@ Rob F. I read the exact same article, it is fascinating. The biggest pro to this tech is that complexity costs nothing. It requires the same level of expertise to print a block of metal as it would to print a perfect jaw bone replacement (provided you have the cad data). With regard to that article, the titanium can be printed so that the section that touches live tissue or bone is porous and can interface with the body well. This is called titanium osseointegration.
Here is more information:
The First 3D Printed Jaw Implant they print in 20-40um layers. We have a target of printing in 30um layers.
@ jdj, in all likelihood 3D Metal Printing will not replace every aspect of machining or milling. The simple fact is that the more complex the part the more desirable it is to use 3D printing. In some applications it has already replaced machining, specifically in high end aerospace.
@rcoope, I have personally seen a couple of open source hardware projects take things that originally cost a few thousand down to a few hundred. (reprap, diy-drones). You are spot on about the major cost being high powered lasers (hydrogen ovens I'm not too sure about). We are looking at modifying a YAG or Fiber laser engraver that has the ability to melt metal powders. The other main costs will be a gas (argon or nitrogen) tight frame and fabricating a high precision powder system that can spread powder layers of 30um.
This is in fact on of the main reasons I started this topic here, we need help with the precision engineering of the powder system, any pointers would be much appreciated.
@ lazlo - I am surprised by how many people do not even know what 3D Printing is, let alone that it is possible to print in metal. I think the reason is that current systems are only used and known in the world of high end manufacture.
I had never heard of the Matsuura Lumex before but I know that the two main players in the world of laser sintering are EOS (fiber lasers) and Arcam (electron beams). We are currently looking at using lower powered lasers for a longer given time on a smaller surface area and with thinner layers.
There are many variables that need to be considered when sintering, for those interested:
Time spent on a given area - Size of the spot - laser wattage - laser wavelength - powder granule size - layer thickness - material.
One benefit of laser sintering is that there are no burrs.
@ ewlsey - Bronze infusion is an inferior technology and ill suited to the hobbyist (due to the requirement of a furnace). You might be surprised to hear that EOS
EOS - e-Manufacturing Solutions has reported in a case study that their sintered titanium parts have shown an increase in strength as compared to a forged equivalent part! These printed parts are fully dense and can be used in real world applications.
@Philabuster - exactly.
As for the allegations of SPAM, I have posted the first post in a few other forums as I am willing to discuss this subject in a few other forums. Also it makes no sense to word it differently as it is what it is
. I am sorry if it has come across wrongly!
Regards!
Jethro.