Metal 3D Printing

Complex Functional 3D Printed Metal Parts Made Simple

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Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)

Functional, End-Use Manufacturing

Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) is an additive manufacturing method that provides the freedom to manufacture complex functional assemblies directly in metal.  Parts are created by selectively sintering metal powder layer-by-layer using a high powered laser with little to no need for machining. This allows for the production of complex parts not possible by traditional manufacturing methods.

Metal parts produced by DMLS are ideal for producing highly precise, complex metal parts with lattice structures and hollow cavities. This additive manufacturing technology allows designers the freedom to create lightweight, highly functional parts for a variety of end-use applications.

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100k+ 

Parts 3D Printed

± 0.3

MM Part Tolerances

4

Materials

8-12 Day

Average Lead Time

Materials | Direct Metal Laser Sintering

Forgelabs DMLS Metal 3d Printing 4Stainless Steel 316L

Corrosion-Resistant Steel Alloy 

316L Stainless Steel is produced using a powder bed tehnology known as direct metal laser sintering. 316L stainless steel is a widely used high-strength, high-hardness metal with excellent corrosion resistance ideal for automotive, industrial & aerospace applications.

Tensile Strength

 640 MPa

Tensile Elongation

 40 %

Tensile Modulus

 185 GPa

Hardness

 89 HRB

Relative Density

 100 %

  Download Material Data Sheet

Advantages of Metal 3D Printing

  • End-Use Parts

    Strong, ultra-dense prints make metal printing perfect for end-use parts.

  • Complex Geometry

    Easily produce geometries too complex to make using traditional manufacturing techniques.

  • Fast Turnaround

    Since 3D printed metal doesn’t require tooling, part turnaround times are reduced from months to days.

  • Simplify Assemblies

    Print complex assemblies in a single run.

Design Guidelines | Direct Metal Laser Sintering

  • Minimum Wall Thickness

.8 mm

  • Minimum Detail Size

0.7 mm

  • Tolerances

±0.3% (with a lower limit of ±0.3 mm)

  • Minimum Hole Size

1.5 mm

  • Minimum Drain Hole Size

3.5 mm in diameter

  • Minimum Text Size

2 mm

  • Layer Height

50 μm - 100 μm

  • Maximum Build Size

250 x 250 x 325 mm 

Note that the DMLS process may cause surfaces to experience overgrowth of roughly .1mm, while diameters can experience overgrowth of roughly .5 mm.

See Full Design Guidelines