Metal 3D Printing Technologies. There are many different types of 3D printing technologies available today and for metal 3D printing there are 4 of the most common methods. Here we take a closer look at some of the key characteristics of each of the metal 3D printing technologies.

1. Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) printers

2. Directed Energy Deposition (DED) printers

3. Binder Jetting printers

4. Fused deposition modeling(FDM) printers(extruding metal filled filament)

From entry level PBF metal 3D printing systems that cost as little as $50,000 to larger industrial PBF metal 3D printing systems that can cost in the millions of dollars. The most important cost drivers for the price of a metal 3D printing system are the build volume, the laser power, the resolution and the degree of automation.

The cost of consumables can vary greatly from one metal to another, even more so when considering the surface finish of a printed part. The prices of metal powders can vary from a few hundred dollars per kilogram (such as aluminum or bronze) to several thousand dollars per kilogram (such as titanium or molybdenum).

As with any other production equipment, metal 3D printing also needs to be regularly maintained in order to guarantee optimal operation and to extend the useful life of the printing device. In the following, an overview of the typical expenses for the maintenance and upkeep of a metal 3D printer is provided. The costs can vary significantly depending on several variables, for example, based on the usual wear and tear, the type of 3D printing equipment, or the extent of the typical operation.

As a rule, filters, nozzles, as well as other wearing parts need to be replaced on a regular basis. In addition, the 3D printing device has to be calibrated from time to time in order to guarantee optimal printing results. During the routine checks, any potential malfunctions or anomalies have to be detected and fixed in good time to prevent any damages to the printing device.

After the 3D printing process the metal part has to be processed in order to achieve the desired surface finish as well as the required mechanical properties. There are several methods of post-processing: heat treatment, machining, polishing, coating, etc. So the post-processing has to be taken into account as well when calculating the costs of 3D printing with metals.

A Metal 3D printer can require a lot of expertise to operate. People running a Metal 3D printing service may require a lot of training, as well as software. Training programs and software licenses can cost a lot and the costs of these for updates should not be ignored.

The cost of metal 3D printing does not stop at the initial purchase price of the metal 3D printing machine. In addition to the required consumables (e.g. metal powders, gas supplies) there is also the cost of the required facility and infrastructure (e.g. required ventilation system, temperature control, power supply, required space, safety measures). In this blog we will elaborate on the required space and the setup of the workspace.

It has to be acknowledged that the cost of a metal 3D printer can vary considerably. Depending on required functionality, process, and also brand and model, it is therefore important and also helpful to look into the many offers of the different suppliers of 3D printers, and to have an conversation with the respective salespeople.

Only by comparing the various offers of the different manufacturers, in relation to your requested applications and the available funds, you will be able to decide, whether a 3D printer is suitable for your business or even for your personal needs.