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5 Design Guidelines

Dwight Mitchell • 29 June 2022

5 Design Guidelines to Follow for All

Types of Metal 3D Printing

When it comes to metal 3D printing, there are a number of considerations that need to be taken into account. Not only is the type of metal being used important, but so is the end use case. Some metals are more durable than others and some are able to withstand certain conditions better. If you’re working with metal 3D printing on a regular basis, it’s important to know the different kinds of metals and what they can be used for. Each type of metal has its own benefits and drawbacks, which makes it necessary to understand what sort of properties you can expect from each one. To help you get started on your next project involving metal 3D printing, we’ve put together some design guidelines for each type of metal.

Stainless Steel 3D Printing

Stainless steel is a very popular material for 3D printing, especially in the kitchen appliance sector. It is number one in the world of 3D printing metals. Steel has been used as a building material for a very long time. It is one of the most commonly used metals in the world, ranking second after iron. Stainless steel is an alloy that contains a high percentage of iron, together with between 8 and 10% chromium, a small percentage of nickel, and sometimes small amounts of other elements such as carbon or titanium. Because stainless steel does not rust and only very slowly oxidizes, it is ideal for 3D printing. The surface of the printed part is usually finished with a layer of nickel, chromium, or chrome. Stainless steel can be used in almost any industry, and it has a high degree of resistance to damage caused by chemicals.

Bronze 3D Printing

Bronze is a type of alloy made from copper, tin, and sometimes other metals. It is one of the earliest metals that were used by humans, dating back to 4,000 B.C.E. It is still used today, mainly for sculptures and artwork. Bronze is a precious metal that can be used in jewellery, as well as in functional items such as household appliances and tools. Bronze 3D printing is an excellent choice for functional objects that need to stand up to a lot of wear and tear. It is also a good choice if you are looking for a more affordable metal choice. Bronze is easy to design with and is great for casting large projects. It is easy to finish and polish, and it has a nice, warm colour.

Stainless Steel 3D Print

Photo By: John Doe
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Bronze 3D Print

Photo By: John Doe
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Aluminum 3D Printing

Aluminum is one of the most commonly used metals in the world, used in everything from airplanes to cars, toys, and kitchen appliances. It is lightweight, durable, and easy to process and fabricate. Aluminum is also very cheap to produce, which is why it is used for so many different products. Aluminum 3D printing is one of the easiest materials to work with. It is strong, lightweight, and inexpensive. It is also very easy to machine and fabricate, which makes it a good choice for functional parts and prototypes. Aluminum is not particularly resistant to corrosion, however, which is why it is not ideal for applications in marine or other corrosive environments. It is also not very easy to paint, and the paint is not very durable.

Carbon Steel 3D Printing

Carbon steel is one of the most common types of steel. These steels are formed by combining iron with carbon. It can be anything between 0.2% and 1.2% carbon, as well as between 0.5% and 1.5% manganese. This combination gives carbon steels their high levels of strength and toughness. They are ideal for tools, machinery, and other items that will be subjected to wear and tear. Carbon steel 3D printing is a great choice for functional parts and prototypes. It is easy to machine, and it is one of the cheapest materials to use. Carbon steel is not particularly resistant to corrosion, so it is not good for marine environments. Carbon steel is also not the easiest material to paint. It is, however, easy to finish and polish, and it has a nice, matte finish.

Copper 3D Printing

Copper is an extremely soft, ductile metal that is highly corrosion-resistant, making it a great choice for marine environments. It is also used in electrical applications because of its conductivity. Copper 3D printing is an excellent choice for decorative items. It has a shiny, beautiful finish, and it can be polished to a high shine. Copper is also very easy to machine and fabricate, which makes it a good choice for prototypes. Copper can be difficult to work with, though, and it is very easy to deform the surface of the part, which makes it challenging to finish. Copper is also very difficult to paint, and the paint is not very durable.

Brass 3D Printing

Brass is an alloy made from copper and zinc. It is much stronger than copper, and it has a higher melting point. Brass has been in use since ancient times. It has a golden colour, and it is commonly used in decorative items such as sculptures and household items such as lamps. Brass 3D printing is an excellent choice for decorative items. It has a beautiful colour, and it is very easy to machine and fabricate. Brass is not very resistant to corrosion, so it is not suitable for marine environments. It is also not the easiest material to paint, and the paint is not very durable.

Gold and Silver 3D Printing

Gold and silver 3D printing are excellent choices for decorative items. Both materials are extremely soft and are not very suitable for functional items. They are also extremely expensive, which is why they are usually only used in decorative items. These metals are not particularly easy to work with, either. They are very soft and are easily distorted, which makes it challenging to finish the part. Silver, in particular, is very challenging to machine, and it is very soft. This makes it particularly difficult to machine, and it is not recommended unless you have a lot of experience.

Carbon and Carbon Fiber-Based Metals

Carbon and carbon fiber-based metals are used in applications where strength and durability are important. These metals are very strong and lightweight, which makes them useful in a wide range of industries. These metals are extremely difficult to machine, and they are often used in situations where the part does not require an aesthetically pleasing finish. It is recommended that you use an additive manufacturing service for these types of metals. Carbon and carbon fiber-based metals are very resistant to corrosion and wear, which makes them great for applications where durability is a key concern. Carbon and carbon fiber-based metals are very difficult to paint, and the paint is not very durable.

Conclusion

When it comes to metal 3D printing, it is important to know the different kinds of metals and what they can be used for. Each type of metal has its own benefits and drawbacks, which makes it necessary to understand what sort of properties you can expect from each one. To help you get started on your next project involving metal 3D printing, we’ve put together some design guidelines for each type of metal. Different metals have different properties such as colour, strength, and corrosion resistance.