Metal 3D printing? Is it capable to replace traditional metal fabrication?

Metal 3D printing is one of the new exciting development in the industry.  The news of making metallic parts same as ease as 3D plastic printing is quite interesting.

As this technology is the beginning stage, at this point of time we are unable to assess the out come of the application of this technology. One of the promising field that can make use of this technology is the molding of Aircraft parts.

Capability to create entirely new geometries and new design drawing with CAD software the developments in this field are really promising. Currently the areas like space exploration, aerospace and healthcare are testing and using this technology in a considerable proportion.

What is Metal 3D printing:

It is just another name for metal based additive manufacturing process.

Even the Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) or Selective Laser Melting (SLM) are common 3D Metal printing techniques, Direct Metal Laser Melting (DMLM) which used a powder bed and laser that melts and fuses those powders into layers on a build platform.  The other method DED (Direct energy deposition) sends a spray of powdered metal through a nozzle. The tightly focused “beam” of powder is struck by a laser which fuses the powder

into

 solid at the point of deposition.  Even though DMLM method is slower than DED; and require more careful designing the out put is stronger and durable.

Even though the idea of Metal 3D printing is exciting and ambitious, this technology has to undergo lots of research in order to apply in the commercial manufacturing arena. The main challenge facing 3D Metal printing is the production of tremendous heat that not only adversely affect the printer itself but also mar the finishing product. The more the duration of the production the more the chances of the making of the imperfect product.

However like all other fields were the initial obstacles have successfully overcame by the relentless hard work and attempt of man, lets hope the metal printing also will flourish in the feature by defeating the numerous difficulties that are special to this challenging field.