Idea for a new way of 3d printing metal parts

Originally posted by u/lachiemx at 2025-06-09T09:26:52Z

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Actually it's more of a deposition model or smelting technique now that I think about it, but would love your feedback.

Step 1: 3d print a shape that you want in metal.

Step 2: Use plaster of paris to make a mold and then either burn out or remove the plastic printed part.

Step 3: Fill the mold with steel shavings or the like. Pack them in there so that they are all touching each other and are conductive.

Step 4: Use a modified microwave smelter thing like in the below youtube clip to electrically smelt all the metal together in the mold, turning it into a steel part.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/2slLjSUwIEQ

Since it all turns to goo, you could even build the structure out of larger steel bits and have the entire thing join together in a whole if you want.

Let it cool and remove from the mold. Might work for even barrels?