3D metal printing is about to go mainstream

Re:3D metal printing is about to go mainstream by Dowwie on Monday July 31, 2017 @01:29PM (#14894093)

I've watched a few DIY foundry videos on YouTube where makers melt down aluminum cans and scrap metal into chunks of metal, ready for re-use. I wonder if these 3d printers will be able to use reclaimed metal created from a similar type of process.

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Re:3D metal printing is about to go mainstream by cr0sh on Monday July 31, 2017 @07:21PM (#14896716)

If you're already doing this, you probably have the skills and the tools to make your own molds (3D printed in plastic even), mold a rough version, then mill it down to proper tolerances. If your molds are good enough, and your pour goes correctly, and your tolerance needs aren't that high - the part that you get might only need a minimum of cleanup (sprue removal, some filing or sanding, sand/bead blasting).

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Re:3D metal printing is about to go mainstream by Govindae on Monday July 31, 2017 @01:35PM (#14894181)

They would need to be able to create a powder with consistent grain size.

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