MetalMaker Launches Rapid Prototyping Service for Metal Parts
The company integrates 3D printing with investment casting to deliver functional metal parts quickly.
MetalMaker 3D, a Connecticut-based manufacturing startup, has launched its rapid prototyping service. The company’s process integrates 3D printing with investment casting to create functional metal parts with the design freedom of additive manufacturing while maintaining the isotropic mechanical and dimensional properties of a high precision casting.
MetalMaker 3D is currently developing small-scale foundry systems to allow manufacturers to utilize this process in-house for prototyping and low-volume production of complex metal parts.
“Our goal is to enable manufacturers to use this additive pattern investment casting process in-house to produce custom metal parts in less than 24 hours,” says Eric Sammut, CEO.
MetalMaker 3D aims to offer an an industry-compatible solution for producing metal AM parts, addressing many of the limitations of DMLS metal 3D printers. According to the company, it can offer isotropic metal parts at costs lower than DMLS with a 1-week lead time.
“By combining additive manufacturing with investment casting, we get the best of both worlds: the design freedom, customizability, and rapid iteration of additive, along with the consistent mechanical, dimensional, and material properties of metal casting,” Sammut says.
MetalMaker 3D will start by offering a rapid prototyping service for aluminum parts, with plans to expand its range of material options in the near future. The initial alloy offered is aluminum 356 casting alloy, commonly used in the automotive and aerospace industries. The company is also offering optional T6 heat treatments as part of the prototyping service.
Related Content
-
Additive Manufacturing's Evolving Role at Fathom Now Emphasizing Bridge Production
Bridge production is currently the biggest opportunity for additive manufacturing, says Fathom Manufacturing co-founder Rich Stump. How this service provider leverages AM while finding balance with other production capabilities.
-
Foundry Lab: How Casting in a Day Will Improve the Design of Metal Parts (Includes Video)
The company’s digital casting process uses 3D printing, but the result is a cast part. By providing a casting faster than a foundry, the company says effective prototyping is now possible for cast parts, as well as bridge production.
-
When Advocacy Leads to Adoption: How Pella Applies (and Manages) AM Capacity
The window and door maker offers a picture of successful, widespread 3D printing adoption across the different needs of a manufacturing organization. The outreach and education effort worked. Now, here is the next phase.
