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Printing in metal

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SLM 3D printing technology

This is the most well-known technology for printing 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 to the previous layers of the model. In order for this process to be effective, the alloy must have a low carbon content.

 
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3D printing process through SLM technology

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
  • Single laser
  • Multi laser
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.

The process step by step

1
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 scratch, our designers will gladly prepare a quote for you.

2
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.

3
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.

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Applications 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.

Applications
Cast prototypes
Tooling
Lightened structural components
Tools
Heat exchangers
Mould inserts with conformal cooling

Printing machinery

Used in SLM technology
 
Selective Laser Melting (SLM) Renishaw AM500S Flex

The Renishaw AM500S Flex is made for industry 4.0 process methods with optical system control and system processes. Its 500 W laser enables exceptional precision for manufacturing components with > 99.9% density, maximum strength and ductility.

Workload

The construction volume is 250 x 250 x 350 mm

Flexibility

The versatility of its design and the possibility of generating new process parameters make this equipment ideal for working with many different materials.

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3D Printing with metal

We offer 3D printing with metal in the following materials. Take a look and decide which one best suits your needs.

3D printing with Steel
3D printing with Aluminium
3D printing with Copper
3D printing with Titanium
3D printing with Inconel

Our offer

3D scanning of parts

we use a 3D laser scanner to obtain three dimensional models of items wich we do not have the drawings.

Prototyping and short runs

High-quality production without tooling. Fully functioning parts.

Spares on demand

High-quality production without tooling. Fully functioning parts.

Mould Inserts

We design conformal cooling channels for plastic and aluminium injection inserts. With our inserts the cycle time is improved in addition to the quality of the injected item.

Process boosting

We analyse your industrial process and apply additive engineering to redesign tools