Which AM method is most commonly used for producing metal parts?

Selective laser sintering (SLS) is the most commonly used additive manufacturing method for producing metal parts due to its ability to create complex geometries with high precision and strength. SLS works by using a laser to selectively fuse powdered metal particles together layer by layer, allowing for the production of parts that can have intricate designs that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods.

This technique is particularly suited for metal parts because it can handle a wide variety of metal powders, including alloys, and can produce parts with excellent mechanical properties. The end result is typically a dense, strong object that can often be used directly or with minimal post-processing, making it highly efficient for industrial applications.

While other methods listed, such as binder jetting and material jetting, can also produce metal parts, SLS is more established and has a larger footprint in the industry, particularly for applications requiring functional prototypes and end-use components. Fused deposition modeling, on the other hand, is primarily used for plastics and does not have the same capability for producing high-quality metal parts.