Metal FFF Metal filament printing with debinding and sintering: 3 models

Metal FFF brings filament extrusion to metals. A filament or rod of metal powder held in a polymer-wax binder is plasticized in a heated nozzle and deposited layer by layer. The printed green part is then debound chemically or thermally and sintered in a furnace, during which it shrinks substantially yet predictably and becomes a dense metal component. Materials include 17-4 PH and 316L stainless steel, tool steels, copper and Inconel. The process needs neither a laser nor loose metal powder, which makes it suitable for office and workshop environments, but it reaches lower density and accuracy than laser melting and is limited to smaller parts.

The catalog lists the Markforged Metal X, the Raise3D Forge1 and the Desktop Metal Studio System, which also has its own page under BMD (Bound Metal Deposition) because of its rod-based material. The Metal X is the model most often seen second-hand, usually as a cell including the Wash-1 and a Sinter-1 or Sinter-2.

When buying used, the debinding station and sintering furnace must be part of the package, and their condition (heating elements, retort, gas supply, solvent circuit) should be inspected. Also clarify the lock-in to manufacturer filament, the software license (Eiger, ideaMaker), nozzle wear caused by abrasive metal filament, and the supply requirements for argon or forming gas. Below you will find the technical data of all 3 metal FFF models in our catalog, together with those currently offered second-hand.