed is..
(start at 3:01)

Once the printing is done, there's still a LOT of work left to do.
1. Like removing/vacuuming the unused metal power.
2. Separating the printed parts from the print bed/block. Which is an entire nother process in itself.
3. Inspection of all the produced parts and Manually remove any imperfections.
4. Final polishing / sandblasting.

 

[CosmoM3]

Are you using a similar process for your projects as well?

How would you compare this process to MIM (mold injected metal) in terms of durability and quality?

 

[Tex Koder]

Are you using a similar process for your projects as well?

How would you compare this process to MIM (mold injected metal) in terms of durability and quality?

Unfortunately, I don't have access to anything like this.

No hands on experience to make any informed comments..

 

[Cypher]

Here's a general overview of the processes involved with SLS/SLM metal printing.

The prep work to get the metal powder ready and loaded.. is a handful.
Let alone installing the "print bed" and cleaning the laser len(S) before hitting that print button...

Just look at how Thick the bed is..
(start at 3:01)

Once the printing is done, there's still a LOT of work left to do.
1. Like removing/vacuuming the unused metal power.
2. Separating the printed parts from the print bed/block. Which is an entire nother process in itself.
3. Inspection of all the produced parts and Manually remove any imperfections.
4. Final polishing / sandblasting.

5. If there is anything close to (what I call) a tolerance/surface finish required, that needs to be machined.

I remember we once got some 3D printed titanium parts to finish it up with tolerances and such where it was needed.

 

[Av642]

Awesome post, thanks for sharing!

 

[Dutch]

This looks really cool
MIT researchers have developed an additive manufacturing technique that can print rapidly with liquid metal, producing large-scale parts like table legs and chair frames in a matter of minutes

 

[rotauq]

Not metal, but affordable SLS printing is coming: