Selective Laser Melting is an additive manufacturing technique that melts and fuses metallic powders via a high power-density laser.
THE TECHNOLOGY
Selective Laser Melting is an additive manufacturing technique that melts and fuses metallic powders via a high power-density laser. Laser beams are then directed and focused through a computer-generated pattern. SLM Solutions are the inventors of the laser powder bed fusion process, the first to offer multi-laser systems and all selective laser melting machines to offer patented quality, safety and productivity features for 3D printed metal parts.
Quality Assurance of the Selective Laser Melting Process
Comprehensive monitoring and quality assurance enable a high degree of process documentation and verification. Chamber temperature, oxygen, gas flow and other variables are constantly monitored and logged.
- Layer Control System (LCS) – The LCS continuously checks the accuracy of each layer by monitoring the powder bed and detecting possible coating irregularities.
- Melt Pool Monitoring (MPM) – MPM is an available on-axis tool for visualising the melt pool in the SLM ® process.
- Laser Power Monitoring (LPM) – LPM is an available on-axis monitoring system that continuously measures and documents targeted and actual emitted laser output throughout the production process.
THE RESULT
Parts produced by selective laser melting can achieve near full density, as the powders are fully melted and fused together during the process. This results in increased productivity without compromising on build quality.
THE MATERIALS
Metal powders made up of Nickel-based alloys, Titanium-based alloys, Copper, Cobalt and Iron-based alloys and other metals.
