Upload your CAD files, Receive your customized custom Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printing quote. Choose from a variety of process materials to suit your needs.
Copper
parts combine good mechanical properties with thermal and electrical conductivity, making them ideal for various applications. Using copper-impregnated filaments in FDM printing, a copper part can be created by baking the printed object to eliminate the plastic binder material, leaving behind a pure copper structure. This alloy can be tested to rough conditions where pure copper cannot be
achieved
Material Copper
is renowned for its high ductility and high thermal properties, making it an ideal material for various applications. Its malleability and workability have posed challenges for 3D printing until new techniques were developed. Additionally, copper's high stiffness, low magnetic permeability, and high elongation at break are notable characteristics in 3D printed parts. Its high thermal and electrical conductivity make it suitable for producing tooling, induction coils, and heat sinks in
additive manufacturing.
STRENGTHS
Lead Time 2 weeks, Low-cost, good quality. Copper is an ideal material for electrical applications due to its ductility, mechanical resistance, and performance to corrosion.
WEAKNESSES
Limited dimensional accuracy
For example: a product with dimensions of 50x50x100 mm can be ±0.5% with a lower limit of ±050 mm (±0.020″) bigger or smaller in any direction.
Copper is highly valued because of its excellent thermal and electrical conductivity, allowing it to efficiently transfer heat and electrical energy with minimal losses. These properties make copper essential in components that need reliable heat dissipation and electrical performance, such as heat sinks, induction coils, and power electronics. Its high ductility and mechanical strength further support its use in demanding industrial environments.
Copper’s high thermal conductivity enables rapid heat transfer, making it ideal for cooling systems. In heat sinks, it efficiently dissipates heat from electronic devices, improving their reliability and lifespan. In heat exchangers, copper allows quick heat movement between fluids, which is critical in HVAC, automotive, and industrial systems. Its performance often surpasses materials like aluminium, especially in high-demand applications.
Copper's exceptional electrical conductivity allows induction coils to operate with minimal resistance, maximising efficiency and reducing energy loss. This makes copper fundamental in motors, transformers, and generators. Its performance enables reliable power transfer and helps lower operational costs. Additionally, copper’s mechanical strength supports durability in long-term industrial use.
Copper is difficult to print because of its high reflectivity and heat conductivity, which interrupt traditional laser-based printing techniques. Modern processes like Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) and Selective Laser Melting (SLM) use specialised equipment and powerful lasers to fuse copper powders precisely. These technologies allow high-quality, complex copper parts to be printed with improved accuracy and surface finish.
The Metal X system uses a filament-based approach rather than powder bed fusion, making copper printing safer and more accessible. Parts are printed using a plastic binder, which is later removed during debinding and sintering. This method avoids challenges related to copper’s reflectivity and enables users to produce accurate metal parts without the complexity of advanced laser systems.
Additive manufacturing can create complex copper geometries that are difficult or impossible to produce using traditional machining. It reduces the need for welding or brazing by printing parts as single components, improving structural integrity and reducing costs. It also enables rapid prototyping, customisation, and improved performance through optimised geometries like lattice structures
Post-processing steps like debinding, sintering, and heat treatment are critical to transform printed copper parts into strong, functional metal components. These processes enhance mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, and corrosion resistance. Proper post-processing ensures that 3D-printed copper performs comparably to conventionally manufactured copper, enabling its use in demanding industrial applications.
IP protection is what most people are worried about when it comes to 3D printing because we get orders in which we have to copy the original design precisely.
We uphold strict confidentiality by default for all customer communication, projects, and models. Should you prefer a formal agreement, we offer standard NDAs or can review your own. Your trust is our priority.
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