Cold Metal Fusion 3D Printing
Cold Metal Fusion (CMF) is a hybrid manufacturing process that combines the design flexibility of additive manufacturing with the reliability of powder metallurgy. Parts are produced by 3D printing a metal-polymer composite, then debinding and sintering it into a fully dense metal component. This approach enables precise, high-performance parts suitable for industrial production.
What Is Cold Metal Fusion?
Cold Metal Fusion (CMF) is a metal manufacturing process that combines 3D printing flexibility with the strength of traditional sintering. You print a metal-binder composite, debind it, sinter it, and end up with fully dense metal parts that hold up in real applications.
It works for prototypes and scales to production without retooling. The CMF Alliance provides a standardized industrial ecosystem behind it, making it practical to adopt rather than just interesting on paper.
How It Works:
Cold Metal Fusion follows a straightforward three-stage process that takes a raw powder mixture to a fully dense metal part.
- A powder-based 3D printer builds a “green part” from metal powder mixed with a polymer binder, accurately forming the desired geometry.
- The green part is cleaned and debound — removing the binder through controlled solvent or thermal processes — leaving behind a porous metal structure.
- That part is then sintered at high temperatures, fusing the metal particles into a dense, fully metallic component.
- Optional post-processing (surface finishing, machining, or heat treatment) can tighten tolerances, improve surface quality, or add secondary features.
CMF Printing, Done Right
We manufacture CMF parts using industrial-grade SLS printers, delivering high precision and consistency from prototype to production.
CMF works by binding metal powder layer by layer, producing green parts that are debound and sintered in a furnace. The result is parts at +97% density that meet major tensile strength and elongation requirements.
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CMF as a Preform for Precision Forging
If you’re using impression die forging, JawsTec can produce the metal preforms that go into your process. Instead of starting with a raw billet, we print a near-net-shape part already close to your final geometry — reducing flash, die wear, and machining time before forging even begins.
We work with your engineering team to optimize the preform for your specific die and alloy, so the metal flows right, tolerances stay tight, and you’re not leaving material on the floor.
What we can help you achieve:
- Fewer forging steps to reach final geometry
- Less flash and material waste
- Reduced die wear and lower forming loads
- Better grain flow and material distribution
Why We Use the Nexa QLS 230
The Nexa QLS 230
The Nexa QLS 230 is a production-grade laser sintering system built for manufacturers who need throughput without compromise. Processed through CMF, parts undergo debinding and solid-state sintering to achieve densities above 97% with mechanical properties comparable to wrought material — in geometries that traditional manufacturing can’t produce.
Why the Nexa QLS 230 works well:
The dual laser setup covers the build area quickly without sacrificing precision. The build volume is large enough to handle complex or oversized parts in a single run. High scanning speeds mean you’re not waiting around — production stays moving.
The Advantages of CMF on the Nexa QLS 230
Running CMF on the Nexa QLS 230 changes what’s practical in metal parts production. Here’s what that looks like in practice:
- Lower costs: Green parts come out strong enough to survive processing intact, which means less scrap and less waste eating into your margins.
- Consistent results: Parts come out the same way every time, which matters when you’re working to tight industry specs.
- More design freedom: Complex geometries and fine structures that traditional methods can’t touch are straightforward with CMF.
- Automation ready: The workflow from print to finish supports robotic automation without major process overhauls.
- Cleaner production: Low energy consumption and renewable binder sources keep the environmental footprint small.
Industries and Applications That Use CMF
Aerospace: Turbine components and impellers benefit from lightweight strength and heat resistance.
Industrial: Pump housings and tooling (e.g., cutting tool holders) gain from integrated cooling and durability.
Transportation: Bike components enjoy enhanced performance and uniform quality.
Energy: Bi-polar plates for new energy systems feature complex tunneling and performance metals.
Firearms: Unique shapes and applications can be used for firearms.
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CMF Questions, Answered
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The CMF Process Explained
Step 1: Printing – The Nexa QLS 230 uses dual lasers to fuse metal powder and binder into a green part.
Step 2: Powder Removal & Cleaning – Excess powder is removed, revealing a robust green part.
Step 3: Solvent Debinding – The binder is dissolved, leaving a porous metal structure.
Step 4: Sintering – High-temperature sintering densifies the part into solid metal.
Step 5: Finishing – Optional blasting, milling, or smoothing refines the final product.
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What makes CMF different from regular 3D printing?
CMF combines SLS printing with metallurgy processes (debinding and sintering), producing fully metallic parts with superior strength, unlike direct metal printing methods.
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What printers do you print with?
We use the Nexa QLS 230 3d printers.
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Can I customize my parts?
Absolutely—CMF’s flexibility supports complex designs and post-processing options.
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How strong are the Titanium parts?
Ti6Al4V parts from CMF exceed industry standards, with tensile strength up to 1,009 MPa and excellent ductility.
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Is CMF cost-effective?
Yes, reduced scrap rates, automation potential, and scalable production lower overall costs.
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What is the resolution of your parts?
Our layer thickness is 100 microns for CMF.
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What wall thickness should my parts have?
Your parts should have a minimal wall thickness of 1 to 2 mm.
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What is the difference in CMF and DMLS printing?
CMF offers thicker part manufacturing than DMLS is capable of, and it does not require supports, so the finishing costs aren’t nearly as high. DMLS powder is roughly 2x the cost of the CMF materials.
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What is the difference in CMF and SLM printing?
CMF offers thicker part manufacturing than SLM is capable of, and it does not require supports, so the finishing costs aren’t nearly as high. Most SLM offerings are done out of the United States.
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What is the difference in CMF and Desktop Metal printing?
CMF offers more packing capabilities, no support requirements, and more consistent scaling. The process sinters a green part, and because it’s done at a low temp, the scaling is more accurate. The products coming off the machines meet the standards of automotive, aerospace, and even the firearms industries better.
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What is the difference in CMF and HP MBJ printing?
CMF offers more packing capabilities, no support requirements, and more consistent scaling. The process sinters a green part, and because it’s done at a low temp, the scaling is more accurate. The products coming off the machines meet the standards of automotive, aerospace, and even the firearms industries better.
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What is the difference in CMF and Markforged Metal printing?
CMF offers more packing capabilities, no support requirements, and more consistent scaling. The process sinters a green part, and because it’s done at a low temp, the scaling is more accurate. The products coming off the machines meet the standards of automotive, aerospace, and even the firearms industries better.
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