Custom Metal 3D Printing Services
Get a custom metal 3D printing quote for highly complex, lightweight, production-ready parts that traditional manufacturing cannot achieve.
Why Choose Meco for Custom Metal 3D Printing?
Unlock geometric freedom with Meco’s industrial DMLS services. We deliver fully dense, high-performance custom metal parts optimized for aerospace, medical, and automotive applications.
Complex Geometries
Print organic shapes, internal channels, and lightweight lattices impossible to manufacture with traditional machining.
Rapid Turnaround
Accelerate R&D by going from digital CAD to functional metal prototype in days, not weeks.
Fully Dense Parts
Our DMLS process ensures >99% density, delivering mechanical properties that match or exceed wrought metals.
Precision Post‑Processing
We handle heat treatment, support removal, and CNC machining to ensure tight tolerances on critical surfaces.
Prototype to Production
Seamlessly scale from a single custom unit to low-volume manufacturing runs without expensive tooling.
Meco Custom Metal 3D Printing Materials
Metal 3D Printing for High‑Performance Industries
Meco metal 3D printing (DMLS) delivers precision and durability across critical sectors. We build lightweight, consolidated metal components with complex internal cooling channels and lattice reinforcements, moving seamlessly from prototype to production.
Aerospace & Defense
Meco’s DMLS process builds lightweight, consolidated metal components with complex internal cooling channels and lattice reinforcements. Perfect for turbine housings, engine mounts, and satellite fixtures, these 3D‑printed parts are strong, weight‑efficient, and built to rigorous aerospace standards.
Explore Aerospace SolutionsMetal 3D Printing vs. Traditional Manufacturing
Choosing the right production method depends on part complexity, volume, and lead time. Compare Metal 3D Printing (DMLS) against CNC Machining and Casting to determine the best fit for your project.
| Feature | Metal 3D Printing (DMLS) | CNC Machining | Casting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geometric Complexity | Excellent (Internal channels, lattices) |
Fair (Limited by tool access) |
Good (Requires draft angles) |
| Lead Time (Prototypes) | Very Fast (No tooling required) |
Medium (Programming & setup) |
Very Slow (Mold production required) |
| Cost (Low Volume) | Low (Ideal for 1–50 parts) |
Medium (Setup costs apply) |
High (High initial tooling cost) |
| Cost (High Volume) | High (Slower cycle times) |
Low (Efficient at scale) |
Lowest (Best for mass production) |
| Material Waste | Minimal (Additive process) |
High (Subtractive process) |
Medium (Runners & gates) |
| Best Application | Complex geometries, prototypes, customization | High precision, tight tolerances, surface finish | Mass production of simple or complex parts |
Metal 3D Printing FAQ
How strong are 3D printed metal parts?
Parts produced via DMLS are fully dense and can have mechanical properties, such as strength and durability, that are comparable to or even exceed those of parts made through traditional casting or machining.
What is the difference between DMLS and SLM?
Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) and Selective Laser Melting (SLM) are very similar powder bed fusion technologies. DMLS sinters the powder particles together, while SLM fully melts them. In practice, the terms are often used interchangeably to describe the process of creating dense metal parts with a laser.
What kind of post-processing do metal 3D printed parts need?
At a minimum, all parts require removal from the build plate and the removal of support structures. Most functional parts also undergo a stress-relieving heat treatment. For parts requiring tight tolerances or smooth surfaces, additional CNC machining and surface finishing are often employed.
How to Get Started
Upload your 3D design files (STEP/IGES) and specify your material and finish.
We review your part for optimal orientation and fixturing to minimize costs.
We create custom jaws or fixtures to hold your part securely during high-speed milling.
Parts are machined, deburred, and inspected before final packaging.
Rethink Manufacturing, Redesign for Performance
Upload your CAD file to receive a fast, comprehensive quote from our engineering team today.
