Direct metal laser sintering, or DMLS, is an additive manufacturing process where metal parts and prototypes are created layer by layer from a 3D design. It enables the production of stronger and lighter metal parts.
DMLS 3D printing
is a highly precise production procedure that does not call for additional
tooling or exhaustive toiling. Being fully automated, you have less scope for
errors with faster production.
Here is a guide
to help you understand DMLS printing service and its comprehensive
implementation across diverse industries. You will learn why it is considered
the next industrial revolution!
How Does DMLS Work?
Unlike the subtractive manufacturing process, where products are obtained by removing material, DMLS works by depositing material in layers. Hence the name, additive manufacturing process. So, what happens in DMLS?
i. A fine layer of powdered metal is
deposited on the build platform of the printer.
ii. A high-power laser beam selectively
melts the metal according to the CAD file model. It then fuses and cools down.
iii. The build platform lowers, and the
process repeats.
iv. Lastly, in the DMLS 3D printing
process, the printed part is removed from the printer and sent for
post-processing.
v. Post-processing typically involves removing excess powder or applying the desired material finish.
Thus, it is a
simple production process offering superior-grade finished products. The best
part is you can easily modify the design whenever necessary.
Fundamental
Benefits of DMLS
The advantages of DMLS metal 3D printing are enormous, which necessitates it to become one of the
most preferred manufacturing processes. Check them out:
● Rapid
Prototyping- DMLS enables rapid prototyping, where you can instantly
create a physical part from a 3D design. It means your ideas can come into
reality within moments!
●
Design
Flexibility- You can create the most complicated and smallest part as
effortlessly as printing on paper! From intricate features to geometrical
complexities, everything is possible through DMLS.
● Part
Assembly- Parts consolidation is easily possible in DMLS. Assembling
multiple parts to form a complex structure is achievable through the DMLS 3D
printing service.
●
Weight
Reduction- It is an incredible advantage of DMLS that the weight of
the finished parts is reduced irrespective of their superior mechanical
properties.
●
No
Tooling- The process does not require additional tooling, saving
cost and lead time.
Thus, the unique
working principle of DMLS has numerous benefits over conventional production
processes.
