What are the advantages of metal 3D printing in comparison to other techniques?

Metal 3D printing has become a continuous trend in the industry. Its main advantage lies in a continuous expansion in the range of metals, alloys and metallic composites which can be produced in this technology. Currently available 3D printing materials enable to manufacturers to produce parts of any desired mechanical and chemical properties. However, there are a couple of other benefits of producing metal parts of with 3D printing instead of traditional technologies.

Reduction in lead times

First of all, the most well-known advantage of additive manufacturing is a faster transition from the design stage to the production of the final part. Most of the time is saved due to instrumentation matter. Usually no specific tools or machining devices are required to process the part after it is 3D printed. The operator only needs to remove elements such as support structures, created during printing process. This allows to significantly decrease the post-processing time. There is no need to tool the part using milling or turning in order to adjust its shape. Machining, previously necessary to create holes or add other connecting elements is not necessary anymore either. Therefore, 3D printing of metal parts translates into shortening lead times to days instead of weeks.

Production of large series of the same elements using injection molding may be financially reasonable. However, first the molds need to be manufactured and then the speed of production line and the whole factory must be optimized. As a result, getting the first part may happen after 15 to 60 days, whereas in case of 3D printing – lead time may reduce to just 2 or 3 days.

Cost advantages through the reduction of material waste

Another advantage resulting from producing metal with additive manufacturing is reduction in material waste. In metal 3D printing, raw material is added and formed layer by layer, rather than subtracted or cut out of a bulk solid figure. Therefore, the material is placed only where it is needed and the cost of the primary material used to produce one component is reduced. That makes 3D printing a resource-efficient technology.

Besides, parts redesigned for 3D printing can achieve a final mass equal to ¼ of the weight of the previous version. It may be beneficial for automotive and aerospace applications.

New approach to design

Looking at metal parts from a designer perspective, 3D printing technologies allow for the production of unique and complex structures. Traditionally, some elements which can not be casted need to be added to the element in post-production. For instance, adding the holes and threads requires machining the part after removing it from the mold. That increases the time and effort needed to manufacture a desired shape. On account of additive manufacturing, complexity of the part does not generate additional costs. Where it was previously necessary to use several separate parts within a twisted or welded structure, now just one part is required. And it can be manufactured as a single piece. Read our article on how to design for metal 3D printing to learn more about some general rules and tips.