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DMLM – Direct Metal Laser Melting

Fathom Digital Manufacturing can build high-quality 3D printed metal parts for your next project. Metal parts can be built form the ground up using Direct Metal Laser Melting (DMLM), the latest technology for 3D printing and additive manufacturing. Fathom produces 3D metal parts for applications ranging from prototypes to production. DMLM technology is ideal for a variety of applications including prototypes, low volume production, and the creation injection molding tooling with integrated conformal cooling channels. DMLM is also known as Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) 

DMLM printing allows designers to create metal part with incredibly complex geometries using Computer Aided Design (CAD) files. Parts built using DMLM have excellent mechanical properties equivalent to wrought materials. DMLM parts can be made in high detail resolution and will have exceptional surface quality. The metal powder is melted entirely to create a fine, fully dense, and homogenous structure. DMLM parts can be designed with cavities and undercuts, which would be difficult or impossible with conventional machining methods. This unique freedom of design opens the doors to creating parts that would not be feasible or fiscally prudent to manufacture with traditional methods.

What are the Advantages of DMLM?

DMLM additive manufacturing can be used to create metal parts faster and for much less than traditional machining methods. The process is nearly automatic and changes can be made easily by modifying the CAD file. The lead-time for receiving a traditionally tooled part can create a bottleneck in the final production process, especially when the part needs to be tested and re-designed over and over. DMLM produces parts that are extremely high quality and can be built in a matter of hours or days rather than weeks. The ability to generate functional metal prototypes in short order radically impacts design processes, accelerating design cycles, and reducing time to market.

The turnaround time for DMLM printing can be as little as a few hours depending on size and design complexity. These parts are highly functional and can immediately undergo real-world testing. This technology delivers unlimited potential for engineers to create previously impossible solutions, embracing a new era of design-driven manufacturing.

Fathom utilizes both EOS and SLM Direct Metal Laser Melting machines.

DMLM Materials & Specifications

 

MATERIAL ALLOY DESIGNATION LAYERS HARDNESS ADVANTAGES APPLICATIONS
Stainless Steel (PHI) 15-5 PH, DIN 1.4540 & UNS S15500 20 or 40 Micron Layers 30-35 HRC Built, Post Hardened to 40 HRC High Hardness & Strength Prototype / Production Parts
Stainless Steel (GPI) 17-4, European 1.4542, German X5CrNiCuNb16-4 20 or 40 Micron Layers 230 ± 20 HV1 Built, Ground & Polished to 250-400 HV1 High Toughness & Ductility Engineering Applications
Cobalt Chrome (MPI) ISO 5832-4 & ASTM F75 20, 40 or 50 Micron Layers 35-45 HRC Built High Temperature Resistance Turbines & Engine Parts
Maraging Steel (MSI) 18% Ni Maraging 300, European 1.2709, German X3NiCoMoTi 18-9-5 20 or 40 Micron Layers 33-37 HRC Built, Post Hardened to 50-56 HRC Easily Machinable & Excellent Polishability Injection Molding Tooling, Conformal Cooling
Aluminum AlSi10Mg Typical Casting Alloy 30 Micron Layers Approx 119 ± 5 HBW Low Weight, Good Thermal Properties Automotive, Racing
NickelAlloy IN718 UNS N07718, AMS 5662, AMS 5664, W.Nr 2.4668, DIN NiCr19Fe19NbMo3 40 Micron Layers 30 HRC Built, Post Hardened 47 HRC Heat & Corrosion Resistant Turbines, Rockets, Aerospace
Stainless Steel (316L) ASTM F138 20 Micron Layers 85 HRB Corrosion & Pitting Resistant Surgical Tools, Food & Chemical Plants
Titanium Ti-64 * ASTM F2924 30 or 60 Micron Layers 320 ± 15 HV5 Light-Weight, High Strength, Corrosion Resistant Aerospace, Motorsport Racing
Titanium Ti-64 ELI * ASTM F136 Properties 30 or 60 Micron Layers 320 ± 15 HV5 Corrosion Resistance, Biocompatibility Medical, Biomedical, Implants

* Please contact expert@fathommfg.com for more information.

Talk to a Fathom expert to quote your next project. Get fast turnaround on metal parts with excellent mechanical properties, high resolution, and exceptional surface quality. 

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