i.materialise unveils their latest metal-based 3D printing material: Aluminium

3D printing service bureau i.materialise has introduced a new member to their 3D printing material family: aluminium. This is the freshest addition to Belgium-based company's 3D printed metal roster, which includes titanium and steel. 3D printing service bureau boasts an extensive list of material options comprising 21 different materials and over 100 color and finish combinations.

The newly unveiled 3D printed aluminium is ideal for producing parts that are strong and lightweight, particularly useful for functional and spare parts, as well as jewelry. The 3D printed aluminium that i.materialise is now offering has a slightly more matte appearance in comparison to traditionally milled aluminium, and is a bit rougher around the edges too.

To print their new aluminium material, the 3D printing service bureau utilizes their direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) system. The process is comprised of a high-powered laser beam, which sinters and solidifies the initial layer of metal-based powder into the pre-selected design.

In order to optimize the prints ordered in their aluminium-based powder, i.materialise has released a number of design tips alongside the announcement of their latest material.

First off, the aluminium material is capable of approaching extremely small levels of detail (as little as .25mm). The DMLS system enables high dimensional accuracy for the aluminium material, causing i.materialise to offer a general tolerance of a mere 2 per cent. The maximum size that this material can be printed in is 250 x 250 x 295 mm, making it an ideal material for both small and large-scale printing projects.