Boston Startup's Multi-Metal 3D Printer Targets Casting Industry

This article was compiled by the editorial desk based on public statements from NVBOTS and its CEO, AJ Perez, and does not include independent verification of the company's claims.

BOSTON — A local startup claims a breakthrough in metal 3D printing that could challenge the centuries-old practice of metal casting. NVBOTS, based in Boston, has developed a process that can print parts using up to 21 different metals in a single build, a capability the company says is unmatched in the industry.

The technology, called NVLABS, uses electricity to melt metal wire, a method CEO AJ Perez likens to high-precision welding. Unlike conventional 3D printing, which often struggles with heat control due to metal's conductivity, NVBOTS says its proprietary system regulates the heat for each individual 3D pixel, giving operators unprecedented control over the final part's quality.

“At our core, NVBOTS is driven to turn ideas into realities, challenge the status quo and deliver on the impossible,” Perez said in a statement. He added that the technology is not only disrupting 3D printing but also addressing challenges in the metal castings sector, which serves medical, automotive, and aerospace industries.

The process is still in development and currently limited to small parts. However, Perez says that for small, high-value components made of stainless steel or titanium, the method is already cheaper and more versatile than casting, a common industrial technique that involves pouring molten metal into molds.

If scaled up, the technology could replace casting in several industries, including auto manufacturing, aerospace, luxury goods, and oil and gas. The potential cost savings are significant: additive manufacturing eliminates the need for expensive tooling required to produce new parts through conventional methods.

Why Multi-Metal Matters

The ability to print with multiple metals simultaneously opens the door to parts with unique properties that “you wouldn't be able to manufacture any other way,” Perez said. Possible applications include structural components for vehicles and aircraft, as well as parts for engines and electrical devices.

The company plans to launch a program later this year that will allow industrial partners to collaborate on research and development, refining the process and expanding the range of materials available.

Industry observers note that while the technology shows promise, it faces significant hurdles, including scaling up to larger part sizes and proving reliability in demanding industrial environments. Still, the potential to disrupt a market as established as metal casting has drawn attention to NVBOTS' work.

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As the additive manufacturing sector grows, innovations like this could reshape how metal parts are made, offering manufacturers a more flexible and cost-effective alternative to traditional methods. For now, NVBOTS is focused on perfecting its process and building partnerships that could bring it to market.