Metal 3D Printing Capabilities
Scanning the metal powder bed with laser light, the powder will be melted and solidified into metal parts. The density of standard metal parts printed by SLM is over 99%, while the mechanical properties of SLM printed parts are as good as those manufactured by traditional processes. Moreover, parts with complex structures or parts that need to be lightweight designed can be easily manufactured with SLM.
Metal 3D Printing Material Options
Below is available materials for SLM 3D Printing.
SUS316L
Color
Metallic
Tolerance
200 μm or 0.2%
Properties
Finish: Pitted
Note: Good mechanical properties
Post Processing
Max. Printing Size (mm)
320*320*400
AISi10Mg
Color
Metallic
Tolerance
200 μm or 0.2%
Properties
Finish: Pitted
Note: Good mechanical properties
Post Processing
Max. Printing Size (mm)
320*320*400
Design Rules
Design Guidelines for SLM
Surface Finishing Options
Take a look at surface finishig options for metal parts.
Post-Processing Capabilities for Metal 3D-Printed Parts
We offer a variety of post-processing options to cater for different needs.
Part Unloading
When printing process is finished., the printed parts are surrounded by un-melted metal powders, which means it is necessary to separate the
printed pats from the un-melted powders and remove the condensates and bigger semi-melted particles. This process is called part
unloading that can be done either manually on the machine or through a vacuum powder conveyor module which prevents direct contact from
the powder.
бuueрмоdэg
The process of depowdering is to remove remaining trapped metal powder in the printed parts, which mechanical vibration can push the
powder out of the printed paris. in such pants, anv residual powder in the pants wll hinder its functions, Additionallv if the pant is heat treated
without depowdering, the powder will be solidified, resulting in blocking the channels
Heat Treatment (Annealing)
Heat treatment annealing is performed in a vacuum/ inert furnace. The heat treatment cycle is set according to the chemical composition oi
the material. Heat treatment reduces the internal thermal stress that occurs during printing and improves the mechanical properties of the
printed parts. lt is important to note that heat treatment is performed before separating the part from the build plate to avoid warping.
Part Cut-off
After finishing heat treatment process, it's time to cut off the printed pats from the build plate. There are mainly three ways to deal with the
cut-off process, which depends on the parts structures and supports.
1.Manual Chiselling
When the supports of printed parts are weak and minimal, chiselling out the supports can be applied
2.Bandsaw
Bandsaw cuting requires printing about 5mm of additional material to compensate for blade thickness, which means it wil increase the cost if
printing large volume materials. Also, bandsaw is not precision cuting. Therefore, he cut surface must be
Support Removal
By separating the printed parts from the build plate, it is easier to remove remaining supports on the parts.
1. Manual chiseling is the common way to remove supports. However, the surface finish of the suppor-removing area needs to be improved if
using manual chiselling.
2. For surfaces with underlying supports that require a 2D profile with a good surface finish, using Wire EDM to remove supports is
recommended.
3. For complex surfaces with supports beneath and requiring good surface finish, using CNC machining to remove supports is recommended
Machining
Printed parts may require machining such as thread for fastening, holes for mounting a shaft, or a fat surface for butting. Par-specific Jigs
and Fixtures are manufactured to clamp the part if needed.
Surface Finishing (Sand-Blasting)
Select the surface treatment technique by the desired type of finish and aesthetic appearance. Suface treatment technique includes vibro
tumbling, shot blasting, abrasive flow machining, plating, polishing and micro machining.
Inspection
The final stage of post-processing is inspection. There are three types of inspection applied.
1.CMM. Utlize CMlM to make sure the dimensions are meeting the GD&T of the 2D drawings, and CMM report can be released if needed.
2. Mechanical inspection. Testing through laser scanning to ensure that the mechanical properties such as tensile, shear, microstructure.
density and hardness is meeting the material datasheet.
3. Structural inspection. Using tests such as dve penetrant inspection, ultrasonic testing and CT scanning to ensure that the printed parts are
free from surface cracks or porosity.