Selective Laser Melting (SLM)

50. · Principle: A high energy density laser beam is used to selectively melt layers of metal powder. First, a very thin layer of metal powder is spread on the printing platform, and then the laser beam is scanned in accordance with the previous designed cross-section shape of the part, causing the scanned metal powder to instantly melt and solidify together to form a layer of solid metal. Then the platform is lowered to a certain height, and then a new layer of metal powder is laid, and the above process is repeated, with layers stacked on top of each other, until the whole part is completed.
50. · Advantages: Can manufacture complex structure of the parts, high precision, can produce density close to 100% of the metal parts, good mechanical properties.
50. ·Disadvantages: High cost of equipment, relatively slow printing speed, strict requirements for powder.