3D Printing Metals: A Guide to Selecting the Best Metal for Your Project - Stainless Steel 17-4PH, Stainless Steel 316L, Tool Steel 1.2709

3D Printing Stainless Steel 316L

Stainless steel 316L is the standard for 3D printing stainless steel. It is a ferritic, austenitic stainless steel that is low in carbon, offering low-cost corrosion resistance for a variety of applications. This metal powder is ideal for printing large parts, as it is easy to remove from the printer’s build plate. It is also strong, with a tensile strength rating of up to 107,000 psi. The combination of strength and corrosion resistance makes 316L ideal for food and beverage applications, medical equipment and other environments where stainless steel is often used. A few quick notes on 316L stainless steel: - It features a high chromium content and low carbon content, making it ideal for environments where corrosion resistance is key. - It is easy to process when used in 3D printing and can be formed, cut or welded with relative ease. - Parts printed in 316L stainless steel can be used in a wide range of environments, including marine and chemical applications.

3D Printing 17-4PH

This is a high-strength, low-alloy steel that is often used for parts in extreme conditions. It has good corrosion resistance and high strength, making it ideal for a wide range of applications. 17-4PH stainless steel powder used in 3D printing is an alloy that has a high percentage of chromium and molybdenum, which make it resistant to corrosion. This alloy is very strong and can withstand high temperatures, making it a good fit for applications that require parts to be exposed to heat. A few quick notes on 17-4PH stainless steel: - It is a high-strength, low-alloy steel that has excellent corrosion resistance. - It has a high percentage of chromium and molybdenum. - Parts printed in 17-4PH stainless steel are often used in extreme conditions.

3D Printing Tool Steel 1.2709

This steel is ideal for creating parts that need to be machined and ground after 3D printing. It has a high hardening capacity, making it ideal for parts that need to withstand high levels of wear and tear. Tool steel 1.2709 powder for 3D printing is an alloy that has a high percentage of carbon, making it ideal for machining. It is not as corrosion resistant as other metals used in 3D printing, so it is often coated or the parts are used in environments where they are protected from the elements. A few quick notes on tool steel 1.2709: - It is an alloy that has a high percentage of carbon. - It is ideal for machining operations. - It is not as corrosion resistant as other stainless steel powders

A Brief Introduction to Other Metals Used in 3D Printing

Other metals used in 3D printing include titanium, aluminum, nickel-based alloys, iron and cobalt-chromium nickel-based alloys. - Titanium is a ductile, high-strength, low-weight metal that is highly corrosion resistant. It is used in a wide range of applications, including aerospace, marine and other high-end industries. - Aluminum is a lightweight metal that is resistant to corrosion and high in strength. It is often used in prototyping because it is cheaper than other metals and easy to 3D print. - Nickel-based alloys are used to create components for high-temperature applications. They are strong, corrosion resistant and often require a little more processing than other metals. - Iron is a low-cost, low-strength metal that is often used in 3D printing prototypes. - Cobalt-chromium nickel-based alloys are often used in high-end engineering. They are high-strength and high-temperature resistant.

Conclusion

When it comes to 3D printing metals, most people think of titanium or aluminum. These metals are ideal for prototyping because they’re strong and lightweight, with high strength-to-weight ratios that make them perfect for rapid manufacturing processes like 3D printing. When you start researching different metals, you’ll quickly find that there are many metals with different properties. Stainless steel is a good choice for many applications, offering strength, corrosion resistance and a low cost. When you’re ready to design in stainless steel, look for a supplier that has experience 3D printing metals.