Metal 3D printing is making fast metal parts a reality. This exciting technology is revolutionizing the prototyping and manufacturing industry. Highly complex fully functional parts can be built that would be impossible to create with machining or casting. Engineers and designers now have the freedom to very quickly create parts that are extremely lightweight and optimized for performance.

Metal 3D printing uses a high power laser beam or electron beam to fabricate fully dense metal parts, one layer at a time. During the build process, the beam draws on a surface of atomized metal powder, welding it into a solid as it travels. After each layer is drawn, the build platform lowers and a layer of powder is added. The process repeats until the part is complete. Supports are built with the metal part, holding the part securely as it builds. These supports are ground off after the build and the part is heat-treated to remove residual stresses. Parts may then be finish machined, polished, anodized or plated.