Abstract: A metal 3D printer is disclosed for fabricating metal articles by depositing molten metal onto a print bed. The metal 3D printer has a print head formed of a crucible and a nozzle. The crucible heats the molten metal and the nozzle deposits the molten metal onto the print bed. The 3D printer further includes an induction heating system to heat the print head and a heated print bed disposed below the nozzle. The metal 3D printer also comprises a computer numerically controlled (CNC) gantry configured to move the print head and the print bed relative to each other along X, Y, and Z axes. A shielding gas blower may direct a first stream of shielding gas proximate to the crucible and a second stream of shielding gas proximate to the nozzle. The feedstock for the printer may comprise a plurality of wire strands braided together. A mesh overlay may be positioned on top of the print bed.

Abstract: A metal 3D printer is disclosed for fabricating metal articles by depositing molten metal onto a print bed. The metal 3D printer has a print head formed of a crucible and a nozzle. The crucible heats the molten metal and the nozzle deposits the molten metal onto the print bed. The 3D printer further includes an induction heating system to heat the print head and a heated print bed disposed below the nozzle. The metal 3D printer also comprises a computer numerically controlled (CNC) gantry configured to move the print head and the print bed relative to each other along X, Y, and Z axes. A shielding gas blower may direct a first stream of shielding gas proximate to the crucible and a second stream of shielding gas proximate to the nozzle. The feedstock for the printer may comprise a plurality of wire strands braided together. A mesh overlay may be positioned on top of the print bed.