Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
be made up of a honeycomb interior sandwiched between solid walls. This reduces weight
and print time, as well as material usage and therefore cost. Traditionally the surface finish
on FDM components hasn't been as good when compared to other 3D printing methods,
although this has changed and continues to do so as layer thicknesses decrease.
Direct Laser Metal Sintering (DLMS)
DLMS, sometimes known as Selective Laser Melting (SLM), differs from many other
3D Printing technologies in that it is routinely used to produce production parts in metal.
DLMS works by using a high powered laser to fuse metal powder together, building up 3D
parts in layers. It enables the manufacture of geometrically complicated metallic parts other
conventional manufacturing processes simply cannot replicate. Another advantage is good
dimensional accuracy. A range of alloy metals are available. Examples include aluminium,
stainless and other steels, cobalt chromium, bronze alloy, nickel and titanium. Others are
constantly coming on-stream. DLMS is an ideal production process for complicated relat-
ively small low volume parts. It also lends itself to the repair or modification of worn or
damaged components, where new material is deposited to build up a replacement for the
old. Because complicated internal and external features can be produced, DLMS allows the
design engineer to amalgamate a number of parts into one highly functional component,
therefore reducing manufacturing process time and costs. A related technology is
Electron
Beam Melting (EBM)
where an electron beam melts metallic powder in layers, in a va-
cuum. Titanium alloys are the commonest, often used in the dental, medical and aerospace
industries.
