Not many people know that New Zealand is leading the world in this technology. Materials currently production-printed in NZ are: Inconel 718 (high temperature alloy), Stainless 316L, High-Strength Stainless 15-5-PH, and Titanium 6Al 4V. Products are made for many industries from deep-well drilling to space, and everything in between, where the main drivers are any or all of the following aspects: 1. Complex parts difficult to make by conventional means. 2. Design freedom (uninhibited by manufacturing method restrictions) 3. High strength but with low mass (esp. in dynamic conditions) 4. Vastly improved functionality 5. Corrosion resistance 6. No porosity or crevices allowable (esp. food processing and medical) 7. High labour input to make by conventional means, including fabrication and assembly costs. 8. High MOQ or stock-holding issues It is common for Metal 3D-printed products to transform into completely unique, game-changing and very disruptive products. The subsequent effect it has on business is also transformational.
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