What are the Main Metals Used for 3D Printing

(What are the Main Metals Used for 3D Printing)

Steel

Steel is one of the most commonly used metal materials in industry and the
first metal material to be used for 3D printing. Currently, 3D printing can
process many different types of steel, such as austenitic, duplex, martensitic,
precipitation hardening stainless steel, TRIP/TWIP steel, maraging steel, tool
steel and ODS steel. Among them, the most commonly used are 316L stainless
steel, 304 austenitic stainless steel, 17-4PH and 15-5PH martensitic
precipitation hardening stainless steel, 18Ni300 (1.2709) maraging steel and H13
tool steel.

Titanium

Titanium and titanium alloys are ideal materials for 3D printing. First, 3D
printing uses a smaller total amount of material compared to other processes,
making it more cost-effective in many applications such as aerospace, medical
(orthopaedic implants), luxury cars, racing and professional sports equipment,
etc. field. In these areas, the cost of many parts is high (the quantity
required is not large), and at this time, based on 3D printing, using more
expensive materials to obtain light weight, increase strength and durability
becomes a better choice.

Titanium alloys are biocompatible and corrosion-resistant, and can be used as
inert biomaterials for human implants. Today, the most commonly used titanium
alloy for 3D printing of orthopedic implants is Ti6Al4V (Ti64).

Aluminum alloy

Aluminum alloy is also one of the main metal 3D printing materials at
present, and its use is expected to continue to grow. Because aluminum alloys
are light in weight, have good mechanical properties, and are inexpensive.
However, the mainstream aluminum alloys on the market are basically developed
based on the casting process, and it is not so easy to use for 3D printing.
Because when aluminum is sintered, an oxide layer will form around the powder
particles, which needs to be removed at extremely high temperatures, but the
melting point of aluminum itself is low.

Fortunately, there are some aluminum alloys based on 3D printing on the
market. To use aluminum for 3D printing on a large scale, breakthroughs in
material formulation and printing technology are also required.

Nickel alloy

Nickel alloy is a high temperature resistant alloy, which is often used to
manufacture parts that require high temperature resistance. There are many
applications in energy production, oil and gas fields. The nickel alloys
currently used for 3D printing are mainly Inconel 625 and 718.

Cobalt-chromium alloy

At present, many people do not know that cobalt-based alloys can be used for
3D printing. However, their applications in orthopaedics, aerospace, power
generation and dentistry are significant. Commonly used is ASTM F75 CoCr, which
has the advantages of good high temperature performance, high strength,
corrosion resistance, wear resistance and biocompatibility.

Copper and Copper Alloys

Copper and copper alloys are widely used in industry because of their good
electrical and thermal conductivity and ductility. However, copper's high
reflectivity and thermal conductivity make it less likely to be 3D printed.
Fortunately, 3D printing technology has improved in recent years, and there are
now several ways to 3D print with copper.

Refractory metal

Refractory metals are a class of very heat-resistant and wear-resistant
metals, mainly niobium, molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten and rhenium. They have
some common properties, melting point over 2000°C, high hardness at room
temperature, high density, etc. Due to their very high melting points, these
materials are very challenging to 3D print and are currently mainly printed with
binder jet 3D printing technology, followed by high temperature sintering to
obtain the final part.

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(What are the Main Metals Used for 3D Printing)