3D Metal printer information
SLM 125HL 3D metal printer
Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is a form of additive manufacturing that uses powder bed 3D printing technology. It is ideal for rapid prototyping of complex geometry parts. The principle around this type of manufacturing is that a high power laser melts layers of metal powder to one another, building parts layer by layer. These layers of powder are very thin – (30-50µm or 0.03-0.05mm) therefor build times vary significantly - depending greatly on overall build volume, material type and size of the part. Parts can be welded, machined & polished afterwards to increase surface finish, tolerance, detail and appearance.
Running costs of this machine are quite high as it can be quite a labour-intensive machine for set up/running, as well as the cost of consumables. There are limitations with this type of manufacturing such as overhangs, heat treatment, surface finish and the incorporation of solid supports.
View the manufacturer's website.
Example work pieces
Specifications
- Single 200 Watt, IPG Fibre Laser
- Build area 125mm L x 125mm W x 125mm H
Please note: maximum build height is subtracted by the thickness of the sub straight plate – Eg: Sub straight plate thickness 20mm – maximum build height of part is now 105mm. Parts must also be able to fit between bolt holes. Please see technician if more information relating to sizes.
Materials
Please check with technician for materials that are in stock and which material is currently in the machine.
Purchasing new powder (if required) can be a lengthy and expensive process as powder comes from Germany via sea freight.
Only one powder can be used at any one time – the process of changing over powders involves extensive cleaning to the machine and all components.
Materials commonly used in this machine: 316L stainless steel, titanium64, Inconel and H13 tool steel.
File preparation
It is advisable that you call in for a face to face meeting with technicians, bringing along CAD parts as they have been drawn/exported – eg. (.prt), (.ipt), (.igs), (.stp), (.x_t), (.sldprt), etc.
Often parts require various alterations before printing, so it is very important that you see technicians early on.
For printing, a high refinement (.stl) file is required. Please see technician for assistance with this.