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Metal 3D Printing Cost

  • DMLS Parts In As Soon As 3 Days
  • Complex Metal Parts From A Variety of Alloys
  • Functional Metal Prototypes & End-Use Parts
Quotes for 25+ Manufacturing Processes.
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Metal 3D Printing Cost

Fathom uses the latest in metal 3D Printing technologies to deliver high-quality parts to its customers. Whether time-sensitive, highly complex, high-precision, or short production run related, Fathom will meet the requirements of your project.

Costs Involved with Metal 3D Printing / /

Several important factors determine the cost of metal 3D printing, including the design, material, quantity ordered, and turnaround time.

Design

Printing a part with complex geometries can be cost-effective when using metal 3D printing. When designing for 3D printing, it is important to include self-supporting angles to eliminate the need for supports and cut down on material. The design should also focus on the performance of the part and reducing the number of parts needed to complete a larger piece to reduce assembly time.

Material

A wide range of metals can be used for metal 3D printing, from aluminum to titanium. Metals with better performance properties, such as chemical resistance, are more expensive. To save on cost, select a material based on how the part is expected to perform and the environment in which it will operate.

Quantity

Metal 3D printing is perfect for projects that require a lower volume of parts or a variety of customizations. Metal 3D printing does not require tools to be developed for every part, allowing for more design flexibility. For example, a project that asks for ten versions of a single part can be made cost-effectively using metal 3D printing.

Turnaround Time

Turnaround times for metal 3D printing are reduced as secondary processes such as finishing or assembly are often unnecessary. For projects that do require a higher quality finish, post-processing is available, including abrasive blasting, shot peening, electroplating and more. If a secondary finish is needed using an all-in-one manufacturer who offers both metal 3d printing and secondary finishing services will help to reduce lead time.

Metal 3D Printing Services Offered By Fathom

Fathom offers Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), otherwise known as metal 3D printing or Direct Metal Laser Melting (DMLM), an additive layer technology. During metal 3D printing, a laser beam melts 20-60 micron layers of powdered metal on top of each other, creating a part out of a bed of powdered metal. Fathom’s metal 3D printing services include selective laser melting (SLM), electron beam melting (EBM), laser deposition welding (LMD) and metal powder application (MPA). Metal 3D printing is one of 28 manufacturing processes offered by Fathom.

Additive Manufacturing

  • FDM
  • SLS
  • SLA
  • Polyjet
  • MJF
  • DMLS
  • DLS
  • STEP (Evolve)

CNC Machining

  • CNC (3 & 5 Axis)
  • CNC Lathe
  • Precision Grinding
  • Wire & Sinker EDM

Injection Molding

  • Injection Molding
  • Tooling
  • Compression Molding

Metal Cutting and Forming

  • Thermoforming
  • Sheet Metal Punching
  • Sheet Metal Cutting
  • Metal Forming
  • Laser Cutting
  • Water Jet Cutting
  • Chemical Etching
  • Welding
  • Micro Cutting

Standalone

  • Die Casting
  • Urethane Casting
  • Composite Layups
  • Extrusion
  • Post Processing & Finishing
    • Pad Printing
    • Powder Coating
    • Bead Blasting
    • Surface Grinding
    • Polishing
    • Anodize
    • Powder Coat Passivate
    • Chemfilm
    • Vacuum Metallization
    • Silkscreen
    • Plating
    • Tumbled

Metal 3D Printing Quote Times / /

Take advantage of Fathom’s SmartQuote online platform and receive a quote in as little as 1 hour, usually within 24 hours. Do you need a metal 3D printing quote, or would you like to learn about another manufacturing service? Fathom’s metal prototype lead times are as follows:

  • DMLS parts in as soon as 3 days

Metal 3D Printing Machines Used by Fathom / /

Fathom’s manufacturing facilities are powered by over 530 machines, including mills, lathes, presses, press brakes, turret punches and additive systems. Fathom runs 12+ high-precision DMLS machines specific to metal 3D printing.

Fathom provides not just Metal 3D printing services but also hybridized services leveraging 3D printing of all kinds. Need Metal 3D printing as part of a more complex project? Fathom can handle it. A recent case study is listed below where Fathom delivered 20,000 parts in 27 days using 55+ tools including multiple 3D printing services:

Case Study //

Real Customers. Real Results.

A customer came to Fathom with a complex project that spanned the technologies and processes of rapid production—and needed it done fast. Fathom delivered.

20,000 Parts // Within 27 Days
55+ Tools to Injection Mold 15,000 Parts First Article in 2 Weeks
15,000

55+ Tools to Injection
Mold 15,000 Parts

First Article in 2 Weeks

3,000+ 3D Printed Parts
3,000

3,000+ 3D
Printed Parts

2,000+ Metal Fabricated Parts
2,000

2,000+ Metal
Fabricated Parts

Hybridized Services Used //

3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing—PolyJet, SLS, MJF.

DFM Analysis + CAD Mods.

CNC Machining. Laser Cutting.

Stamping. Die Cutting. Post-Opp Drilling.

24-hour Turnaround Urethane Casting.

Injection + Compression Molding.

Model Finishing. Insert Assembly.

Advanced Project Management.

Fathom’s Locations for Metal 3D Printing / /

Fathom offers Metal 3D printing with nationwide coverage to the entire United States. Fathom’s advanced prototyping and manufacturing services include injection molding, CNC machining, chemical etching, metal 3D printing, and more. We have provided over 200,000 quotes to leading US companies and are ready to provide you with a quote today.

Locations include:

HEADQUARTERS
1050 Walnut Ridge Drive
Hartland, WI 53029
ISO 9001:2015
AS9100:2016
ITAR

Metal 3D Printing Specifications and Tolerances / /

Metal 3D printing produces durable, complex, intricate, and elaborate parts from metal powders. Designing the part to use minimal support structures or with a self-supporting design will greatly reduce cost. When printing, the orientation of the part can affect the surface finish as upward-facing surfaces have sharper edges and a better finish. Wall thickness, pin diameter, hole size, escape holes, over hangs, unsupported edges, aspect ratio, and tolerances all vary based on the method of 3D printing used.

Material Alloy Designation Layers Hardness Advantages Applications
Stainless Steel (PH1) 15-5 PH, DIN 1.4540 & UNS S15500 20 or 40 Micron Layers 30-35 HRC Built, Post Hardened to 40 HRC High Hardness & Strength Prototype / Production Parts
Stainless Steel (GP1) 17-4, European 1.4542, German X5CrNiCuNb16-4 20 or 40 Micron Layers 230 ± 20 HV1 Built, Ground & Polished to 250-400 HV1 High Toughness & Ductility Engineering Applications
Cobalt Chrome (MP1) ISO 5832-4 & ASTM F75 20, 40 or 50 Micron Layers 35-45 HRC Built High Temperature Resistance Turbines & Engine Parts
Maraging Steel (MS1) 18% Ni Maraging 300, European 1.2709, German X3NiCoMoTi 18-9-5 20 or 40 Micron Layers 33-37 HRC Built, Post Hardened to 50-56 HRC Easily Machinable & Excellent Polishability Injection Molding Tooling, Conformal Cooling
Aluminum AlSi10Mg Typical Casting Alloy 30 Micron Layers Approx. 119 ± 5 HBW Low Weight, Good Thermal Properties Automotive, Racing
Nickel Alloy IN718 UNS N07718, AMS 5662, AMS 5664, W.Nr 2.4668, DIN NiCr19Fe19NbMo3 40 Micron Layers 30 HRC Built, Post Hardened 47 HRC Heat & Corrosion Resistant Turbines, Rockets, Aerospace
Stainless Steel (316L) ASTM F138 20 Micron Layers 85 HRB Corrosion & Pitting Resistant Surgical Tools, Food & Chemical Plants
Titanium Ti-64* ASTM F2924 30 or 60 Micron Layers 320 ± 15 HV5 Light Weight, High Strength & Corrosion Resistant Aerospace, Motorsport Racing
Titanium Ti-64 ELI* ASTM F136 Properties 30 or 60 Micron Layers 320 ± 15 HV5 Corrosion Resistance, Biocompatibility Medical, Biomedical, Implants

Metal 3D Printing Materials List / /

Fathom offers high-quality metal 3D printing. Materials available include:

Advantages of Metal 3D Printing / /

Metal parts made using 3D printing have multiple benefits. Metal 3D printed parts weigh less and require less assembly. Using 3D printing, companies can make parts with complex geometries that may not have been possible using other manufacturing methods. A wide variety of metal materials may be used in the 3D printing process, including superalloys. Metal 3D printing works for a wide number of industries, facilitating advancement and innovation.

Metal 3D Printing Finishing Processes / /

Several finishing methods can help a part achieve a professional surface finish. The finishing process can add strength, rust resistance, and metal conductivity to a part while improving its appearance. Some of the finishing processes offered by Fathom include shot peening, electrochemical polishing, CNC finishing and more.

Abrasive Blast (Grit & Ceramic)

Abrasive blasting removes imperfections, rust, or other contaminants from the surface of a part. It is often used in preparation for a coating application. Abrasive blasting methods include micro-abrasive blasting, bristle blasting, bead blasting, and more. Steel grit, silicon carbide, pumice, and other abrasive materials may be used during the abrasive blasting.

Shot Peen

Shot peening is used to add strength and reduce the stress profile of a part. During the shot peening process, the surface of the part is hit with multiple shots which cause deformation on the part’s surface. After shot peening, the part has a compressive stressed layer.

Optical Polish

Optical polishing is used to create a microfinish or superfinish on a surface for further processing. It is best used on projects with geometries in low quantities that are not tolerance dependent. Optical polishing is a cost-effective finishing method that provides a brilliant finish.

Electrochemical Polishing

Electrochemical polishing produces a mirror-like finish on metal surfaces and is sometimes used to prepare a metal part for additional finishing. During electrochemical polishing, the part is placed into an electrolytic solution alongside a cathode of copper or lead. An electric current moves through the solution, smoothing the part’s surface.

Abrasive Flow Machining

Abrasive flow machining is used for deburring and to polish parts. Abrasive flow machining uses chemically inactive media. The abrasive works to polish the part and remove any unwanted material.

Electroplating

Electroplating adds a metal layer to the outside of a part, increasing its strength and durability. Electroplating dissolves metal in an electrolytic solution and transfers it onto the surface of the part. Some of the most common metals used during electroplating are copper and zinc.

Micro Machining Process (MMP)

The micro machining process is used to produce a mirror-like finish with great technical precision while preserving the geometries of the part. During MMP, the part is first mapped using a profilometer to create a roughness profile. The part is then moved to an MMP envelope where micro-milling cutters begin to polish the part.

CNC Finishing/Machining

CNC finishing methods can improve a part’s wear resistance, metal conductivity, strength, rust resistance and more. CNC machining can also improve the look of a part and make it easier to apply a final coating. Depending on the type of surface finish needed, finishing may involve several different methods, including powder coating, bead blasting, passivation or anodizing.

Examples of Metal 3D Printing Parts / /

Parts made using metal 3D printing are lightweight, strong, and durable. Aerospace, healthcare, research and development, and automotive are just a few industries that use metal 3D printing to make goods. Examples of metal 3D printed parts include:

  • Functional Prototypes
  • Direct Digital Manufacturing
  • Heatsinks & Heat Exchangers
  • Molds & Inserts
  • Ductwork
  • Rapid Tooling
  • Spare Parts
  • Rigid Housing

Metal 3D Printing Quotes FAQs / /

Q: Is Fathom ISO certified?

A: Fathom’s certifications include ISO 9001:2015, ISO 9001:2015 Design, and ISO 13485:2016. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.

Q: Is Fathom ITAR certified?

A: Yes, Fathom is ITAR certified. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.

Q: Is Fathom AS9100:2016 certified?

A: Yes, Fathom is AS9100:2016. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.

Q: Is Fathom NIST 800-171 certified?

A: Yes, Fathom’s certifications include NIST 800-171. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.

Q: Can 3D printers print metal?

A: Yes, 3D printers can print metal.

Q: Is 3D printed metal strong?

A: Metal parts made using 3D printing may be up to 3x stronger than those made using conventional methods.

Q: What metal is used for 3D printing?

A: Stainless steel, nickel, and titanium are just a few of the different kinds of metal used in 3D printing.

Q: Is 3D printing expensive?

A: The cost of 3D printing varies by project depending on the design, quantity, raw material, and time needed to complete a job.

How to Get Metal 3D Printing Quotes / /

Are you looking to get Metal 3D printing quotes or calculate costs for an upcoming project? Fathom’s SmartQuote application provides fast quotes for any file.

Across National
Time Zones

Precision manufacturing
from coast to coast.

HEADQUARTERS //
1050 Walnut Ridge Drive
Hartland, WI 53029
877-FATHOM-8

ARIZONA
444 W. 21st St. Ste. 101
Tempe, AZ 85282
480-966-2300

CALIFORNIA
46758 Lakeview Blvd
Fremont, CA 94538

COLORADO
7770 Washington St.
Denver, CO 80229
303-288-6855

FLORIDA
14000 N.W. 58th Court
Miami Lakes, FL 33014
305-889-3280

ILLINOIS
1207 Adams Drive
McHenry, IL 60051
815-385-7500

1401 Brummel Ave
Elk Grove, IL 60007
847-952-8088

MINNESOTA
13758 Johnson Street NE
Ham Lake, MN 55304
763-755-7575

NEW YORK
1920 Slaterville Rd.
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-277-7070

401 W. Shore Blvd.
Newark, NY 14513
315-331-7680

TEXAS
1513 Sam Bass Rd.
Round Rock, TX 78660
512-255-1477

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