Metal 3D Printing: a buyer's sourcing guide
Everything a procurement team should know before opening an RFQ for metal 3d printing: materials, tolerances, certifications and red flags.
Recent RFQs in metal 3d printing
Overview
Metal additive manufacturing builds parts layer-by-layer from metal powder, enabling internal channels, lattice structures and topology-optimised geometries impossible with CNC.
When to choose this process
Prototypes, ≤500 pcs/year, geometries with internal channels or weight-critical parts.
Typical materials
- Stainless 316L/17-4PH
- Aluminium AlSi10Mg
- Titanium Gr5/Gr23
- Inconel 625/718
- Cobalt-chrome
Typical tolerances
±0.1 mm + 0.1%/mm; Ra 6–12 μm as-built, polish/CNC for tighter finish.
Certifications to ask for
- ISO/ASTM 52900
- EN 9100
- ISO 13485 (medical)
Frequently asked questions
Is 3D printing cheaper than CNC?
Almost never on simple geometries. AM wins when the geometry is too complex to mill or when a 5-piece prototype must ship in a week.
Do printed parts need finishing?
Yes — stress relief, support removal and machining of mating surfaces. Budget 20–40% of print cost for post-processing.
Sourcing countries covered
Editorial market guide. Supplyria is a marketplace; we don't list private suppliers on this page. Cost ranges and lead times are indicative and based on public industry benchmarks.