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| Scrap 1: 3D printer for metal |
The world of additive manufacturing has long been dominated by plastic filaments, but the industry has been steadily marching toward a future where metal is just as easy to print as PLA. We have already reported on 3D printers capable of processing not only plastics but also metals, and the latest entrant to this growing market segment is making waves for its combination of industrial-grade material capabilities and desktop-friendly dimensions.
The Scrap 1 from Scrap Labs is one such system that aims to bridge the gap between hobbyist engineering and heavy-duty industrial production. Expanding the range of usable materials should also considerably broaden possible applications — for instance, enabling the production of high-strength replacement parts for heavy-duty machinery. By moving beyond polymers, Scrap Labs is positioning this machine as a vital tool for engineers, medical device manufacturers, and maintenance teams who need to produce durable metal components in-house.
Industrial Materials in a Desktop Footprint
According to the manufacturer, the Scrap 1 is engineered to handle materials that are typically reserved for massive industrial sintering machines. Users can produce models from stainless steel, tool steel, and copper and nickel alloys. Furthermore, cobalt-chrome alloys can also be processed; such materials are commonly used in the medical sector for implants and surgical tools due to their exceptional biocompatibility and wear resistance.
This versatility is achieved through a fundamental shift in how the printer operates. In a conventional FDM (fused deposition modeling) printer, a hot end melts filament and deposits it layer by layer. However, what the hot end and heating element do in a conventional 3D printer is replaced in the Scrap 1 by a 200-watt laser operating at 915 nm.
The operating principle differs significantly from that of conventional 3D printing. Instead of extruding filament, the Scrap 1 employs a selective laser sintering (SLS) process. This means it selectively sinters powder in the build chamber. This laser enables the processing of those metal alloys in the first place, fusing fine metal particles together without the need for support structures, allowing for complex geometries that would be impossible to machine traditionally.
Precision Engineering and Accessibility
For professionals concerned with tolerances, the Scrap 1 offers impressive specs. The manufacturer specifies achievable layer thicknesses between 20 and 100 µm, with a laser focus of 0.135 mm and no drift during printing. This level of accuracy ensures that parts come out exactly as designed, which is critical for functional prototypes and end-use parts.
In terms of physical footprint, the printer measures 43 × 50 × 57 centimeters (16.9 × 19.7 × 22.4 inches) and weighs 30 kilograms. While it is a robust piece of equipment, it remains compact enough for a workshop or engineering lab. The build volume is 100 × 100 × 100 millimeters (3.9 × 3.9 × 3.9 inches), making the system suitable for producing smaller, high-value parts such as dental frameworks, intricate gears, or specialized tooling inserts.
Despite its complex underlying technology, operation is said to be straightforward. The Scrap 1 is designed to integrate into existing digital workflows, as the printer supports software such as PrusaSlicer—a popular tool familiar to makers and professionals alike.
Investment and Availability
As expected for a system capable of sintering cobalt-chrome and tool steel, the Scrap 1 carries a price tag that reflects its professional-grade capabilities. The price starts at $17,990, clearly positioning the Scrap 1 as a professional-grade system rather than a consumer hobbyist device. For businesses looking to streamline their supply chain, reduce reliance on external machine shops, or develop high-strength metal parts rapidly, the investment offers a clear return through speed and material flexibility.
For those interested in exploring the technical specifications or purchasing the system, you can find more details here: Scrap 1 Official Product Page.
With the launch of the Scrap 1, Scrap Labs demonstrates that metal additive manufacturing is no longer confined to factory floors. By combining the precision of laser sintering with the ease of use associated with desktop printers, the company is opening the door for more industries to adopt metal 3D printing for high-strength, mission-critical applications.