The options to 3D print metal with a desktop FFF printer are expanding in 2017. Photo’s illustrating the process show how stainless steel can be 3D printed with a €300 printer.
Fraunhofer制造技术研究所和高级材料IFAM已经宣布了一个新开发的含金属粉末丝，具有高金属含量。
与Markforged和Desktop Metal的Studio系统的即将到来的金属X相似，该过程需要多个步骤。Fraunhofer IFAM方法使用由金属和塑料组成的细丝。首先将细丝挤出以形成绿色部分，这是一个次要的过程，可以去除结合塑料并留下金属3D打印。
The 3D prints have a density above 97% density and the process can be used with material including steels, Copper, Tungsten, Titanium, Precious metals and Ceramics.
Fraunhofer IFAM表示，可以通过热处理过程（例如，金属粉末注塑成型（MIM））类似地与传统的烧结过程相似地将所得的3D打印“通过热处理过程烧结到无塑料的金属成分。”
The method is characterized in particular by its relatively low investment costs in comparably complex free-form design with other methods. Due to the proximity to the injection molding process, this toolless method is suitable for the production of prototypes, special components and small series.
Increasing number of options for metal 3D printing
As we have seen this year a number of companies are developing similar processes to bring metal 3D printing for the desktop. U.S. based The Virtual Foundry hasdeveloped a range of 3D printing materials called Filamet™– the material is sold in rolls and bulk pellets.
今年早些时候，全球化学公司BASF推出了Ultrafuse 316LX用于融合层建模。该材料作为灯丝提供，可用于FFF/FFF/FDM 3D打印机。
Most recently HP announced they intend to enter the metal 3D printing sector. While details are scarce on HP’s plans, those familiar with the technology point to the company’s expertise in inkjet printing – suggesting the project is likely to be similar in approach to the Desktop Metal Production System – due to launch in 2018 – or possibly the well established binder jetting technology available from ExOne.
Exonein particular appears to have benefited from 2017’s renewed interest in metal 3D printing systems that differ from powder bed fusion technology.
应用是至关重要的
While3 d打印材料创新扩大potential of FFF/FDM additive manufacturing technology, it should be noted that these techniques are not necessarily a replacement for the longer established – and more expensive – laser and electron based powder bed fusion methods.
特别是，是否可以使用FFF/FDM金属细丝满足医疗和航空航天客户的需求，即使次要烧结过程会产生更强的零件。
Furthermore, for some use cases metal may not be required. For example, enterprises such as Markforged with their carbon fiber reinforced FFF 3D printer are producing high strength 3D prints. Also, U.S. based Essentium together with BASF are developing这种方法增加了耐用性和toughness of plastic 3D prints on FFF machines.
Price competition in the metal powder bed fusion market from companies such as OR Laser with their relatively low-cost metal 3D printing system means that companies looking to implement metal additive manufacturing now have another option.
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特色图像显示了由300欧元打印机Renkforce RF100的不锈钢制成的3D打印风扇。通过Fraunhofer IFAM摄影。
