Businesses are increasingly looking towards additive metal 3D production, thanks to their ability to produce parts of improved quality at reduced production costs and time to market.

However, businesses are still largely adopting a wait-and-see attitude towards laser-based systems because of their hefty cost while having to use specialized operators.

With the recent launch of Desktop Metal, this changes everything to what everyone had known previously about the metal 3D printing landscape.

Here are 10 reasons why Desktop Metal makes for a competitive selection.
(the 10th reason makes the whole difference to everything)

1. Up to 10x affordable

While common laser-based 3D printing systems can easily cost up to more than a few million dollars, the Studio System comes in at a more affordable price range, and that includes the printer, debinder, and furnace.

This affordability makes it more accessible to the masses and brings metal 3D printing to those who were put off by the hefty cost of laser-based systems.

2. Safe for office environment

The use of bound metal rods in swappable media cartridges and the Bound Metal Deposition (BMD) technology itself means that there’s minimal user involvement with dangerous lasers or hazardous powders.

Similar to how an FDM printer works, the process of extruding bound metal rods with the Studio printer eliminates safety requirements normally associated with common laser-based systems.

3. Produce repeatable high-resolution parts

The Studio System’s precision ensures the production of high-quality parts with densities falling between 96-99% depending on the type of alloy.

4. Obtain near-net-shape parts

Desktop Metal’s systems adopt the same MIM (Metal Injection Molding) materials that leverage upon bulk sintering. This allows for the production of near-net-shape parts with the resolution and accuracy needed for functional prototyping.

5. Anyone can operate the machine

Similar to how FDM printers work, the support structures and toolpath are automatically generated by the operating software without the need for specialized operators to generate it.

6. Fully-automated cloud-based software architecture

The cloud-based software allows one to work and monitor the process from the cloud regardless of location, without needing to use 3rd party equipment or software to get a final part.

The fully-automated furnace is able to construct built-in profiles that are tuned to every build and material. This ensures uniform heating and cooling and avoids the residual stresses that are introduced in common laser-based systems.

7. High-quality core alloys certified by world-leading material scientists’

Available core alloys consistently meet or exceed industry standards, and they include 17-4PH, AISI 4140, 316 L, Copper, Inconel 625, H13, and Kovar.

In addition, over 30 alloys are currently being developed and validated by Desktop Metal’s material scientists who are working closely with hardware and software teams to ensure optimal performance.

8. Desktop Metal’s patented Separable Supports™ feature

Common laser-based systems require support structure removal and post-processing operations. This results in increased costs, lead time and loss of part accuracy from these extra steps.

Simplified processing is enabled with DM’s Separable Supports feature. Supports printed with the Studio System comes with a patented interface layer that does not bond to the metal part, allowing for easy separation by hands.

9. Simplify 3D print designing with “Live Parts”

Currently in development by Desktop Metal and Dassault Systemes, Live Parts™ is an experimental technology that applies morphogenetic principles and advanced simulation to auto-generate part designs with complex, efficient geometries in just minutes.

One unique feature is that it incorporates Finite element analysis (FEA) that generates how the part reacts to real-world forces and whether it will break, wear out, or work the way it was designed for.

10. Your supplier matters

Even though all 9 listed reasons make Desktop Metal a compelling selection, ultimately the supplier you choose to get it from creates a whole world of difference. All the reasons count for nothing if your supplier lacks the competency and reliability to support you.

At Creatz3D, we are leaders of change. Over the past 15 years, we have helped to broaden the profile of the 3D printing landscape in Singapore by championing its potential to shape and improve manufacturing processes. Our know-how and experience cannot be taught and puts us in an unparalleled position to help you succeed with Desktop Metal’s systems.

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