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Selective Laser Melting (SLM)

From Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) to Stereolithography (SLA), you may be wondering what’s so special about one more technical acronym that sounds suspiciously similar to its forerunners; however, 3D printing via Selective Laser Melting (SLM) does fall into a unique niche, centered around a major difference in materials: metal powder.
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Who uses SLM 3D printing processes and why?

Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is a subcategory of Powder Bed Fusion–and more specifically, Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF). A specialized 3D printing technique that has been around since the mid-90s, SLM technology relies on a powerful laser to melt fine metallic powder particles for creating extremely precise parts. While SLM 3D printing processes have some basic elements in common with Selective Laser Sintering, it is used for more specialized components.

Designers and engineers usually seek out SLM 3D printing for some of the greatest opportunities in innovation, whether in creating a complicated prototype for testing or manufacturing of a high-performance end use part. Shapeways recommends SLM 3D printing technology to customers seeking low-batch production of complex metal parts with detailed designs.

The Benefits of SLM

SLM technology provides the edge in 3D printing spectacular metal parts, offering:

  • The potential for maximum customization and the addition of unprecedented complexities built into product design.
  • The true ability–and often, this is the purpose of SLM–to create new parts that could never have been possible through conventional methods like subtractive manufacturing.

Selective Laser Melting Technology Materials & Applications

Most Shapeways customers decide on SLM 3D printing because they need strong parts made fast, and with vast opportunity for specialized flexibility in engineering. At Shapeways, customers have access to one of the most impressive materials for production of parts via Aluminum. This lightweight material offers myriad benefits in manufacturing due to qualities like excellent strength, stiffness, accuracy, and high thermal conductivity.

Aluminum

Most Shapeways customers decide on SLM 3D printing because they need strong parts made fast, and with vast opportunity for specialized flexibility in engineering. At Shapeways, customers have access to one of the most impressive materials for production of parts via Aluminum. This lightweight material offers myriad benefits in manufacturing due to qualities like excellent strength, stiffness, accuracy, and high thermal conductivity.

SLM 3D printing with Aluminum is extremely valuable for applications like:

  • Automotive parts, whether for prototypes or functional parts
  • Mechanical parts
  • Drone and bicycle components
  • Tools and fixtures
  • Structural components

 

Explore the design guidelines for Aluminum

Delegating 3D Printing to Shapeways Saves Time & Capital

With technologies like SLM printing, the initial investment for an SLM 3D printer could be exorbitantly expensive. And while such an expenditure might be advised if there is already an outlet for development, production, and sales of a large volume of customized parts, in most cases it makes more sense to take advantage of the resources—and expertise—that Shapeways already has to offer. 

The ordering and production process is simple, beginning with the uploading of one or more 3D designs, receipt of instant quotes, printability analysis, and then manufacturing of parts—whether designated on an average, priority, or rush basis.

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