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SLM

Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is a process where the object is built up layer by layer. For this purpose, metal powder gets applied to the printing bed and then heated with laser beams from above that attach themselves as they make contact. Compared to other processes like SLS (Laser sintering), SLM produces more denser objects because it melts all of its material 100%.
Selective Laser Melting Object
minimum lead time
5 days

Minimum lead time

price range
Medium

Price range

Tolerance
± 0.2% with a lower limit of ± 0.1 (± 0.003”)

Tolerances

layer height
30-60μm

Layer Height

wall thickness
1mm

Wall Thickness

max part size
280 x 280 x 325 mm (11.02" x 11.02" x 12.79")

Max. Part Size

Pros

SLM creates high-performance, metal parts that are highly detailed and accurate. Their range of materials includes metals with unique properties such as high strength or specialty alloys. The SLM process can reduce the number of part numbers in your design by printing out a whole assembly at once; they have never printed anything not made up from multiple pieces before! They combine additive manufacturing's ability to create complex geometries with rapid prototyping techniques for efficiency: it takes only minutes to make changes instead hours spent on traditional machining processes like milling or turning

Cons

SLM is a high-energy process that relies on temperature gradients. This can result in parts being stressed and dislocated, leading to compromised structural integrity. SLM also requires the use of inert gas for its source materials which must have good flow characteristics but not be single-component metals or any specified material with poor flow qualities such as polymers, ceramics, glasses etc..

Applications

Complex geometries and structures with thin walls will be perfect for the selective laser melting process. These particular features are more difficult to produce using traditional methods, but when you use this technique they come out flawless! Low lot sizes make it even better because there is less need to spend time on mass production in order to cover all of your bases.

Did you know?

In 2018, the FDA has cleared the use of a 3D printed cervical device that can be used in injuries and defects from middle to top spine. The multilevel cervical cage was made by Emerging Implant Technologies GmbH (EIT) using their trademark Cellular Titanium® technology, which uses a SLM.

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