{"id":8909,"date":"2021-02-22T09:08:22","date_gmt":"2021-02-22T09:08:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/xometry.de\/?p=8909"},"modified":"2025-06-03T16:03:09","modified_gmt":"2025-06-03T08:03:09","slug":"technology-overview-when-you-should-really-go-for-metal-3d-printing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging-wp.xometry.hk\/en\/technology-overview-when-you-should-really-go-for-metal-3d-printing\/","title":{"rendered":"Technology Overview: When You Should Really Go for Metal 3D Printing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Ever since its inception, metal additive manufacturing has caught the attention of engineers and tech enthusiasts for its unconventional bottom-up approach and the buzz surrounding what it is capable of. Is it really advantageous to use additive manufacturing for a part that\u2019s been reliably produced through subtractive processes for years? This article discusses this question and points out cases when metal 3D printing can be a good choice for the production of parts and when not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-metal-3d-printing-slm-process-overview\">Metal 3D printing (SLM): process overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Conventional manufacturing technologies like CNC machining are normally subtractive processes which means it removes material in order to shape a product whereas metal 3D printing technology is additive. One of the most common and popular metal 3D printing technologies is Selective Laser Melting (SLM)\u00a0.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1514\" height=\"486\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2021\/02\/Screenshot-2021-02-22-at-10.31.41.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8934\" style=\"width:757px;height:243px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/staging-wp.xometry.hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2021\/02\/Screenshot-2021-02-22-at-10.31.41.png 1514w, https:\/\/staging-wp.xometry.hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2021\/02\/Screenshot-2021-02-22-at-10.31.41-480x154.png 480w, https:\/\/staging-wp.xometry.hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2021\/02\/Screenshot-2021-02-22-at-10.31.41-1440x462.png 1440w, https:\/\/staging-wp.xometry.hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2021\/02\/Screenshot-2021-02-22-at-10.31.41-768x247.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1514px) 100vw, 1514px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The typical SLM process begins by slicing the 3D design CAD file data into extremely thin layers, effectively generating a 2D model for each layer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The machine uses a high-powered optic laser. Inside the build chamber area, there is a material dispensing platform and a build platform along with a roller used to move new powder over the build platform. The technology fuses metal powder into a solid part by melting it locally using the focused laser beam. Parts are built up additively layer by layer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cases-when-to-choose-metal-3d-printing\">Cases when to choose metal 3D printing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Metal 3D printing comes with its own set of advantages over traditional machining. We listed here a few cases when it is worth considering metal 3D printing over <a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.hk\/en\/cnc-machining\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CNC machining<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-your-design-is-complex\">Your design is complex<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to design complexity and freedom, metal 3D printing has a huge edge over conventional. Many complex designs cannot be manufactured with conventional technologies with as much ease as with 3D printing. Take a look at the example below<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/uEZLw-ofwV8\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This type of complex design can be very tough to machine with conventional technologies, even using 5-axis CNC machines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another advantage here is the low cost of complexity. Creating complex mechanical parts via traditional manufacturing requires precision and skills, especially for the assembly of complex parts, which means that price increases with complexity. It is not the case with 3D printing, which creates an entire piece in one process, instead of creating each component before assembling. Therefore, there is no added cost for complexity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-you-urgently-need-metal-prototypes\">You urgently need metal prototypes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If the number of parts required is less, say 1 to 5 or so or for prototyping, metal AM is much more advantageous. Since the cost is almost the same for each added unit, it is possible to make a needed amount of changes to the part. It can be used for prototyping: you\u2019d use 3D printing to make a prototype and update the prototype until the required features are met. This is a crucial step before getting the product to mass production. It can also be used during the rest of the manufacturing process, to create unique pieces that can be more responsive to your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, it can be faster to get metal 3D prints rather than CNC machined parts. CNC machining normally requires more time to stock materials, set up the machine, get the right tooling. As a result, it can take several weeks to have the first part in hand. For 3D printing, even for SLM which is more complex than traditional ones, the part can be printed on demand and shipped without any ramp \u00adup or tooling, resulting in shorter lead time compared to conventional technologies. The combination of the reduced lead time and the more efficient prototyping process reduces the turnaround time. This is one of the biggest advantages of metal 3D printing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-you-want-lightweight-and-durable-components\">You want lightweight and durable components<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Aerospace and medical industries naturally require lightweight yet durable parts. Super alloys like <a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.hk\/materials\/inconel-718\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Inconel 718<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.hk\/materials\/aluminium-3-2315\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AlSi10Mg<\/a>, Cobalt-chromium are known to be lightweight compared to their conventionally machined counterparts. Manufacturing a part with these alloys naturally makes them lightweight comparatively. As an example, GE\u2019s renowned 3D printed fuel nozzles for its LEAP family of engines used to be made from 20 discrete parts coming from independent suppliers but using SLM resulted in a single-piece component that\u2019s 25 per cent lighter and five times stronger than the original parts. Click here to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh5.googleusercontent.com\/z71RVmG025KZls0pN2MdsiX93KKf-EcjTRnf9VrRE_tnwKntx_tCSNB9FEw7en_6kEzJSwgQQ0FFoBH7XZdeV21ZZqZPR2BElpVhW3_h4oDW0P8kcESB0QMr5C_kIWlCyL-pt2_r\" alt=\"\" style=\"width:240px;height:320px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Image: GE<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-you-d-like-to-avoid-wastage-of-material\">You\u2019d like to avoid wastage of material<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>3D printing is incredibly resource \u00adefficient since the only material consumed is what passes under the laser (or through the extruder, etc.), whereas traditional CNC machining leaves chips and small pieces of metal that should be recycled. The fact that manufacturers don\u2019t have to produce as much of a given product to justify the setup costs also reduces waste.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-disadvantages-of-choosing-metal-3d-printing\">Disadvantages of choosing metal 3D printing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Apart from the advantages metal 3D printing possess over conventional technologies, there are a few considerations where preferring the latter is advised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-grainy-surface-finish\">Grainy surface finish<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>3D printing is an additive process, which means surfaces won\u2019t be as smooth as with <a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.hk\/en\/cnc-machining\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CNC machining<\/a>, and that it won\u2019t be as easy to produce the desired surface textures. So if the surface texture is important for you, CNC machining should be considered instead. Nevertheless, there are many post-processing techniques that are available to remove support structures, enhance the finish and improve the aesthetics, the cost also increases accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"1110\" src=\"https:\/\/xometry.hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2021\/02\/DSC_0736-1440x1110.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8910\" style=\"width:613px;height:473px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/staging-wp.xometry.hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2021\/02\/DSC_0736-1440x1110.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/staging-wp.xometry.hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2021\/02\/DSC_0736-480x370.jpg 480w, https:\/\/staging-wp.xometry.hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2021\/02\/DSC_0736-768x592.jpg 768w, https:\/\/staging-wp.xometry.hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2021\/02\/DSC_0736-1536x1184.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/staging-wp.xometry.hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2021\/02\/DSC_0736-295x227.jpg 295w, https:\/\/staging-wp.xometry.hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2021\/02\/DSC_0736-1600x1233.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/staging-wp.xometry.hk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2021\/02\/DSC_0736.jpg 1871w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Grainy structure of metal 3D printing<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-less-stronger-parts\">Less stronger parts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Because of the additive technology itself, metal 3D printed parts cannot be as strong as the one machined out of a solid metal block. The final strength depends on the design, size and material, but in general compressive strength of metal 3D prints is on average 40-50% lower than of CNC machined parts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-expensive-serial-production-nbsp\">Expensive serial production&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It becomes cheaper to mass-produce through CNC machining. Mass production is still a huge deciding factor across the industries and this is where 3D printing lags behind and the speed at which a 3D printer can assemble an object often pales in comparison to the traditional assembly line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-limited-build-volume\">Limited build volume<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When a large part size is required, it&#8217;s always better to go with CNC machining. For instance, the maximum part size that is achieved with SLM is 250 x 250 x 325 mm and for CNC machining, it is 2000 x 800 x 1000 mm. The size comparison clearly shows the inability of 3D printing in manufacturing huge parts due to its limited powder bed size.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-limited-material-selection\">Limited material selection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Conventional manufacturing options like injection moulding and CNC machining can offer a high material selection. When it comes to metal 3D printing, the material selection is lower, which can be a limiting factor when specific materials are needed for the required part and must be taken into consideration when deciding which technical properties you want your product to have. As of now at Xometry we have five metal\/alloy powders that support SLM whereas if the required part needs some other material, there is no other option apart from traditional machining processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-summary\">Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It cannot be said that metal 3D printing replaces traditional manufacturing technologies in all aspects as both of these have their own set of advantages where they shine and disadvantages where they don&#8217;t. Here is a brief summary of what are the strengths of both technologies:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Metal 3D printing<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>CNC machining<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Quicker turnaround<\/td><td>Mass production<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Prototyping and low volume production<\/td><td>Solid surface structure<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Ease of achieving complex designs<\/td><td>Use of materials and need for technical characteristics unavailable with 3D printing<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Reduced waste<\/td><td>Large-sized parts<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Customization and adaptability<\/td><td>Strong parts<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><em>If you have ready designs, feel free to get a quote for both <a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.hk\/en\/cnc-machining\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CNC machining<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/xometry.hk\/en\/selective-laser-melting\/\">SLM<\/a> 3D printing in our <a href=\"https:\/\/get.xometry.asia\/?locale=en\">Instant Quoting Engine<\/a> to compare the prices and lead time.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Metal 3D printing: 4 cases when to choose it over CNC machining and when not.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":8921,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[39],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8909","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-3d-printing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v22.1 (Yoast SEO v24.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Technology Overview: When You Should Really Go for Metal 3D Printing | 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