Features of SELECTIVE LASER MELTING (SLM) 3D printing

Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is a cutting-edge 3D printing process that’s transforming both prototyping and full-scale production. It supports a wide variety of metal alloys, and the resulting parts offer mechanical properties comparable to those produced through conventional manufacturing methods.

SLM allows us to produce one-off or small-batch metal parts — like custom brackets, shift levers, or structural mounts — with strength and performance on par with or exceeding the original metal components. Together, these technologies give us unprecedented flexibility in recreating discontinued parts or engineering new solutions that improve upon vintage designs


Advantages

  • Large range of metals available.
    • Aluminum (AlSi10Mg)
    • Stainless steel 316L
    • Stainless Steel 17-4
    • Titanium TC4
    • Tool steel
  • Ability to realize complex shapes or internal features (which would be incredibly difficult or expensive to achieve via traditional manufacturing).
  • Reduced lead times, due to no need for tooling.
  • Part consolidation, allowing the production of multiple parts at the same time.
Drawbacks
  • Expensive, especially if parts aren’t optimized or designed for the process.
  • Specialized design and manufacturing skills and knowledge needed.
  • Limited currently to relatively small parts.
  • Rough surface finish.
  • Lots of post-processing required.

 

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