Is there any way to print in Metal using a RepRap?

[Compro01]

Well i've heard the patents for SLS would expire soon

There are a hell of a lot of patents regarding SLS, most of which are active for quite a while yet.

I believe some patent on SLS from the University of Texas expires in 2014 or end of 2013 or sometime, but I can't seem to find anyone specifying what exact patent is being talked about. Of the 3 patents U of T got in 1994, I believe they're talking about #5,296,062 "Multiple Material Systems For Selective Beam Sintering".

[Kingoddball]

Not what you are after - But cool; You can print in solder. That's metal! 3mm 0.4 +> extruder.

http://hackaday.com/2013/11/07/3d-pr...metal-at-home/

[keithcl]

presenting the mini metal maker!!!
It's build volume is small(6cm*6cm*6cm) but a great idea none the less.
it can be purchased assembled and with some clay included for $1000. Only 9 of those left on the campaign.
you need to print the object then fire it in a kiln at 600˚C-900˚C.
Looks really cool but I'll probably hold off on getting one. really want to make richraps 3dr first.

[DanielNeander]

http://reprap.org/wiki/MetalicaRap

[RepRapVN]

There are many folders and document on RepRap.org community site about SLS and metal printing. But I think because SLS partens will actually expire and be available as open source in 2014, they are not offical RepRaps for now. Please correct me if I am wrong.

[BlackDragon]

Hmmm... interesting challenge. Since the RepRap is an Open Hardware platform, there is a feasablility to this idea.

You would have to select your metal ahead of time, and build the printer to the material.
- The metal should be easy to get in wire form (your filament).
- I'd replace the hobbed bolt, in the extruder, with rubbered feed wheels.
- You would probably want to built a ceramic hotend and nozzle.
- Heat control would be critical. You want it just hot enough that the metal starts to ooze, not fully liquified.
- Ceramic print surface.

Lots of other considerations... still, it would be interesting to see someone try this.

[DR1983]

I lost the link, however, a few months ago, there was a website selling kits for a laser for around 150 bucks. If you look at some of the sites such as hackaday, you should be able to find a hack for those laser pointer pens to make them start fires/cut items. From what I remember, the hack is from removing the laser diode from old dvd burners. I believe that the main issue is the amount of infrared light that they emit. The following is a link for a diy laser cutter... It should be possible to use this to sinter iron powder. http://hackaday.com/2013/12/20/diy-laser-cutter/ I do not see a reason why we cant use this for SLS. We may have to use a different lens perhaps to improve the output.

In a few months, I plan on attempting this hack for the same reasons. If no one beats me to it, I plan on document my work. I cannot guarantee any of the patent availability.

[BlackDragon]

take lots of notes and pictures, please!

[JacobysOne]

Wow, $150 for the laser seems like a decent deal. You would think more companies would make lasers for this. I'm sure it is just a matter of time.

[Compro01]

I do not see a reason why we cant use this for SLS.

I do. I expect you're going to need about a thousand times more juice. The laser in that thing is 300 milliwatts. The lasers used in current metal SLS/DMLS/SLM printers are in the 300-400 Watt range.