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Application · Metal & lightweight parts

Metal and lightweight parts by 3D printing

Topology-optimised components that can hardly be milled – in stainless steel, aluminium or titanium, lighter than conventionally made and just as strong.

Advantages

Why 3D printing for metal & lightweight parts?

Less weight

Material only where forces act.

Free forms

Organic structures and internal channels.

Fewer parts

Assemblies become a single component.

Design included

Topology optimisation from one source.

Typical components

What we make for you

Lightweight brackets
Parts with internal cooling or media channels
Highly loaded components
Tool inserts
Motorsport components
Processes & materials

What suits what?

ComponentProcessesMaterials
Corrosion-resistant partsSLM (metal)Stainless steel 316L
Light & thermally conductiveSLM (metal)Aluminium AlSi10Mg
Maximum strength at low weightSLM (metal)Titanium TC4
Lightweight design in plasticSLS / MJFPA12
Stiff plastic lightweight partsFDMPA12-CF
In practice

From our production

Example part

Topology-optimised bracket

Bracket made by SLM (metal), 104 × 68 × 88 mm – lighter than milled, just as strong.

Process

How to get your part

  1. Step 1

    Enquiry

    Send a file, photo, sketch or the original part.

  2. Step 2

    Advice & quote

    We recommend process and material – quote within 24 h.

  3. Step 3

    Manufacturing

    Design or scan if needed, then printing.

  4. Step 4

    Post-processing & delivery

    Delivered ready to install, express in 2–3 days.

Lightweight design at a glance

When is a printed metal part economical?

Honestly calculated: simple prismatic parts are usually cheaper milled, very large series cheaper cast. Metal 3D printing pays off when the shape gets complex – internal channels, organic structures, undercuts – or when several parts can be combined into one. Then complexity costs hardly anything extra in printing, while it gets expensive in milling.

Further advantages: less waste, especially with expensive titanium; less weight reduces energy and wear in operation; full builds lower the unit price. A hybrid is often sensible: print the part and machine the functional surfaces.

Materials (guide values)

Stainless steel 316Ltensile 600 MPa, elongation 30 %
Aluminium AlSi10Mgtensile 390 MPa, density 2.67 g/cm³
Titanium TC4tensile 1160 MPa, 36 HRC
Tolerance±0.3 mm or ±0.4 %
Wall thicknessfrom 1.5 mm

Partner data, guide values.

FAQ

FAQ about metal & lightweight parts

When is SLM (metal) worthwhile?

For complex shapes, lightweight design, internal channels or small quantities. For simple geometries milling is often cheaper – we will tell you honestly.

Do you take care of topology optimisation?

Yes, on request we design and optimise the component for SLM (metal).

Your project · Our know-how

Want to turn your idea into a finished part?

Send us CAD data, a photo, a sketch or the original part. We check feasibility, process and material and get back to you with an assessment and a quote.

Discuss your project+49 171 1271928