Looking For Cheapest Metal 3D Printer

Gizmo j

Golden Member
Nov 9, 2013
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I know metal 3D printers are expensive, which is why I'm looking for the cheapest one.

I seen some articles about cheap metal 3d printers online, but I can't find the ones they're talking about to actually buy.
 

nakedfrog

No Lifer
Apr 3, 2001
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Maybe you should link those articles here. But I feel like your question was pretty solidly answered in your last thread asking about metal 3D printers.
 
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Fenixgoon

Lifer
Jun 30, 2003
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A quick Google suggests an entry cost of about 100k for a true metal printer.

Printers such as the MKS3+ are going to print filament embedded with metallic particles. This does not create a true metallurgical bond.

The parts need to be subsequently sintered to create the metallurgical bond. This will burn off the filament or binder and create a large volumetric contraction.

The printers that use LPBF/SLM create true metallurgical bonds. They start at 90kish.


As I mentioned in your previous thread, a printer that uses FDM technology is limited to temperatures of about 300C, which cannot directly bond metallic materials (well, the ones of engineering interest, generally). Secondary processing is required.