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.
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.
– 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.
– 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.
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.
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.
The AM250 platform was the first developed by Renishaw and is still one of the most robust and reliable SLM systems on the market.
The construction volume is 250x250x300 mm.
The versatility of its design and the possibility to generate new processing parameters means that this equipment can work with a range of materials.
We also offer this service in the following materials: Take a look and decide the one best suited to your needs.