This is based on the metal injection molding materials already available. BASF manufactures them for MIM (Think die casting). This process is very well understood and used to make many mass produced metal parts in products we use every day. Using a 3d printer to form the green part is new, but the process and materials aren't.
The main hurdle here is the quality of the processing from the green part to the final part. BASF provides it as a service, you print the green part then ship it to them for processing in the same plant that does the processing for the metal injection molded parts. This takes a couple weeks to get your part back.
I evaluated both the BASF and virtual foundry materials and processes for use in my product design consultancy and found that neither provided a significant benefit over other 3d metal printing options (sls, investment casting of a 3d print, etc).
I have full rolls of several of the virtual foundry materials as well as the BASF SS material if anyone is interested in experimenting more.
I really wanted these materials to be more useful than they have turned out to be in relation to product design.
The main hurdle here is the quality of the processing from the green part to the final part. BASF provides it as a service, you print the green part then ship it to them for processing in the same plant that does the processing for the metal injection molded parts. This takes a couple weeks to get your part back.
I evaluated both the BASF and virtual foundry materials and processes for use in my product design consultancy and found that neither provided a significant benefit over other 3d metal printing options (sls, investment casting of a 3d print, etc).
I have full rolls of several of the virtual foundry materials as well as the BASF SS material if anyone is interested in experimenting more.
I really wanted these materials to be more useful than they have turned out to be in relation to product design.