--- title: 3D Printing Metal Workflow description: From CAD model to functional metal part --- [Skip to content](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/3d-printing-metal-workflow#main-content) - [English](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/3d-printing-metal-workflow) - [Español](https://support.bcn3d.com/es/knowledge/3d-printing-metal-workflow) English Show submenu for translations [Contact support](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/kb-tickets/new?hsLang=en) [Customer portal](https://support.bcn3d.com/repair-service?hsLang=en) ![knowledge-base-header-bcn3d-logo.png\]](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Header/knowledge-base-header-bcn3d-logo.png?height=40&name=knowledge-base-header-bcn3d-logo.png) - [Default HubSpot Blog](https://blog.bcn3d.com/) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Default HubSpot Blog](https://blog.bcn3d.com/) - - [English](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/3d-printing-metal-workflow) - [Español](https://support.bcn3d.com/es/knowledge/3d-printing-metal-workflow) English Show submenu for translations - [Contact support](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/kb-tickets/new) - [Customer portal](https://support.bcn3d.com/repair-service) - [BCN3D forum](https://www.bcn3d.com/community/) [BCN3D forum](https://www.bcn3d.com/community/) Hello. How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Knowledge base - BCN3D](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge?hsLang=en) 2. [Filaments](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/filaments?hsLang=en) 3. [Metal Pack](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/filaments?hsLang=en#metal-pack) # 3D Printing Metal Workflow ## From CAD model to functional metal part   --- |   | [**EN**](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/3d-printing-metal-workflow) | [**ES**](https://support.bcn3d.com/es/knowledge/3d-printing-metal-workflow?hsLang=en) | | --- | --- | --- | ---   ![workflow-metal](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Metal-3dprint/workflow-metal.png?width=688&name=workflow-metal.png) In this article, we will explain the workflow to ensure that your CAD model will become a functional metal part with the help of 3D printing. You will learn fundamental aspects such the design of the part, tips for printing on metal, the thermal processes to obtain a metal part, and an introduction to post-processing metal.   **Content table** [Designing to 3D print metals](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/3d-printing-metal-workflow#design) [How to print with metal](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/3d-printing-metal-workflow#print) [Debinding and sintering](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/3d-printing-metal-workflow#thermal) [Post-processing metal parts](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/3d-printing-metal-workflow#postprocess) --- ### Designing metal 3D prints ![designing-print-metal](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Metal-3dprint/solidworks-screenshoot%20Cropped.png?width=688&name=solidworks-screenshoot%20Cropped.png) In metal 3D printing, there are design requirements to ensure that the model doesn't deform once the part undergoes the debinding and sintering heat treatment. #### Maximum print volume To ensure that the printed part is sintered correctly, it **is necessary that the printed part does not exceed a volume of 100\*100\*100mm. ** If it exceeds this volume, some areas of the model may not be heat-treated, affecting the structural stability. **Note:** **the best surface results** after the sintering process **are obtained on pieces with a volume equal to or less than 60\*60\*60mm.** #### Height to width ratio To avoid deforming the model during the debinding process it is necessary that the model follows these ratios between the height and width of the part. | ![height-widht-ratio](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Metal-3dprint/height-widht-ratio.png?width=550&name=height-widht-ratio.png) | **The towers or pillars** must have a **minimum thickness of 1 unit for every 3 units of height.** Towers that do not follow this ratio will end up twisting in one direction. | | --- | --- | | ![non-supported-walls](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Metal-3dprint/1%20Cropped%20(1).png?width=550&name=1%20Cropped%20(1).png) | **Unsupported walls** should be at least **1 unit thick for every 6 units high.** If the walls are thinner than this ratio, they will collapse during the debinding process. | | ![hole-relation-2](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Metal-3dprint/hole-relation-2.png?width=186&name=hole-relation-2.png) | **Horizontal holes must be 119% wider** to compensate for material shrinkage. **Designing the holes in the shape of a tear** helps to compensate for the fall of the material as the model is debinded. | **Note:** The walls should be thicker than 1.19mm to avoid deformation after the sintering process. --- ### How to print with metal ![printing-metal-parts-bcn3d-3d-printers](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Metal-3dprint/Printer%20Metal%20Kit%201%20HR%20Cropped.jpg?width=688&name=Printer%20Metal%20Kit%201%20HR%20Cropped.jpg) Printing with metals can be such an easy process if the following guidelines are taken into account: #### Scaling the model to compensate shrinkage After the debinding and sintering process has been completed, **the part shrinks in all directions**. To obtain a piece with the desired measurements, the **measurements must be increased by 119% in the direction of the X and Y axes, and by 124% in the direction of the Z-axis.** #### Printing surface adhesion | **The first layer is essential to keep the stability** of the model during heat treatments. For this reason, it is very important to **correctly calibrate the printer, enable mesh mapping and use magigoo for metals.** | ![magigoo-metal](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/magigoo/magigoo-metal.png?width=491&name=magigoo-metal.png) | | --- | --- | #### Let the model cool down slowly **Models printed with metals should be cooled more slowly** than other printed materials, due to the fact that sudden changes in temperature can deform the model, causing warping or cracking. To avoid these problems, **keep the model in the printer for at least 10 minutes** after the printing has finished.   **Note:** Check the following articles to get more detailed information about how to print metals: [How to print Ultrafuse 316L](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/316l-filament?hsLang=en) [How to print Ultrafuse 17-4PH](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/17-4ph-filament?hsLang=en) [Ultrafuse 316L: Tips and tricks](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/316l-bcn3d-tips?hsLang=en) [Ultrafuse 17-4PH: Tips and tricks](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/17-4-ph-bcn3d-tips?hsLang=en)   --- ### Debinding and sintering Once the printing process has finished, the printed piece is fragile and doesn't have the properties of a metal. The piece at this point is called a "green piece." To get the metallic properties, the model must be subjected to two thermal processes. In the following link, you will find **the companies that offer these heat treatments in your country:** [Ultrafuse distributors.](https://forward-am.com/solutions-partners/distributors/) You can learn more about these processes in the Ultrafuse process guides: - [Process guide 316L](https://forward-am.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Process-Guidelines-Ultrafuse-316L.pdf) - [Process guide 17-4PH](https://forward-am.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Process-Instructions-Ultrafuse-17-4-PH.pdf) --- ### Post-processing metal parts ![polish-3d-printed-metal-models](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Metal-3dprint/polish-3d-printed-metal-models.png?width=688&height=400&name=polish-3d-printed-metal-models.png) Finally, the model is ready to be used or post-processed. You can carry out the same post-processing you would use in other metal parts, such as drilling, welding, polishing, and others. In this article, you will find these processes and how to carry them out: [Postprocess Metal Parts](https://support.bcn3d.com/es/knowledge/postprocess-metal-parts?hsLang=en).   #### **[Forum community](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/bcn3d-forum-community?hsLang=en) ** Need more tips? Check out our **[forum community](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/bcn3d-forum-community?hsLang=en) **for more info.   It's important to keep your printer in good shape to make the most out of it. In this chart, you can find a list of the extruder maintenance procedures and how frequently these should be done. [Maintenance Plan.](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/maintenance-guide-bcn3d-epsilon-series?hsLang=en)   ![bcn3d-recycle](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Tools/bcn3d-recycle.png?width=27&name=bcn3d-recycle.png)  Take your e-waste to a certified recycler. [Check how we do it in BCN3D.](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/environment-bcn3d?hsLang=en)   | --- #### RELATED ARTICLES | | --- | | [![metal-pack-en](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Related%20Articles%20Metal/metal-pack-en.png?width=688&name=metal-pack-en.png)](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/bcn3d-metal-pack-guide?hsLang=en) | [![metal-pack-install-en](https://support.bcn3d.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Knowledge%20base/Related%20Articles%20Metal/metal-pack-install-en.png?width=336&name=metal-pack-install-en.png)](https://support.bcn3d.com/knowledge/metal-pack-install?hsLang=en) | | --- | --- |   | **You can help improve the BCN3D Knowledge Base.** If you feel there are guides that we are missing or you found any error, please use this form to report it. **[Report form](https://share.hsforms.com/1F7t1sBuOQyWlAeRwwFSjgQ3fec5) **:) | | --- |   - 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