SLM FAQ

Process

• How does metal 3D printing work?+

  Metal 3D printing utilizes high temperatures generated by lasers or electron beams to sinter, melt, or weld metal powder or wire, building up the part sequentially until it is complete.

  
  

  Common Metal 3D Printing Methods >>

• What is the most common metal 3D printing method?+

  The most common metal 3D printing method is Powder Bed Fusion (PBF). This category includes techniques such as Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), Selective Laser Melting (SLM), and Electron Beam Melting (EBM).

  These methods involve spreading a fine layer of metal powder over a build platform and then selectively melting it with a laser or electron beam to build parts layer by layer. PBF is known for producing parts with high density and mechanical properties, making it ideal for demanding applications in the aerospace, automotive, and medical industries.

• What is SLM 3D printing?+

  Selective Laser Melting (SLM) 3D printing is a powder bed fusion technology that uses a focused laser beam to selectively melt and fuse metallic powder material layer-by-layer to build metal parts.

  
  

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• What are the parameters of SLM printing?+

  The critical parameters of SLM 3D printing—laser power, scan speed, layer thickness, hatch spacing, spot size, exposure time, and inert gas flow—determine the quality and characteristics of printed parts and are finely tuned to optimize the process for different materials and desired outcomes.

  
  

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Materials

• What materials are used in SLM 3D printing?+

  SLM 3D printing utilizes a variety of metal powders as raw materials, such as aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, tool steel, etc.

  
  

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• Is 3D printed metal stronger than cast?+

  The strength of 3D printed metal compared to cast metal can vary depending on the materials and processes used. In some cases, 3D printed parts have been found to be just as strong, if not stronger, than their cast counterparts.

  For instance, testing has shown that a 3D printed titanium lattice structure was 50% stronger than cast magnesium alloy WE54, which is the strongest alloy of similar density used in aerospace applications.

  However, it’s important to note that 3D printed metals can sometimes have different microstructures compared to cast metals, which can affect their mechanical properties. The porosity and the layer-by-layer construction of 3D printed metals can influence their strength in various ways.

• Can I 3D print gold?+

  Yes, you can 3D print gold, but not in the way you might print other materials. The process involves a combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology.

  
  

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Capabilities

• How much does metal 3D printing cost?+

  The cost of metal 3D printing can vary widely, typically ranging from $15 to $800 per piece. This variation is influenced by several factors >>

• What are the disadvantages of SLM printing?+

  SLM systems and their operation are expensive due to the advanced technology and equipment involved. Achieving the desired surface finishes requires significant post-processing, which can be time-consuming and costly.

   

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• What are the advantages of SLM printing?+

  SLM can process a wide range of metals, create complex geometries without tooling, produce multiple parts simultaneously, reduce waste, and produce high-performance parts for demanding applications.

  
  

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• How accurate is SLM 3D printing?+

  SLM 3D printing is known for its high level of accuracy and precision. The dimensional accuracy of parts produced by SLM can typically reach ± 0.1 mm, which is quite precise for metal additive manufacturing. Additionally, the layer height in SLM can be as fine as 30-60μm, allowing for detailed and intricate designs.

  However, the exact accuracy can depend on several factors, including the machine’s calibration, the complexity of the part, and the material used. It’s also important to consider the tolerances specific to the SLM process, such as potential shrinkage and the minimum feature size that can be achieved.

• Why does SLM need supports?+

  In SLM 3D printing, supports are essential for stabilizing overhangs and complex geometries, dissipating heat, securing parts, and preventing collapse, but they increase material usage and require post-processing.

  
  

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• How much does a metal 3D printer cost?+

  The cost of a metal 3D printer can vary significantly based on its features, capabilities, and the scale of production it's designed for. Generally, prices can range from $5,000 to over $1 million.

  
  

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Comparison

• What are the advantages of SLM over EBM?+

  SLM and Electron Beam Melting (EBM) are both metal 3D printing technologies, but SLM has several advantages over EBM:

  
  

  ● Better Accuracy and Resolution: SLM typically offers finer detail and better surface finish due to its higher resolution and accuracy.

  ● Wider Range of Materials: SLM can process a broader variety of metals, including specialized and high-strength alloys.

  ● Speed with Multiple Lasers: While EBM can print faster with a single beam, SLM machines equipped with multiple high-powered lasers can match or exceed EBM’s speed.

  ● No Need for Vacuum: Unlike EBM, which requires a vacuum environment to prevent oxidation, SLM operates in an inert gas-filled chamber, simplifying the setup.

• What are the main differences between 3D printed metal parts and CNC machined metal parts?+

  The main differences between 3D-printed and CNC-machined metal parts lie in their additive versus subtractive manufacturing processes.

  
  

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