Why wouldn’t it be practical to use 3D printers to make components out of metal?

https://reprap.org/wiki/RepRap

As opposed to just using machining tools

@ubermensch tech doesn't exist that isn't thousands of dollars

Life is like a box of chocolates...

It doesn't last as long for fat people.

@JackH670 if I mark them as spoilers, can I post Nazi execution stills?

No

there were tests 3d printing from metal

RepRap is a project that is "3D printers printing 3D printers"

I mean you can still do it tho right?

cause FDM requires something that can melt and adhere at a stable temp point

Why tf do you want to post those

https://youtu.be/z6-FWJteNLI

they werent structurally sound as much as machined tools

molten steel is very difficult to just squeeze out of a tube

Because watching communists die brings me joy

because the crystalline structure gets fucked

I see

there are sintering technologies using lasers that are promising

@Uksio Unless the printers also print in metal, I have a hard time seeing that become a reality.

but the resin is expensive

yeah that's why stamp presses for steel are better

so is the laser

A joy I wish to share with the citizens of Athens

more structural rigidity

and when you print with molten metal via lasers

there's always gaps left behind

you'll see people machining steel after it's been stamped with water cutting systems

if only for the width of the laser beam lol

Could I hire my local steel mill to craft a metal component for me?

@Seven Proxies but they do, lol

typicall the metal 3d printers that use wire as a feedstock cost more in wire than traditional welding

@ubermensch if you don't know someone there, doubtful

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiUUZxp7bLQ

99% of steel mills are constantly on contract with constant deadlines

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlyuFskhZ6M

yep

A buddy of mine worked a lot with water jet cutters.

Far superior to laser cutters, because A they'll cut anything, regardless of thickness, and B. waterjet cuts far more cleanly.

I love how 3D printing just took off

I love Fraunhofer

waterjet is pretty good ngl