Lead time
From 5 business days (express options where available)
3Dプリント
選択的レーザー溶融 (SLM)
Fully dense metal parts built layer by layer from fine metal powder.
Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is a powder-bed metal additive process. A high-power laser scans each cross-section of your CAD model, melting metal powder that solidifies into a dense part. SLM is suited to lightweight structures, internal channels, and consolidated assemblies that are costly or impossible to machine from solid stock.
複雑機能部品向け SLM 金属 3Dプリント — 形状適合、材料、造形サイズ、後処理、見積に必要な情報から、金属3Dプリントの適否を判断できます。
What is SLM printing?
Selective Laser Melting builds a metal part from powder. A recoater spreads a thin layer; a laser melts the slice; the plate drops and the cycle repeats. The solid that comes off the plate is near-full density, which is why SLM is used for brackets, cooling inserts, and parts that would waste a lot of billet on a mill.
Supports, heat treat, and optional CNC on datums are part of the route, not extras you discover later. AIHFABS quotes SLM when the geometry — channels, lattices, or a consolidated assembly — is the reason to print instead of machine from stock.
SLM capabilities
Envelope and as-built tolerance are planning values. Threads and bearing seats are usually finished on a mill.
Typical tolerance
±0.3 mm or ±0.3% (whichever is greater), tighter after machining
Max build envelope
420 × 420 × 450 mm (larger projects — contact us)
Surface finish
As-built grainy metallic; polishing, coating, or CNC finishing available
Supports
Required for overhangs; removed in post-processing
SLM materials
Aluminum, titanium, and stainless powders are the everyday set. Tool steel and nickel alloys are reviewed per job.
Aluminum Alloy AlSi10Mg
For lightweight housings, brackets, and complex prototype geometries.
Aluminum Alloy 6061
For aluminum prototypes with machined faces and assembly interfaces.
Stainless Steel 316L
For fluid-handling parts, enclosures, and corrosion-focused projects.
Stainless Steel 17-4PH
For structural brackets and fixtures; specify the heat-treatment condition.
Stainless Steel 18Ni300
For tooling inserts, conformal cooling channels, and production fixtures.
Inconel 718
For heat-exposed hardware; confirm the required material condition.
Titanium Alloy Ti₆Al₄V
For weight-sensitive brackets and compact structural components.
SLM surface finishes
As-built metal is grainy. Plan a secondary operation on any face that seals, bears, or faces a customer.
As built
Grainy metallic skin from the powder bed. Fine for hidden structures and many brackets after support removal.
Heat treat + depowder
Stress relief or HIP-class heat treat as specified, then powder removed from channels and lattices.
CNC or polish
Mill or turn datums, threads, and sealing faces; polish or coat show surfaces.
How SLM compares on AIHFABS
SLM is the metal powder-bed option. Nylon jobs belong on SLS or MJF; resin detail belongs on SLA, DLP, or LCD.
| プロセス | 納期 | 公差 | 料金 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 選択的レーザー溶融 (SLM)Metal | From 5 business days (express options where available) | ±0.3 mm or ±0.3% (whichever is greater), tighter after machining | Instant quote · typical metal part from $90 |
| 光造形 (SLA)Resin | Quoted with your CAD upload | Instant quote · typical resin part from $18 | |
| デジタルライトプロセッシング (DLP)Resin | From 48 hours | ±0.2 mm on supported geometry | Instant quote · typical resin batch from $20 |
| 液晶ディスプレイ光造形 (LCD)Resin | From 48 hours | ±0.2 mm on supported geometry | Instant quote · typical resin part from $16 |
| 選択的レーザー焼結 (SLS)Plastic powder | From 48 hours express; 72 hours / 5 days standard tiers | ±0.3 mm or ±0.3% | Instant quote · typical nylon part from $28 |
| マルチジェットフュージョン (MJF)Plastic powder | From 48 hours express; standard 72 hours / 5 days | ±0.3 mm or ±0.3% | Instant quote · typical PA12 part from $25 |
| 熱溶解積層法 (FDM)Thermoplastic filament | From 24–48 hours depending on size | ±0.5 mm or ±0.5% on FDM-appropriate geometry | Instant quote · typical prototype from $12 |
How we run SLM jobs
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1
Step 1
Your 3D model is oriented, supported where needed, and sliced into thin layers.
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2
Step 2
A recoater spreads a uniform layer of metal powder across the build plate.
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3
Step 3
The laser melts the powder along the slice contour; the plate lowers and the cycle repeats.
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4
Step 4
After printing, parts are depowdered, supports removed, and finished with heat treat or machining as required.
Orientation, supports, and escape paths are checked before the build. Blind cavities without a powder exit are redesigned or rejected.
After the build, parts are depowdered, heat-treated as specified, then support-removed. Inspection follows the faces you marked for machining.
Advantages and Trade-offs
Advantages
- Near-full density suitable for structural and end-use metal components
- Freedom to consolidate assemblies and embed lightweight lattice or internal cooling paths
- Broad metal portfolio including aluminum, titanium, and stainless alloys
- Consistent repeatability for serial production after process qualification
Trade-offs
- As-built roughness is higher than a milled face; plan finishing on fits.
- Supports and heat treat add time versus a simple 3-axis plate.
- Long, thin walls can warp; ribbing or a different orientation may be required.
Design guidelines for SLM
Design for powder, heat, and a finishing mill — not only for the laser path.
| Feature | Recommended practice |
|---|---|
| Overhangs | Self-supporting above about 45°. Steeper faces need supports, fillets, or a lattice blend. |
| Channels | Give powder an exit on every blind cavity and narrow duct. |
| Fits & threads | Call out secondary machining on critical diameters and threads. |
| Walls | Avoid paper-thin unsupported skins; they warp in the furnace and on the plate. |
Other 3D printing processes
光造形 (SLA)
Stereolithography (SLA) cures liquid photopolymer with a precision UV laser, building parts layer by layer.
プロセス詳細を見る
デジタルライトプロセッシング (DLP)
Digital Light Processing (DLP) solidifies an entire layer of photopolymer at once using a projected image.
プロセス詳細を見る
液晶ディスプレイ光造形 (LCD)
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) printing — also called MSLA — cures a full layer of photopolymer at once.
プロセス詳細を見るSLM FAQ
When is SLM a strong fit for a metal part?
When internal channels, lattices, or a single printed assembly beat a stack of milled pieces — prototypes, spares, and small functional batches.
Which metals can you print?
Aluminum AlSi10Mg and 6061, titanium Ti6Al4V, stainless 316L and 17-4 PH. Tool steel and nickel alloys are reviewed by project.
What build size and tolerance should I plan around?
Listed envelope is 420 × 420 × 450 mm. Typical as-built tolerance is ±0.3 mm or ±0.3%, whichever is greater. Tighter fits are machined.
What does an SLM surface look like?
A grainy metallic skin. We polish, coat, or CNC faces that need a smoother or more accurate interface.
What should I upload for an SLM quote?
STEP or STL, alloy, quantity, critical dimensions, environment, finish, and ship-to. Instant quote first, then a build-route review.
Related guides
Metal 3D Printing: From SLM Technology to High-Strength Parts
In the world of advanced manufacturing, Metal 3D Printing is revolutionizing how we build everything from aerospace components to medical implants. But the journey from a digital f
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SLM vs CNC for Low-Volume Complex Metal Parts: A Geometry, Cost, and Risk Framework
For low-volume metal parts, choosing SLM vs CNC is a system decision. SLM excels in complex geometry like internal channels and part consolidation. CNC suits simpler shapes and fin
プロセス詳細を見る
Aerospace Automotive Medical And Robotics Use Contexts For Slm Metal Parts
SLM parts are used in aerospace, auto, medical, and robotics. Industry names signal context, not certification. SLM fits complex, light parts. Final use needs process control and v
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SLM Supplier Qualification for Functional Metal Parts: An Evidence-Based Procurement Checklist
Evaluate SLM suppliers with an evidence-based checklist covering material traceability, process capability, post-processing, inspection, and procurement decisions for functional me
プロセス詳細を見る
SLM Supplier Qualification for Functional Metal Parts: An Evidence-Based Procurement Checklist
Qualifying SLM suppliers for functional metal parts requires an evidence-based approach. This guide outlines three critical Evidence Gates to ensure reliability. First, verify Mate
プロセス詳細を見る
SLA vs Other Manufacturing Processes: How to Choose
Compare SLA with DLP, LCD, FDM, SLS, MJF, SLM, and CNC machining. Shortlist processes by material, geometry, finish, cost, and your part's intended use.
プロセス詳細を見るSelective Laser Melting (SLM) — engineering review before production
Use these process-specific checks when preparing your model, drawing and quote request. The confirmed quotation and approved drawing define the requirements for your part.
When metal additive manufacturing earns its place
Use SLM where geometry adds functional value: internal flow paths, load-directed lightweight structures, lattices or the consolidation of several assembled parts. Straightforward stock shapes and easily accessible features may be better machined. Compare the complete route, including supports, cleaning, thermal processing and final machining, rather than the print operation alone.
Validate brackets, passages and consolidated assemblies
For a lightweight bracket, identify the load path and preserve the mounting interfaces. For an internal passage, define powder-removal access, inspection access and any leak-test requirement together. For a consolidated assembly, identify the joints being eliminated and retain the interfaces that require machining. Validate fit and function on a first article before repeat production.
Support and powder evacuation
Metal supports anchor the build and help manage heat. They must be accessible for removal. Internal passages also need an effective powder-evacuation route. Identify overhangs, closed cavities and internal surfaces that cannot be reached after printing.
Heat treatment and machining allowance
Residual stress and removal from the build plate can affect dimensions. Discuss heat treatment, support removal sequence and secondary machining before the build. Leave agreed machining stock on bearing seats, threads, sealing faces and datum features where required.
Acceptance checklist
Confirm alloy, thermal condition, machined surfaces, surface texture and inspection requirements. Density, leak testing, material documentation or other special checks must be requested and agreed for the specific order.
同様の3DプリントまたはCNC部品が必要ですか？
AIHFABSはCADアップロードからカスタム3DプリントとCNCの見積を出します。SLA、SLS、MJF、SLM、FDM、DLP、フライス、旋削を比較し、同じ注文でベイパースムージング、染色、陽極酸化、研磨、粉体塗装を追加できます。
インスタント見積
インスタント見積は試作、治具、ハウジング、小ロット向けです。材料、プロセス、数量、納期が揃って表示されます。
複数プロセス
材料、プロセス、数量、納期が揃って表示され、仕様変更が新たな問い合わせにならないようにします。
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ファイルアップロード
STL、STEPなど一般的なCADをアップロードしてオンライン見積。
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方案比較
同じ部品で3Dプリント技術とCNCを比較。
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材料と仕上げ
ポリマーまたは金属を選び、必要なら3D Plusハードウェア仕上げを追加。
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注文確認
決済前に価格と納期を確認。特殊仕様は手動見積。
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