Heavy Metal Meets Downloadable Designs: 3D Printing from CAD to Metal

skull plate printed in 3D metal

The technologies of 3D printing are fascinating. They may someday let us order up the things we need and print them out at the neighbourhood 3DKinkos instead of needing transport and inventory and bricks and mortar stores.

Until now we have only shown plastics, but we learn from Ponoko about technology for solid 3D printing in metal.

It is from Swedish company Arcam and it is called Electron Beam Melting, or EBM.

During the EBM process, the electron beam melts metal powder in a layer-by-layer process to build the physical part. The Arcam EBM machines use a powder bed configuration and are capable of producing multiple parts in the same build.

So if you live miles from the nearest Georg Jensen but want some beautiful silverware design from the fifties, you can just order it up and print it out. Right now the technology is used for more esoteric things like artificial knees, but it won't be long....

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