List of metal 3D printers (method, manufacturer, build size)
A list of 3D printers that build parts in metal, grouped by printing method. Compare printers while checking how the methods differ. Discontinued printers are included.
Matching: 297printers (5 methods)
What this list includes
- Laser beam powder bed fusion (Laser beam PBF)
- Metal powder bed fusion (Metal PBF)
- Laser beam directed energy deposition (Laser beam DED)
- Electric arc directed energy deposition (Electric arc DED)
- Cold spray additive manufacturing (Cold spray AM)
Binder jetting is not included, because it also has machines for sand and ceramics besides metal, and the method alone cannot tell whether a machine prints metal.
Printers registered under other method names are not included either. Methods such as the following can be found in the printer list of each method: Electron beam melting (EBM), SLM, DMLS, Wire arc additive manufacturing
Summary of listed metal 3D printers
- Printers listed
- 297
- 102 manufacturers
- Build size (longest side)
- 70 to 40000mm
- 233 printers with data
- Median build size
- 400mm
- Longest side
- Price (USD)
- $54,900 to $1,990,000
- 27 printers with a USD price
Manufacturers with the most listed printers
Build sizes and prices are based on figures published by manufacturers and only include printers with data. Prices are for reference.
Features of each method
Laser beam powder bed fusion (Laser beam PBF)
A method that spreads a layer of metal powder, melts only the areas it needs with a laser, and solidifies the part one layer at a time. It makes complex shapes and small, detailed parts easily, but post-processing such as removing supports and heat treatment is generally needed after printing.
- Listed printers
- 202printers
- Build size (longest side)
- 70 to 2000mm161 with data
- Price (USD)
- $54,900 to $350,00018 with data
Manufacturers with the most listed printers
Metal powder bed fusion (Metal PBF)
A general term for methods that spread metal powder in layers and melt only the areas they need with a heat source to solidify them. They make detailed shapes easily, but generally need equipment for handling the powder and for inert gas.
- Listed printers
- 12printers
- Build size (longest side)
- 85 to 1350mm11 with data
- Price (USD)
- $125,000 to $1,480,0005 with data
Manufacturers with the most listed printers
Laser beam directed energy deposition (Laser beam DED)
A method that feeds metal powder or wire from a nozzle, melts it with a laser and builds material up where it is needed. It is used to make large parts and to repair existing parts. The surface tends to be rougher than with powder bed methods, and parts are generally finished by machining.
- Listed printers
- 61printers
- Build size (longest side)
- 200 to 40000mm49 with data
- Price (USD)
- $152,000 to $1,990,0003 with data
Manufacturers with the most listed printers
Electric arc directed energy deposition (Electric arc DED)
A method that melts metal wire with an electric arc, as in welding, and stacks it up to build the part. It is suited to making large parts. It is not good at fine shapes, and finishing by machining is generally assumed.
- Listed printers
- 12printers
- Build size (longest side)
- 500 to 2200mm7 with data
- Price (USD)
- $200,0001 with data
Manufacturers with the most listed printers
Cold spray additive manufacturing (Cold spray AM)
A method that sprays metal powder at high speed with high-pressure gas and builds it up without melting it. Because the material is not melted, heat effects can be kept low. It is not good at fine shapes, and post-processing to adjust the shape and strength is generally needed.
- Listed printers
- 10printers
- Build size (longest side)
- 350 to 9000mm5 with data
Manufacturers with the most listed printers
Printers
61 printers (by name)
- Laser DED
Other ways to find printers
Besides the list of metal 3D printers, you can find 3D printers by printing method, manufacturer and specs.