3D Printing With Metal: Engineers Create DIY Welding 3D Printer For Under $1,500

International Business Times ^ | December 2, 2013 | Roxanne Palmer

[mad_as_he$$]

That is a MIG but the wire melts in the arc not in the tip.

[Ozark Tom]

Hot forging a raw blank imparts strength through aligning grain structure. Deposition through welding arc/ plasma jet seems wouldn’t be any different than casting a part. Traditional welding multiple passes over a small area requires a cooling interval to avoid warping. High strength alloys often require a furnace prep-soak for a successful weld. Heat treatment for stress relief or imparting strength is common. An alloy that avoids these pitfalls would work.

[Kevmo]

Thanks for the ping. This looks like the kind of game changer we’ve been waiting for.

“People could print out the sprockets, gears and other parts of a bicycle, and use local materials like bamboo to create the frame. “
***Kind of an interesting case. Basically a kluge bicycle that keeps going and going. Can’t wait until the 1940’s Jeeps are all getting printed out. Cottage industry.

[Lowell1775]

Original source on $1,500 open source 3D metal printer

http://www.academia.edu/5327317/A_Low-Cost_Open-Source_Metal_3-D_Printer

Found it.

[kevkrom]

All technology can be used for good and bad things,” Pearce says. “You can absolutely use this to make any manner of weapon..."

Which would be one of the good things.