Direct metal laser sintering or DMLS is a 3D printing technology that utilizes a laser beam to melt and bind powdered metal. This is a popular form of the additive manufacturing process where final products are created in layers. Unlike other metal 3D printing technologies, DMLS allows more precise geometries with denser compositions.
The
pliability to produce complex shapes in DMLS 3D printing makes this process one of the most widely applied manufacturing
technology. Thereafter, this metal 3D printing technique is implemented in an
extensive range of industries.
Direct Metal Laser Sintering: An Overview
In the DMLS
process, a very thin layer of powdered metal is spread on the build platform of
the printer. A high-wattage laser beam is applied to melt and fuse the powdered
metal. Once a layer is completed, the process is repeated until the final
design is obtained as per the CAD model.
Metal
3D printing with DMLS enables superior surface finish and uniform density
contributing to the excellent strength of the achieved products. However,
custom finishing like media blasting, surface grinders, milling, and precision
machining are executed on demand.
This highly
advanced 3D printing technology is applicable to a wide range of metals like stainless
steel, aluminum, bronze, cobalt, titanium, and Inconel. DMLS printing service is extensively used in the manufacture of
parts and prototypes, molds, and small-batch production.
The Significant Advantages of Direct Metal Laser Sintering
- DMLS is a considerably preferred metal 3D printing process across multiple fields for the noteworthy benefits:
- Superior durability and consistency of the
products are one of the prime benefits of DMLS.
- There is no use of complicated tooling and
fixturing that makes it possible to accomplish mass customization.
- The weight of the final products is much less
since DMLS permits the assemblage of multiple components.
- The products have high-performance
functionality which is used in industries like aerospace, automobile, medical,
education, architecture, and entertainment.
- The freedom of design is another crucial
benefit of DMLS.