With continuous optimization of process parameters and decreasing equipment costs, metal 3D printing technology is transitioning from high-end manufacturing to large-scale production. At its core, metal 3D printing is an "additive manufacturing" process, utilizing lasers or electron beams to melt metal powders layer by layer, enabling the direct fabrication of complex parts. Compared to traditional machining methods, this technology can reduce material waste by over 40%, achieving a material utilization rate of up to 95%, thereby significantly minimizing the loss of high-cost metal materials.
This article presents a case study of a titanium alloy vase manufactured by Guangzhou Sailong Additive Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (referred to as "Guangzhou Sailong") using metal 3D printing technology, further highlighting the strong advantages of this technology in complex structural design, high customization, and reduced material waste.
This titanium alloy vase is fabricated using Selective Electron Beam Melting (SEBM) technology. It not only achieves an ultra-thin-walled hollow structure but also reduces weight by 40% through topological optimization—a level of precision and efficiency that is difficult to attain with traditional CNC machining.
In terms of production cycle, traditional processes involve lengthy steps such as mold development and multiple machining stages, whereas metal powder 3D printing technology can deliver finished products within days, making it highly suitable for small-batch customized production. Additionally, metal 3D printing eliminates the strength loss associated with welding or joining, and the mechanical properties of titanium alloys approach those of forged parts, with tensile strength exceeding 900 MPa, fully meeting the demands of high-end decorative and functional applications.
The more profound impact of metal 3D printing technology lies in the liberation of design freedom. Traditional processes are constrained by tooling and molds, making them inadequate for machining complex structures. In contrast, metal 3D printing can easily achieve complex geometric forms such as biomimetic mesh structures and freeform surfaces, endowing metal artworks with a unique fusion of artistic and technological value.
Looking ahead, as costs decline and technology improves, metal 3D printing will expand from high-end sectors like aerospace and healthcare into broader industrial applications. The application of metal 3D printing for titanium alloy vases by Guangzhou Sailong demonstrates that this technology not only enhances manufacturing efficiency but also redefines the possibilities of metal processing, driving the industry toward a greener, smarter, and more customized future.
Guangzhou Sailong Additive Manufacturing Co., Ltd. is a global full-industry-chain technical service provider in metal 3D printing. Its primary business includes the research, development, production, and sales of metal 3D printing, spherical metal powders, porous metal materials, and powder metallurgy products. The company is dedicated to providing high-quality full-chain technical solutions for metal additive manufacturing to clients worldwide.