Metal 3D printing, also known as metal additive manufacturing (AM), has evolved far beyond prototyping. Today, it delivers production-ready, high-performance parts for industries that demand precision, durability, and design freedom.
With the global metal 3D printing market projected to grow from $3 billion in 2024 to nearly $20 billion by 2031, it’s clear this technology is transforming how we manufacture everything from aerospace components to medical implants.
Metal AM stands out because of its mechanical strength, accuracy, and efficiency. Common materials such as 17-4PH stainless steel, 316L stainless steel, titanium, and aluminum offer:
- High yield strength and fatigue resistance
- Excellent performance at elevated or cryogenic temperatures
- Superior weight-to-strength ratios for aerospace, automotive, and industrial designs
Because metal 3D printed parts are stronger and longer-lasting, they reduce replacements, streamline maintenance, and lower total lifecycle costs.
Complex Geometries and Smarter Designs
Traditional manufacturing is limited by casting, tooling, and machining constraints, hindering innovation. Metal 3D printing changes that by building parts layer by layer, enabling:
- Hollow structures, lattices, and optimized internal channels
- Part consolidation
- Weight reduction and pressure distribution without compromising strength
This design freedom empowers engineers to create smarter, lighter, and more efficient components that outperform traditionally machined parts.
Faster Production and Shorter Lead Times
Metal additive manufacturing accelerates production by eliminating multiple steps in the traditional supply chain.
- Prototypes can be designed, printed, and tested in days, not weeks
- On-demand manufacturing reduces warehousing and inventory costs
- Custom tooling, jigs, and fixtures can be produced rapidly for faster assembly
The result is a more agile and responsive production process, one that enables rapid iteration and faster time-to-market.
Spotlight Material: 17-4PH Stainless Steel
At ABCorp 3D, we specialize in creating production-grade 3D printed parts using 17-4PH stainless steel, one of the most trusted and widely used alloys in industrial and defense manufacturing.
17-4PH steel is a precipitation-hardening stainless steel renowned for its exceptional strength and corrosion resistance, making it an ideal choice for aerospace, tooling, and mechanical components that operate in harsh environments.
Key Advantages:
- Heat-treatable up to 36 HRC
- Achieves approximately 95% wrought strength
- Excellent mechanical stability under stress and temperature extremes
- Outstanding resistance to corrosion, moisture, and chemical wear
Whether you need tough, durable prototypes or fully qualified production parts, 17-4PH delivers performance you can rely on.
Using state-of-the-art binder jetting technology, ABCorp 3D produces high-resolution metal components with fine feature detail and smooth surface finish.
Our equipment offers native 1600 × 1600 DPI precision, ensuring tight tolerances and superior aesthetics even on complex geometries.
This enables you to transition seamlessly from prototype to production on the same platform, reducing costs, shortening lead times, and ensuring consistent part quality.
Sustainable and Cost-Efficient Manufacturing
Metal 3D printing also drives sustainability and resource efficiency:
- Uses up to 90% less material waste compared to subtractive machining
- Reduces energy and labor costs through part consolidation
- Optimizes use of expensive metals such as 17-4PH and 316L stainless steel
- Supports low-emission, low-inventory production models
By minimizing waste and maximizing performance, metal additive manufacturing aligns with modern ESG and carbon-reduction goals.
Our expertise includes:
- Automotive: lightweight, precision-engineered parts
- Healthcare: FDA-validated prosthetic and orthotic components
- Industrial: high-strength, corrosion-resistant stainless steel assemblies
From design consultation to post-processing, ABCorp 3D ensures every part meets strict performance and quality standards.
Metal AM isn’t just the future; it’s the present standard for modern manufacturing. Its combination of strength, speed, sustainability, and flexibility enables businesses to produce parts more efficiently, faster, and with less waste.
At ABCorp 3D, we continue to invest in new technologies that empower our customers to lead in aerospace, healthcare, automotive, and beyond.
Let’s Build Smarter Together
Ready to explore how metal additive manufacturing can strengthen your supply chain and accelerate production?
Contact ABCorp 3D to learn how we can help bring your next idea to life.