8485.10.01.00 - By metal deposit

This HTS subcategory, HTS 8485.10.01.00, specifically covers machines for additive manufacturing that utilize metal deposit techniques. These machines operate by building three-dimensional objects layer by layer through the precise deposition and fusion of metallic materials. This includes processes such as selective laser melting, electron beam melting, and directed energy deposition where the primary building material is metal. The classification hinges on the additive manufacturing process directly involving metallic powders or wire as the input material.

Distinguishing this category from its siblings is crucial for accurate classification. HTS 8485.20.00.00 covers machines that build objects using plastics or rubber as the deposition material, while HTS 8485.30.00.00 is for machines employing plaster, cement, ceramics, or glass. Therefore, if the additive manufacturing process uses any of these alternative non-metallic materials, it would not fall under this specific metal deposit category. HTS 8485.80.00.00 is a residual category for other types of additive manufacturing machines not otherwise specified.

As this subcategory is a leaf node, there are no further subdivisions. The key criterion for classification within HTS 8485.10.01.00 is the exclusive or primary use of metal as the deposited material in the additive manufacturing process, irrespective of the specific fusion or binding technology employed. Examples include industrial 3D printers designed for producing metal parts for aerospace, automotive, or medical applications.