5 Best 3D Printers and Filaments For 3D Printing Stainless Steel
An exciting development combining the flexibility of additive manufacturing with the strength, durability, and corrosion resistance of metal is 3D printing with stainless steel. Stainless steel provides a variety of options for strong, long-lasting prints, whether your project is a decorative prototype, functional prototype, or industrial part production. This post will discuss the best 3D printers and filaments for printing stainless steel, emphasizing their features, advantages, and technical details to help you select the correct tools for your project.
1. Markforged Metal X
Key features:
- Print Technology: Atomic Diffusion Additive Manufacturing (ADAM)
- Launch Materials: 1.4542 & 1.4305 Edelstahl
- Beta Materials: Al Mg1SiCu & Al Zn5,5MgCu Aluminium, 1.2363, & 1.2379 Tool steel, IN alloy (Inconel), 2.4856, Titan TI-6AL-4V
- Material Cartridge: Bound Powder
Designed especially for metal, the Markforged Metal X is an industrial-grade 3D printer that is quite fit for 3D printing Stainless Steel. It prints using Atomic Diffusion Additive Manufacturing (ADAM) technology, whereby metal powder is bound in a plastic matrix. The parts are cleaned and sintered to remove the binder after the print is finished, producing entirely dense stainless steel parts.
Ideal for medium-sized to large parts, this printer has a build volume of 300 mm x 220 mm x 180 mm. Renowned for its great strength and exceptional corrosion resistance, the Metal X supports a range of stainless steel grades, including 17-4 PH and 316L. Its Eiger program offers a flawless user interface, streamlining the material-choosing and printing processes. In sectors including aerospace and automotive, where robust, functional metal parts are vital, the Metal X is extensively used.
Price: $150,000 - $200,000
2. Desktop Metal Studio System 2
Key features:
- Build Volume: 300 x 200 x 200 mm (12 x 8 x 8 in)
- Build Chamber: Heated
- Extruder Assembly: Dual quick-release print heads
- Layer height (in green state): 50-150 μm, high-resolution printhead 150-300 μm, standard resolution printhead
- Nozzle diameter (Build media): 0.40 mm, standard resolution / 0.25 mm, high resolution
Built for metal production, the Desktop Metal Studio System 2 is a professional 3D printer. It generates stainless steel parts in a safe and office-friendly environment using Bound Metal Deposition (BMD) technology. Users of this system can readily print intricate geometries without using hazardous materials or significant post-processing.
The printer uses supported stainless steel grades such as 316L and 17-4 PH, both known for their exceptional strength and corrosion resistance and provides a build volume of 300 mm x 200 mm. Printing, debinding, and sintering—the three-step process of Studio System 2 guarantees the final parts are dense and strong. Easy design iterations and part management made possible by the cloud-based software of the system enable the creation of functional prototypes, end-use parts, and low-volume manufacturing runs in sectors including automotive, medical, and industrial manufacturing.
Price: $200,000 - $250,000
3. Ultimaker S5
Key features:
- Build volume (XYZ): 330 x 240 x 300 mm
- Build chamber: Fully enclosed. Passively heated
- Build plate: Flexible steel
- Extrusion: Bowden dual extrusion
- Print cores & nozzles: Swappable print cores. Optional composite.
- Compatible materials: 180+
- Spool holder: NFC, humidity control for 6 spools
When coupled with metal-infused filaments like BASF Ultrafuse 316L, the adaptable desktop 3D printer Ultimaker S5 becomes a potent tool for printing stainless steel. Given its large build volume of 330 mm x 240 mm x 300 mm, this printer is appropriate for small and medium-sized stainless steel parts. With a touchscreen interface, Wi-Fi connectivity, and Cura, a simple slicing tool compatibility, the Ultimaker S5 is renowned for its simplicity of use.
Printing intricate parts with support materials is made possible by the twin extrusion system, so guaranteeing exact and clean results. After sintering, the polymer-metal mix used in the Ultrafuse 316L filament used with this printer leaves entirely dense stainless steel parts behind. Small companies, colleges, and research labs wishing to test stainless steel printing without making more costly metal 3D printer investments will find ideal use for this configuration.
Price: $6,950
4. Raise3D Pro2 Plus
Key features:
- Accuracy: 0.78 x 0.78 x 0.078 micron
- Power supply input: 100–240 V AC, 50/ 60 Hz 230 V @ 3.3 A
- Power supply output: 24 V DC, 600 W
- Printable material(s): PLA, ABS, HIPS, TPU, PC, Nylon, TPE, FLEX, PETG, Metallic PLA, Wood PLA, Carbon Fiber, and other materials
- Printer type: Filament
The Raise3D Pro2 Plus is a professional-grade 3D printer with high build volume and the capability to print with a broad range of materials, including stainless steel. Its heated bed, enclosed build chamber, and dual-extrusion system guarantee a stable environment for printing metal-infused filaments such as BASF Ultrafuse 316L.
Large stainless steel parts or industrial prototypes would find the Raise3D Pro2 Plus perfect with a massive build volume of 305 mm x 305 mm x 605 mm. The printer's high-resolution printing features and exact extruders help it fit, producing parts with minute details. Along with Wi-Fi, a touchscreen interface, and RaiseCloud for remote monitoring and management, it provides industries, including aerospace, automotive, and engineering, where premium metal parts are needed. Raise3D Pro2 Plus is a popular choice owing to its strong design and adaptability.
Price: $ 2999.00 - $3999.00
5. Prusa i3 MK3S+
Key features:
- Dimensions: 50 × 55 × 40 cm (19.6 × 21.6 × 15.7 in)
- Nozzle diameter: 0.4mm (default) / other nozzle diameters supported
- Supported materials: Any thermoplastic, including Nylon and Polycarbonate
- Filament sensor: Yes (IR)
- Power panic: Hardware-based, single G-code line accuracy
Using metal-filled filaments like BASF Ultrafuse 316L, the Prusa i3 MK3S+—one of the most dependable and reasonably priced desktop 3D printers—can print stainless steel components. Small to medium-sized stainless steel components would be perfect with a build volume of 250 mm x 210 mm x 210 mm.
High precision, automatic bed leveling, and filament sensor—which make this open-source 3D printer well-known—help ensure consistent and accurate results. Simple to operate and best for metal-filled filaments, the MK3S+ runs PrusaSlicer software. It’s durable, corrosion-resistant, and fit for functional prototypes or small-scale manufacturing runs. The metal parts generated with this printer are for those wishing to test stainless steel 3D printing without making industrial-grade equipment investments; thus, the Prusa i3 MK3S+ becomes a great pick.
Price: $899
3D Printed Stainless Steel: 5 Best Filaments
1. BASF Ultrafuse 316L
Key features:
- Comes with one BASF Ultrafuse 316L Processing Ticket
- Recommended Extrusion Temperatures: 230 - 250 °C
- Recommended Bed Temperature: 100 - 120°C
- Recommended Print Surface: Glass Bed with Dimafix Bed Adhesive
- Recommended Nozzle: Any Abrasion Resistant Nozzle
- Density: 7800kg/m³
Among the most often used metal filaments for 3D printing stainless steel is BASF Ultrafuse 316L. Fit for FDM 3D printers, this composite material is made from 90% 316L stainless steel powder combined with a polymer binder. The green component debills and sinters to achieve its final stainless steel form.
Ultrafuse 316L is well-known for its strength, corrosion resistance, and good mechanical qualities. Production of functional prototypes, tools, and end-use parts for sectors including automotive, aerospace, and medical devices calls for it. With a heated bed, most desktop 3D printers fit the filament; its printing temperature falls between 230°C and 250°C. This filament is a dependable choice for metal parts that must survive demanding surroundings since the last sections retain outstanding thermal and chemical resistance.
Price: $169.95
2. The Virtual Foundry Filamet™ Stainless Steel 316L
Key features:
- Available in 1.75mm, 2.85mm filament, and pellets
- Comes in 0.5kg, 1kg spools, 1kg bags of pellets
- Contains 80-85% metal, 3.5g/cc density
- Works with open-architecture FDM printers and 3D pens
- Prints like PLA; needs a 0.6mm hardened steel nozzle
- Adjust the flow rate to 135%, minimal warping
- Less moisture absorption than PLA; avoid filament dryers
The FilametTM Stainless Steel 316L filament from The Virtual Foundry is designed for users who wish to 3D print metal parts using their regular FDM 3D printer. Eighty percent of this filament is stainless steel powder, and twenty percent is polymer, which gives the printability of high-quality stainless steel parts great freedom. The parts are sintered once printed to burn off the binder and produce solid stainless steel components.
Excellent printability and compatibility with a broad spectrum of printers define FilametTM. Optimal results call for a heated bed temperature of 50°C to 60°C and a nozzle temperature of 210°C to 230°C. This filament is used for printing complex metal pieces and functional prototypes, as well as durable goods. The final product maintains the natural strength and corrosion resistance of stainless steel; thus, it is ideal for industrial uses when exact and strong parts are required.
Price: $ 156.03
3. ProtoPasta Stainless Steel PLA
Key features:
- Material: PLA/Stainless Steel Powder
- Diameter: 1.75mm
- Extrusion Temperature: 195-220C
- Bed Temperature: 50C (not required)
- Density: 2.4g/cm3 (2400kg/m3)
One-of-a-kind filament, ProtoPasta Stainless Steel PLA blends the strength and look of stainless steel with the simplicity of PLA printing. Finely ground stainless steel powder is added to this filament to produce printed goods with a far heavier feel than standard PLA, which also looks metallic.
ProtoPasta Stainless Steel PLA is one of the best products available since it prints practically any FDM printer easily and in line with standard PLA settings. Though using a heated bed will increase adhesion, it prints at temperatures between 190°C and 230°C and does not call for one. Creating weighty objects, metal-looking prototypes, or ornamental objects calls for this filament. Though it produces only partially stainless steel parts, it provides a pleasing metallic finish and more durability than standard PLA. It can also be polished or sanded to further its metallic appearance.
Price: $12
4. 3D4Makers Ultrafuse 316L
Key features:
- Excellent corrosive resistance
- Temperature stability
- Austenitic
- Non-magnetic
Another premium stainless steel filament available that lets you print metal parts with a standard FDM printer is 3D4Makers Ultrafuse 316L. After the required post-processing processes, this filament is perfect for manufacturing completely functional metal parts since it comprises a high percentage of 316L stainless steel powder combined with a polymer binder.
Extreme mechanical strength and great resistance to corrosion make Ultrafuse 316L appropriate for manufacturing parts subjected to mechanical stress or hostile environments. It prints between 230°C and 250°C; its parts must be debonded and sintered to reach their ultimate metal form. Industries including automotive, engineering, and aerospace—where robust, corrosion-resistant metal parts are required—rely on the filament. Among the best options for metal 3D printing uses is this dependability and simplicity of use.
Price: $169.95
5. MatterHackers MetalFil Stainless Steel
Key features:
- 1.75mm and 2.85mm +/- 0.05mm in diameter
- Extruder: 205 - 235°C
- Build Plate Temp: 40 – 50°C
- Nozzle Recommendation: 0.6mm
Made to give your 3D prints the appearance and feel of actual metal, MatterHackers Metalfil Stainless Steel is made with finely ground stainless steel particles mixed with a PLA base; this filament fits most desktop FDM printers. The completed prints resemble real stainless steel objects in weight and metallic sheen.
Easy to print, this filament requires similar settings to regular PLA with a printing temperature of 190°C to 220°C and no heated bed required. Although the final bits are not entirely metal, they are perfect for decorative objects or aesthetic uses where the metallic look is more crucial than stainless steel's strength. To improve its metallic finish, metalfil Stainless Steel can also be brushed, sanded, or polished; hence, it is a perfect choice for building distinctive and aesthetically pleasing models or prototypes.
Price: $50 - $80
Best 3D Printing Software
There are many 3D printing software available that can prepare designs for 3D printing, and a good example is SelfCAD. It is an easy-to-use 3D design software that you can use not only to create 3D models but also to edit meshes and slice designs. The program features interesting 3D modeling tools like freehand drawing and sketching that you can use to create designs from scratch.
There are also easy-to-use selection modes as well as various modification tools to help you modify your designs based on your requirements. It also comes with an image-to-3D feature that makes it easier to turn photos to 3D models. You can also import STL files and modify them based on your needs.
The software boasts of a built-in online slicer that one can use to prepare designs for 3D printing. The video below shows how to slice STL files and generate the G-code to send to the 3D printer.
Enjoy powerful modeling, rendering, and 3D printing tools without the steep learning curve.
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