It's easy to think that 3D printing in steel is mainly suitable for advanced designs. But here at AM Printservice we see something different every day. We use 3D printing in steel for everything from prototypes to series production – and sometimes a single spare part is enough to make a difference.
When a steel spare part is unavailable – we print it
One of our customers needed a spare part for a gym machine – a simple metal tube that couldn’t be ordered as a spare part. He had one left and needed two. Traditional manufacturing? Too expensive. Instead, we chose 3D printing in metal.
We started by carefully measuring the original, then created an accurate 3D model in SolidWorks. With the model ready, we printed the part in 316L stainless steel, a material that combines strength with corrosion resistance. The result was a fully functional replica – identical in form and function. The only difference? We skipped the polishing, as it wasn’t required. This saved both time and money.
Why we use 316L stainless steel
When we print steel spare parts using 3D technology, we usually work with a pre-alloyed austenitic stainless steel – 316L. This material meets standards such as AISI 316L, DIN 17006 X2CrNiMo17-12-2 and W.Nr 1.4404, and has several advantages:
- High corrosion resistance
- Excellent strength
- Withstands extreme temperatures, even cryogenic levels
This makes it a reliable choice in everything from the food industry to offshore, medicine and the energy sector.
Advanced technology delivers precise results
We use LPBF (Laser Powder Bed Fusion) technology – sometimes called SLM or DMLS – where a laser system fuses metal powder layer by layer. The process is done with micrometer precision and allows us to manufacture durable parts with very fine detail and a smooth surface.
The equipment we work with is MetalFab from Additive Industries – a system developed for industrial 3D printing in steel, with a high degree of automation and repeatable quality. With a layer depth of 60 microns, the surface is so smooth from the start that we often do not need post-processing.
3D printing in steel – when you need parts that last
Do you need a custom component, spare part or small series? We take care of the entire chain – from digital modeling to finished product. Whether you have a CAD file, a damaged part or just an idea, we can help you.
At AM Printservice, 3D printing in steel is not just a technology – it is a way to solve real problems quickly and precisely. Get in touch and we will find a solution that suits your production needs.
