SLM 3D printing technology

3D printing process through SLM 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.

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%
Tolerance: 0.2mm
Print volume: 250x250x300mm
70-micron laser beam

Technical advantages of SLM technology

Unlike electron beam melting, laser melting (SLM) allows fresh, unmelted powder to be removed from the internal channels of the part without these being blocked by the powder.

Possibility of hybridising metal 3D printing on a machined block to reduce costs.

Open machine parameters to enable the development of 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.

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3D printing process through SLM technology

Step 1: 3D file

Send us your 3D file ready for printing. If you do not have the file, send us the piece and we will generate the CAD file.

If you need a design from scratch, our designers will be happy to make proposals.

Step 2: 3D printing

We generate the process file adapted to the technology and material to be used in the manufacture of your part.

We prepare and condition the printer to ensure optimal quality.

Step 3: Cleaning and post-processing

This step is key to meeting your requirements and one in which we are highly specialised.

The removal of printing supports, heat treatments and surface finishing (blasting, polishing, machining) are the most common post-processing steps.

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.

Cast prototypes

Lightened structural components

Tooling

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 250x250x350mm

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