October 2022– Across the globe, the use of a metal 3D printer is becoming common in printing. With an increased demand for metal 3D printers, several manufacturers are engaging in producing and selling them to meet this demand. Since there are few manufacturers of metal 3D printers, the prices are always very high. This makes it important for us to know what makes the prices of the metal 3D printer to be high. Below are some of the things that increase the cost of metal 3D printers.
Factors that affect the cost of metal 3D printers
- Type of technology used
One of the dynamic factors that help in determining the metal 3D printer cost is the type of technology that has been used. There are several types, Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Stereolithography (SLA), and Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). When comparing the technologies, the FDM is the affordable one. Metal 3D printers that have been made with the SLS technology will always have a higher buying price. Also, the filaments that are used with printers made of the SLS technology are quite expensive.
- Labor and lead time
The amount of labor that’s needed has a positive impact on the metal 3D printer cost. In most cases, the price of labor depends on the entire 3D printing process, the type of materials you’ll be using, and the easiness when in need of the 3D printer’s parts. The parts of this printer are known to require a smooth surface, making them more expensive compared to those that only need support removal. Printing time plays a major role in determining the cost of the metal 3D printer. Since these printers require a high lead time to make the parts, their prices will always be high.
- Printing materials
At most times, the metal 3D printer cost is expensive because of the materials that are needed to build it. The calculation of the materials cost is seen to be dependent on ease of use, mechanical properties, and manufacturing speed. When choosing printing materials for the metal 3D printer, it’s advisable that you consider buying the simplest prototyping photopolymer, as this may help you save some cash on the overall cost. But if you have quite a number of functional requirements, you’ll have to buy stronger materials which will be expensive for you.
- Layer thickness
The thickness of the wall as well plays an important role in determining the metal 3D printer cost. Different printing materials have got different thickness requirements depending on the mechanical properties. When choosing materials for the metal 3D printer, it’s important that you get to know the type of thickness to choose. If the thickness of the layer is more, you will be spending a lot of time printing which in the end will increase the amount of energy needed, making you spend more on the electricity bill.
When considering the metal 3D printer for sale, it’s important that you know what you should consider before you make the purchasing decision. Before buying a metal 3D printer, its price is a major determinant of whether you can afford to buy the printer. Ensure that you have a well-set budget to easily afford it. Moreover, the reviews of other customers are one way for you to get the important pieces of information on whether the metal 3D printer is working out perfectly for other customers, matching what the manufacturers and the sellers say. Buying a metal 3D printer that has got a warranty is better just to cater to unforeseen circumstances.
