Fluent Metal’s Breakthrough in Metal 3D Printing

Fluent Metal is changing the game in metal additive manufacturing. Specifically, by departing from traditional powder-based methods that dominate the industry, Fluent Metal introduces a groundbreaking technology that deposits liquid metal droplets from a fine wire—similar to an inkjet printer. Consequently, this versatile approach allows for printing with a wide range of metals, including copper, silver, stainless steel, and tungsten. As a result, it positions itself as a flexible solution across various industries.

At the core of Fluent Metal’s process is the creation of liquid metal droplets from wire as thin as a human hair. These droplets are deposited on demand, thereby building parts layer by layer. Notably, this technique’s simplicity stands out. By using standard wire as feedstock, the process avoids safety concerns and waste linked to powder-based methods. CEO Peter Schmitt states, “If the metal comes in wire, we can plug it into the equipment and start printing.”

Moreover, this technology does not require clean rooms or specialized safety measures. As a result, it is suitable for standard manufacturing environments and prototyping workshops. Designed for efficiency, it also enables easy material changeovers and minimal setup time. Ultimately, this enhances production speed while reducing operational costs.

Fluent Metal provides several significant advantages over traditional metal 3D printing methods:

• Simplicity: The quick setup and easy material changeovers reduce overhead and increase uptime, allowing for seamless production.
• Wide Material Compatibility: The system accommodates most metals and alloys, including precious and refractory metals, enhancing its versatility.
• Single-Step Process: The technology eliminates the need for extensive post-processing, delivering finished or near-finished parts in just one step.
• Sustainability: The absence of material waste and high energy efficiency supports sustainable manufacturing practices, making it an eco-friendly option.
• Scalability: The system is designed for high-volume production, making it ideally suited for large industrial applications while ensuring efficient operation.

Fluent Metal is set to revolutionize several sectors, including aerospace, defense, and mobility, by enabling rapid production of custom metal parts on demand. Furthermore, its efficient and flexible process also applies to consumer goods, such as jewelry. By marrying operational simplicity with broad material compatibility, Fluent Metal empowers engineers and designers to redefine the possibilities of metal manufacturing.

According to Schmitt, “Fluent empowers the creation of new tools and parts out of metal in a way that has never been available to individuals. Consequently, this fundamentally transforms metal manufacturing and unlocks unforeseen opportunities.”

Ultimately, with its powder- and laser-free technology, Fluent Metal makes metal 3D printing accessible to a broader audience while reshaping the landscape of additive manufacturing.