What is Direct Metal Printing?

Direct metal printing (DMP), also commonly known as direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), is an additive manufacturing technology that builds high quality complex metal parts from 3D CAD data. In the machine, a high precision laser is directed to metal powder particles to selectively build up thin horizontal metal layers one after the other. This cutting edge technology allows for the production of metal parts with challenging geometries, not possible using traditional subtractive or casting technologies. A variety of functional metals are available to print designs, from prototypes to production series of up to 20,000 units.

3D Systems Technology Principle

Improve Your Performance with Metal

Titanium Alloys
Stainless Steel Alloys
Maraging Steel Alloys
Cobalt Chromium Alloy
Aluminum Alloys
Nickel Super Alloy

Titanium Alloys

A combination of high strength, low weight and excellent biocompatibility define Titanium alloys. When metal 3d printing it is critical for final part quality as well as for the total cost of operation (TCO) that the highly reactive titanium powder is not exposed to oxygen. You need vacuum chamber architecture to keep oxygen exposure under 25ppm during the entire print build. This ensures consistent part properties and nearly 100% powder usage.

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Interbody Fusion Device for improved Osseo ingrowth manufactured in LaserForm Ti Gr5 (A) material.

Interbody Fusion Device for improved Osseo ingrowth manufactured in LaserForm Ti Gr5 (A) material.

Stainless Steel Alloys

Good for complex metal 3d printed parts with excellent strength, high ductility, wear and corrosion resistance. Stainless steel parts can be easily welded, CNC machined, spark eroded and polished - integrating conventional manufacturing processes with metal AM. Stainless steel parts produced with DMP/PBF/DMLS/SLM are typically used for machine components, food-safe applications, medical devices and surgical instruments. Steel alloys are often used for spare part production. Select alloys with thoroughly developed and tested print parameters.

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Lamella heat exchanger with incapsulated internal conformal channels for improved heat transfer coefficient.

Lamella heat exchanger with incapsulated internal conformal channels for improved heat transfer coefficient.

Maraging Steel Alloys

Use genuine tool steel (1.2709) for the direct production of tools, molds and high-performance parts that require high strength and hardness. Metal 3D printing enables direct inclusion of conformal cooling channels for improved head management in injection molding tools, enabling shorter cycle times and longer tool lifetime. Shows good weldability and machinability for post-processing and integration of additive with conventional technologies for a reduced total cost. Available with thoroughly developed and tested print parameters.

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Tire mold segment printed with LaserForm Maraging Steel (A) - reliably print narrow walls, difficult grooves and euro vents

Tire mold segment printed with LaserForm Maraging Steel (A) - reliably print narrow walls, difficult grooves and euro vents

Cobalt Chromium Alloy – For Industrial and Dental use

Used for highly corrosion-and wear resistant industrial parts that require high-temperature resistance. Can be used for reducing weight, improving fluid flow and consolidating parts for turbine and engine components, design and watchmaking products, parts with thin walls or fine features and mechanical components needing wear and corrosion resistance. Available with thoroughly developed and tested print parameters.  

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Fuel nozzle with dual substance technology and reduced pressure loss.

Fuel nozzle with dual substance technology and reduced pressure loss.

Aluminum Alloys

The potential for weight reduction through part design is a big benefit In metal 3D printing, Aluminum alloys are often used for light-weight, high strength applications in automotive, aerospace & machinery. Innovative applications such as mold design and specific heat exchanger applications make use of the high thermal conductivity of specific aluminum alloys. Available with thoroughly developed and tested print parameters.

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Light weight and topologically optimized bracket for mounting geo communication antenna reflectors.

Light weight and topologically optimized bracket for mounting geo communication antenna reflectors.

Nickel Super Alloy

Used for complex parts, often including improved fluid flow in high-temperature and high-strength applications. Metal 3d printing achieves material properties that exceed those of different casting processes. Ideal for gas turbine parts (IGT), exhaust systems, machinery and process industry parts. Available with thoroughly developed and tested print parameters.

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"Mini Turbine Rear Vane (TRV) produced in one single piece on DMP Factory 500 with LaserForm®Ni718 (A) material. "

Mini Turbine Rear Vane (TRV) produced in one single piece on DMP Factory 500 with LaserForm®Ni718 (A) material.

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Benefits of Printing With Metal

  • High Repeatability

    Count on a printer architecture and workflow that generates proven high repeatability, build job over build job, printer over printer.

  • Lowest Oxygen Exposure

    Oxygen content consistently below 25ppm results in repeatable, high part quality and low TCO through almost full material usage and low Argon consumption.

  • Robust Material Databases

    Count on parameters thoroughly developed and tested by our material specialists and considerably cut the time to get your production up and running. 

  • Build Flexibility

    Swap out print modules with ease to maximize printing versatility. Build small, complex precision parts to seamless large parts of up to 500 x 500 x 500 mm (20.7 x 20.7 x 20.7 in).

  • Laser Productivity

    DMP printers can use up to 3 high-powered lasers, which enables outstanding performance and productivity.

  • NoSupports

    NoSupports enables metal powder-bed printing without support structures which accelerates production and delivery. 

Explore Real-World Examples of Applications

NoSupports enables metal powder-bed printing without support structures.

Powered by 3DXpert software, NoSupports expands the design envelope, accelerates design cycles, and unlocks new applications.