3D Metal Printing

So for the time being I have shelved this idea. It turns out to be vastly more complex then
I had envisioned. The problems I had come across ,
1 Having to purge the inner chamber of all Oxygen while doing the job,
2 Making sure the components where sealed against dust and make sure no risk
of spark,
3 Metal dust inhalation hazard when the machine would be opened back to the atmosphere,
4 Post process handling of said metal dust still in the part.
5 Cost of consumables ( inert gas, powdered metals, filters, ECT)
And lastly not enough demand for that process for the amount of hassle it implied.
Oh well. It was an interesting idea.

I would not be sure if you can "open the machine back to atmosphere", some of the powders must probably be handled under inertgas at all times, because they will oxydise in air. (fire hazard and degradation in quality) If I just look at my copper bar stock in the workshop. Shiny on Sunday black on Monday.

Not to mention that machines that use large amounts of technical gases, can make the air unbreathable in case of a gas leak.
Rooms must be monitored for safe O2 contents at all times. People suddenly drop dead on the floor, odorless and colourless gas. (Ar, CO2, CO, N2)
So the machine does not only have to be leak poof to keep air out it also has to be leak proof to keep dust and "not Oxygens" inside.

Powder will always be more expensive than bar stock, due to higher energy consumption of the process and more involved health and fire risk during shipping.

3d metal printing will stay, high price, low volume, specialized items. I do not see it coming for "the makerspace" or in the garage.

Greetings Timo

 

Also valid points timo. thank you