Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is a 3D printing technology that uses a high-powered laser to selectively melt and fuse metal powders into a solid 3D object. SLM is a type of powder bed fusion technology that involves spreading a thin layer of metal powder over a build platform and selectively melting the powder with a laser according to the 3D design of the part. The process is repeated layer by layer until the final part is complete. SLM is a popular choice for creating high-strength, complex metal parts with intricate geometries that would be difficult or impossible to produce using traditional manufacturing methods.

Metal 3D printed manifolds, SUS 316L and Aluminum Alloy AlSi₁₀Mg.

3DSPRO wants every innovator to make informed decisions. We are trying to make all information as transparent as possible. Here are some technical data of our production capability for your reference.

SLM allows for the creation of high-strength, complex metal parts with intricate geometries that would be difficult or impossible to produce using traditional manufacturing methods. SLM can be used with a variety of metal powders, including titanium, stainless steel, and cobalt-chrome, allowing for a wide range of material options, which makes SLM a popular choice for applications in the aerospace, medical, automotive, and industrial manufacturing industries. Additionally, SLM is a relatively fast process compared to other 3D printing technologies for metal parts, and it can reduce waste material and costs by using only the amount of powder needed to build the part.

Furthermore, SLM is a highly precise and accurate process that can produce parts with tight tolerances, which allows for the creation of parts with excellent mechanical properties and dimensional accuracy, which is important in many applications. Additionally, SLM can produce parts with features such as internal channels and undercuts that would be difficult or impossible to create using traditional manufacturing methods.

Detail of a complex tube printed with SLM using Stainless Steel 316L.

Here at 3DSPRO, our highly professional team is ready to offer a full solution for SLM, including all kinds of post processing such as annealing and sand blasting. You can enjoy the benefits brought by parts printed with SLM technology without worrying the operational risks and challenges of having a SLM printer at your own cost.

However, SLM printers and materials are often expensive, making it a costly option for some applications. SLM requires a high level of expertise to operate, as the process involves managing complex parameters such as laser power, scan speed, and spot size. A skilled operator is required to ensure that the process parameters are optimized for the material being used and that the final part meets the desired specifications.

Additionally, SLM may produce parts with residual stresses and distortion in the final part, which can affect its mechanical properties and dimensional accuracy. It can be mitigated by carefully selecting process parameters and performing post-processing operations such as stress relieving or machining. SLM may also produce parts with a rough surface finish that requires additional post-processing to achieve the desired surface quality.

Here at 3DSPRO, our highly professional team is ready to offer a full solution for SLM, including all kinds of post-processing, such as annealing and sandblasting. You can enjoy the benefits brought by parts printed with SLM technology without worrying about the operational risks and challenges of having an SLM printer at your own cost.

SLM is widely used in various industries for the production of complex and high-strength metal parts. One of the most common applications of SLM is in the aerospace industry, where it is used to produce components such as turbine blades, heat exchangers, and structural parts that require high strength, precise geometries, and resistance to extreme temperatures.

In the medical industry, SLM is used to produce customized implants and prostheses tailored to each patient's unique anatomy. It includes components such as hip and knee replacements, dental implants, and spinal implants, which require a high level of precision and biocompatibility.

SLM is also used in the automotive industry, where it is used to produce lightweight and high-strength parts such as engine components, transmission parts, and suspension components. It allows for the creation of parts that are both strong and lightweight, which is important for improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.

3D-printed metal manifold.

Additionally, SLM is used in industrial manufacturing to produce tooling and fixtures, which require a high level of precision and durability. This includes components such as molds, jigs, and fixtures used in various manufacturing processes. One specific example is making metal parts with conformal cooling channels, which allows the temperature of a part to go down much more quickly.

Overall, SLM's versatility and precision make it a valuable tool for a wide range of applications across various industries, particularly those that require complex geometries and high-strength materials.