Metal 3D Printing with Copper Offers Excellent Mechanical Properties

How DMLS Works

As mentioned, DMLS builds fully functional metal prototypes and production parts, generally in seven days or less. It builds parts from the bottom up using a ytterbium laser to melt and fuse microscopic grains of metal powder.

DMLS offers increased design flexibility because it uses a fusing laser to weld powdered metal together to form parts layer by layer. DMLS enables mass customization and potential for cost reduction; however, it is not a direct 1:1 substitute for metal manufacturing. It is often used to reduce metal, multi-part assemblies that require additional steps, like brazing and welding, into a single component. The technology is also leveraged as a means to eliminate extra material from well-designed parts. DMLS technology affords engineers the ability to lightweight parts because of its ability to produce incredibly complex geometries such as mesh-like structures, honeycombs, or hollowed-out features. The technology accurately develops complex shapes that are often not possible with other metal manufacturing methods, leading to optimized and more efficient parts when designed well for metal 3D printing. The DMLS service is viable for both prototyping and production since parts are as dense as those produced with traditional metal manufacturing methods such as machining or casting. DMLS is suitable for aerospace, computer electronics, medical applications, and more.

Materials: Additive Aluminum and Copper

Because both materials are highly conductive compared to other metals, it might be worth carefully considering which material is right for your project, although choosing between aluminum and copper comes down to your specific application. See the table below [Note: China Metal Parts' copper and aluminum alloy composition may differ from alloys offered by other companies.]:

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The Option of Machined Copper

Stepping outside the 3D-printing world for a moment, it should be noted that at China Metal Parts, we also offer the option of machined copper--that is, the elemental copper that exists in nature. Copper is only second to silver in electrical conductivity, a factor that makes it one of the most important metals in use today. For example, copper (and aluminum) wiring basically make electricity possible. Today, copper is an ingredient in more than 570 different metallic alloys. Our metal fabrication guide offers more information about machined copper.

A Final Word on Metal 3DP with Copper

Adding copper to the DMLS offering expands the engineering applications of China Metal Parts’ DMLS metals. The conductivity of copper is effective for thermal transfer applications. When copper is manufactured with 3D printing, an engineer can create complex designs that target internal chambers with heating or cooling. This isn’t possible with subtractive manufacturing methods. Heat sinks and heat exchangers are an ideal application for this material when weight is not a concern. Copper is really the step up when it comes to thermal and electrical conductivity. Copper is structurally stronger, harder, and has higher elongation when compared to aluminum. If conductivity is not the top application requirement, aluminum may serve your needs well, especially if you need a high-performance part that is lightweight, such as in an automotive or aerospace application.

As mentioned, the new copper alloy joins our other metal choices for additive manufacturing. Each offers the flexibility to create parts with complex geometries, compared to machining alone. At China Metal Parts, we can run a single prototype to full production for both additive and subtractive manufacturing projects.  For additional help, feel free to contact a China Metal Parts applications engineer at +86-755-27311095 or [email protected]. To get your next design project started today, simply upload a 3D CAD model for an interactive quote within hours.