One of the elements that make the manufacturing sector utterly dynamic is the consistent evolution of processes. Never has the sector submitted to stagnation, nor has it been content with the status quo. The wheel of innovation always keeps turning, and newer technologies and equipment keep replacing older ones that become obsolete.

When it comes to innovations in additive manufacturing, Metal 3D printers have been revolutionizing design and production for quite a while. Combining the high degree of flexibility of 3D printing and the mechanical properties of metals, a metal 3D printer is the new go-to equipment for organizations spanning across sectors. Despite their growing prominence, there is still a lack of clarity on the cost of Metal 3D printers.

Metal 3D Printer Cost

A Metal 3D Printer may cost you anywhere between $50,000 and a few million. The reason why the cost of Metal 3D printers has such a wide range is the variations in the different elements that constitute the total cost of such printers. The cost of a Phillips Additive Printer, for instance, depends upon the type of raw material used in the manufacture of the printer, the post-processing cost, and the cost of operations and maintenance.

The price of the Markforged Metal X 3D printer is $99,500 whereas the cost of the EOS 3D Metal Printer model EOS M290 is $800,000 – $1,000,000. Whilst the former is centered around Atomic Diffusion Additive Manufacturing (ADAM), the latter uses the Direct Metal Laser Sintering technology (DMLS).

The Determinants of a Metal 3D Printer’s Cost

The cost of a Metal 3D Printer is determined by a few key factors, which have been discussed below:

1. The raw material selected for the 3D metal printer: The primary component of the cost of a 3D Metal Printer is the material/s used in the manufacturing process. There are three main types of materials that are utilized to manufacture 3D printers, namely, 

• • Powder – Cost: $79 per kilogram to $738 per kilogram 
  • Metal wire – Cost: lower than powder-based 3D printers 
  • Polymer-bound metal – Cost: lower than both powder-based 3D printers and Metal wire-based 3D printers 

2. The post-processing cost: The aggregate cost of a 3D Metal Printer is not defined merely by its manufacturing cost. Other elements also lead to a rise in the final cost. Once a 3D printer has been manufactured, it can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of a particular customer. This generally entails the addition of a few more post-processing capabilities to the machine, which add to the final cost of the printer. 

3. The cost of operations and maintenance: 3D Metal Printers are a highly specialized type of equipment. Therefore, the process of setting up a 3D Metal Printer to begin production can be quite high. You are likely to need a team of trained personnel for the installation of said printer. In addition to this, 3D Metal Printers also require a high degree of maintenance, which carries a substantial cost. 

To Sum It Up

3D printing and additive manufacturing are excellent technologies that can transform the way you run your business. We offer a wide array of Metal 3D Printers. Contact us to join the Phillips Corporation family, and bring home your own Metal 3D Printer.