How it works?

The technology has only just begun its journey towards mass adoption in the industry. Therefore, some specialists view it with skepticism and sometimes believe that the parts printed cannot be used in critical projects.
This is not the case. The strength characteristics of the products printed on our SLM machines surpass the characteristics of cast and machined parts, and are comparable to forgings. This is confirmed by dozens of studies and tests conducted by both our partners and ourselves

Step 1. 3D Model

A 3D model is created using software products designed for solid or polygonal modeling, such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Blender, 3D Max, Fusion 360, COMPAS, and others. The finalized model is then exported in the required format

Step 2. Slicer

A slicer is software designed to translate a 3D model into specific instructions for the printer. With the slicer developed by our company, the model is sliced into layers equal to a single laser pass. The files have a proprietary extension *.LAM

Step 3. Material Selection

Metal Powder Compositions (MPC), are the raw materials used for SLM 3D printers. It's these MPC particles that are melted by the laser to form the final product. Most commonly, materials like titanium, cobalt-chromium, tungsten, stainless steel, heat-resistant alloys, aluminum, and scandium-containing alloys are used for printing

Step 4. Preparing the SLM printer for printing

The process of printing an item starts with loading the SLM machine with feedstock - metal powder compositions (MPC). After that, an inert gas is introduced into the printing chamber, completely displacing the oxygen. This is necessary to prevent processes of powder oxidation, combustion, and smoke formation

Step 5. 3D Printing

A thin layer of metal powder is applied to the build area using a recoater. Through the use of mirror systems, laser beams are directed onto the powder layer, selectively fusing it within the specified boundaries.

This process forms one layer of the object. Subsequently, the platform is lowered by a layer thickness of 20-25 micrometers, and a new layer of powder is applied. This cycle is repeated until the printing process is completed

Step 6. Post-processing

Post-processing includes relieving residual stresses through thermal treatment, followed by the removal of support structures.

Subsequently, a final finishing process is conducted to achieve the desired surface roughness level