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SLM 3D printing technology

This is the most well-known technology for the printing of metal items, its name comes from Selective Laser Melting (SLM) and it is a powder bed printing technique. The SLM technology casts the metallic powder, layer by layer, in an inert atmosphere chamber. During the printing process, a laser completely melts the alloy metal powder deposited on the surface and bonds it with to the previous layers of the model. In order for this process to be effective, the alloy must have a low carbon content.

3D production process through additive manufacturing

Just like with other 3D printing technologies, it starts with the creation of a print Gcode with the process parameters. In SLM technology, the most important things are: layer thickness, speed, journey distance, and laser or inert gas flow exposure time.

Technical specifications of SLM technology

Types

Monoláser
Multilaser

Features

Printed item density > 99 % 01.
Tolerance: 0.2 mm 02.
Print volume: 250x250x300 mm 03.
70-micron laser beam 04.

Benefits

Unlike electron beam melting, Selective Laser Melting permits fresh powder to be removed without melting any of the part’s internal channels, and without them being blocked by the powder.
It can be hybridized with 3D metallic printing, with a tooling plug to reduce costs.
Open machine parameters to develop more materials.

What does the powder bed melting process include?

The SLM printer deposits a fine layer of metallic powder over a metal base which will be selectively melted by a laser in accordance with the print code previously prepared by the software. The process is then repeated, melting layers over other layers to build the part and its support. Finally, the part is left surrounded by the metallic powder that has not been processed and which should be screened to be reused on the next print.

Step by step process

3D File

– Send us your 3D file ready to print.
– If you do not have the file, send us the item and we will create the CAD file.
– If you need a design from zero, our designers will gladly prepare a quote for you.

3D Printing

– We will create the process file adapted to the technology and materials that will be used to produce your item.
– We prepare and condition the printer to guarantee optimum quality.

Cleaning and post processing

This step is key when meeting your requirements, and it is one that we are highly specialised in.
The removal of the printing support structures, heat treatments, and surface finishes (blasting, polishing, tooling) are some of the most common post processes.

Uses of SLM technology

3D metal printing with SLM has the potential to be used in technical sectors that demand high performing parts, such as the aerospace, automobile, biomedicine, and tooling sectors.

Uses

Mould inserts with conformal cooling

Cast prototypes

Tooling

Lightened structural components

Tools

Heat exchangers