Metal 3D printing is one of the original additive manufacturing technologies, stemming from development in the late 80’s. Beginning with the work of Carl Deckard in partnership with Dr. Joe Beaman at the University of Texas at Austin, their pioneering efforts began in Selective Laser Sintering–a technology highly associated with powder-based thermoplastics today. At that time, however, Deckard was intrigued by the concept of creating a solution for rapid prototyping and more efficient manufacturing in metal. He realized he could do so by fusing metal particles together and building upon them layer by layer–with the ultimate goal of translating this work to industrial factories.
At the same time, parallel research and development regarding 3D printing with metal was ongoing at the Fraunhofer Institute with Selective Laser Melting–also known as Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)–and connected with similar technology like Electron Beam Melting (EMB). Binder Jetting was also on the precipice of becoming patented (licensed to ExOne in 1995), offering unique technology built around metal powder particles adhering together with the strength of a liquid binding agent.
3D printing in metal continues to surge in popularity, and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of almost 25% through 2030. Accelerated growth–with SLM 3D printing at the forefront– is attributed to advancement in a wide range of applications.
“Increasing adoption of metal 3D printers for the designing and prototyping of products and objects, coupled with the reduced manufacturing expenditure and accuracy in the end product, is a key market proliferating factor. The market is poised to witness high demand arising prominently from the healthcare, automotive, aerospace, and defense sectors. Growing advancements in the healthcare sector to curb physical disabilities and ensure healthy living are influencing the sector to flourish and adopt new innovative methodologies, such as 3D printing. Additionally, the automotive and aerospace sectors, where prototyping and designing play a vital role in research and development to achieve perfection in their production are leading towards greater opportunities and increasing the adoption of the 3D printing process,” statesGrand View Research.
“The services segment is expected to expand at a significant CAGR of 23.5% from 2022 to 2030. With the adoption of methodology, metal 3D printing services help manufacturers to produce complicated and delicate functional parts with greater ease and accuracy.”
Purchasing 3D metal printers is extremely cost-prohibitive for most companies, so it makes sense that established metal 3D printing services like Shapeways are projected to continue expanding and contributing substantially to the global market.
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