When it comes to 3D printing, it has come a long way since it was first created. While it only used to be plastic that was used to create items, there are now metal 3D printers available.
Metal 3D printers are interesting and certainly serve a purpose. However, they are typically not the cheapest options to consider. This is why it is important to have a clear understanding of the initial set up costs, and the cost to use one before purchasing.
In this article, we will be discussing everything you need to know about metal 3D printers, from what they are, their purpose, and how much they typically cost, to give you a clearer understanding of whether they are worth purchasing.
What Is A Metal 3D Printer?
A metal 3D printer is just as its name suggests. It is a printer that uses metal to create objects. The metal that is used is powdered, and works in a similar way to laser sintering.
The object is created using a design program on the computer, which is typically a CAD program. From here, the design is calibrated and linked to the 3D printer. The 3D printer will then print the design as a 3D object.
Metal 3D printers are a great option to consider if you are looking for a strong printed structure. They are great for designs that are intricate and complex. Metal printing is also useful when you need a lightweight material.
How Much Does A Metal 3D Printer Cost?
The cost of a metal 3D printer varies depending on the type you choose to purchase. Even so, they are still a fairly expensive item to purchase, and they are more expensive than standard plastic 3D printers. As a result of this, you need to ensure it is something you are certain you want to purchase before committing to the cost.
On average, the prices of 3D metal printers start at around $80,000. This is significantly higher than the majority of 3D printers, and unless it is being used on a level, it is out of the budget for many people. They can easily cost up to one million dollars depending on the size and intricacy of the printer purchased.
Metal 3D printers are more difficult to purchase in comparison to standard 3D printers. As a result of this, you typically have to have one created for the purposes you need it for, and this will need to be ordered from a manufacturer. There are some available to purchase online, but they are not overly popular to purchase in this way due to the price.
The best way to find out how expensive a 3D metal printer would be for you is to speak to a professional manufacturer. They will then be able to give you a quote with an estimate of how much it will cost. While it may be less than $80,000, it is unlikely that the price is going to be significantly lower than this.
You need to take into account how expensive these machines are to create and to operate. This is why they are so expensive. The higher specifications and performance the printer has, the more expensive it will be.
How Much Do Metal 3D Printer Materials Cost?
In addition to the cost of a metal 3D printer, you will also need to take into consideration the cost for the powdered filament. This is not cheap to purchase, and costs more than the standard plastic filament.
There are a number of different types of metal powders that can be purchased for these printers. The option you choose will depend on your budget, and what you are creating.
The prices of these powders vary significantly depending on the type and the brand. This is why it is difficult to provide a completely accurate price idea. However, they are typically priced at around $300 to $600 for each kilogram. Some can be more expensive than this if it is particularly high quality and durable.
You will need to have a good idea of how much powder you need to purchase. While a kilogram does go a long way, if you are using the machine frequently for larger projects, this is not going to last for a significantly long time.
This is the cost for a standard machine, if you are using the larger machines, they require more powder, and ones that are specific. These can cost thousands of dollars.
How Much Does Metal 3D Printer Maintenance Cost?
There is not a specific cost when it comes to the maintenance of metal 3D printers. However, if the machine does break, this can be quite costly to fix. This is why you need to ensure you are using it correctly, and storing the metal powder correctly.
Every few years or so, it is recommended that you have the printer looked at by a professional to ensure that it is in the correct working order. If it is not, this can be more costly to fix in the long run.
While the standard maintenance costs would be minimal, fixing a broken metal 3D printer can potentially be very expensive. This is something that you need to be aware of before committing to purchasing one of these.
Finally, you need to be aware of the running and electricity costs, especially if you have purchased a larger metal 3D printer. They do use a significant amount of electricity, and this can cause your bills to skyrocket if you are using the 3D printer regularly.
Final Thoughts
We hope you have found this article insightful and useful. As you can see, metal 3D printers are expensive to purchase. Even the cheapest options available are more expensive in comparison to a standard 3D printer.
As a result of this, you need to ensure this is the correct option to purchase before committing. You will also need to take into account the additional costs that come with a 3D printer. These include maintenance, fixing broken parts, the powder filament and also the general running costs.
While they are more expensive to purchase, they are a fantastic option to consider if you are looking to use it for your business.
Through Love and Robots, I hope to share my knowledge with others, and provide advice about everything 3D printer related.
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