One rapid prototype technology is rising quickly. That is metal 3D printing. It is believed in many industries to be a game-changing technology of a very promising prospect. Its development brings great opportunities to businesses in various industries, such as medical, automotive, aerospace, fashion. With this technology, highly functional prototypes or parts with excellent mechanical properties can be created in a more efficient and economical manner. So what products or mock-ups can you produce using this 3D printing technology? Metal 3D printing has so much more offer than just jewelry (>>>> 3D Fast Prototyping Service Applied in Jewelry). Here, let us show you some really cool applications of this technology.

Metal Rapid Prototyping Application in Customizing Hearing Aids

The 3D printing of customized hearing aids started by using Acrylic. How does the process go? Firstly, a mold of the patient’s ear canal is made by hand using silicon. Then scan the mold to get a 3D model. Finally, use the specialized 3D printer to print.

Now, with the metal rapid prototyping process, you can create 3D printed hearing aids using titanium. This kind of hearing aids fits better to the wearer and is 15 times stronger than that made with acrylic. Besides, it is much smaller the average hearing aids on the market but remains the same excellent performance.

Metal Rapid Prototyping Application In Making Plane Seats

In the aerospace industry, 3D printing technology has been used for many years to make the parts lighter. When the plane is lighter, less fuel is needed, bringing significant cost reduction. That’s why this rapid prototype technology is so popular in this industry.

Today, there is a new application of metal 3D printing technology in the aerospace industry - creating extremely light plane seats with magnesium, a metal weighing less than regular aluminum and with better temperature resistance. This new type of plane seat is over 50% lighter than plane seats we commonly see, opening in more possibilities to the aerospace industry.

Metal Rapid Prototyping Application In Creating Sublime Parts

You can create parts for products flying in the sky using the 3D printing method, you can also make objects working under the sea using the same method, for example, ballast tank for the submarine.

The ballast tank, a component that offers stability for the vessel and helps the submarine dive and emerge, can now be 3D printed with titanium material. Using this metal rapid prototyping method to produce the ballast tank can significantly reduce production time and costs.

Metal Rapid Prototyping Application In Designing Bike Handlebars 

Bike manufacturing is also experiencing a technology innovation - using metal 3D printing to make unique handlebar designs. This rapid prototype technology allows bike manufacturers to create custom-made bike handlebar designs with reduced costs and lead time. Some bikes used in the Tour de France are engineered with 3D printed bike handlebars and perform pretty well in the competition.

Metal Rapid Prototyping Application In Making Cranial Implants

Metal 3D printing is making a great contribution to evolving facial reconstruction. In this field, continuous innovation to develop the best tailor-made implant is required. The metal rapid prototyping process is now playing an important role in it. Using biocompatible titanium, some patient-specific implants can be 3D printed. Here is how the 3D printed implants are made: firstly, the doctors do an MRI scan of the patent’s head and get the images; then, using the Electron Beam Melting (EBM) technology, the image can be 3D printed into a titanium implant that perfectly fits the patent. The printed implant is fixed to the patient’s head by means of self-tapping titanium screws.

Metal Rapid Prototyping Application In Repairing Bones

In addition to creating cranial implants, this 3D printing method has other popular applications in the medical sector. You can create lots of body parts with this rapid prototype technology. For example, you can use it to create bone implants for the spine with materials of titanium and stainless steel. The size and shape of implants can be customized according to the condition of each patient.

Thanks to the development of this technology in medical application, patients suffering from trauma, degeneration, scoliosis, tumors, and so on, can get more efficient and more affordable treatment now.

Metal Rapid Prototyping In Making High-security Locks and Keys

Last but not least, metal 3D printing technology can also be used to make locks and keys of a higher level of security, making your home safer. The 3D printed keys can be really difficult to copy. Most of its mechanical security features are built inside, which means it is impossible to scan and stronger security.

Just like we mentioned above, metal 3D printing benefits a lot more other industries besides jewelry. It might be applied to other types of projects. If you need to use this metal rapid prototyping technology, pair up with a professional rapid prototype service supplier who can offer your suggestions and excellent results.