The latest developments in Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) materials and equipment have brought the minimum layer thickness of the DMLS process from 50 μm (0.0020 in.) to 20 μm (0.0008 in.). The utilization of thinner layers has enabled laser sintering of very fine details with improved surface quality and accuracy. Although using thinner layers increases building time the advantage is gained in drastically reduced finishing times. Moreover, the improved mechanical properties of both steel and bronze based materials have enabled rapid manufacturing of functional components for demanding prototype and small series production applications, e.g. metal components for prototype gearboxes, engines and electric devices. The presentation will demonstrate the current status of the DMLS process and the properties of commercially available steel and bronze materials for 20 μm layer thickness. Some commercial prototype component and rapid tooling cases will also be presented.
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