Two relatively new players in the 3D world have announced similar Metal Printing concepts within last few months. Markforged announced the launch of MetalX in January and then Desktop Metal announced the launching of DM-Studio printer in May this year. Also Desktop-Metal announced the coloration with a North American 3D giant "Stratasys". Both Markforged and Stratasys are accepting orders for the systems to be shipped in near future.
References:
Markforged
Stratasys
Similarities
- Powder metal is encapsulated in a binder, extruded on to a platform just like normal FDM method.
- Some of the binder is washed at a washing station after printing.
- After washing parts are sintered in a furnace.
- Furnace sintering causes the part to shrink quite a bit, up to 20% depending on the metal. Shrinkage factor is calculated and added by the software at the time of process.
- Markforged’s process is called Atomic Diffusion Additive Manufacturing (ADAM).
- Desktop Metal has developed the Bound Metal Deposition (BDM) approach.
- Both systems are expected to cost around $120k.
Metal X from Markforged
DM Studio from DeskTop Metal
Desktop Metal production system
Observations
- Even though both brands are marketing their systems as suitable for office. Washing process involves chemicals and heat, causing fumes and vapors which need to be exhausted properly.
- Both processes use furnace to sinter metal. The sintering process spew fumes and again need adequate exhaust.
- Inconsistencies in shrinkage factor may cause less accurate parts when compare to other established technologies.
- Print-ability of small features may be limited.
- Printing resolution may be a concern for some users.
- The systems are much more affordable as compare to metal laser sintering processes which can open up possibilities of serving cost conscious industries.
- The process could be a good fit for additive + subtrative combination. Complex shapes can be printed and accurate features can be CNC machined.
References:
Markforged
Stratasys
