Metal 3D Printing

[Polarbear]

I had an advert at the top of the page for metal 3D printing.

https://markforged.com/metal-x/?mfa=ga-search&adg=55502082228&kw=markforged&device=c&gclid=CjwKCAjwmZbpBRAGEiwADrmVXg88Zqp5AmM6lwxAPou1iR_GwioziUt7c0YeYWGUTxvNkFi3zQUuRxoCPO0QAvD_BwE

3D metal printing. Wow and from what it says they can get the hardness and everything right.

For someone who was brought up on casting, forging, machining and heat treatment this does my head in.

Has anyone come across this and is it as viable/good as they say?
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[Islander]

Yes it's a viable technology and it can produce outstanding results. There are two technologies:

FDM (Fused Deposition Manufacturing) which is insanely expensive, works in much the same way as plastic 3D printers only at much higher temperatures and is the top end professional process.

SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) or SLM (Selective Laser Melting) which is a bit more affordable and as the name suggests, uses high power lasers to fuse metal powders.

[panrider_uk]

Supervet has a lot of his custom implants for animals done with metal 3d printing
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Current bikes: Honda ST1100 Pan European. Moto Guzzi V85 TT Travel

[Pete.]

Sample prices seem ridiculously low. The $14 camshaft sprocket for example. That must be a 1000-piece price or something because you'll use $14 worth of leccy in the sintering oven alone. I know they can print a load of different parts and cook them all together but still it does seem unfeasibly low considering the outlay and running costs of the plant.

Leaps and bounds though
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a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[bhinso]

My strategy is to borrow a 3D printer, and use it to print my very own 3D printer