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Customize Metal Parts With 3D Printing
Parts are printed based on individual 3D design files, enabling customization and personalization in both function and aesthetics without high tooling costs. Go for metal 3D printing if low to medium volumes where customization, weight, and lead time are needed.
introduction
Metal 3D Printing Services for Custom Parts
3D printing allows for more complex geometries like lattices, internal channels, optimized shapes, etc., that cannot be made with other methods like machining, molding, or casting.
DEK specializes in providing premium quality metal 3D printing and CNC machining services to customers across the aerospace, medical device, and automotive industries. Based on customer design files, we use the latest powder bed fusion printers and advanced aluminum/titanium alloys to 3D print complex and lightweight components. With our in-house finishing and quality assurance team, we're able to offer an integrated rapid prototyping and production service.
Customers choose DEK for metal 3D printing because of our engineering expertise across the entire additive process - from design for manufacturability guidance to support structure optimization to custom powder mixing. By using both additive and subtractive manufacturing capabilities in tandem, we can deliver high-quality printed parts faster and more cost-effectively than competitors. DEK complies with ISO quality standards and can provide the needed part qualifications and documentation for regulated applications.
Our Highlights
Just-in-Time Manufacturing
Lead times for printing can be extremely short, unlike waiting for castings or forgings. No assembly line setup is required either– enabling fast, distributed manufacturing.
Reduced Waste
Additive process only puts material where needed, leading to less waste compared to milling blocks or other subtractive processes. Unused powder can also be recycled in some cases.
Reduced Assembly
Multiple components can be consolidated into a single complex printed part, reducing assembly time, costs, and failure points.
Materials
Comprehensive Material Options for Metal 3D Printing
Choose from a wide range of materials for metal 3D printing solutions at DEK.
Testimonials
Jeremy Hillary
Technical Buyer
Teresa K. Wells
Mechanical Engineer
Leon Graham
Prototype tool design at Impel
TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW
Metal 3D Printing Insights
What is Metal 3D Printing?
Metal 3D printing refers to various additive manufacturing processes that construct metal parts layer-by-layer from 3D model data without the constraints of traditional subtractive methods. The most common technologies used are powder bed fusion, directed energy deposition, and binder jetting.
A focused heat source like a laser or electron beam selectively melts and fuses metallic powder or wire in thin layers based on cross-sectional slices of the 3D CAD model to build up a physical object. A wide range of metals can be printed, from stainless steel and titanium to nickel alloys, aluminum, and cobalt chrome. Compared to conventional manufacturing, this approach offers highly innovative design freedom for complex, lightweight, and customized geometries. Metal 3D printing excels at rapid prototyping, bridge tooling, and low to medium volume production.
What are the Advantages of Metal 3D Printing?
- Design freedom
- Complex geometries
- Part consolidation
- Lightweighting
- Material efficiency
- Reduced waste
- Rapid prototyping
- Just-in-time manufacturing
- Short lead times
- Performance enhancements
- Part qualification
When do you use Metal 3D Printing?
- Aerospace: Engine parts, airframe brackets, heat exchangers, satellite components
- Medical and Dental: Orthopedic implants, surgical instruments, customized prosthetics
- Automotive: Lightweight chassis components, heat insulation parts, manifold prototypes
- Industrial: End-use production tooling, jigs and fixtures, robotic end effectors
- Architecture: Intricate decorative metal panels and facades
- Jewelry: Customized fine jewelry with intricate latticework
- Oil and Gas: Corrosion-resistant pipe fittings, high temperature nozzle prototyping
- Consumer Goods: Mid-volume production of gadget cases, speaker grills
- Education/Research: Dense metal samples for crash, ballistics or materials testing
FAQ
Metal 3D Buying FAQs
We use DMLS and SLM technology to 3D print parts in stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, nickel alloys, cobalt-chrome, and more. Just provide the alloy you require.
We can 3D print parts with scalable surface finishes from 10 to over 60 microns Ra. Various post-processing methods allow us to tailor surface finish for your application needs.
We provide a full range of post-processing services, including heat treatment, machining, surface finishing, coating, HIP, and hot isostatic pressing, to deliver finished end-use components.
Our streamlined 3D printing process enables very fast turnaround. We can deliver printed metal parts for prototyping in just 3-7 days.
Get An Accurate Quote For Your Next Projects
No matter your project is complicated or simple, no matter is metal or plastic, you will get an accurate quotation within 6 hours.
Get A Quote Today