At Shapeways we offer a whole variety of 3D printing-enabled cast metals for you to choose from. The 3D printing cast metal process is simply an expedited and super-powered version of the traditional metal casting process, allowing for more intricate, interlocking, and complicated designs. Check out the five creative possibilities below for a boost of motivation to create your own masterpiece!

1. Interlocking Puzzle Ring

Indeed, what you’re looking at is one ring, designed by Oskar Puzzles. These interlocking parts all fit, stacked and snug, as one ring, and they were printed together as one piece. Certain cast metals, such as brass, are fantastic for printing interlocking parts. Which means you can print moving parts of a machine — or puzzle rings!

2. Bottle Openers

Why have a normal, plain bottle opener when you could have a 3D printed cast metal bottle Voronoi Pocket Bottle Opener by designer Shapespeare that also lifts can tabs for you? While cast metals are not as strong as our stainless steel option, they are metal, and can open your beer bottles, no problem. Fun fact: The pattern that you see so often on 3D printed objects is called the Voronoi pattern, and while I could not explain the mathematical concept to you, 3D modeling programs such as Autodesk Fusion 360 have made it simple for you to apply it to your own designs.

3. Caged Heart Pendant

If you’d prefer something a little more romantic, check out this Caged Heart Pendant from XIX84. 3D printing-enabled cast metals are able to capture incredible detail, so you can simulate a multitude of textures. The process of casting metals limits size possibilities, so practically speaking, they are definitely more suited for printing smaller objects like jewelry.

4. Electronic Pipe

Alternatively, if you’re looking for more hands-on projects, ceci est une DIY e-pipe. Specifically, the DNA Pipe by Mortimer. You must acquire and assemble all parts before you can enjoy this magnificent pipe. Cast metals are fantastic for printing mechanical parts for any DIY project.

5. Trilobite Shell

The ability to recreate ancient extinct creatures is just one crazy advantage of 3D printing. And this metal model of a trilobite shell by Elytra designer Dr. Allan Drummond is a perfectly gorgeous example of just that. Paleontologist Glenn Brock was ecstatic about this model when Drummond unveiled it, telling Nerdist that “I’m very happy with how it turned out. When you hold [the model] in your hand, it practically squirms. You can imagine her exploring her world, questing with her antennae, seeking prey and potential mates.” We can imagine this incredible 3D printed cast metal model shimmering on our shelves.

Today we discovered an extraordinary range of items you can 3D print with cast metals. So what are you waiting for? Go ahead and explore any one of these five designs, or head to your favorite 3D modeling app and create your own 3D print. Be sure to show us the results in the comments below!

The post 5 Things You Didn’t Know You Could 3D Print in Cast Metals appeared first on Shapeways Blog.

print in metal

Here’s a rundown of some recent developments in metal 3D printing:

Most state-of-the-art racing bikes are crafted almost entirely from carbon fiber, which is light and strong. However, Chris Froome’s Tour de France-winning bicycle features 3D printed titanium handlebars. The Engineer reports that 3D printing reduced production time for the handlebars by up to 75% compared with a carbon fiber process. No molds were needed, and the custom fit eliminated any need for adjustability, saving up to 17% of the weight of a traditional handlebar assembly while reducing drag.

Ship Technology reports that the Port of Rotterdam’s Additive Manufacturing Fieldlab (RAMLAB) teamed with Autodesk to develop a 3D printed nautical propeller. Their hybrid manufacturing process combined wire and arc additive manufacturing with industrial robot arms, subtractive machining (CNC), and grinding. The new process will help the port provide quick replacement propellers for ships.

[Credit: Michael A. Parker]

Spaceships are also increasingly relying on metal 3D printing. NASA has 3D printed entire rocket engines. Scientists at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) created a 3D printed metal fabric to protect both astronauts and spacecraft from micrometeors. As 3DPrint.com reports, the chainmail-like textile, which is printed in one piece, reflects sunlight, provides thermal insulation, is foldable, and has high tensile strength.

Facial reconstructive surgery has benefitted from 3D metal printing. According to Additive Manufacturing, 3D printed titanium can be customized to the individual patient and aid in bone regrowth and stability. 3D Printing Industry reports that British manufacturing company Renishaw partnered with Western University to create a $5 million Additive Design in Surgical Solutions (ADEISS) center in Ontario, Canada, to produce metal additive manufactured medical tools and implants.

[Credit: NASA]

The Vader Systems MK1 Experimental desktop metal 3D printer, meanwhile, uses their MagnetoJet technology to propel liquified aluminum from an electromagnetic-field-encased 1,200° C chamber through inkjet-like print nozzles. Using wire feedstock instead of powders, it reduces costs and dramatically speeds up printing. The production model launches in 2018.

Shapeways’ interlocking precious metals are perfect for creating unique jewelry. Lead times for 3D printed steel were reduced by two days so you can create functional parts quickly. With the benefits of strength, durability, beautiful finishes, and a myriad of material choices, isn’t it time you took a dip into the white-hot 3D printed metal space?

try it yourself

The post From Aerospace to Jewelry, Metal 3D Printing Is Hot appeared first on Shapeways Blog.