With 3D Printing technology advancing all the time we are now able to print in more on more materials including metals!! Through a process that’s now been around for a while called Selective Laser Melting (SLM) it is now commercially viable to 3D print metal prototypes or even production parts. The parts are accurate, strong and can be used in many application from Medical and Dental through to Aerospace.

The SLM Process

The process works by using a laser to melt fine layers of gas atomised metallic powders together directly from a CAD model building up the part one layer at a time, similar to that of SLA. The powder is applied in very thin layers between 20 to 100 microns so the parts can have excellent detail, strength and finish.

SLM Titanium Part Review

3D Printers Australia were lucky enough to receive a SLM Titanium bottle opener from one of Australia’s leading rapid prototyping bureaus Formero.  The Formero bottle opener (as seen in the pictures) is a great demonstration part as it shows off many of the technologies major benefits. Not to mention that it’s the coolest way of opening a cold beverage this summer!

SLM Titanium Part Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent fine detail
• Sharp corners, both internal and external
• Excellent thin wall sections
• Very light
• Very strong
• Hard wearing
• Great talking point at parties!!

Cons

• Slightly rough finish on the vertical walls

In all we were very impressed with the parts and would recommend the process for the right application. For more information on the process contact Formero.