Custom Metal 3D Printing Service

2015, ISO 13485 and AS9100D certified.

Start A New 3D Printing Quote

STL | OBJ | STEP | STP Files

  Your Data Stays Private

Why Use Unionfab for Custom Online CNC Machining Services?

1. Numerous Metal Printers with Fast Lead Time

Unionfab boasts a fleet of up to 40 industrial-grade metal 3D printers, including BLT/Farsoon/EOS/SLM, ensuring swift turnaround times for bulk metal 3D printing.

Explore our equipment here

2. Outstanding Surface Quality and Part Strength

Unionfab stands out for its commitment to excellence by meticulously selecting high-standard materials, employing cutting-edge equipment, and utilizing advanced processes. This dedication results in exceptional part surface quality and superior part strength.

Learn more about our product quality here

3. Competitive Pricing at Only 30% of European and American Competitors

Unionfab follows a business philosophy centered on achieving high value with modest profits, aiming to make 3D printing more accessible to a broader range of industries. Remarkably, our metal 3D printing prices stand at an average of only 30%~50% of those charged by European and American competitors.

See Your Part in 3D (Upload for a Detailed Preview)

What is Metal 3D Printing?

Metal 3D Printing is an additive manufacturing technology that produces metal parts through the layering of metal powder. Typically utilizing metal powders like titanium, aluminum, and stainless steel as raw materials, this process employs lasers or other thermal energy beams for melting and shaping. Metal 3D Printing is capable of producing parts with the strength and durability of metal while capitalizing on the design freedom offered by 3D Printing. As a result, it finds extensive applications in aerospace, medical, automotive, marine, and other industries. The technology enables the fabrication of intricate structures that are challenging to achieve through traditional methods, including lattice and topology-generated structures. Simultaneously, it enhances material utilization, diminishes waste, and lowers production costs.

metal 3D printing process
3d printed metal parts; 3d printed car parts; automotive wheel hub

Overview of Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)

DMLS, also known as selective laser melting (SLM), involves the direct melting of metal powder using high-energy lasers. This process simultaneously sinters and solidifies the powdered metal material, automatically building up layers to generate dense, solid parts with various geometric shapes. The primary advantage of DMLS lies in the production of parts devoid of residual stress and internal defects, a critical attribute for metal components subjected to high stress, as seen in aerospace or automotive applications. However, a notable drawback of DMLS is its significant cost.

Overview of Binder Jet 3D Printing

Binder Jet (BJT) 3D Printing, particularly in the context of metal binder jetting, employs an inkjet to selectively deposit a binder onto a flat powder bed. The regions targeted by the droplets undergo curing, leaving the remaining powder in a loose state. This layer-by-layer process continues until the entire part is formed, accommodating a variety of materials, including metal, sand, ceramics, and more. Notably, the binder jetting machine operates at room temperature, eliminating warping concerns and the need for additional support structures. This temperature advantage allows for larger machine sizes compared to powder bed fusion machines, facilitating the stacking of parts to optimize construction volume. Binder Jet 3D Printing has gained popularity for small-batch production and on-demand manufacturing.

Metal Binder Jetting offers distinct advantages, allowing for the printing of large volumes with parts not necessarily affixed to the build plate. This flexibility permits nesting to maximize the available build volume, with fewer geometric restrictions and minimal need for support structures. Notably, warping issues are mitigated, enabling the production of larger components at a faster printing speed and lower costs compared to powder bed fusion metal printing.

However, the technology has its drawbacks. Post-printing, components undergo time-consuming debinding and sintering processes, leading to elevated machine and material costs. Additionally, the resulting porosity is higher than that achieved with powder bed fusion, impacting mechanical properties and limiting material choices. Despite these limitations, Binder Jet 3D Printing stands out for its efficiency in large-scale production and versatility in accommodating various materials.

binder jetting metal parts
cleaning up the residual powder on metal 3d printed parts

DMLS/SLM vs. Binder Jet (BJT) 3D Printing

In practice, the substantial cost associated with metal 3D printing becomes economically justifiable only when accompanied by significant enhancements in performance or operational efficiency. Naturally, each Metal 3D Printing technology caters to distinct industrial requirements.

DMLS/SLM emerges as the optimal choice for parts featuring intricate geometries, such as organic and topology-optimized structures, demanding excellent material properties to enhance efficiency in the most challenging applications.

Binder Jet 3D Printing stands out as the fastest 3D printing technology, particularly ideal for high-volume production outputs of dense and functional precision parts. The use of metal powders in Binder Jetting is typically more cost-effective compared to those used in DMLS/SLM, leading to substantial cost savings.

DMLS/SLM, Binder Jetting, 3D Printing Molds for Metal Casting

DMLS/SLM 3d printed part

DMLS/SLM 3D Printing Service

Suitable for Metal Prototypes and Small Volume Production | Free Sample Part Production


Metal Binder Jetting 3d printed parts

Metal Binder Jetting 3D Printing Service

Suitable for Metal Small Volume Production | Free Quote and Technical Support


metal casting products; metal parts; 3d print mold for meta casting

3D Printing Molds for Metal Casting

Combine 3D Printing with Casting | Support Rapid Casting Service | Suitable for Complex Metal Castings in Energy, Aviation, Marine, and More

Metal 3D Printing Tolerances

FeatureDescription

Maximum Part Size

420 x 420 x 450 (mm)

General Tolerances

±0.2mm, L>100mm. ±0.2%*L

General Surface Finish

Ra 3.2

Standard Lead Time

3~7 business days

DMLS/SLM Materials

Aluminum (Alsi10Mg)

Lightweight aluminum alloy. It is widely used in engineering structures and components that require lightweight and corrosion resistance.

Learn more about Aluminum (Alsi10Mg)

Binder Jetting (BJT) Materials

X1 Metal 420i (420 Stainless Infiltrated with Bronze)
A matrix metal composite material composed of 60% 420 stainless steel and 40% bronze infiltrant. This material offers good mechanical properties and offers excellent wear resistance. 95%+ density.

Metal 3D Printing Finishes

In addition to the removal of support structures, the part surface is media blasted to provide a uniform finish.

Andoizing

Metal 3D Printing Tolerances

FeatureDescription

Max Part Size

420 x 420 x 450 (mm)

General Tolerances

±0.2 (mm)

Minimum Wall Thickness

0.5 (mm)

Layer Thickness

0.035 (mm)

Post-Surface Treatment

Sandblasting/Anodizing/Painting/Polishing/Electroplating/Electrolessplating/Passivation/Phosphorization/Blackening/Heat Treatment

Post Treatment

CNC Machining

Metal 3D Printing FAQs

What is the production lead time and logistics time for Metal 3D Printing?

Unionfab can swiftly print your DMLS/SLM parts in as little as 4-5 days and binder jet parts within 7-15 days. We offer worldwide shipping through trusted carriers like DHL Express and FedEx. The global logistics duration typically ranges from 3-9 days, with Europe and the United States experiencing a shorter duration of about 3-5 days.

Metal 3D Printing Applications

Rapid Tooling

Metal 3d printed parts that are both robust and lightweight, making them highly sought after for the rapid manufacturing of tooling, fixtures, and jigs.

Rapid Prototyping

The cost-effectiveness and rapidity of Metal 3D Printing makes it a preferred choice for creating proof-of-concept models and fully functional late-stage prototypes.

Production

Metal 3D Printing has become a popular choice for end-use products due to its capability to deliver a cast-quality finish using fully dense and durable materials.