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What Is Possible with Metal 3D Printing?

From Prototypes to Production Parts

Additive manufacturing opens up new possibilities for the development and production of metal components. Through layer-by-layer fabrication, even highly complex geometries can be realized that would be difficult or impossible to produce using conventional manufacturing methods.

Metal 3D printing is suitable for functional prototypes, small production runs, and spare parts, among many other applications. Multiple components can often be consolidated into a single part, reducing assembly effort while integrating additional functionality directly into the design. This creates new opportunities for engineering and product development, enabling solutions that are both technically and economically advantageous.

Whether you are developing a new product, optimizing existing components, or need spare parts at short notice, metal 3D printing offers numerous ways to quickly transform ideas into high-quality, fully functional parts.

• Manufacture complex metal parts without tooling – cost-effective from a quantity of one and ideal for prototypes, spare parts, and small production runs.
• High design freedom – create geometries, internal channels, and functional integrations that are difficult to achieve with conventional manufacturing methods.
• Wide range of materials – including aluminum, steel, copper, brass, and zinc for a variety of technical requirements.
• Fast transition from prototype to production – shorten development cycles and bring new products to market faster.
• Industrial-grade manufacturing quality – precise metal parts for functional applications with demanding requirements for dimensional accuracy and fine detail.

Our Metals for 3D Printing

Copper: Ideal for applications requiring high thermal and electrical conductivity, such as heat sinks, heat exchangers, and inductors. Available as pure copper, RS copper, CuCr1Zr, and low-O₂ pure copper.

Zinc: A cost-effective alternative for prototypes and small production runs, especially when die-cast components are planned for later production. Zamak 5 is exclusively available for 3D printing from PROTIQ worldwide.

Aluminum: Lightweight with excellent strength, making it ideal for functional prototypes, lightweight applications, and technical components.

Brass: Combines good electrical conductivity with high corrosion resistance and an attractive surface finish.

Steel: Robust, durable, and highly versatile for functional components, tooling, and industrial applications. PROTIQ currently offers five different steel grades manufactured using the SLM process in its own production facilities.

Planning a project? Talk to us.

Whether you need a single functional prototype, a small production run, a spare part, or support in developing a new product, our team will help you choose the right manufacturing process and material. Together, we assess which production technology best fits your requirements and how your project can be implemented both technically and economically.

In addition to metal 3D printing, we also support applications involving plastics. Through our own manufacturing capabilities and the PROTIQ Marketplace, we have access to a wide range of production technologies, materials, and manufacturing partners. Feel free to contact us if you have questions about your project or would like an initial assessment. In many cases, a short conversation is enough to identify the most suitable options for your application.