Bambu Lab goes metal
The Atomic Layers: S5E19 (00135)
Atomic Layer of the Day:
This is one of those seemingly insignificant pieces of information that might turn out to be truly groundbreaking in time.
from VoxelMatters reported today that Bambu Lab has signed a distribution agreement with The Virtual Foundry, a producer of metal filament for FFF 3D printers. This means that Bambu Lab 3D printers will now allow users to "print with metal."Given Bambu Lab's innovative policies, it wouldn't be surprising if "at some point" the company introduces more comprehensive solutions in this area.
3D printing with metal filament is known as "bound metal 3D printing." It was developed between 2015 and 2016 by Desktop Metal and Markforged—although each claims they were the original inventor and accused the other of theft.
Both companies created an aura of innovation around the technology, raising massive amounts of funding (which they spent with equal enthusiasm). They added peripheral equipment to the system—since bound metal 3D printing requires multi-step post-processing—and sold the entire package at a premium price (Desktop Metal’s system cost $120,000).
In 2019, BASF entered the scene, introducing Ultrafuse 316L, a metal filament compatible with standard desktop printers. BASF partnered with leading printer manufacturers such as Ultimaker, Raise3D, BCN3D, Zortrax, and others (like polish 3DGence), but much of this remained more of a marketing endeavor than true adoption. Ultrafuse 316L could also be used on a Prusa i3 or its Chinese clones, provided the print head and extruder were modified.
Generally, bound metal 3D printing is similar to standard thermoplastic 3D printing, with the key difference being its post-processing. The printed part, referred to as "green," must first undergo a chemical debinding process to remove the polymer matrix (commonly POM or polyamide). Afterward, the part is sintered in a furnace to bond the metal particles and form a solid structure.
During post-processing, the part shrinks compared to its original printed size—up to 20%, depending on the geometry, material, and process. Designers must account for this shrinkage when creating functional parts that need to fit precisely.
Now, here’s the crux of the matter:
Desktop Metal is struggling to survive, and Markforged is carefully monitoring its dwindling finances. BASF exited the 3D printing market six months ago, and its spin-off, Forward AM, declared insolvency last month (with other undisclosed issues reportedly unfolding). Companies that presented dedicated metal filament solutions, such as Ultimaker, Raise3D, and Zortrax, no longer consider them flagship offerings.
This puts The Virtual Foundry in an excellent position. The majority of its competitors are either struggling or have shifted their focus.
Now, they have the best possible partner to advance this segment of manufacturing. Bambu Lab, one of the most innovative companies in the world, is driving AM progress at an unparalleled pace while offering solutions at prices Western OEMs cannot match.
If Bambu Lab decides to, it could revolutionize bound metal 3D printing, achieving heights that the former billionaires of Desktop Metal could never have imagined. The company could release post-processing equipment that is simple and affordable enough for small businesses to justify investing in the technology and incorporating it into their workflows.
Additionally, Bambu Lab’s robust software capabilities make it well-positioned to handle the challenges of compensating for shrinkage during post-processing.
If Bambu Lab pursues this collaboration with The Virtual Foundry, it could trigger the next stage of innovation in 3D printing.
Atomic Layer from the Past:
12-19-2016: Josef Průša described a scandal with PayPal, which froze over $1 million in his account.
News & Gossip:
Today I got the news, that one troubled Western OEM will close this month. The last employees are reportedly officially looking for new jobs. The worst thing is that there is a possibility that the matter will happen quietly, without any official confirmation, because the man behind this company is a very well known ****.
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