3D methods using metal are exciting, and the laser/wire method has
looked promising for a couple of years.
One thing to keep in mind when you consider any of the additive metal
methods is the big hurdle in applying them: With a couple of promising
exceptions, they can't produce parts from metals that are
heat-treatable.
Any grade of aluminum (such as 6061, 2024, etc.) or of steel (1040 or
above in carbon) that undergoes a hardening phase change won't work --
so far. So it's been limited to lower alloys or alloys that don't
harden via a phase change.
For example, making injection molds and diecasting dies are *major*
applications that the 3D people are working towards. But, so far,
they've been limited to making them from maraging steel, which is
expensive and less than ideal as a mold material.
But keep you eye on it. I was writing about it every couple of months
when I was still working (at Fab Shop magazine), and you practically
needed a program to keep up. It's moving really fast.
