INDUSTRIAL 3D PRINTING WITH METAL
Metal 3D Printing for Prototypes and Production Runs
- Aluminum, stainless steel, tool steel, bronze, copper, titanium, and Inconel
- Functional prototypes, individual parts, or production runs
- fast delivery times
- Support throughout the entire process chain
- Manufacturing in Germany Without Supply Chain Issues
- Complex and durable metal components manufactured directly from your CAD data.
In-house technical inspection of prototypes, individual parts, and production runs.
- In-House SLM Manufacturing
- Personalized consultation
- One-Stop Post-Production Services
- Certified Processes
Metal 3D Printing
Which metal component would you like to manufacture?
Whether it’s a functional prototype, a custom component, or a recurring production need: With SLM, complex metal parts can be manufactured without traditional production tools. We assess how your component can be manufactured in a technically sound manner and determine which design best suits the application, production volume, and quality requirements.
Develop and Test Prototypes
Produce durable metal prototypes to test designs, fits, and functions under realistic conditions. Changes to the CAD data can be incorporated directly into the next production run without requiring a new tool.
Suitable for:
- Functional and Stress Tests
- Design Review
- near-production prototypes
- Pre-production runs and development parts
Implementing "
" components in the "
" series
SLM enables tool-free manufacturing of a wide range of production quantities. This is particularly advantageous for complex components, different variants, and recurring demand, where flexibility is more important than traditional mass production.
Suitable for:
- Small to large quantities
- components available in a wide variety of versions
- recurring production orders
- production tailored to demand
Manufacturing individual parts and replacement parts
Custom metal parts can be manufactured directly from digital design data. This is particularly well-suited for complex, custom-made parts, hard-to-find replacement parts, and components that can only be manufactured conventionally at great expense.
Suitable for:
- Custom parts
- Replacement Parts and Retrofits
- Custom-made products
- complex functional components
Are you unsure whether metal 3D printing is suitable for your part?
Please send us your CAD data and requirements. We will review the material, geometry, quantity, and necessary post-processing together, taking all factors into account.
From the CAD file to the finished metal part
Metal 3D printing involves more than just the actual printing process. The key lies in the coordinated interaction between data verification, manufacturing, post-processing, and quality assurance.
1.
Project Inquiries and CAD Data
You can quickly and easily submit your information and requirements to us through our online store. We’ll use your detailed requirements to provide a targeted assessment of your project.
2.
Technical Feasibility Study
We inspect your component—for example, for geometry, critical areas, and material specifications—and assess whether modifications would lead to cost savings.
3.
Data Preparation & SLM Manufacturing
The component is positioned within the build volume. The metal powder is then applied layer by layer and fused by a laser.
4.
Dust Removal and Separation
After the printing process, the part is separated from the platform. Loose powder is removed, and support structures are manually removed from the part.
5.
Adapted from
Every component is sandblasted. Depending on the requirements, this is followed by processing steps such as heat treatment, grinding, polishing, or machining.
6.
Inspection and Delivery
Finally, the component undergoes our quality assurance process, is securely packaged, and is handed over to our reliable shipping provider.
What is metal 3D printing?
Rapidobject manufactures metal components using the SLM process. SLM stands for Selective Laser Melting, which stands for German selective laser melting.
In this process, fine metal powder is applied in thin layers to a build platform. A laser completely melts the powder according to the digital component geometry . The build platform is then lowered, and the next layer of powder is applied . In this way, a dense and durable metal component is created layer by layer .
The method is is particularly for complex geometries, function-integrated components and designs, which with conventional manufacturing processes can be produced with a great deal of effort feasible .
SLM, LPBF, and PBF-LB/M: What Do These Terms Mean?
Selective laser melting is a form of powder-bed-based additive manufacturing for metals. Internationally, this family of processes is often referred to as Laser Powder Bed Fusion, or LPBF for short. In standard-based terminology, the designation PBF-LB/M is also used. In industrial practice, terms such as SLM or DMLS are also used. The designations vary somewhat depending on the supplier and context, but they describe closely related laser-based processes in a metal powder bed.
Metal 3D printing is particularly well-suited when …
Product Visualization, AI-Generated
- Your component has a complex geometry.
- internal channels or cavities are required.
- several individual parts are to be assembled into a single component.
- The goal is to reduce weight.
- Variants that are to be manufactured without new tools.
- a component needs to be modified on short notice.
- difficult-to-machine metal materials can be processed.
- Traditional tools would require a significant investment.
- A functional metal prototype is needed.
Whether SLM is technically and economically feasible for your part depends on the interplay of geometry, material, quantity, tolerances, and post-processing. We therefore consider not only printability, but the entire process leading up to a functional part.
for different requirements
A selection of our metals
The choice of material affects the component’s weight, strength, temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, electrical conductivity, and machinability. It is therefore not only crucial whether an alloy can be 3D-printed, but also whether its properties are suitable for its intended application.
Product visualizations are AI-generated
Aluminum AlSi10Mg
A lightweight aluminum alloy with a good strength-to-weight ratio and good thermal conductivity.
· Functional Components · Thermal Management
Copper (Cu) & Copper Alloys
Copper materials for components in which thermal or electrical conductivity is to be combined with functional geometry.
Conductivity · Cooling · Heat Transfer · Electrical Contacts
Inconel , 718
Nickel-based alloy for components exposed to high temperatures, mechanical stress, or corrosive conditions.
High Temperature · Creep Resistance · Demanding Environments
, 1.2709 tool steel
High-strength, hardenable tool steel for components, tools, and mold inserts subjected to mechanical stress.
Hardness · Strength · Tool and Mold Making
Bronze CuSn10
A corrosion-resistant copper-tin alloy with good machinability for functional and decorative components.
Corrosion resistance · Machinability · Polishable surfaces
Stainless Steel 1.4404
Corrosion-resistant stainless steel for heavy-duty functional components as well as a wide range of industrial applications.
Corrosion Resistance · Durability · Industrial Functional Parts
Titanium Ti6Al4V
A lightweight, high-strength titanium alloy designed to meet high mechanical requirements while offering good corrosion resistance.
High specific strength · Corrosion resistance · Lightweight construction
More information about metals
Not sure which metal is right for your component? We'll review your requirements and help you select a suitable alloy.
post-processing
From a raw part to a ready-to-install component
The SLM process is followed by additional post-processing steps. Which steps are required depends on the material, geometry, function, tolerances, and desired surface finish.
Post-processing should be taken into account as early as the design and bidding phases. This allows for the targeted planning of functional areas, dimensions, support areas, and accessibility.
Metal 3D Printing
Good metal components start with the right design
A component may be printable in principle, yet still be unnecessarily expensive, difficult to post-process, or not optimally designed for its intended function. For this reason, the design should be tailored to the SLM process at an early stage.
Wall thicknesses, overhangs, cavities, support structures, part orientation, and post-processing allowances all affect manufacturing quality, material usage, and costs.
Tolerances and Functional Surfaces
Fits and highly precise functional surfaces generally require a machining allowance and mechanical machining. Threads can be machined directly, depending on their dimensions and orientation.
Wall Thicknesses and Delicate Structures
Areas that are too thin can make manufacturing more difficult, while unnecessarily thick areas increase construction time and costs. The appropriate wall thickness depends, for example, on the material and the geometry.
Overhangs and Support Structures
Additional support structures may be required for overhanging areas. Their placement affects material consumption, the surface finish, and post-processing.
Holes, cavities, channels
Internal structures open up new design possibilities in metal 3D printing. At the same time, however, accessibility for powder removal must be taken into account from the very beginning.
Additive manufacturing therefore does not begin with the question, “Can this part be printed?” The better question is , “How must the part be designed so that it can be manufactured in a technically and economically viable manner?”
3D Printing Request
Describe your project—we’ll prepare a personalized quote for you as soon as possible.
Online 3D Printing Service
Instant pricing for standard geometries – no waiting.
Upload your CAD file directly and get an instant automated quote—no waiting. Ideal for standard parts with clear specifications.
- Instant pricing for STL, STEP, and 3MF
- Direct ordering available
- Various materials and processes
For complex or custom projects, please use the inquiry form.
Costs
How much does metal 3D printing cost?
The cost of a metal 3D-printed part cannot be determined based solely on its external dimensions. Key factors include the material, part volume, height, geometry, quantity, support structures, and post-processing.
A smaller component is therefore not automatically less expensive. Complex alignment, a tall profile, or elaborate support structures can affect manufacturing costs.
Metal 3D Printing
Frequently Asked Questions About Metal 3D Printing
What is metal 3D printing?
Metal 3D printing is a term used to describe additive manufacturing processes in which metal parts are built up layer by layer based on digital design data. Rapidobject uses selective laser melting for this purpose. In this process, a laser selectively melts metal powder to form a dense and durable part.
What does SLM stand for?
SLM stands for Selective Laser Melting. This process is a form of powder-bed-based additive manufacturing. A laser fuses thin layers of metal powder according to the specified part geometry.
Selective laser melting is a form of powder-bed-based additive manufacturing for metals. Internationally, this family of processes is often referred to as Laser Powder Bed Fusion, or LPBF for short. In standard-based terminology, the designation PBF-LB/M is also used. In industrial practice, terms such as SLM or DMLS are also used. The designations vary somewhat depending on the supplier and context, but they describe closely related laser-based processes in a metal powder bed.
This process must be distinguished from, for example, SLS and EBM. SLS is a sintering process in which a blank or green part is first printed. This part is only loosely bonded and must subsequently be fused together in a furnace. EBM stands for Electron Beam Melting and uses a highly heated build chamber and an electron beam to fuse the layers together.
For which applications is metal 3D printing useful?
The process's particular strengths become apparent in situations where complex geometries, functional integration, or flexible production volumes are required.
- Functional prototypes: Metal prototypes enable testing under realistic mechanical and thermal conditions. Designs can be tested and refined before a decision is made to move to mass production.
- Lightweight components: Through topology optimization and load-adaptive structures, material can be strategically placed exactly where it is needed for the component to function properly.
- Components with internal channels: Channels for cooling, heat transfer, or fluid conveyance can be integrated directly into the component, provided that design and deburring are taken into account accordingly.
- Tool inserts: Complex structures and cooling channels that closely follow the contours open up new possibilities for functional tool inserts and thermally optimized components.
- Replacement and Custom Parts: Custom components can be manufactured without traditional molds. This is particularly useful for hard-to-find components, variants, and custom solutions.
- Functionally Integrated Components: Multiple parts of an assembly can be structurally combined into a single component. This reduces assembly effort, interfaces, and potential sources of error.
Which metals can be processed?
Among the most popular metals at Rapidobject are aluminum, tool steel, stainless steel, bronze, titanium, copper, and Inconel. However, many other metals are also available. The choice of material depends, among other factors, on the mechanical stress, temperature, corrosion resistance, electrical conductivity, and desired post-processing.
Is metal 3D printing suitable for mass production?
Yes, definitely. This process is particularly interesting for complex geometries and components for which traditional methods are not cost-effective. The specific cost-effectiveness must be evaluated based on the component and the planned production volume.
Does metal 3D printing require support structures?
Many SLM parts require support structures because they stabilize critical areas during manufacturing and can dissipate heat toward the build platform. Their number and position depend, among other factors, on the part's geometry and orientation. After printing, the support structures are removed.
Do metal 3D-printed parts require post-processing?
How much does metal 3D printing cost?
The costs depend on the material, part volume, height, geometry, quantity, support structures, and post-processing. To provide a reliable estimate, we generally require CAD data in STEP or STL format, as well as information about the application.
What information is required for a request?
For an initial technical review, it is helpful to provide CAD data in STEP or STL format, the quantity, the desired material, the dimensions, and information about the application. If there are tight tolerances, specific fit requirements, or special surface finish requirements, a technical drawing should also be provided.
Can Rapidobject provide design support?
Yes, existing designs can be evaluated in terms of feasibility, critical geometries, support structures, and post-processing. The goal is to design the component so that it is not only printable but also technically and economically viable for the SLM process.
SLM, LPBF, or PBF-LB/M? What do these terms mean?
All of these terms describe the laser-based process using a metal powder bed. The different names stem primarily from variations among suppliers or differences in language. Internationally, this family of processes is often referred to as LPBF (Laser Powder Bed Fusion) or PBF-LB/M (Powder Bed Fusion-Laser Bed (or Beam) / Melting). In industrial practice, the term DMLS (Direct Metal Laser Sintering) is used alongside SLM. However, all of these terms describe very closely related laser-based processes in a metal powder bed.
Our Services
Have Your Metal Component Inspected
Do you already have finished CAD data, or are you still in the concept phase? Send us your requirements. Together, we’ll review the material, geometry, quantity, post-processing, and the most suitable manufacturing method for your project.
Whether it's a prototype, a custom part, or a production run: You'll receive a technical assessment based on your specific application.
Contact us!
We take a technology-neutral approach to consulting and, when appropriate, combine 3D printing processes with traditional manufacturing technologies. Our goal is to find the best technical and cost-effective solution for your component.
Markus Prokscha
SLM expert
Bachelor of Arts: Integrated Design
+49 (0) 341 231 837 32 metall@rapidobject.com