Selective Laser Melting (SLM)

How it works

1. Your 3D model is oriented, supported where needed, and sliced into thin layers.
2. A recoater spreads a uniform layer of metal powder across the build plate.
3. The laser melts the powder along the slice contour; the plate lowers and the cycle repeats.
4. After printing, parts are depowdered, supports removed, and finished with heat treat or machining as required.

Key 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

Typical applications

• Aerospace brackets, ducting, and weight-optimized structural hardware
• Automotive tooling inserts, jigs, and low-volume performance parts
• Medical instruments and patient-specific surgical guides (material dependent)
• Robotics end-effectors, heat sinks, and industrial automation fixtures

Materials

Specifications

Design tips

• Avoid unsupported overhangs below ~45° without fillets or lattice transitions.
• Plan access for depowdering on blind cavities and narrow channels.
• Specify critical fits and threads as secondary machining operations when needed.