Why choose 3D printing metal?
Did you know that 3D printed aluminum is stronger and more durable than cast aluminum?
3D printing has today taken a large place in Swedish industry, above all because it is often very cost-effective and more environmentally friendly than usual traditional manufacturing methods. Turning and milling generate a lot of waste during the machining process and casting often requires several prototypes or molds before the final shape has been produced. You can also 3D print in very hard materials such as titanium which otherwise require special machines and tools to cope.
The advantages of choosing 3D printing over casting
Choosing metal 3D printing instead of casting has several advantages. Here are some reasons why metal 3D printing can be a beneficial option:
Design freedom
3D printing in metal enables the creation of complex geometries and details that can be difficult to achieve with casting. It gives the designer a high degree of freedom to create complicated shapes and structures.
Rapid prototyping
Metal 3D printing allows for rapid prototyping, which can be beneficial for quickly iterating and testing different design concepts before moving on to production.
Less material waste
Casting often means that a certain number of prototypes or molds are required before the final shape is ready. This can lead to significant material waste. With 3D printing in metal, objects can be manufactured directly from a digital model without having to create molds, which reduces material waste.
Less need for tools
Casting requires the manufacture of molds and tools, which can be a time-consuming and expensive process. With metal 3D printing, complex parts can be produced without the need to manufacture expensive molds, reducing the initial investment cost.
Customized and unique products
3D printing in metal makes it possible to manufacture customized and unique products with high precision. It can be particularly beneficial for manufacturing prototypes, spare parts or custom components.
