Material research and development is driving the speed of integration of 3D printers into manufacturing environments. Metal materials for 3D printing can come in different forms including powder, filament, rods and pellets. Within a metal 3D printer, a heat source can be applied to the material(s) to create 3D metal printed parts. Some common metal powders used for 3D printed include SS 316-L, TiAl alloys, and inconel.