Advancements in Metal 3d printing technologies have made it possible to utilize it in the various industrial fields in recent years. Industries such as aerospace, automotive, or others have made use of metal 3D printing technologies to benefit rapidly. Among the metals used, aluminum is arguably the most efficient. Do you want to start benefiting from the Aluminum 3D printing service in your business? If you do, there are a few things you should learn beforehand.
But, how does metal 3d printing work? Well, you can accomplish metal printing in various ways. While each of them is different and provides specific benefits or limitations, they are similar in the sense that all of them print metal parts by creating layers of the metals.
The two most popular metal printing processes used by 3d printing services are:-
- Selective Laser Melting (SLM) or Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)
- Electron Beam Melting (EBM)
DMLS produces metal parts by layering metal powder using a 3D printer. SLM, on the other hand, uses robust lasers to melt the metal. EBM, however, uses a high powered electron beam in place of lasers to melt the metal. According to selective laser sintering service, products made with EDM are less accurate than the others.
Materials
Aluminum is the metal that you will find its use in 3d metal printing. These alloys of aluminum are the most used ones:
- AlSi10Mg
- AlSi12
- AlSi7Mg
- AlSi9Cu3
Products
Various products are composed of aluminum Multijet 3D Printing. Customized nameplates of numerous shapes and sizes, labels, engine parts, ductworks, specific heat exchanger applications are some products made with aluminum.
Advantages
- Aluminum is a tough and lightweight metal
- It provides excellent thermal and mechanical abilities
- Used in high-performance mechanical parts
- Parts made with aluminum are capable of withstanding high load exposure
- It can be used to make parts with complex geometrical structures.
According to SLS Rapid Prototyping, its high-performance capabilities and the excellent strength to weight ratio make it perfect to use in the prototypes and the end products. It is also weather-resistant and, as a result, does not rust.
Disadvantages
- Aluminum is less rigid than steel
- It is not biocompatible, making it harmful to nature
Conclusion
In conclusion, parts made from 3D printed aluminum are perfect for the automotive, aerospace, or jewelry industries. Make use of aluminum 3D printing in your business to reap the advantages of metal printing.
