Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) is one of the nickel-titanium-based materials that can be used under additive manufacturing techniques to manufacture parts with a great geometrical accuracy. This process involves the use of high-energy lasers to fuse metal powder to create fine, precise, and strong structures.
HL features of DMLS are: increased geometric accuracy; versatility in that it can work with various metals; and aerospace, automobile, and medical uses. Below we discuss everything you need to know about DMLS post processing.
Fundamentals of DMLS
Direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) is considered the additive manufacturing process by which metal parts are built up in layers from a computer-aided design (CAD) model. Applying a very powerful fiber laser, DMLS uses metal powder and binds the particles together in a selective manner to produce imposing, complex designs without having to go in for tools.
The process starts with sintering a thin layer of metallic powder on the build platform while its lateral cross-sectional area is scanned by a laser.
Materials and Their Properties
DMLS is suitable for printing most metal alloys, such as stainless steel, and titanium. All the materials provide different characteristics that make DMLS appropriate for various uses. For instance, titanium alloys are valued for their strong strength-to-weight ratio and biocompatibility, hence their use in the aerospace and medical industries.
Out of all the available grades of steel, stainless steel boasts good mechanical properties and the best resistance to corrosion, though it is best suited for industrial and engineering applications.
Applications for DMLS
DMLS is applied in diverse industries due to its features. In aerospace applications, DMLS is used to make light-weight parts with the required structure for better fuel economy. DMLS is advantageous to the medical sector since it makes it possible to have implants and prosthetics designed with great concern for the patient’s needs.
Automotive industries use DMLS to make outstanding parts and prototypes to greatly enhance development time.
Advantages and Limitations
The first benefit of DMLS is the tools it offers in order to create accurate and intricate components in less time and cost compared to other manufacturing techniques. It also provides instant concept and model development, which can also help cut inventory production.
However, DMLS has some constraints that restrict its application. The fixed costs may be high since specialized equipment and raw materials may be needed to make the products. Support removal and the surface finishing that often follows can also be quite time-consuming and costly, adding to the total time.
Conclusion
Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) is an innovative technique of additive manufacturing that is highly appreciated for its complete design freedom and conservative use of material. The versatility of being able to forge and create numerous, strong metal items makes it suitable for almost any sector, from aviation to the medical profession.
This is because, unlike other conventional methods of manufacturing, DMLS has numerous benefits, such as precise manufacturing, the ability to produce complex geometry, and comparatively fast production, despite the fact that the initial costs may be high and, after printing, the part might need some post-processing.
