Direct Metal Laser Sintering(DMLS)

Overview: How DMLS 3D printing works?

The Basics Of DMLS 3D Printing

Direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) is an industrial 3D printing process that builds fully functional metal prototypes and production parts in 7 days or less. A range of metals produce final parts that can be used for end-use applications.

DMLS (Direct Metal Laser Sintering) is an additive manufacturing method. It creates parts additively by sintering fine metal powder particles, to fuse them together locally. Like in the SLS process, your metal part will be created layer by layer, according to your 3D model. A major difference is the sintering temperature. Polyamide needs to be sintered at a temperature of 160°C to 200°C, when metal melts at a temperature around between 1510°C and 1600°C meaning that a more high-wattage laser is needed to reach that temperature.

First of all a roller will apply a layer of metal powder, then the laser will sinter the powder according to the 3D file and the build platform will get down before applying a new layer of powder… The process will be repeated until the desired part is created. Once it’s finished, the metal part needs to cool down before being extracted. If the metal part needed supports, these supports will then be removed manually.

Benefits Of DMLS

  • DMLS printed parts are fully dense, incorporating complex geometries and precise internal features that cannot be made with traditional machining alone.
  • Designs can be made quickly with a minimum of material waste while maximizing strength.
  • Conformal cooling channels greatly improve performance and resistance to thermal stress, ideal for aerospace and automotive applications.
  • Multiple, identical parts can be built on a single platform at one time, greatly increasing production efficiency.

Benefits Of DMLS With 3M3D – Metrq

Thanks to our online DMLS service, you can have access to professional 3D printers for prototyping and production, distantly, and without needing to worry about operating the machines yourself. You’ll get your 3D printed metal parts, fully functional and ready to be used or integrated into a larger object, within a few days.

DMLS as other metal 3D printing technologies is appropriate for manufacturing small batches. In this case, it is better to contact directly our metal 3D printing team. We combine design, engineering and finishing skills in order to meet the requirements of your project. Your only concern will be to create the best design for what you want to do.

Available Materials