Independent metal AM

Should I metal-3D-print this part?

Answer a few plain-English questions. The result tells you whether metal AM deserves a closer look — not whether your part is approved for printing.

1. How complicated is the shape? Simple — bracket, plate, block or easy turned/milled shape Moderate — several features, pockets or awkward access Complex — geometry would be difficult to machine or assemble

2. Does it need internal passages or channels that are hard to reach? Yes No I don't know

3. Could several separate parts become one printed part? Yes No I don't know

4. How important is reducing weight? Very important Somewhat important Not important

5. Roughly how many do you need? 1–10 11–100 101–1,000 More than 1,000 I don't know yet

6. Are very tight final tolerances important? Yes — critical fits or machined surfaces Not unusually tight I don't know

7. Is material waste from conventional machining a major concern? Yes No I don't know

8. Is your current lead time a real business problem? Yes No I don't know