3D metal printing (metal additive manufacturing) uses metal powder or wire as raw materials, melting and depositing them layer by layer using energy sources such as lasers and electron beams to create three-dimensional metal parts. Its core advantages include:
Breaking through the limitations of traditional manufacturing: It can produce complex curved surfaces, internal structures (such as cooling channels), and multi-material parts, reducing the number of parts and assembly steps.
Efficient and low-cost: No molds are required, direct molding allows for high material utilization, and short manufacturing cycles, making it suitable for small-batch or customized production.
Excellent performance: High part density and strength, with some processes approaching forging levels, making it suitable for high-end applications such as aerospace and medical.
Key technologies and processes:
Powder bed fusion (PBF): Such as SLM and EBM, uses lasers or electron beams to melt metal powder, achieving high precision and suitable for complex structures.
Direct energy deposition (DED): Such as LENS, uses lasers to deposit metal wire/powder, suitable for repair and large-scale part manufacturing. Material Extrusion/Injection: Like Metal FDM, this process involves extruding metal wire to form a mold. While it offers low equipment costs, it also offers lower precision and surface quality.
