If you’re interested in metal additive manufacturing (AM), there are several questions worth asking once you start comparing machine specifications, features and the business practices of competing suppliers.
SLM Solutions, a provider of metal-based AM systems recently released a white paper answering some of the most important questions for manufacturers interested in metal AM. Here’s a preview.
What Is the Difference Between Metal AM Processes?
Most metal AM is based on powder bed fusion technology, which involves layers of metal powder that are incrementally fused together using a laser. The unmelted powder is then removed, leaving the 3D-printed part on the build plate.
Some common acronyms for this process include DMLS (direct metal laser sintering), SLM (selective laser melting) and DMLM (direct metal laser melting). According to SLM Solutions, all of these acronyms actually refer to the same process.
What Are the Safety Issues with Metal AM?
Since the powders used in powder bed fusion can be as fine as six microns, they present a breathing hazard for operators. Personal protection equipment (PPE) can help, but so can systems designed to minimize exposure to the metal powder.
Reactive metals, such as aluminum and titanium, also present the potential risks of fire or explosion. Although this is an easy concern to overlook, doing so could be disastrous.
What Are the Hidden Operating Costs of Metal AM?
The three factors that make the biggest difference to the operating costs of metal AM are:
- Raw materials
- Inert gas
- Annual license fees
There are ways to reduce these costs, such as finding alternate material suppliers, selecting the most efficient recirculation systems and knowing the fees associated with your operating parameters. Other items, such as electricity usage, should be more or less constant between metal AM machine suppliers, according to SLM Solutions.
For more information and the other four questions manufacturing professions must ask before buying a metal AM machine, visit the SLM Solutions website.