3D Metal Printing

  So I have a Prusa mini 3D printer at work. We also a week ago got a 2000watt laser welder, cutter and de-scaler.
Well today while making up a few models for the regular 3D printer I realized that with having the high power laser
it would also be possible to build a powdered metal 3D printer. I know their is alot more involved in a metal 3D
printer then the usual plastic 3D printer. But to say this is a challenge worth pursuing is an understatement. It will
take some real imagination to say the least, but oh the possibilities.   Some of the things that will need to be
addressed-
A mostly airtight chamber to flood with an inert gas for the work area
A way to deposit more metal to fuse to the model after every layer
A way to remove the massive amount of powdered metal after a run that won't contaminate the surrounding air
And I'm sure their will be more. Stay tuned.

After some research I have found this is going to be quite the challenge. SLS type printing may be used in big company production
but it's for good reason. Cost and complexity. So far the big challenge I am trying to figure out is a way to dispense the metal powder
and a way to lower the model without contaminating the precision drive mechanism and that's before adding in having to purge the
chamber of any reactive gasses. You don't want to try to lase dry fine powdered aluminum in regular air unless you want to deal with
the following fireworks ( not kidding ).

For those keeping score at home this is still very much in the research and planning stage . If I can't work out how to do this in a reliable
and SAFE manner I wont build it.

I got back from vacation a few days ago. I will check out the link you left. Thanks tommylight.

sls4all.com/