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.
DMP is a powerful 3D printing technology that shapes any desired metal part geometry by melting metal powder layer by layer. This technology is applied to build up material in layers instead of removing it in different steps. The metal powder particles pinpointed by the laser quickly and fully melt so that the new material properly attaches to the previous layer, without glue or binder liquid. A powerful fiber laser with high energy intensity operates in the inert area inside the machine. This guarantees that the metal parts being built exhibit a dense and homogenous material structure. The CAD design of the parts directly drives the DMP production machines without the need for programming, clamping or tooling.
A combination of high strength, low weight and excellent biocompatibility.
For the direct production of tools, molds and high-performance parts that require high strength and hardness.
For highly corrosion-and wear resistant industrial parts that require high-temperature resistance.
For light-weight, high strength applications in automotive, aerospace & machinery.
Improved fluid flow in high-temperature and high-strength applications.
For high-performance parts that require special mechanical properties.
Reduce weight, improve stiffness-to-weight ratio through topological optimization, hollowing, applying internal lattice structures and/or consolidating assemblies to reduce fasteners.
Manage your part count and eliminate critical assembly processes such as welding that require extensive quality control and inspection. Reduce assembly time and cost by eliminating the need of sub-assembly labor and jigs and fixtures
Rethink design and enable fluid and airflow design to achieve best cooling, heating, mixing or other fluid flow in a part. Make the best of use of CFD by producing geometries that are truly optimized for fluid dynamics and not achievable with conventional production technologies.
Design outside the subtractive tool box and increase the functionality of your component or product by making use of the design freedom metal AM offers.
Count on parameters thoroughly developed and tested by 3D Systems material specialists and considerably cut the time to get your production up and running.
