1

Topic: DMLS printing? Hell yes.

So, my boss came up to me today and told me he wants to look into getting a 3D printer for the shop. We manufacture molds for aluminum and magnesium casting, so whatever we get (assuming we get one) is going to be big and expensive if we are going to be able to use it. Thankfully, we can afford expensive and we might be able to find a place for big to fit.

I am thinking of recommending the EOS M 400 or similar, since we will need the build volume and 1kW fiber lasers are sexy. Does anybody on here have any experience / knowledge on printers for steel? I am starting to get out of my depth on the research but from what I can tell there are only a couple of companies that even make metalworking DMLS or SLS machines for steel. Still, it's an exciting time (if I can convince them to drop a half mil!).

SD3 w/ RUMBA (8825s), merlin hot end (in pieces). Ender3 w/ silent board for PLA printing. Ender5 w/ silent board, e3d v6, new z lead screw, and glass bed. DiY Kossel w/ smoothieboard (in pieces). Vellman Vertex (in pieces)
Shapeoko2 router in process of being converted to laser engraver (in pieces)
Multicam 5000 series CNC Router w/ 11HP spindle, 5x10' table, and auto tool changer (in pieces)

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Re: DMLS printing? Hell yes.

Well, nevermind. Turns out my boss was unaware of the $600,000 price tag. He said we'll just buy two more 3 axis mills instead.

SD3 w/ RUMBA (8825s), merlin hot end (in pieces). Ender3 w/ silent board for PLA printing. Ender5 w/ silent board, e3d v6, new z lead screw, and glass bed. DiY Kossel w/ smoothieboard (in pieces). Vellman Vertex (in pieces)
Shapeoko2 router in process of being converted to laser engraver (in pieces)
Multicam 5000 series CNC Router w/ 11HP spindle, 5x10' table, and auto tool changer (in pieces)

3

Re: DMLS printing? Hell yes.

Well it was fun to dream for a while huh

SD2 - Glass Bed, Fans on PCB and Y motor, Custom enclosure
Slicer - Simplify3D

4

Re: DMLS printing? Hell yes.

I am going to talk to him about EBAM printers, might go that route instead.

SD3 w/ RUMBA (8825s), merlin hot end (in pieces). Ender3 w/ silent board for PLA printing. Ender5 w/ silent board, e3d v6, new z lead screw, and glass bed. DiY Kossel w/ smoothieboard (in pieces). Vellman Vertex (in pieces)
Shapeoko2 router in process of being converted to laser engraver (in pieces)
Multicam 5000 series CNC Router w/ 11HP spindle, 5x10' table, and auto tool changer (in pieces)

5

Re: DMLS printing? Hell yes.

There is also "lost ABS" casting which you can do with a relatively cheap printer and loads of post processing :-).

6

Re: DMLS printing? Hell yes.

most depressing thread on the forums

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Re: DMLS printing? Hell yes.

I know, right? I had my hopes way up. Here's hoping I can sell him on Electron Beam Melting, it sounds even cooler than Laser Sintering!

SD3 w/ RUMBA (8825s), merlin hot end (in pieces). Ender3 w/ silent board for PLA printing. Ender5 w/ silent board, e3d v6, new z lead screw, and glass bed. DiY Kossel w/ smoothieboard (in pieces). Vellman Vertex (in pieces)
Shapeoko2 router in process of being converted to laser engraver (in pieces)
Multicam 5000 series CNC Router w/ 11HP spindle, 5x10' table, and auto tool changer (in pieces)