SLM Metal 3D Printing
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SLM (Selective Laser Melting) is in an additive manufacturing method specially developed for 3D Printing metal alloys. It creates parts additively by fusing metal powder particles together in a full melting process.
Unlike DMLS, SLM fully melts the powder, and therefore it needs to reach a higher temperature than this other metal 3D printing technique. The build chamber is filled with an inert gas (either argon or nitrogen at oxygen levels below 500 parts per million) in order to create the perfect conditions for melting.
The full melting process allows the metal to form a homogeneous block with good resistance. It fits perfectly for pure metals like titanium or aluminum. Because we need the higher temperature to fully melt the material, the cooling time will be longer than for DMLS.
Selective Laser Melting process uses supports in order to reinforce small angles and hangovers of the parts but also to stick the design to the job tray. The support will be removed manually after cooling. Various finishing techniques such as milling, thermal treatment or touring are commonly used after the print in order to achieve the functionnal requirements of the part.
The SLM process is highly beneficial for those who need to produce their metal parts for prototyping or production quickly. It also allows to create complicated and highly detailed designs that wouldn’t be possible with any other technology, due to the limitations of the traditional manufacturing processes.
This metal 3D printing technology allows you creating thin-walled objects and intricate geometries to get lightweight designs.
Selective Laser Metal gives you access to materials with great mechanical properties, to create parts handling loads and stress.
Using this technology to get your 3D printed metal part is perfect is particularly adapted if you need to produce small batches.
Sculpteo provides you the best online 3D Printing Services for your metal parts. Thanks to our expertise in SLM technology, you can choose between several options, instantly receive a quote, and let us handle the manufacturing in our ISO 9001 certified factory.
Start using SLM today by uploading a 3D file.
Aluminum and metal alloys used in SLM can resist to high gas pressure and heat which leads also to many applications in the mechanical engineering and chemical engineering fields. Weight savings, higher performance, cost reduction or better handling are common goals achieved thanks to SLM technology.
The aerospace and aerospatial industries are among its first beneficiaries. SLM parts are used for tooling, fixtures, motor parts such as rotors and impellers, cooling channels, etc. Automative, research, dental and medical engineering are also frequent users of SLM technology.
By granting access to new ways of manufacturing with metal, SLM fosters innovation in those fields, as it might do in your field of application!
On our online 3D printing service, you can order one material produced with our SLM 3D printer. Discover it right now!