3d Printed Sheet Metal

Powdered metal is spread across the entire build platform and selectively melted to previous layers.

3d printed sheet metal. Learn more about the advantages of metal 3d printing over traditional manufacturing as well as how to effectively design for dmls. 3d printing damascus steel damascus steel is a highly valued type of steel that s created by repeatedly folding together two steels that have different levels of carbon content. The typical build size of a metal 3d printing system is 250 x 150 x 150 mm but larger machines are also available up to 500 x 280 x 360 mm. I ve never seen anyone form sheet metal using 3d printed tooling so i thought i would give it a try.

Direct metal laser sintering dmls 3d printing is a revolutionary technology that allows you to create metal prototypes and end use parts in a matter of days with reduced cost and little waste. A metal 3d printer utilizes a laser beam to melt 20 60 micron layers of metal powder on top of each other. It worked surprisingly well. 3d printed sheet metal forms.

We ve seen several people create custom dies for their brakes and the results have shown the concept has merit for small scale. Print a wide range of materials from stainless steels to copper with minimal training on a closed workflow. As it turns out. The layer height used in metal 3d printing varies between 20 to 50 microns and depends on the properties of the metal powder flowability particle size distribution shape etc.

High carbon steel is incredibly hard. The metal x is the most intuitive simple to use metal 3d printer available today. Using 3d printed forms to bend sheet metal isn t exactly new. But surely there s no room in the machine tool world for 3d printed plastic tools especially for the demanding needs of punching parts from sheet metal.