Rapid manufacture and turn-around of in-demand tooling is often a challenge in conventional machine shops due to shop loading and timing. Complex geometries – including internal features and channels – are even more challenging to manufacture with subtractive machining processes. Metal powder-bed fusion uses conventional CAD files to generate a build file for the metal 3D printer. The as-printed, high-density parts meet the specified dimensional tolerances and can be heat treated to the required hardness similar to machined or cast metal parts.
