Shapeways continues to offer design tips for 3D printing in metal due to accelerated growth in this area. While the 3D printing industry is projected to reach $76.17 billion by 2030, the metal realm is soaring. This trend is expected to last too, with metal 3D printing forecast to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23.9% through 2030.
All the classic advantages of 3D printing apply with metal. Benefits include swift turnaround in production, accuracy and repeatability in parts, and the ability to make complex geometries like never before. Designers can achieve many of the same benefits of traditional manufacturing with metal 3D printing, but they are compounded by improvements like greater tensile properties, making it possible for parts to bear a heavier load.
Optimizing Metal 3D Models
The possibilities for modeling with metal are exciting–and endless. Metal materials stand apart due to an excellent strength-to-mass ratio, as well as low density–allowing for extremely strong parts that are uniquely lightweight. Metal 3D printing materials also present high thermal conductivity, appealing to designers making industrial parts like heat exchangers for engineering applications.
Shapeways offers design tips for 3D printing in metal materials like Aluminum, numerous cast precious metals, Steel, Stainless Steel 17-4 PH, and Stainless Steel 316L.
Aluminum
Designers 3D printing in metal turn to materials like Aluminum for corrosion resistance, impact resistance, and the ability to make interlocking parts. This metal 3D printing material is also distinctive because of the technology behind it: Selective Laser Melting (SLM). Similar to technology like Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), SLM 3D metal printing is so powerful that it melts all Aluminum metal particles at once. They are then cooled quickly, solidifying into strong, homogenous parts with high tolerance.
Shapeways recommends 3D printing Aluminum (available only in standard finish) for the following:
- Drone parts
- Gears and gadgets
- Robotics
- Jigs and tools
Below are bounding box requirements:
The bounding box is a 3D imaginary outline of a box that encloses the smallest area occupied by your model. Your model must be within the minimum and maximum bounding box sizes. If the size of the model is close to the maximum bounding box, then the printing orientation will be restricted.
Bounding Box Minimum
X + Y + Z > 30 mm
Refer to the Aluminum design guidelines for further modeling details::
- Clearance minimums
- Engraving and embossing
- Escape holes
- Wall thickness
- Wires
Steel
Steel is one of the classic materials for 3D printing metal. Made up of a material combination that is 60% steel and 40% bronze, Steel is affordable, strong, and mainly used for tools and accessories, home decor, and smaller industrial consumer goods like bottle openers or gaming dice.
Shapeways 3D prints Steel (and Stainless Steel materials) with Binder Jetting technology for tough, precise parts. With the added capability for 3D printing with metal powders and alloys too, high-performance prototypes and parts can be manufactured efficiently. Support structures are not required with Binder Jetting, allowing for greater design freedom.
For Steel, design 3D models within the following minimum and maximum bounding box sizes:
Bounding Box Min
6 x 6 x 3 mm
Bounding Box Max
762 x 393 x 393 mm (Bronzed-Silver, Bronze, Black)
178 x 178 x 178 mm (Gold, Nickel)
152 x 152 x 76 (Polished models)
178 x 178 x 178 (Plated models)
Refer to the Steel design guidelines for further modeling details on:
- Clearance minimums
- Engraving and embossing
- Escape holes
- Wall thickness
- Wires
Stainless Steel 17-4 PH
Stainless Steel 17-4 PH is an excellent choice for 3D models requiring hard, tough materials that are also resistant to heat and corrosion. This single-alloy material usually exhibits superior material properties as well as high resolution, and is recommended for the products like:
- Fasteners
- Jigs and fixtures
- Machine tools
- Parts for oil and gas
- Pump components
- Valving
For Stainless Steel 17-4 PH, design 3D models within the following minimum and maximum bounding box sizes:
Bounding Box Min
15 × 15 × 3 mm
Bounding Box Max
127 × 127 × 76.2 mm
Refer to the Stainless Steel 17-4 PH design guidelines for further modeling details on:
- Clearance minimums
- Engraving and embossing
- Escape holes
- Wall thickness
- Wires
This material is available in silver, with a granular, semi-matte finish that can be polished.
Stainless Steel 316L
Designers and engineers turn to metal materials like Stainless Steel 316L for excellent corrosion resistance and great tensile strength. Typical applications include:
- Fasteners and brackets
- Heat exchangers
- Mechanical machinery
- Tooling
For this material, 3D models must be within the following minimum and maximum bounding box sizes:
Bounding Box Min
15 x 15 x 3 mm
Bounding Box Max
127 x 127 x 76.2 mm
This material is available in a natural or polished finish.
Refer to the Stainless Steel 316L design guidelines for further modeling details on:
- Accuracy
- Clearance minimums
- Engraving and embossing
- Escape holes
- Wall thickness
- Wires
Cast Metal for Jewelry
For designers and engineers interested in creating 3D models for jewelry, Lost Wax Casting is a great option. This method is an ancient one with a modern twist as molds are 3D printed and filled with molten liquid to create small, often intricate, structures.
Complex geometries can be designed and 3D printed, featuring cavities and other intricate details desired for prototypes or end parts being cast in metal. Both fast and economical, Lost Wax casting is preferred by many Shapeways designers interested in working with precious metals like the following:
Designers have vast opportunities for customization, coupled with the opportunity to take advantage of on-demand production–one of the greatest benefits built into 3D printing technology. Explore design guidelines for each precious metal available at Shapeways, and find out more about Lost Wax Casting here.
About Shapeways
Enjoy the benefits of this advanced technology and a wide range of materials from Shapeways for 3D printing your creations with accuracy, complex detail, and no minimum or limits in terms of mass customization or single part orders. Shapeways has worked with over 1 million customers in 160 countries to 3D print over 21 million parts! Read about case studies, find out more about Shapeways additive manufacturing solutions, and get instant quotes here.