On April 23, 2022, Antarctic Bear learned that SmarTech released the latest version of its indirect metal 3D printing report. The report predicts that by 2030, metal adhesive jetting and extrusion indirect metal printing technology will produce $54 billion (about 350 billion yuan) of parts. Such data means that indirect metal 3D printing will be used in large quantities in the production of metal parts at that time.
According to SmarTech, "this technology is evolving faster than any other field of 3D printing, even more than the widely adopted metal powder bed melting (SLM) field." Companies already entering the space include established industrial companies such as ExOne/Desktop Metal and HP, as well as low-cost extrusion indirect metal manufacturers such as 3DGence.
△ Volkswagen disclosed the 3D printed gear shift knob when it unveiled the MetalJet in 2018, picture courtesy of HP
SmarTech analyzed the roots of this industry, namely the metal adhesive spray invented by ExOne to this day. ExOne previously required secondary infiltration of metal binder jet parts, resulting in less market adoption and growth. However, the involvement of new players such as HP, Desktop Metal and GE has brought the technology back in the spotlight.
The study also analyzed other companies in the field that are trying to fight against the foundry industry. These technologies intersect with metal injection molding (MIM) suppliers. The companies discussed in the report also include Desktop Metal, Markforged, GE Additive, ExOne, HP Inc., Xerion, Smith Metal Products, IndoMIM, Digital Metal, Hoganas, GKN Powder Metallurgy, Triditive, Ipsen USA, Elnik Systems, Abbot, SECO Warwick, FreeFORM Technologies, Riven, Hexagon, MSC, etc.
SmarTech believes that most of the factors hindering the application of adhesive jetting are the perception of this technology. To eliminate these stereotypes, users can advertise use cases for their production parts. Previously, volkswagen and Ford Motor Company's public preview of the large-scale use of adhesive spraying has attracted a lot of media attention.
△ BASF's Ultrafuse 316L – a wire material for 3D printing stainless steel parts
At the same time, indirect metal extrusion is also very promising. It's still relatively new and hasn't provoked enthusiasm for it. So far, Desktop Metal and Markforged have manufactured equipment specifically for this process, while BASF and The Virtual Foundry have produced wire for standard desktop 3D printers. In general, these may be used to make prototypes of metal parts, but there may be a strong potential to manufacture end parts in large quantities with printer swarms.
Whole indirect metal extrusion is an exciting direction with low cost, but it doesn't see its full potential yet. The report combines an extensive database of market forecast data with an extensive analysis of current innovators, strategic considerations, and key applications and adopters of the technology. It costs more than $4,000.
"The Key to Binder Jet Metal 3D Printing Technology: Binder System"