Technology routes

Metal

Metal additive manufacturing can support selected industrial, aerospace, and defense-adjacent applications where the material route, qualification effort, inspection plan, and documentation requirements are clearly defined.

  • Material and inspection route defined before build planning
  • Qualification effort reviewed against application criticality
  • Facility and operator requirements considered early
  • Production economics assessed before technology selection

Process considerations

  • Helps teams separate technically possible parts from production-ready candidates.

  • Keeps material, heat treatment, inspection, and documentation in the same review.

  • Supports facility-readiness planning before metal AM is specified.

  • Frames the business case around utilization, demand, and qualification effort.

How the Technology Is Assessed

Metal should be evaluated against the application, material requirement, build or measurement envelope, operating environment, post-processing needs, and inspection route.

The process route is only one part of the system. Teams also need file control, operator workflow, quality records, maintenance planning, and clear approval points before the technology becomes an operating capability.

Why the Selection Process Matters

Metal may be useful where its process characteristics match the application requirement. It should not be selected because it is available or familiar.

D2M compares candidate applications, materials, production constraints, inspection needs, and commercial assumptions before recommending a route. The result is a technology decision tied to workflow and governance, not a machine-led purchase.

Application and industry context

Relevant industries

Metal additive manufacturing should be evaluated against application criticality, material specification, inspection route, facility readiness, and qualification requirements.

Application opportunities

Candidate metal applications are reviewed for geometry, material requirement, operating environment, inspection route, documentation, and production economics.

Systems and materials for Metal

A selection of the products associated with this process, in the existing catalogue order. Open each complete catalogue to review the full range.

Metal AM system selection depends on material route, build volume, throughput, facility controls, operator capability, and inspection requirements.

3D printers

1 related product. All Metal printers

XACT Metal XM200G

Configurable metal powder-bed fusion for prototypes, tooling and small parts.

Metal material selection depends on the application, mechanical requirement, operating environment, heat treatment route, inspection plan, and qualification effort.

Related materials

6 related products. All Metal materials

Related insights and resources

Technical articles

Evaluate Metal AM for Your Application

Review the technical and commercial fit of metal additive manufacturing for your application, material route, inspection plan, and qualification pathway.

  • Part candidate review
  • Material route assessment
  • Inspection and documentation planning
  • Implementation pathway definition

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