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Metal 3D printers suggestions/reivews about $10K or less with small volume high precision?

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Bflo

Mechanical
Feb 14, 2017
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Hey All,
Just wondering how well the newer metal 3D printers are and if anyone knows of legit reviews of them. We currently use the Formlabs printers with decent success for polymers but would like to move over to a metal one for smaller parts...say a volume of 3" x 5" range or even smaller possibly, unless bigger volume ones can be in the .005" accuracy or better hopefully. I have no idea about what's out there and just starting my research- I did see that the "forum1536: 3D Printers and Materials" thread gives me an error when I click on the link.
 
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What metals/alloys do you have in mind?
In most cases the system is customized around specific materials.
You can get more flexibility for a lot more cost.

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P.E. Metallurgy, consulting work welcomed
 
I mean as much variety as possible around that price point but for now, just stainless should be fine. We are currently getting parts that are titanium from an outside vendor but I don't think we'd need that if it's extra cost, or vice versa.
 
I have never seen a laser PBF machine for less than $250k, and the big high-speed machines run $1M+.
AM with metals is an interesting subject.
There are a lot of technical details to consider.
I have worked on a couple of projects involving PH stainless.
Lots of interesting problems.

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P.E. Metallurgy, consulting work welcomed
 
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