DMLS
##DMLS (Direct Metal Laser Sintering)
DMLS or direct metal laser sintering is a process which makes it possible to create products to a high degree of precision and possessing excellent mechanical properties by sintering metal in powdered form.
Direct Metal Laser Sintering: technology
The process of direct laser metal sintering involves the creation of an object layer by layer using metal which has been treated by a laser. The average thickness of each layer is 20 microns. The powdered material is distributed by a sliding metal arm on to the printing platform. The 3D file directs the laser on to the powdered substance at specific points which melts the metal powder fusing the particles transforming the material into solid form. The printing platform is then lowered by a distance which equals the thickness of a layer. The sliding metal arm then dispenses more powder on the platform which is heated by the laser with the entire process being repeated until every layer has been completed.
DMLS: technical characteristics
| Property | Direct Metal Laser Sintering |
| Abbreviation | DMLS |
| Type of Material | Poudre de métal |
| Materials used | Ferrous metals such as Steel alloys, Stainless steel, Tool steel; Non-ferrous metals such as Aluminum, Bronze, Cobalt-chrome, Titanium; Ceramics |
| Maximum object size (in cm) | 25 x 25 x 22 |
| Minimum characteristic size (po) | 0.005 |
| Maximum resolution | 0.00254 |
| Tolerance (in cm) | ±0.0254 |
| Finish | Moyen |
| Printing speed | Rapide |
| applications | Form/fit testing, Functional testing, Rapid tooling, High heat applications, Medical implants, Aerospace parts |
DMLS: advantages
- Excellent resolution/precision of produced objects
- The ability to produce an object using an existing one
- The ability to stop and restart the 3D printing process
- The ability to switch between two printing processes
DMLS: applications
- For creating functional prototypes
- The ability of produced objects to withstand high temperatures
- The production of objects at low quantities eliminating tooling costs
- Creating medical instruments, surgical implants, and objects for use in the aerospace and automobile industries