Selective Lazer Melting (SLM)
Selective Laser Melting or Metal Powder Bed Fusion is a 3D printing process which produces solid objects, using a thermal source to induce fusion between metal powder particles one layer at a time.
Most Powder Bed Fusion technologies employ mechanisms for adding powder as the object is being constructed, resulting in the final component being encased in the metal powder. The main variations in metal Powder Bed Fusion technologies come from the use of different energy sources; lasers or electron beams.
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Types of 3D Printing Technology: Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS); Selective Laser Melting (SLM); Electron Beam Melting (EBM).
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Materials: Metal Powder: Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Titanium.
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Dimensional Accuracy: ±0.1 mm.
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Common Applications: Functional metal parts (aerospace and automotive); Medical; Dental.
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Strengths: Strongest, functional parts; Complex geometries.
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Weaknesses: Small build sizes; Highest price point of all technologies.
Selective Lazer Melting (SLM)
Selective Laser Melting or Metal Powder Bed Fusion is a 3D printing process which produces solid objects, using a thermal source to induce fusion between metal powder particles one layer at a time.
Most Powder Bed Fusion technologies employ mechanisms for adding powder as the object is being constructed, resulting in the final component being encased in the metal powder. The main variations in metal Powder Bed Fusion technologies come from the use of different energy sources; lasers or electron beams.
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Types of 3D Printing Technology: Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS); Selective Laser Melting (SLM); Electron Beam Melting (EBM).
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Materials: Metal Powder: Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Titanium.
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Dimensional Accuracy: ±0.1 mm.
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Common Applications: Functional metal parts (aerospace and automotive); Medical; Dental.
-
Strengths: Strongest, functional parts; Complex geometries.
-
Weaknesses: Small build sizes; Highest price point of all technologies.
Selective Lazer Melting (SLM)
Selective Laser Melting or Metal Powder Bed Fusion is a 3D printing process which produces solid objects, using a thermal source to induce fusion between metal powder particles one layer at a time.
Most Powder Bed Fusion technologies employ mechanisms for adding powder as the object is being constructed, resulting in the final component being encased in the metal powder. The main variations in metal Powder Bed Fusion technologies come from the use of different energy sources; lasers or electron beams.
-
Types of 3D Printing Technology: Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS); Selective Laser Melting (SLM); Electron Beam Melting (EBM).
-
Materials: Metal Powder: Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Titanium.
-
Dimensional Accuracy: ±0.1 mm.
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Common Applications: Functional metal parts (aerospace and automotive); Medical; Dental.
-
Strengths: Strongest, functional parts; Complex geometries.
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Weaknesses: Small build sizes; Highest price point of all technologies.
Stereolithography, also known as Vat Polymerization is a 3D printing process where a photopolymer resin in a vat is selectively cured by a light source. The two most common forms of Vat Polymerization are SLA (Stereolithography) and DLP (Digital Light Processing).
The fundamental difference between these types of 3D printing technology is the light source they use to cure the resin. SLA printers use a point laser, in contrast to the voxel approach used by a DLP printer.
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Types of 3D Printing Technology: Stereolithography (SLA).
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Materials: Photopolymer resin (Standard, Castable, Transparent, High Temperature).
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Dimensional Accuracy: ±0.5% (lower limit ±0.15 mm).
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Common Applications: Injection mold-like polymer prototypes; Jewelry (investment casting); Dental applications; Hearing aids.
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Strengths: Smooth surface finish; Fine feature details.
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Weaknesses: Brittle, not suitable for mechanical parts.
Stereolithography (SLA)
