Additive manufacturing or 3D printing doesn’t only use plastics to build prototypes and end-use parts. Technologies like direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) 3D printing can create highly complex metal components, which may be almost impossible to build using other methods. It can be a practical solution for your metal vowin.cn' target='_blank'>rapid prototyping requirements.

If you’re considering it for your next project, you may want to learn more about it. Here’s an overview of DMLS with a few tips to get it done right.

DMLS 3D printing in a nutshell

Direct metal laser sintering uses laser powder bed fusion technology to build metal parts accurately. It’s capable of manufacturing parts with complex geometries, too. It relies on a precise high-wattage laser to weld the powdered metals and alloys to create metal components based on a CAD model. The process makes denser and sturdy parts than cast metal components. This way, metal rapid prototyping may decrease your time to market with its quick turnaround times.

Materials

DMLS 3D printing uses powdered metals, such as stainless steel, aluminum, and titanium. Some manufacturers may provide other metals like copper and tool steel, too. Raw parts produced may require expert finishing.

Applications

DMLS 3D printing is widely used in the automotive, medical, and aerospace industries to create complex gas and oil components, part-consolidated aerospace parts, functional prototypes, and custom medical guides. It can streamline the creation of prototype metal parts with accuracy and precision.

Quality control standards

Manufacturers use different tools and processes to inspect the metal rapid prototyping process and results, to meet customer specifications. They have international certification standards, such as AS9100 and ISO 9001, to ensure that stringent systems are in place to guarantee consistent and high-quality prototypes.

Learn more about DMLS 3D printing