Selective Laser Melting (SLM) Service
Selective Laser Melting (SLM) 3D printing utilizes high-powered laser beams to fuse metal powder with exceptional precision, building complex components layer by layer. Leverage this advanced technology to efficiently manufacture intricate metal prototypes and functional end-use parts with ease.
SLM 3D Printed Parts Manufacturer
From prototyping through small-batch production, our global network of certified SLM 3D printing facilities enables you to produce highly accurate components with quality and strength comparable to injection molding. Our expertise in additive manufacturing, combined with high-end functional testing prototypes, 24/7 service availability, competitive pricing, and on-time delivery to over 150 countries, helps transform your concepts into reality. We accelerate time-to-market for innovative products while reducing production costs and saving valuable R&D time. Simply upload your CAD files, receive an instant Selective Laser Melting 3D printing quote, and begin production in less than 5 minutes.
Obtain an Instant Quote Online
Upload your 3D CAD model to our proprietary digital manufacturing platform and receive an immediate quote. Whether you’re working with aluminum, stainless steel, tool steel, or titanium—we’re happy to provide expert guidance on the benefits of 3D printing metal components.
A selection of metal materials are available for SLM 3D printing.
- Tool Steel H13
- PtRh20
- Invar 36
- Gold
- Copper
- SLM 1.2709
- many more
- Ti6Al4V
- IN 718
- Scalmalloy RP
- AMZ4
- Heraeus Ptlr50
- AlSi10MG
- Stainless Steel 316L
Design guidelines for SLM
|
Minimum Build Size |
5mm*5mm*5mm |
|
Maximum Build Size |
250mm*250mm*292mm |
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Recommended wall thickness |
1.5mm |
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Minimum Embossed & Engraved Details |
1.0 mm deep & 1.0 mm wide |
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Minimum Clearance (between parts that will be assembled together) |
0.2mm |
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Minimum Clearance (between two moving or connecting parts) |
1.0mm |
|
Threads Design |
Thread pitch – 1.0mm |
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Minimum Escape Hole Diameter |
2.5mm |
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Minimum Holes design |
1.5mm |
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Minimum column design |
1.5mm |
What Is SLM 3D Printing?
SLM is an advanced 3D printing technology for producing metal components. The process typically uses single-component metal powders, including austenitic stainless steel, nickel-based alloys, titanium-based alloys, cobalt-chromium alloys, and precious metals. A laser beam rapidly melts the metal powder, creating a continuous melt pool that enables the formation of near-fully dense parts with virtually any geometry, complete metallurgical bonding, and high precision. SLM technology is now widely applied across aerospace, microelectronics, medical, jewelry, and other industries. Common challenges in the SLM process include spheroidization effects and warpage deformation.
How Selective Laser Melting 3D Printing Works
SLM operates on a cyclical process repeated until production is complete. The printing machine first spreads an even layer of powdered metal onto the build platform. A high-powered laser then fuses the powder into the desired shape according to the cross-sectional data. Once a layer is finished, the build platform lowers by one layer thickness, and a fresh layer of powder is applied and fused again. This cycle repeats until all parts are fully formed. The extremely small diameter of the laser beam enables the production of complex geometries with high precision.
During printing, support structures are required to hold parts in place and conduct heat away from the component. These supports are printed integrally with the parts, connecting them to the build platform.
Excess powder from the production run can be reused after sieving. Additional post-processing steps may include annealing the printed parts, removing support structures, and improving surface quality through glass-bead blasting. Polishing, electropolishing, and machining are also common post-processing procedures.
Why Choose SLM Technology?
Precision lasers melt individual thin layers of metal alloy powder to produce heat-resistant components in a single step, capturing fine details regardless of geometric complexity.
On-demand, consolidated parts are manufactured with reduced cycle times, making the process ideal for prototyping and low-volume production.
A range of material options accommodates diverse industry requirements and design specifications, all while minimizing assembly time.
SLM technology enables part consolidation, reducing assembly requirements and lowering overall component weight.
Main advantages of SLM
SLM-formed metal parts achieve exceptionally high density, typically exceeding 90%.
Mechanical properties such as tensile strength surpass those of cast components, often reaching forging-level performance. Vickers hardness can also exceed that of forged parts.
Complete melting during the printing process ensures high dimensional accuracy.
Compared to traditional subtractive manufacturing, SLM significantly reduces material waste.
Applications
- Prototypes, pilot series, and small-batch production
- Individual components and obsolete parts
- Lightweight structures and bionic lightweight design
- Medical technology and dental applications
- Aerospace components
- Toolmaking, machine tool manufacturing, and plant engineering
- Automotive and racing industries
- Oil and gas sector
- Energy industry