SLM 3D Printing Service

With Selective Laser Sintering technology, you can get 3d printed parts in metallic materials. Here at JawsTec, we offer a variety of options for SLM printed parts.

What is SLM 3D printing?

Selective Laser Sintering technology allows you to 3D print objects in metal materials. The process involves layering a powder that is infused with a metallic substance and then solidifying it in the desired shape. The shape is determined by the printer as it reads off the CAD file you designed and uploaded to our quote page.

SLM printing is a great way to acquire custom metal parts at an efficient price and in a convenient way. We guarantee your satisfaction with each order!

Learn more about SLA 3D Printing

SLM 3D printer capabilities

Maximum part size
Standard lead time
Tolerance
Layer height
Minimum feature size
400mm x 320mm x 320mm +/- 20 business days +/- 200 µm 50 µm – 200 µm 1 mm

SLM 3D printing materials

Compare all our options

 

Material
Default Color
Weaknesses
Strengths
Applications
SLM Aluminum AlSi10Mg Silver/Grey Cannot be dyed, longer lead time, higher cost Corrosion resistant, thermally conductive Medical, technical, consumer products
SLM Stainless Steel 17-4pH Silver/Grey Longer lead times, surface hardness may vary Chemical resistant, structurally supportive Shafts, engine parts, mechanical parts
SLM Stainless Steel 316L Silver/Grey Longer lead times, surface hardness may vary Can be welded if necessary Medical prototypes, aerospace designs

Post-processing for SLM

All SLM parts are attached to a base plate via the use of structural supports. These supports will be removed during post-processing. 

SLM parts may also require heat treatment to improve the mechanical properties of your parts. Other post processing options include quality inspections and other solutions to improve your parts. 

How SLM stacks up against other 3D printing technologies

 
Materials
Price
Strengths
Max. part size
Layer thickness
Min. feature size
SLM
Aluminum, 316L Stainless Steel, 17-4 Stainless Steel $$$$ Metal parts 400mm x 320mm x 320mm 50µm – 200µm 1 mm
SLA
Proto Plus, WaterTight, Smooth GP, Transparent Plus, Tough Plus, High Temp TS, Imagine Black $$ Smooth surface finish 1380mm x 680mm x 480mm 50µm – 200µm 1 mm
SLS
Nylon PA12, Nylon PA2200, Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) $$$ High precision
  • (XYZ SLS): 220mm x 220mm x 195mm
  • (EOS P770 SLS): 380mm x 700mm x 580mm
  • (EOS P396 SLS): 340mm x 340mm x 600mm
120 µm 1 mm
MJF
Nylon PA12, Nylon PA11, GLass Filled Nylon, Polypropylene, Full Color(CBPA12) $ Strong structures 380mm x 280mm x 380mm 80 μm 1 mm

Why should you choose SLM 3D printing?

What will SLM printing technology do for you?

SLM printing can help you acquire custom metal parts easily and painlessly. We will deliver them on time and to your exact standards.

This process can benefit your company by providing…

  • custom metal parts
  • a simple online ordering system
  • chemically resistant metal parts
  • corrosion resistant metal parts

We have high standards for SLM 3D printing

When you upload your files to our quote engine, you can expect top quality service. Our JawsTec Standards are professional-grade and guaranteed to meet your expectations. We promise to deliver your parts quickly and according to your specifications.

Read more about our RMA process, material certifications, and quality requirements here.

 

Advantages and drawbacks of SLM 3D printing

Advantages

  • Highly customizable
  • Lightweight structural parts
  • Corrosion and chemically resistant

Drawbacks

  • Longer production times
  • More costly than 3D printing
  • Cannot be dyed or colored 

Designing files for SLM printing

When designing files for SLM printing, it is important to keep some design guidelines in mind.

  • Keep your wall thicknesses over 1 mm
  • Hole diameters should be at least 1 mm
  • Make text clear and easy to print
  • Unsupported features should be at least 1 mm in width
  • Pins should be at least 1 mm in diameter
  • Rounded corners work best

More resources for SLM 3D printing

Visit the links on the right to learn more about 3D printing with metal material! Or you can visit our blog to explore other helpful articles and information.

Want to learn more about 3d printing?

Our Other 3D printing processes

SLA

Want to try a whole new printing process? Take a look at SLA technology.

  • Superior strength and durability
  • Smooth raw surface

Explore our SLA services

SLS

Looking for another option to print nylon parts? Check out the SLS process

  • Dimensional accuracy
  • Chemical resistance

Explore our SLS services

MJF

Looking for a cheaper 3D printing option? MJF is the way to go.

  • Faster lead times
  • Color options

Explore our MJF services