Using the latest in metal 3D printing technologies, Fathom delivers high-quality parts to its customers. Partner with Fathom on your highly complex, high-precision, short production run, and time-sensitive project.
Metal 3D printing estimates are based on the design, raw material selected, quantity ordered and turnaround time.
Parts with complex geometries can be produced cost-effectively using metal 3D printing technologies. The design should focus on the part’s performance while reducing the number of parts required to complete a larger piece. It is important to consider removing unnecessary material when possible to reduce cost.
Metal 3D printing is suitable for a wide range of metals, from aluminum to alloy. The better the performance properties, the more expensive the metal. To reduce costs, pick a metal based on how the part should perform and the environment in which it will operate.
When a project requires a lower volume or multiple customizations, metal 3D printing is often a good solution. Metal 3D printing facilitates greater design flexibility as it does not require tools to be developed for every part. A project requiring multiple versions of a single part can be produced cost-effectively using metal Additive or 3D priting technologies.
Since secondary processes like finishing and assembly are often not needed after metal 3D printing, turnaround times are reduced. Post-processing is available for projects requiring a higher quality finish, including abrasive blasting, shot peening, electroplating, etc. You can lower costs and turnaround times by working with an all-in-one manufacturer that offers metal 3D printing and secondary finishing services.
Submit your design to Fathom’s SmartQuote online platform for a quote in as little as 1 hour, usually within 24 hours. Are you ready for a quote or want to learn more about another manufacturing service? Fathom’s metal prototype lead times are as follows:
Metal 3D printing, sometimes referred to as Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), Direct Metal Laser Melting (DMLM) or Selective Laser Melting (SLM), is one of the additive layer technologies offered by Fathom. During the DMLS process, a laser beam melts 20-60 micron layers of powdered metal on top of each other, creating a part out of a bed of powdered metal. DMLS is one of 28 manufacturing services offered by Fathom.
Fathom’s manufacturing network includes over 530 machines, including mills, lathes, presses, press brakes, turret punches and additive systems. Over 12 high-precision direct metal laser sintering machines are used to create metal 3D printed parts.
In addition to metal 3D printing technologies, Fathom also offers hybridized services leveraging multiple types of 3D printing. Does your complex project require metal 3D printing? Fathom can get it done. Check out the case study below where Fathom delivered 20,000 parts within a 27-day timeline, using over 55 tools, including multiple 3D printing services.
A customer came to Fathom with a complex project that spanned the technologies and processes of rapid production—and needed it done fast. Fathom delivered.
55+ Tools to Injection
Mold 15,000 Parts
First Article in 2 Weeks
3,000+ 3D
Printed Parts
2,000+ Metal
Fabricated Parts
3D Printing / Additive Manufacturing—PolyJet, SLS, MJF.
DFM Analysis + CAD Mods.
CNC Machining. Laser Cutting.
Stamping. Die Cutting. Post-Opp Drilling.
24-hour Turnaround Urethane Casting.
Injection + Compression Molding.
Model Finishing. Insert Assembly.
Advanced Project Management.
Fathom has US-based locations that offer Metal 3D printing with nationwide coverage to the entire United States. Fathom’s advanced prototyping and manufacturing services include injection molding, CNC machining, chemical etching, metal 3D printing, etc. We have provided over 200,000 quotes to leading US companies and are ready to provide you with a quote today.
Locations include:
HEADQUARTERS
1050 Walnut Ridge Drive
Hartland, WI 53029
ISO 9001:2015
AS9100:2016
ITAR
Metal 3D printing can create metal parts that are durable, complex, intricate and elaborate. To lower costs, the part can be designed to use minimal support structures. The orientation of the part during printing can affect the surface finish. Parts with upward-facing surfaces have sharper edges and a better finish. Wall thickness, pin diameter, hole size, escape holes, overhangs, unsupported edges, aspect ratio, and tolerances all vary based on the method of 3D printing used.
| Material | Alloy Designation | Layers | Hardness | Advantages | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel (PH1) | 15-5 PH, DIN 1.4540 & UNS S15500 | 20 or 40 Micron Layers | 30-35 HRC Built, Post Hardened to 40 HRC | High Hardness & Strength | Prototype / Production Parts |
| Stainless Steel (GP1) | 17-4, European 1.4542, German X5CrNiCuNb16-4 | 20 or 40 Micron Layers | 230 ± 20 HV1 Built, Ground & Polished to 250-400 HV1 | High Toughness & Ductility | Engineering Applications |
| Cobalt Chrome (MP1) | ISO 5832-4 & ASTM F75 | 20, 40 or 50 Micron Layers | 35-45 HRC Built | High Temperature Resistance | Turbines & Engine Parts |
| Maraging Steel (MS1) | 18% Ni Maraging 300, European 1.2709, German X3NiCoMoTi 18-9-5 | 20 or 40 Micron Layers | 33-37 HRC Built, Post Hardened to 50-56 HRC | Easily Machinable & Excellent Polishability | Injection Molding Tooling, Conformal Cooling |
| Aluminum AlSi10Mg | Typical Casting Alloy | 30 Micron Layers | Approx. 119 ± 5 HBW | Low Weight, Good Thermal Properties | Automotive, Racing |
| Nickel Alloy IN718 | UNS N07718, AMS 5662, AMS 5664, W.Nr 2.4668, DIN NiCr19Fe19NbMo3 | 40 Micron Layers | 30 HRC Built, Post Hardened 47 HRC | Heat & Corrosion Resistant | Turbines, Rockets, Aerospace |
| Stainless Steel (316L) | ASTM F138 | 20 Micron Layers | 85 HRB | Corrosion & Pitting Resistant | Surgical Tools, Food & Chemical Plants |
| Titanium Ti-64* | ASTM F2924 | 30 or 60 Micron Layers | 320 ± 15 HV5 | Light Weight, High Strength & Corrosion Resistant | Aerospace, Motorsport Racing |
| Titanium Ti-64 ELI* | ASTM F136 Properties | 30 or 60 Micron Layers | 320 ± 15 HV5 | Corrosion Resistance, Biocompatibility | Medical, Biomedical, Implants |
Fathom offers high-quality metal 3D printing. Materials available include:
When a part undergoes finishing, it can achieve a professional surface finish. Finishing can add rust resistance, strength, metal conductivity and an improved appearance. Fathom’s finishing services include shot peening, electrochemical polishing, CNC finishing and more.
Abrasive blasting can remove imperfections, rust and other contaminants from a part’s surface. Abrasive blasting is often used to prepare a part for a coating application. Different abrasive blasting methods include micro-abrasive blasting, bristle blasting, bead blasting and more. Steel grit, silicon carbide, pumice and other abrasives are used for abrasive blasting.
Shot peening can enhance a part’s strength and reduce its stress profile. During shot peening, the part is hit with multiple shots that leave deformities on the part’s surface. The process adds a compressive stressed layer.
Optical polishing creates a microfinish or superfinish on a part’s surface in preparation for further processing. The process is best for projects with geometries in low quantities that are not tolerance dependent. Optical polishing is cost-effective and provides a brilliant finish.
Electrochemical polishing produces a mirror-like finish on metal parts. Electrochemical polishing can also be used to prepare a part of further finishing. The part is placed in an electrolytic solution with a copper or lead cathode during the process. The electric current moves through the solution, smoothing the part’s surface.
Abrasive flow machining can deburr and polish a part. During abrasive flow machining, a chemically inactive media works to polish the part and remove unwanted material.
Electroplating adds a metal layer to the outside of a part, increasing its strength and durability. Electroplating dissolves metal in an electrolytic solution and transfers it onto the part’s surface. Some of the most common metals used during electroplating are copper and zinc.
Micro machining uses great technical precision to preserve the geometries of a part while adding a mirror-like finish. During MMP, the part is mapped by a profilometer to generate a roughness profile. The component is then transitioned to the MMP envelope, where micro-milling cutters polish the part.
CNC finishing or machining adds wear resistance, metal conductivity, strength, rust resistance, etc. CNC finishing can improve a part’s appearance and prepare it for a final coating. Finishing may involve powder coating, bead blasting, passivation and anodizing.
A: Fathom’s certifications include ISO 9001:2015, ISO 9001:2015 Design, and ISO 13485:2016. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.
A: Yes, Fathom is ITAR certified. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.
A: Yes, Fathom is AS9100:2016. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.
A: Yes, Fathom’s certifications include NIST 800-171. For site-specific certifications, please visit https://fathommfg.com/fathom-manufacturing-certifications.
A: Yes, 3D printers can print metal.
A: The cost of metal 3D printing depends on the complexity of the design, raw material selected, desired turnaround time and more.
A: Metal 3D printing was invented in 1995 by the Fraunhofer Institute ILT in Germany.
A: Metal 3D printing is used to make finished parts for many different industries, including automotive, aerospace, medical and more.
Are you looking to get Metal 3D printing quotes or calculate costs for an upcoming project? Fathom’s SmartQuote application provides fast quotes for any file.
