Michael J. Foycik Jr., Esq.

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I enjoyed seeing the beta 3D printer make a metal object in a few minutes. More objects were printed over the next couple of hours.

The metal is uses is a commercially valuable metal material, I was informed. I picked up the fist-sized object once it cooled, very light for its size. The engineer put it on a CNC to both finish and dial in accuracy, and with rice polishing as a last step it had a pleasing appearance.

But, I am all about value, and can only guess at that. I think it will depend on the end uses. High-value end uses would make it more valuable. And, of course, it matters if the 3D metal printer has solved all of the expected associated problems, which I am listing below.

I'm told that the material flow rate has to be relatively high and must permit continuous use. That's needed to get to solving the other problems. The engineer informed he that the feed system is smooth and can run 24/7 without jamming, sticking, or backflow issues.

This allows printing of enough parts to be able to explore many aspects of metal printing with a direct wire feed, so that the problems can be addressed.

The challenges that I have heard about so far: (a) creating a metallurgical bond between extrusions, working with and/or around oxide formation; (b) directing fine control to get high resolution, (c) creating a smooth, flat, reversibly bonding print surface, allowing for quick prototyping, giving instant results for the end user; (d) creating metal objects in real time as small as a dime or as large as a cube of five inches square; (e) use of multiple alloys, to cover a wide range of material properties attractive to engineers; and (f) post-processing parts to create impressive final objects

I wonder if any readers can tell me of other problems which would be expected to occur. Solving problems in this art would, I imagine, rise to the level of patentability.

And, I wonder if any reader can address my own biggest question: what are the end uses? Are there high-value end uses? I suppose those end uses would likely also help with valuation of any resulting patents.

It is true that there could be a saving in material, as compared with traditional metal part production. Someone said it could be as much as a five times savings in the actual metal as compared with some other methods. But, in my view, that is not an actual end use.

If there is someone reading this, with an actual specific use, it may be possible to make an introduction and even produce a metal part desired by the reader. The engineer is very friendly, and informs me he likes to make friends, and that if anyone has an interesting use they may be invited to participate and perhaps try out the beta version for themselves. It would also help with beta testing, he says.

I understand that any especially skilled at metal and metal production, who wishes to help or participate in the testing, would also merit an introduction. Anyone interested, please feel free to contact me, see the contact information below.

The author is a patent attorney who helps clients with inventions, startups, and advice on crowdfunding sites, and currently also advises investors and investment companies in patent and trademark related matters including valuation. The author has over 28 years experience in advising companies in patents and trademarks. For further information, please email at ZMIKE.IP@gmail.com.