Portfolio · Metal 3D Printing

Metal 3D Printing

High-Strength Functional Parts and Mass-Produced Components

Metal 3D printing using Metal Binder Jetting and Bound Metal Deposition for tools, heat exchangers, and technical mounts—from prototype parts to production runs, with no tooling costs.

Introduction

What Metal 3D Printing Does at AM Pioneers

At AM Pioneers, metal 3D printing delivers durable, functional parts with a density and strength comparable to those achieved through traditional metal injection molding (MIM). The spectrum ranges from rapid in-house prototyping to cost-effective series production of complex geometries.

Typical applications for metal 3D printing include tools and tool inserts, heat exchangers with internal channels, as well as technical mounts and replacement parts where traditional manufacturing methods reach their limits. At AM Pioneers, metal 3D printing covers the entire spectrum, from individual parts to industrial-scale production runs.

As a 3D printing reseller and manufacturing service provider based in Esslingen am Neckar, we use our state-of-the-art machinery to manufacture components using metal 3D printing—from prototypes and small-batch production to mass production.

In addition, we assist you in selecting and procuring the right equipment technology for your in-house production. From potential analysis and process design to on-site implementation, we guide you every step of the way toward a successful rollout of the technology.

Decision-Making Guide

Comparison of Methods

Processes available for this material at a glance — for a cross-material comparison, see our Process Finder.

Procedure System Ideal for Quantity Delivery Time
Metal Binder Jetting InnoventX · Shop System · X25Pro · X160Pro Mass-produced parts, MIM replacements 1–10.000+ 2–4 weeks
Bound Metal Deposition Studio System Prototypes 1–1.000 1–2 weeks
Metal 3D Printing Technologies in Detail

A Comparison of Metal 3D Printing Processes for the Component

Brief overview of each process—you can find the complete process description on the respective technology page.
Gedrucktes Laufrad – Anwendungsbeispiel Metal Binder Jetting
Impeller · Kundenbauteil
Series & Functional Parts

Metal Binder Jetting

Cost-Effective Metal 3D Printing for Mass Production Without Molds

A powder-based process followed by sintering—achieves density and strength comparable to MIM while offering a high degree of design freedom for complex geometries. This makes Metal Binder Jetting one of the most cost-effective methods in metal 3D printing.

Tolerance: max. ±0.5% / ±0.2 mm Materialien: 316L, 304L, 17-4PH, M2, CoCrMo, IN625, IN718 Lieferzeit: 2–4 weeks
MIM components Tools Heat Exchanger
Learn more about Binder Jetting & Desktop Metal →
Gedrucktes Turbinenrad – Anwendungsbeispiel Bound Metal Deposition
Turbine wheel · Kundenbauteil
Prototyping

Bound Metal Deposition

In-House Rapid Metal Prototyping

A two-step printing process for custom, high-strength parts with complex geometries—ideal for rapid iterations prior to production approval.

Tolerance: ±0,5 mm Materialien: 316L, 17-4PH, 4140, A2, Cu, D2, H13, IN625, Ti64 Lieferzeit: 1–2 weeks
Mounts Functional prototypes
Learn more about the Studio System →
Applications & Industries

Where Metal 3D Printing Is Already Being Used Today

Toolmaking
Tools made of M2 or WC-Co
Thermal
Heat exchangers made of copper or SiC
Mechanical Engineering
Mounts & Fixtures
Medical technology
MIM replacement parts or pre-production parts made of stainless steel
Material Portfolio

High-Performance Materials for Metal 3D Printing

Excerpt from our materials portfolio, including data sheets — additional alloys available upon request.
316L · 1.4404

Non-magnetic, corrosion-resistant, high ductility

Data sheet
304L · 1.4307

Non-magnetic, corrosion-resistant, high toughness

Data sheet
17-4PH · 1.4542

High strength in the heat-treated condition (H900), corrosion-resistant

Data sheet
IN625

Nickel-based, with excellent corrosion and fatigue resistance

Data sheet
IN718

Nickel-based, highest strength, high-temperature resistant

Data sheet
M2

Tool steel, high hardness and wear resistance

Data sheet
CoCrMo

Biocompatible, high hardness

Data sheet
Ti64

Lightweight construction, high strength, biocompatible

Data sheet

Comparison of Materials: Mechanical Properties

Characteristic values according to Desktop Metal material data sheets (PureSinter Furnace) — Values are given for the specified test conditions.

Criteria 316L 304L 17-4PH (H900) IN625 IN718 M2 CoCrMo Ti64
Tensile Strength [MPa] 540 ± 11 560 ± 10 1.205 ± 18 695 ± 7 1.270 ± 11 1.100* 935 ± 4
Elongation at break [%] 77,3 ± 5 72,4 ± 3 8,9 ± 3 71,3 ± 4 12,8 ± 1,4 8* 12,1 ± 2,4
Modulus of elasticity [GPa] 188 196 197 204 205 220*
Flexural Strength [MPa] 2.320 ± 220 (TRS) 1.800*
Impact Resistance [J] 222 ± 5 220 ± 4 158 ± 7 15*
Hardness 64 ± 2 HRB 71 ± 1,2 HRB 38,7 ± 1,4 HRC 79,1 ± 2 HRB 43,1 ± 0,7 HRC 60,9 ± 0,6 HRC 35–40 HRC* 32 ± 0,8 HRC
Density [g/cm³] 7,79 ± 0,09 7,73 ± 0,02 7,68 ± 0,02 8,35 ± 0,02 8,229 ± 0,002 8,11 ± 0,003 8,3* 4,36 ± 0,003

Values according to Desktop Metal material data sheets, PureSinter Furnace (316L/304L/17-4PH/IN625: Shop System™, as-sintered or H900 heat-treated; IN718: Shop System™, HIP + heat-treated; M2: X-Series™, hardened & triple-tempered, bending strength = TRS strength; Ti64: Studio System™, as-sintered). “–” = not listed in the data sheet. * CoCrMo: Approximate value from the literature; no data sheet available. For binding values, see the respective material data sheet.

Frequently Asked Questions About Metal 3D Printing

Which metal is best suited for my application?

The choice depends on the load, the environment, and the number of parts: 316L for corrosive environments, tool steel for wear parts, and nickel-based alloys for high-temperature applications. Our potential analysis for metal 3D printing provides specific recommendations in this regard.

Since there are no tooling costs, metal 3D printing is economically viable even for batch sizes as small as 1 and remains competitive with MIM or machining even for production runs in the four-digit range.

Depending on your requirements, we can offer mechanical machining, electropolishing, or electroplating—we’ll work with you to determine the scope of the finishing process.

Depending on the procedure and workload, between 1 and 4 weeks—a specific date will be provided with the quote within 24 hours.

Request a sample or a quote

Upload your drawing—our team will get back to you within 24 hours with a technical assessment.

Frederik Nußbaumer
Sales Engineer
+49 172 4059105