Metal 3D Printing Services
Discover our top-tier metal 3D printing services tailored for manufacturing and factory needs. Accelerate your product development with our advanced 3D printing and rapid prototyping solutions. Contact us today to revolutionize your production process.
Certifications
ISO 9001:2015 | AS9100D | ITAR Registered
What is Metal 3D Printing?
Metal 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a process that creates three-dimensional metal parts layer by layer using digital design files. This technology allows for the production of complex geometries that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods.
As a trusted manufacturer specializing in metals 3D printing, we combine advanced equipment with expert craftsmanship to deliver high-quality results quickly. Contact us today to bring your designs to life with precision and efficiency!
Metal 3D Printing Design Guide
Jump start your metal 3D printing with this guide that covers material selection, design, post-processing, and quality inspections.
Metal 3D Printing Capabilities
Our fundamental guidelines for metal 3D printing encompass crucial design considerations aimed at enhancing part manufacturability, improving cosmetic appearance, and minimizing overall production time. These guidelines are designed to help you achieve optimal results in your metal 3D printing projects.
US
Metric
Normal Resolution
9.6 in. x 9.6 in. x 13.0 in.
245mm x 245mm x 330mm
Normal Resolution(X Line*)
31.5 in. x 15.7 in. x 19.7 in.
400mm x 800mm x 500mm
High Resolution
3.5 in. x 3.5 in. x 2.7 in.
Al: 3.8 in. x 3.8 in. x 3.7 in.
88mm x 88mm x 70mm
Al: 98mm x 98mm x 94mm
US
Metric
Normal Resolution
0.0012 in.
30 microns
Normal Resolution
(X Line*)
Inconel: 0.00236 in.
Aluminum: 0.00157 in.
Inconel: 60 microns
Aluminum: 40 microns
High Resolution
0.00079 in.
20 microns
US
Metric
Normal Resolution
0.015 in
(0.030 in. for Aluminum)
0.381mm
(0.762mm for Aluminum)
Normal Resolution
(X Line*)
0.015 in.
(0.030 in. for Aluminum)
0.381mm
(0.762mm for Aluminum)
High Resolution
0.006 in.
Aluminum: 0.015 in.
0.153mm
Aluminum: 0.381mm
Metal 3D Printing Tolerances
For well-designed parts, tolerances of +0.003 in. (0.076mm) plus 0.1% of nominal length can typically be achieved. Note that tolerances may change depending on part geometry.
Metal 3D Printing Material Options
Below is our available metal alloys for 3D printing. Various heat treatments are available depending on material.
Stainless Steel 17-4 PH is a precipitation hardened stainless steel that is known for its hardness and corrosion resistance. If needing a stainless steel option, select 17-4 PH for its significantly higher tensile strength and yield strength, but recognize that it has far less elongation at break than 316L. Final parts built 17-4 PH receive vacuum solution heat treatment as well as H900 aging.
Stainless steel 316L is a workhorse material used for manufacturing acid and corrosion resistant parts. Select 316L when stainless steel flexibility is needed; 316L is a more malleable material compared to 17-4 PH. Final parts built in 316L receive stress relief application.
Primary Benefits
- Acid and corrosion resistance
- High ductility
Learn More →
Aluminum (AlSi10Mg) is comparable to a 3000 series alloy that is used in casting and die casting processes. It has good strength -to-weight ratio, high temperature and corrosion resistance, and good fatigue, creep and rupture strength. AlSi10Mg also exhibits thermal and electrical conductivity properties. Final parts built in AlSi10Mg receive stress relief application.
Primary Benefits
- High stiffness and strength relative to weight
- Thermal and electrical conductivity
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Copper powder is a common 3D printing material typically used in metal 3D printing technologies such as Selective Laser Melting (SLM) or Electron Beam Melting (EBM).
Primary Benefits
- Commonly used in SLM and EBM technologies.
- High electrical conductivity and high thermal conductivity.
Learn More →
Titanium (Ti6Al4V) is a workhorse alloy. Versus Ti grade 23 annealed, the mechanical properties of Ti6Al4V are comparable to wrought titanium for tensile strength, elongation, and hardness. Final parts built in Ti6Al4V receive vacuum stress relief application.
Primary Benefits
- High stiffness and strength relative to weight
- High temperature and corrosion resistance
Learn More →
Metal 3D Printing Materials Guide
Learn more about the direct metal laser sinter process and the available materials for DMLS 3D printing.
Read Guide →
Compare Material Properties
| Materials | Resolution | Condition | Ultimate Tensile Strength(ksi) | Yield Stress(ksi) | Elongation(%) | Hardness |
| Stainless Steel (17-4 PH) | 20 μm | Solution & Aged (H900) | 199 | 178 | 10 | 42 HRC |
| 30 μm | Solution & Aged (H900) | 198 | 179 | 13 | 42 HRC | |
| Stainless Steel (316L) | 20 μm | Stress Relieved | 82 | 56 | 78 | 90 HRB |
| 30 μm | Stress Relieved | 85 | 55 | 75 | 88 HRB | |
| Aluminum (AlSi10Mg) | 20 μm | Stress Relieved | 39 | 26 | 15 | 42 HRB |
| 30 μm | Stress Relieved | 50 | 33 | 8 | 59 HRB | |
| 40 μm | Stress Relieved | 43 | 27 | 10 | 50 HRB | |
| Copper powder (Cu-ETP) | 20 μm | Powder form | 42 | 25 | 15 | 50 HRC |
| 30 μm | Powder form | 45 | 28 | 25 | 90 HRC | |
| Titanium (Ti6Al4V) | 20 μm | Stress Relieved | 153 | 138 | 15 | 35 HRC |
| 20 μm | Stress Relieved | 153 | 138 | 15 | 35 HRC |
| Materials | Resolution | Condition | Ultimate Tensile Strength(ksi) | Yield Stress(MPa) | Elongation(%) | Hardness |
| Stainless Steel(17-4 PH) | 20 μm | Solution & Aged (H900) | 1,372 | 1,227 | 10 | 42 HRC |
| 30 μm | Solution & Aged (H900) | 1,365 | 1,234 | 13 | 42 HRC | |
| Stainless Steel(316L) | 20 μm | Stress Relieved | 565 | 386 | 78 | 90 HRB |
| 30 μm | Stress Relieved | 586 | 379 | 75 | 88 HRB | |
| Aluminum(AlSi10Mg) | 20 μm | Stress Relieved | 268 | 180 | 15 | 46 HRB |
| 30 μm | Stress Relieved | 345 | 228 | 8 | 59 HRB | |
| 40 μm | Stress Relieved | 296 | 186 | 10 | 50 HRB | |
| Copper(CuNi2SiCr) | 20 μm | Precipitation Hardened | 496 | 434 | 23 | 87 HRB |
| Titanium(Ti6Al4V) | 20 μm | Stress Relieved | 1055 | 951 | 15 | 35 HRC |
| 30 μm | Stress Relieved | 993 | 855 | 18 | 33 HRC |
20 μm = high resolution (HR)
30, 40, and 60 μm = normal resolution (NR)
These figures are approximate and dependent on a number of factors, including but not limited to, machine and process parameters. The information provided is therefore not binding and not deemed to be certified. When performance is critical, also consider independent lab testing of additive materials or final parts.
Standard Finish
Expect roughness values of 200 to 400 µin Ra (0.005 to 0.010mm Ra), depending on material and resolution. Support structures are removed and layer lines are visible.
Custom Finish
We offer brushed surfaces in a range of grits and polished mirror finishes. Be sure to indicate if the custom surface finish is for functional or aesthetic purposes so we can best consult you on our custom options.
Post-Processing Capabilities for Metal 3D-Printed Parts
Improve strength, dimensional accuracy, and cosmetic appearance of final metal components with DMLS for production.
Surface Finishing
- 3- and 5-axis milling
- Turning
- Polish (Mirror or Brushed)
- Passivation
- Wire EDM
- Tapping and reaming
Surface Finishing
- 3- and 5-axis milling
- Turning
- Polish (Mirror or Brushed)
- Passivation
- Wire EDM
- Tapping and reaming
Mechanical Testing
- Tensile
- Rockwell Hardness
Powder Analysis & Material
- Traceability
- Chemistry
- Particle size and distribution analysis
Why Use Metal 3D Printing?
Metal 3D printing enables complex designs, reduces material waste, shortens lead times, and lowers costs for small batch production. Additionally, it offers lightweight structures and on-demand production, enhancing overall performance and competitiveness.
How Does Metal 3D Printing Work?
Metal 3D printing, also known as metal additive manufacturing, involves creating metal parts layer by layer from a digital file. The process begins with creating a 3D model of the part using computer-aided design (CAD) software, which is then sliced into thin horizontal layers. Common methods include Powder Bed Fusion (PBF), Binder Jetting, Directed Energy Deposition (DED), and Metal Extrusion. Each method involves melting and depositing metal powder or wire layer by layer to form the final part. After printing, the part undergoes post-processing, such as the removal of support structures, heat treatment, and surface finishing.
Metal 3D printing is widely used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, medical, and tooling due to its ability to produce complex geometries, reduce material waste, and enable customized production. However, the technology also faces challenges, including high costs, slow printing speeds, and material limitations. As the technology continues to advance, metal 3D printing shows increasing potential for manufacturing and design innovation.