3D printing of metals is being done in earnest, although the industry prefers th...

3D printing of metals is being done in earnest, although the industry prefers the term Additive Manufacturing. Metal powder bed fusion is a stable, reliable process that is being successfully used commercially. It's generally confined to high-value applications that require extreme geometric complexity, but it can be invaluable in industries like aerospace, motorsport and medical. The range of viable materials is still somewhat limited, but covers a good range from titanium and aluminium alloys through to tool steels and heat-resistant super-alloys.