This affordable upgrade kit turns 3D printers into metal cutters without harmful chemicals

Nowadays, although there are affordable 3D printers that offer impressive versatility, printed plastic parts may not always provide sufficient strength for certain applications. Currently seeking backers on Kickstarter, Liquid Blade 3D is an add-on kit designed to transform conventional 3D printers into metalworking machines. Prices start at approximately $404, with shipping scheduled to begin in May 2026. As with any crowdfunding campaign, potential backers should be aware of significant financial risks, and this project appears to carry an elevated level of risk.

According to its creator, the system can be retrofitted onto a typical 3D printer, such as the Creality Ender 3 S1 (available here on Amazon), within just ten minutes. The printhead is more or less the only part that needs replacing. The kit features a tube pump that pushes a jet of saltwater onto a metal surface while an electrical current is applied simultaneously to etch the material, eliminating the need for harmful chemicals. This approach is intended to improve safety, especially in a non-controlled environment. The company says that Liquid Blade 3D is compatible with various conductive materials, including copper, zinc and iron. The device reportedly works at speeds of 20 mm/min, which means larger or more complex models may take a while to complete. Whilst the creator claims a precision of 0.3 mm, only independent testing can confirm how cleanly the system can produce cut edges.