Introduction to Metal Rapid Prototyping

Introduction to Metal Rapid Prototyping

Metal rapid prototyping, also known as metal additive manufacturing or metal 3D printing, is a revolutionary process that allows for the rapid and precise fabrication of metal parts directly from digital designs. It is a form of additive manufacturing in which metal powder or wire is selectively deposited, layer by layer, to build up a three-dimensional object.

The process of metal rapid prototyping starts with the creation of a digital design using computer-aided design (CAD) software. The design is then sliced into thin cross-sectional layers, which are sent to the metal 3D printer. The printer uses various techniques to deposit or fuse the metal material in accordance with the digital design, creating a physical object layer by layer.

There are several metal rapid prototyping technologies available, each with its own unique approach. Some of the commonly used metal 3D printing technologies include:

1.Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS): DMLS uses a high-powered laser to selectively fuse metal powders together, forming solid metal parts. It offers high precision and can produce complex geometries. Materials such as stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, and cobalt-chrome can be used in DMLS.

2.Selective Laser Melting (SLM): SLM is similar to DMLS but involves fully melting the metal powder using a laser. It results in dense, fully metallic parts with excellent mechanical properties. SLM is commonly used with materials like titanium, aluminum, and nickel alloys.

3.Electron Beam Melting (EBM): EBM uses an electron beam instead of a laser to melt the metal powder. It offers high build speeds and is well-suited for producing large-scale metal parts. Materials such as titanium and cobalt-chrome are commonly used in EBM.

4.Binder Jetting: In binder jetting, a liquid binding agent is selectively deposited onto metal powder layers, binding them together. After the part is printed, it undergoes post-processing steps like sintering or infiltration to achieve its final properties. Binder jetting can utilize materials such as stainless steel, bronze, and tool steel.

5.Metal rapid prototyping offers numerous advantages over traditional manufacturing methods. It allows for the creation of complex and intricate geometries that are difficult or impossible to achieve through conventional means. The ability to quickly iterate and modify designs reduces the time and cost associated with prototyping and product development.

6.Furthermore, metal rapid prototyping enables the production of functional prototypes, making it possible to test and evaluate the performance of metal parts before full-scale production. It also offers the potential for on-demand manufacturing, where parts can be produced as needed, reducing inventory costs and lead times.

However, it is important to note that metal rapid prototyping also has certain limitations. Factors such as material selection, build size constraints, surface finish, and post-processing requirements should be considered when choosing the most suitable method for a specific application.

Overall, metal rapid prototyping is a cutting-edge technology that is transforming the way metal parts are designed, prototyped, and manufactured. It enables greater design freedom, faster development cycles, and increased innovation in industries such as aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and more.

CNC Machining Magnesium Alloy Prototype

The density of magnesium is low, equals 1/5 of steel, 1/4 of zinc and 2/3 of aluminum. It’s the lightest metal as far as we know, but it has high strength and good stiffness. The CNC machining magnesium alloy prototype is very exquisite. As one of the countries with most abundant magnesium resource, China possesses nearly half of magnesium in the world, with plenty and high-quality magnesium raw material. Therefore, customers can get the best CNC magnesium alloy prototype with most favorable price.

Magnesium alloy has excellent machinability. It is relatively easy-machinable among common metal. During the process, it can be made with relatively high cutting speed and common cutter. The smooth surface can be made with cutting fluid only, no need to grind nor polish. CNC magnesium alloy prototype is very exquisite.

CNC magnesium alloy prototype is applied widely and very popular among customers. It is often used for small-sized parts, like the laptop case, camera, and accessories of motorbike.

Why choose us? Hongkong Bordersun customize plan and specification for each project, strictly control the manufacturing process, make examination and test before stepping into next process to prevent the NG product flow into next process. A project engineer will be assigned to follow each project to ensure the quality and progress, guaranteeing the CNC magnesium alloy prototype you receive is exactly what you want in dimension, assembling, and surface treatment, and to make sure you can get the prototype in time.