Typically the metal filament 3D printing metal is a composite of metal powder and a polymer binder. These composite filaments can be printed on typical Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printers, such as the Raise3D E2 printer. We use BASF Ultrafuse 316L metal filament for 3D printing metal in our metal 3D printing workshop. The BASF Ultrafuse 316L metal filament is a popular metal-polymer composite for 3D printing with metal.

•      Cost-Effective Production: The most traditional of metalworking can be expensive and lead to high waste levels and therefore lots of labor to produce. But the production of metal parts with a 3D printer is cost efficient and also produces less waste then the traditional production methods.

•      Customized production parts: For a wide variety of industries metal filament 3D printing can be used for customized production parts. Such parts can be made just for certain applications or needs.

•      Speed: Prototype and produce objects in a much faster time frame, enabling you to test, re-make and complete production objects in no time.

•      Aerospace: Lightweight parts with complex internal structures that are strong under extreme conditions.

•      Medical Devices: Customized, biocompatible metal implants and prosthetics for individual patients.

•      Automotive: Production of high-performance durable parts for both testing of functional prototypes and the final production.

•      Jewelry: Metal filament 3D printing can be used to make jewelry because complex designs can be printed quickly and cost effectively.

Markforged Metal X: The Precision Standard

The Markforged Metal X is a powerful 3D printing machine. It has an easy-to-use interface, and is robust enough to be used as a production tool.

•      Build Volume: 300 x 220 x 180 mm.

•      Materials: Stainless steel, tool steel, Inconel, titanium, and copper.

•      Software: Eiger software simplifies printing with intuitive controls and real-time monitoring.

Raise3D E2: Versatile Dual Extrusion

Raise3D E2 Dual Extrusion 3D Printer for Metal Filament Printing. The Raise3D E2 3D printer can be used to print with BASF Ultrafuse 316L metal filament and other similar metal filaments.

•      Principal Benefit: Dual extrusion allows for printing complex geometries with dedicated support materials.

•      Build Volume: 330 x 240 x 240 mm.

Ultimaker S5: Reliable Low-Volume Production

FDM printing of high quality with good detail resolution.

•       Principal Benefit: Extensive material compatibility and advanced Cura material profiles for metal composites.

Metal 3D Printing: Important to Note – As mentioned before, about 80% of all the desktop 3D printers on the market today can print with the “filaments” listed above (including the “metal filament”); however, as also previously stated, printing “green parts” as they are (i.e. without going through the professional high-temperature annealing process – which includes the processes of debinding and sintering in order to remove the polymers and to fuse the metal particles together) will result in very fragile parts that will likely break easily. Thus, the printing of metal parts using metal filament printing needs to be left to the professional service providers.

Metal filament 3D printing is developing at a fast pace. New developments in the field of materials, 3D printing machines and post-processing will appear in the near future.

•      Material Innovations: The use of new metal filaments is a constantly evolving field. The emerging materials will have enhanced properties, enabling the production of metal parts of even greater strength, electrical conductivity and corrosion resistance.

•      Multi-Material Printing: As metal filament printing technology evolves, it is expected to allow for the printing of multiple materials simultaneously, allowing for the creation of metal parts made of composite materials.

•      Larger Scale Printing: The future development of metal filament 3D printing technologies such as for larger 3D printing machines to manufacture bigger metal parts.

Large scale printing as well as integration into existing manufacturing systems to create hybrid processes, where metal filament printing can leverage the strength of traditional manufacturing methods to create parts that would otherwise be difficult to make.

As metal filament printing technology continues to evolve, it will revolutionize manufacturing for the production of complex, customized, high performance metal parts, making manufacturing more efficient, cost effective and diverse than ever before.

Act early to utilize the metal filament 3D printing manufacturing technology for your projects. We will continuously monitor its development and pass on its advantages to you.