After the rise of 3D printing technology, in addition to FDM, SLS, and SLA technologies, metal 3D printing technology has also been under development, as seen in previous exhibitions (further reading: 2018 Formnext Exhibition Correspondent, Bringing You 3 Major Innovative Technologies!); since the technology is not yet widespread, the current prices of metal 3D printers start from millions or even tens of millions.
Beyond this price point, the currently popular general 3D printing technology can provide high-quality metal parts after a short conversion process. Below, we'll take you through 3DMart's large family of 3D printed cast parts, from small to large!
．SLA Resin Curing: Jewelry and Metalworking Series
We have previously shared several metal castings in the photos, which were printed using DWS XFAB with resin. After the original parts are printed, they are then burned away to create metal casting molds.
The forming characteristic of SLA resin curing technology is its smooth surface and exquisite details, making it suitable for small, intricate, and finely detailed jewelry.
Especially for customized or bespoke products, there is no need for expensive CNC machining or mold costs. In the image, you can see the flow of hair on the figure and the texture of the petals. We used our hand as a scale reference for the photograph.
．Full introduction: With this, do you still need to spend millions on a wedding ring!?
．FDM Fused Deposition Modeling: Industrial Parts and Portrait Series
What most people are more familiar with is FDM technology, which uses filament for 3D printing. By using the newly released PolyCast filament specifically for casting to create prototypes, one can quickly obtain clean mold cavities that are completely burned out to replicate metal parts. In addition to being able to burn out, casting-specific PolyCast can also be polished with alcohol; it can be transformed into a smooth surface before casting, and will not leave behind the stacking marks of general 3D printing in the mold cavity, making it the best choice for prototyping.
．Full introduction: Metal Model of Human Portraits
You can refer to the previously completed bicycle parts and the final metal samples of aircraft components. From 3D printing to metal parts, there are usually four steps: 3D printing prototype, alcohol polishing, casting prototype, and metal polishing, to obtain the most perfect metal finished product.
．Full Introduction: 3D Printed Bicycle Casting Parts
．Full Introduction: 3D Printed Bicycle Casting Parts - Part Two
．Full Introduction: 3D Printed Aircraft Casting Parts
Unlike CNC milling, 3D printing uses an additive manufacturing method, thus enabling the creation of structures or internal curves that cannot be directly produced by some milling processes; and the combination of the two technologies can complement each other to achieve more refined finished products. Compared to resin curing, FDM is more cost-effective and can print larger objects; for example, we once demonstrated a 3D printed 1:1 brake caliper, with a total size of approximately: 25.5mm x 16.5mm x 78.5mm, and of course, even larger parts can be printed.
．Full Introduction: Verified to Work! Brake Caliper Metal Castings Released!
In addition to these samples, you can also check out the application cases of foreign metal mold companies like Sylatech, who use this technology for investment casting; the image shows the final product used for forming metal propellers.
．Application Case: Sylatech's Application Cases
If you're interested in a factory's real-life application of PolyCast for casting, you can also refer to the video here! If you don't yet own a 3D printer, we also offer a 3D printing service for subsequent casting; if you already have an idea and a machine, PolyCast is now available for sale, and you can purchase it from our online store!
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