Selective laser melting

Selective laser melting (SLM)

Selective laser melting (SLM) is an additive manufacturing technology that uses a high powered ytterbium fiber laser to fuse fine metallic powders together to form functional 3-dimensional parts.

The process is digitally driven, direct from sliced 3D CAD data, in layer thicknesses ranging from 20 to 100 microns that form a 2D cross section. The process then builds the part by distributing an even layer of metallic powder using a recoater, then fusing each layer in turn under a tightly controlled inert atmosphere. Once complete, the part is removed from the powder bed and undergoes heat treatment and finishing depending on the application.

Typical applications for SLM technology:

• functional testing of production quality prototypes
• manufacturing of organic or highly complex geometries
• low volume manufacturing of complex metal parts in specialist materials

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SLM125		SLM250		Software		Additive applications

Medical applications

Early adopters of SLM in the medical orthopaedics and dental sectors saw benefits from the technology's ability to manufacture complex geometries and structures in high grade materials such as titanium and cobalt chrome dental alloys. From patient specific hip implants to series volume production of dental crowns and orthopaedic implants featuring hybrid structures, SLM has an established following in these sectors.

Industrial applications

From tooling inserts featuring conformal cooling channels through to lightweight structures for aerospace and high technology applications, SLM significantly reduces the constraints on designers. This design freedom results in optimised structures and shapes that would otherwise be constrained by conventional processes or the tooling requirements of large volume production. SLM helps to reduce lead times, reduce tooling costs and permits the creation of designs not previously possible.