iDEN160

Building Functional Metal Parts

The printer facilitates the direct production of functional complex geometric parts such as snap-fit or loose joint hinges. It offers a wide range of material options, with metal powder being a commonly chosen medium, available in both single metal or alloy compositions. This capability is particularly advantageous for manufacturing single parts or small batches of functional components.

The versatility of the 3D printer makes it an ideal choice for various applications including industrial production, prototyping, research, and specialized fields like dental and medical industries, where precise and customized parts are essential.

Printing in SLM

SLM is a 3D printing technology that uses metallic powder to instantly print metal objects. During printing, a coating mechanism (the recoater) spreads a layer of metallic powder on the printing plate and a powerful laser beam selectively melts the powder of the current layer. After the fusion is complete, the printing platform is moved down one layer, and the process is repeated until the entire object is fused.

The whole process is carried out in a chamber, with a shielding gas, to prevent the metal from reacting with other gases at high temperatures.

The main advantage of SLM technology is that it offers many new options in the manufacture of metal parts, such as geometric freedom in design, weight reduction, flexibility in prototyping and speed in the production of metal objects in small quantities.