Massachusetts-based startup Desktop Metal has become the fastest company in U.S. history to reach a billion-dollar valuation [2] through its patented 3D metal printing technology capable of printing cast quality metal parts [3]. Products can be printed in 30 different alloys and hundreds of metal materials [4], including steel and aluminum [3].<\/p>\n
To date, two manufacturing systems have been released. The studio system, for smaller one-off jobs, was released in September 2017. The full production system, meant for larger volumes, was released in 2018 to select partners, including BMW and Caterpillar [5].<\/p>\n
Compared to today\u2019s laser-based metal 3D printers, Desktop Metal\u2019s Production System is up to 100 times faster [6] and offers 10 times cheaper initial costs and 20 times cheaper material costs [7]. The system promises to be cheaper and faster than traditional metal cast molding and requires no hazardous materials or post processing [8].<\/p>\n