DMLS (DIRECT METAL LASER SINTERING)
DMLS is a technology developed by the German EOS Technology ®, similar to laser sintering, with the difference of the material used (metal powders). Inside the printing volume the powder is spread, creating an extremely thin layer (20-80 microns). The powder is sintered using a high power laser, layer after layer. Each layer is placed on the bed by a “blade” which settles the powder, until the final realization of the model.
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SLM (SELECTIVE LASER MELTING)
SLM, conceived in Germany in the mid-90s, melts the metal powders into a solid and homogeneous mass thanks to a high power laser, according to the loaded 3d file. It can use the same materials of DMLS technology with layer from 20 to 80 micron but ensures a higher purity of the material.
EBM (ELECTRON BEAM MELTING)
With EBM metal powders are full melted and consolidated into a solid mass using an electron beam as the heat source. During the process the melting temperatures are always very high ( up to 1500°), very far from “cold” laser technologies (DMLS, SLM).
All these technologies can be used to create functional prototypes, objects resistant to high temperatures, bio-compatible items, finished products in small series. The result consists of objects made of metallic materials of different types, with excellent mechanical characteristics and good degree of finishing. The most commonly used metal alloys are Aluminum , Maraging Steel, Stainless Steel, Inconel, Cobalt-Chromium, Titanium, but also precious metals (Gold, Silver, Bronze). The parts can then be finished, sanded, welded, polished, etc.