When to Consider Metal 3D Printing for Your Part

“Sure, 3D printing is cool, but it’s not for real parts.”

We’ve heard that plenty of times—and to be honest, we might have agreed in the past. But additive manufacturing has come a long way in just the last few years. In the right situations, metal 3D printing isn’t just good enough—it’s the smarter choice. Complex geometries that would be difficult or costly to machine can be manufactured with metal 3D printing, resulting in durable, functional parts. 

At Accurate CNC, we’ve started using metal 3D printing services for select projects where traditional precision machining doesn’t make sense. It’s more accessible than ever and opens up new design possibilities, especially for prototypes, one-off parts, or features that are beyond the limits of conventional machining. 

An Inexpensive Solution to Reduce Prototyping Costs

A customer recently came to us with a design for a steel auger prototype that included a triangular drive input. This geometry is difficult and expensive to machine because of its sharp internal corners, which can’t be reached by standard cutting tools. 

With the number of setups required and the complexity of the design, this “simple” prototype was shaping up to be anything but affordable. Machining a single part would have cost several thousand dollars.

That’s when we suggested using our metal 3D printing services instead. With this technology, we were able to create a fully functional steel prototype for just $150.

Even better? In our precision machine shop, we were able to drill and tap the part after printing, and it held up beautifully.

Ideal Projects for Metal 3D Printing Services 

Metal 3D printing certainly isn’t the right choice for all parts. For example, while it was ideal for the auger prototype, moving that same part into production would’ve required a very long lead time. After all, the single print took two full days!

However, metal 3D printing could be a faster and more cost-effective option for situations like:

• Functional prototypes and fitment checks 

• One-off parts or small production runs

• Parts with internal channels, undercuts, or sharp internal corners

It’s especially useful when machinability is a barrier. With metal 3D printing services, you can print a complex design as-is with minimal concern for tool access or traditional cutting limitations. 

What to Know Before You Print

Beyond print time, there are several other important factors to understand when considering 3D printing services:

• The finish isn’t flawless, and parts come off the printer with roughness or small pits on their surface. While fully functional, you may need to tumble or polish the parts if appearance is critical. 

• Part sizes are limited to around 14 inches, which is the maximum size most printers can accommodate. 

• Designs should be optimized for 3D printing from the start to save time and improve accuracy. For instance, threads can be challenging because the laser may overburn delicate features. In these cases, we recommend designing a slightly oversized blank and machining the threads or critical surfaces after printing. 

At Accurate CNC, we’ve successfully printed parts in aluminum, stainless steel, steel, titanium, brass, bronze, copper, and Inconel. We can help you choose the right material for your project and make sure your design is a good fit for this technology. 

Is Metal 3D Printing Right for Your Next Project?

If you’re working with a complex design or need a more cost-effective prototype, metal 3D printing could be a smart alternative to machining. We’re happy to take a look at your part, talk through your goals, and help you figure out if it’s a good match for your project.

Do you have a project in mind? Request a quote from our Idaho machine shop, and we’ll help you explore your options.