CMF

Step 1

Printing

The powder within the build chamber is heated to a lower than usual temperature of < 80° Celsius. A layer of hot powder is spread across the build plate by a re-coater blade, after which the first cross section of the part build is traced across the surface. This melts the embedded polymer matrix within the powder and binds the surrounding metal powder within the cross section. When the first layer is complete, the build plate drops down by the preset layer height and repeats the first process. This sequence is repeated until the build is complete. This is then left to cool within the body of the machine before the build chamber is removed.

Step 2

Post Processing

The "green part" that emerges after depowdering is extremely robust, allowing parts to be turned, milled, drilled or ground before the part is sintered.

Step 3

Debinding

Green parts are de-bound at low temperatures in a solvent to dissolve any remaining powder binding agent. This solvent can be re-processed for re-use.

Step 4

Sintering

The debound parts are then sintered to produce a dense solid metal part. Parts shrink evenly and this factor should be accounted for in the original design of the CAD file.

Step 5

Support Removal

Manual Removal Typically not required; parts are supported by surrounding powder in the print bed. Soluble Support Removal Non-applicable Manual Cleaning Note: Printed “green parts” are handled gently; loose powder is brushed or blasted off before further processing.

Step 6

Surface Finishing

Sanding / Polishing Common after sintering to reduce surface roughness; can be manually or mechanically applied. Chemical Smoothing / Coating Post-sintering treatments such as electropolishing, acid etching, or coating may be used depending on final application. Painting / Priming Optional for aesthetic or protective purposes. Gloss / Matte Control Surface appearance depends on post-processing; as-sintered parts are matte or lightly textured.

Step 7

Curing / Heat Treatment

UV / Thermal Curing Non-applicable. Annealing / Stress Relief Key step: Green parts are debound thermally to remove the polymer. Followed by high-temperature sintering to create dense metal parts Additional heat treatments (e.g., hardening, tempering) may be applied depending on the alloy used

Step 8

Assembly and Functional Finishing

Gluing or Bonding Possible but uncommon; metal parts are typically joined via welding, brazing, or mechanical fasteners. Drilling / Tapping / CNC Common post-sintering; improves tolerances, threads, or surface finish. Inserts / Fasteners Threaded inserts or machined threads are often added after sintering for assembly purposes.

Step 9

Special Treatments

Infiltration / Sealing Optional, especially for parts requiring 100% density or fluid containment; metal infiltration or sealing compounds may be used. Functional Coatings Protective or cosmetic coatings such as passivation (stainless steel) or wear-resistant layers.