3D PRINTING WITH METALS

Rapid prototyping is a recently developed technique that 'prints' a co mponent, instead of manufacturing it in traditional terms? by using ma terials ranging from photopolymers to thermoplastics, including paper. Since these materials are in most cases not suitable for assessment p urposes a new approach has been created. It has a similar 'build up' t echnique but uses metal as raw material. The process entails the use o f a gas metal are fusion welding robot which deposits successive layer s of metal in such a way that it forms a 3D solid component. This proc ess can also be considered a manufacturing process for low volume prod uction.