Unlocking Metal AM Research: Exploring Molten Metal Deposition with ValCUN

The field of metal additive manufacturing (AM) is rapidly evolving, yet fundamental questions remain at the forefront of research. Researchers are actively investigating how printing parameters influence the resulting microstructure and, ultimately, the mechanical performance of additively manufactured metal parts. A crucial aspect is also understanding and implementing effective process control within metal extrusion systems. Moreover, the need for accessible and adaptable metal AM platforms that facilitate genuine experimentation, rather than confining researchers to predetermined workflows, is paramount.

These key questions are the focal point of an upcoming webinar hosted by 3Dnatives, featuring experts from ValCUN, Johns Hopkins University, and Politecnico di Milano. Register now for “Metal Additive Manufacturing for Research: Exploring ValCUN’s Molten Metal Deposition Technology,” scheduled for April 9, 2026, at 3:00 PM CEST / 9:00 AM EDT. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into the future of metal AM research.

The webinar will delve into the current state of metal extrusion-based additive manufacturing, highlighting the significant technical hurdles faced by researchers. It will also showcase how ValCUN’s innovative powder- and laser-free Molten Metal Deposition (MMD) technology is fostering new collaborative research endeavors at the university level. ValCUN’s approach, centered around open materials, customizable parameters, and a compact system footprint, is enabling researchers to explore new possibilities in metal AM. Participants will also benefit from hearing firsthand from Politecnico di Milano about their ongoing research project in partnership with ValCUN, including detailed insights into their methodology, key findings, and future research directions. This will provide a practical understanding of how MMD technology is being applied in real-world research settings.

Molten Metal Deposition involves feeding metal wire into a heated chamber where it’s melted and then extruded through a precision nozzle. The resulting liquid metal seamlessly bonds to the preceding layer or substrate, meticulously building the desired part layer by layer. Once the printing process is complete, the part can be easily detached from the build platform. This streamlined process is a key advantage of MMD technology.

Why Attend This Metal AM Webinar?

This webinar provides a unique opportunity to learn from three leading experts in metal additive manufacturing research. Manuel Delgado from ValCUN, Jochen Mueller from Johns Hopkins University, and Riccardo Casati from Politecnico di Milano will share their perspectives, representing industry, engineering research, and materials science respectively. Attendees will gain insights into the current state of metal AM and the innovative approaches being developed to advance the field.

Key topics that will be covered in the webinar include:

Understanding MMD Technology: A comprehensive overview of ValCUN’s powder- and laser-free system, detailing its unique operating principles and highlighting its distinct advantages compared to conventional metal AM processes. This section will explore the technical specifications and practical benefits of MMD.
The Metal Extrusion AM Research Landscape: An insightful exploration of the current research landscape in metal extrusion AM, with a particular focus on the critical challenges associated with feedstock behavior, achieving high print fidelity, and ensuring dimensional accuracy in the final printed parts. The webinar will provide a detailed overview of the ongoing research efforts aimed at overcoming these challenges.
Process Control in Metal AM: A deep dive into the crucial role of printing parameters in influencing the microstructure of the printed material, mitigating distortion during the printing process, and ultimately determining the final mechanical performance of the manufactured part. This section will cover the intricate relationships between process parameters and material properties.
Collaborative Research in Action: A detailed examination of the ongoing research collaboration between Politecnico di Milano and ValCUN, providing attendees with valuable insights into the practical application of MMD technology in a research setting. This will include a discussion of the research methodologies employed, the key findings obtained, and the planned future directions of the project.
Open Research and Metal AM: A discussion of how ValCUN’s commitment to open materials, customizable parameters, and adaptable hardware facilitates valuable academic partnerships and accelerates the pace of innovation in metal AM research. The importance of open platforms for scientific discovery will be emphasized.

The webinar will conclude with an interactive live Q&A session, providing attendees with the invaluable opportunity to directly pose their questions to the expert speakers. This will allow for a deeper understanding of the topics discussed and facilitate a productive exchange of ideas.

Meet the Metal AM Experts

Manuel Delgado, Business Director, ValCUN

Manuel Delgado brings a decade of extensive experience in the field of additive manufacturing, encompassing both polymer and metal technologies. As the Business Director at ValCUN, he leverages his expertise in sales, commercial strategy, and business development to drive organizational growth, cultivate strategic partnerships, and achieve sustainable revenue generation across diverse regions. His insights into the commercial aspects of metal AM are particularly valuable.

Jochen Mueller, Assistant Professor, Johns Hopkins University

Jochen Mueller serves as an Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins University, within the Department of Civil and Systems Engineering. He also holds secondary appointments in the Departments of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering, highlighting his interdisciplinary approach to research. His research focuses on integrating extrusion-based additive manufacturing techniques for a wide range of materials, including polymers, ceramics, and metals, with functional materials and computational design. This enables the development of advanced architected, multifunctional structures and fabrication methods that surpass the limitations of conventional manufacturing processes. His work is pushing the boundaries of what is possible with metal AM.

Riccardo Casati, Full Professor, Politecnico di Milano

Riccardo Casati is a Full Professor at Politecnico di Milano, within the Department of Mechanical Engineering. His research is dedicated to the design and processing of structural and functional metallic alloys and composites, utilizing both conventional and advanced manufacturing methods, including powder metallurgy and additive manufacturing. His work integrates alloy design principles, precise microstructural control, and sophisticated thermodynamic modeling techniques to develop materials and heat treatments that can withstand extreme service conditions. He is a leading expert in the materials science aspects of metal AM.

Interested in learning more about the cutting edge of metal AM research? Register now for free HERE and join 3Dnatives on April 9, 2026, to discover how ValCUN’s Molten Metal Deposition technology is expanding the possibilities of metal additive manufacturing research. Will you be attending the webinar? Share your thoughts and let us know in a comment below or connect with us on our LinkedIn or Facebook pages! Plus, don’t forget to subscribe to our free weekly Newsletter to receive the latest 3D printing news directly in your inbox. You can also explore our extensive video library on our YouTube channel. Stay informed and connected with the world of additive manufacturing!