The differences between metal 3D printer and sand 3D printer

Sand 3D printers and metal 3D printers are two different types of industrial 3D printer that differ significantly in terms of the materials they print, the applications they are used for, and the printing process.

First of all, sand 3D printers are mainly used to print sand or similar materials, while metal 3D printers are specialized in printing metal materials. Sand 3D printers work by mixing fine-grained sand or stone powder with a binder and then building it up layer by layer to eventually form a solid object. Metal 3D printers, on the other hand, use metal powder and print the metal into the desired shape through a process of melting and curing.

Secondly, the application areas of the two printers differ. Sand 3D printers are mainly used in the field of architecture and civil engineering to print architectural models, landscape designs, sculptures, etc. This type of printer can print large objects in a short period of time, providing architects and designers with more creative possibilities. Metal 3D printers, on the other hand, are mainly used in the fields of aerospace, automobile manufacturing, medical devices, etc. They can print metal parts, complex structures and fine components. Metal 3D printing technology has a wider range of applications and can fulfill the requirements of high precision and high strength.

Finally, there are differences in the printing process of the two printers. Sand 3D printers use the stacking laminar method, in which objects are constructed by continuously stacking layers of sand. This printing process is relatively simple and fast, but the precision is relatively low. Metal 3D printers use the selective laser melting method or electron beam melting method, in which metal powder is melted by a laser beam or electron beam and then cured layer by layer into the desired shape. This printing process is more accurate and can print more complex and fine structures.

To summarize, there are obvious differences between sand 3D printers and metal 3D printers in terms of printing materials, application areas and printing processes. Sand 3D printers are mainly used in the field of construction and civil engineering, with high speed but low precision; metal 3D printers are mainly used in aerospace, automobile manufacturing and other fields, with high precision and the ability to print complex structures. With the continuous development of technology, these two types of printers will continue to play an important role in their respective fields and bring more innovation and development opportunities to various industries.