3D metal printing with a laser, also known as additive metal manufacturing or laser metal printing, is a process in which metal parts are created by layering, using a laser. This technology offers significant advantages over traditional manufacturing methods in many industries.
Technologies
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS): In the SLS process, a laser sinters (partially melts) a layer of metal powder to build up the part in layers. During the process, the powder does not completely melt, but only fuses together, thus creating a solid structure.
Selective Laser Melting (SLM): In SLM technology, the laser completely melts the metal powder, creating a solid metal part. This technology results in higher density and stronger components.
Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS): Similar to SLS, but specifically optimized for metals. DMLS also partially melts the metal powder, and the end result is a dense and strong metal part.
Directed Energy Deposition (DED): This technology uses a laser beam and metal powder or wire fed directly to the laser’s focal point, where it melts and builds the part layer by layer. DED also enables the production of larger parts and the repair of existing parts.
Advantages
3D metal printing makes it possible to create complex geometric shapes that would be difficult or impossible to produce with traditional methods. Thus, it gives you the opportunity to quickly and cost-effectively manufacture unique, customized parts. This contributes to faster prototyping and production, since no tools and molds are needed. Furthermore, the material is only used where it is needed, which results in minimal material wastage.
Areas of Application
It can be used in the medical field for the production of customized implants, prostheses and other medical devices. In the aerospace industry, it is also suitable for the production of light or strong shaped parts that can withstand high temperatures. In the automotive industry, they can be used in everything from complex engine parts through cooling systems to the production of critical components. This technology is also used in the energy industry, mainly for the production of turbines, heat exchangers and other energy devices.
Popular 3D Metal Printing Laser Machines and Software Machines
The SLM machine produced by EOS that produces high quality metal parts.
SLM Solutions 500HL is a high performance SLM machine that works with multiple lasers for faster production.
GE Additive Arcam EBM is an electron beam melting machine that is particularly suitable for the production of large and complex parts.
Among the software, one of the most popular is Materialize Magics, which is a 3D modeling software that supports design, simulation and production preparation. Autodesk Netfabb provides a powerful set of tools for 3D printing preparation, optimization and production. Siemens NX is an integrated CAD/CAM/CAE software that supports the entire manufacturing process from design to production.