Which AM method would be best suited for quickly creating metal AM prototypes?

Binder jetting is particularly well-suited for quickly creating metal additive manufacturing prototypes due to its unique processing characteristics. In this method, a liquid binder is used to join powder materials layer by layer, which allows for a rapid build-up of parts. The process is not limited by the melting or solidification of materials as in some other methods, enabling faster production times, especially for complex geometries.

Additionally, binder jetting allows for the use of a variety of metal powders, which means it can cater to different applications and material specifications. Once the part is built, it can be sintered to achieve final density and strength, making it versatile for prototyping purposes.

The other methods, while effective in certain contexts, do not offer the same balance of speed and versatility. For instance, selective laser melting uses a laser to fully melt and fuse the metal powder, which, while producing high-quality parts, can be time-consuming due to the need for careful thermal management and longer build times. Wire arc additive manufacturing typically focuses on larger structures and welding processes, while fused deposition modeling is primarily used for thermoplastics rather than metals, making it less applicable for metal prototyping.