Hi everyone!
I would like to discuss the pros/cons and engineering challenges facing the construction of a 3D printer capable of printing in metal.
I have created an open source initiative (linked to below) that aims to make a 3D Printer that can make parts in metal, there is quite a bit of information that has been amassed on the subject, so it is worth checking out... Metalbot - Community for 3D Metal Printing and Laser Sintering
From my experience, the two limiting factors with 3D printing have always been a - strength of the printed parts and b - part resolution. Hopefully it is possible to solve both of these problems by designing printer that works through a process called 'laser sintering' (although a few other avenues are being pursued).
Let me know what you think!
Best regards,
Jethro.