Our Selective Laser Melting (SLM) 3D Printing Services
At Yigu Technology, we leverage cutting-edge Selective Laser Melting (SLM) to redefine metal additive manufacturing. Our advanced SLM technology delivers high-precision, complex geometry parts across industries—from aerospace to medical—with faster turnaround times, reduced waste, and customized solutions that meet your unique needs. Whether you need rapid prototyping or industrial-scale production, Yigu’s expertise turns your designs into high-performance reality.
What is Selective Laser Melting (SLM)?
Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is a game-changing metal additive manufacturing technique under the powder bed fusion umbrella. It uses a high-powered laser to melt and fuse metal powder layers, creating 3D parts through layer-by-layer manufacturing. Unlike traditional methods, SLM builds parts directly from digital models, eliminating the need for molds or tooling.
To help you understand how SLM stands out, here’s a comparison with other additive manufacturing techniques:
| Technique | Material Type | Precision Level | Best For |
| SLM | Metal Powders | High (±0.1mm) | Complex, high-strength metal parts |
| Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) | Plastics | Low (±0.5mm) | Low-cost plastic prototypes |
| Stereolithography (SLA) | Resins | Medium (±0.2mm) | Detailed plastic/ceramic parts |
| Electron Beam Melting (EBM) | Metal Powders | Medium (±0.3mm) | Large metal parts (high temp) |
Our SLM process overview covers every step from design to post-processing, ensuring you grasp the SLM principle and its value for your projects.
Yigu Technology’s SLM 3D Printing Capabilities
At Yigu, we don’t just offer SLM services—we deliver end-to-end solutions backed by decades of SLM expertise. Our advanced manufacturing capabilities are tailored to solve your most complex challenges, whether you need one-off prototypes or mass-produced parts.
| Capability | Key Benefit | Industry Application Example |
| Customized SLM solutions | Tailored to your design specs | Medical implants (patient-specific) |
| High-precision SLM parts | Dimensional accuracy up to ±0.05mm | Aerospace engine components |
| Complex geometry manufacturing | Builds undercuts/hollow structures | Automotive lightweight frames |
| Rapid prototyping with SLM | Turnaround in 3–5 days (vs. 2–4 weeks traditional) | Tooling prototypes |
| Industrial-scale SLM production | Batch sizes up to 1,000+ parts | Consumer electronics components |
We also prioritize quality assurance in SLM—every part undergoes rigorous testing (e.g., CT scanning, tensile strength checks) to meet global standards. Our full range of SLM service offerings includes design optimization, material selection, and post-processing.
The SLM 3D Printing Process: Step-by-Step
The SLM workflow is a streamlined sequence of steps, each critical to achieving high-quality parts. Here’s a breakdown:
- Design & Preparation: Convert 3D CAD models into STL files. Our team optimizes designs for SLM (e.g., adding support structures in SLM to prevent warping).
- Powder Spreading: A recoater spreads a thin layer (20–100μm) of metal powders for SLM onto the build platform.
- Laser Melting Process: A fiber laser (100–400W) melts the powder according to the design, fusing it to the layer below.
- Layer Deposition: The platform lowers by one layer height, and the process repeats until the part is complete.
- Post-Processing: Remove the part from the build chamber, then perform post-processing steps (e.g., support removal, heat treatment).
Key SLM process parameters we control include laser power, scan speed, and layer height—these variables impact part strength and surface quality. Our average SLM cycle time for a medium-sized part (100x100x50mm) is 8–12 hours.
SLM-Compatible 3D Printing Materials
Choosing the right material is vital for SLM success. We offer a wide range of SLM-compatible materials, each selected for its mechanical properties and industry suitability:
| Material Type | Common Alloys | Tensile Strength | Key Applications |
| Stainless steel in SLM | 316L, 17-4 PH | 500–1,100 MPa | Medical devices, food equipment |
| Titanium alloys for SLM | Ti-6Al-4V, Ti-6Al-7Nb | 860–950 MPa | Orthopedic implants, aerospace |
| Aluminum alloys in SLM | AlSi10Mg, Al6061 | 300–450 MPa | Automotive parts, electronics |
| Nickel-based superalloys | Inconel 718, Hastelloy X | 1,200–1,400 MPa | Jet engine components, turbines |
| Copper alloys for SLM | CuCrZr, pure copper | 200–400 MPa | Heat exchangers, electrical parts |
| Precious metals in SLM | Gold (Au750), Silver (Ag999) | 150–300 MPa | Dental restorations, jewelry |
We also test composite materials for SLM (e.g., metal-ceramic blends) to expand application possibilities. Our team provides guidance on material properties in SLM (e.g., corrosion resistance, fatigue life) to match your project goals.
Surface Treatment for SLM 3D Printing Parts
SLM parts often require surface treatment to improve aesthetics, functionality, or durability. Yigu offers a full suite of post-processing techniques to meet your needs:
| Treatment Method | Purpose | Resulting Surface Roughness (Ra) |
| SLM surface finishing | Basic smoothing | 5–15 μm |
| Polishing SLM parts | High-gloss appearance | 0.1–0.5 μm |
| Heat treatment for SLM parts | Reduce internal stress, improve strength | N/A (mechanical property focus) |
| Machining SLM components | Tighten tolerances | ±0.02mm accuracy |
| Surface coating for SLM | Enhance corrosion resistance | e.g., PTFE, ceramic coatings |
| Surface hardening methods | Increase wear resistance | e.g., carburizing, nitriding |
We use surface inspection in SLM tools (e.g., profilometers) to ensure surface quality control—all parts meet Ra values specified in your requirements.
SLM 3D Printing Tolerances & Precision
SLM dimensional accuracy is one of its greatest strengths, making it ideal for parts that require tight fits. Yigu’s process achieves industry-leading tolerance levels in SLM, backed by advanced measurement tools:
| Feature Type | Typical Tolerance | Measurement Technique |
| Linear Dimensions (≤100mm) | ±0.05mm | Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) |
| Hole Diameters (5–20mm) | ±0.03mm | Laser Scanning |
| Flatness | 0.1mm/m | Optical Flatness Tester |
| Geometric tolerances in SLM (e.g., parallelism) | ±0.02mm | CMM + CAD Comparison |
Our SLM tolerance control process includes pre-build machine calibration and in-process monitoring. We also follow SLM tolerance standards (e.g., ISO/ASTM 52900) to ensure consistency. For projects needing even higher precision, we offer SLM accuracy improvement services (e.g., post-machining, design tweaks).
Key Advantages of SLM 3D Printing
SLM offers unmatched benefits over traditional manufacturing—here’s how it adds value to your projects:
- Design freedom with SLM: Create complex shapes (e.g., lattice structures, internal channels) that are impossible with casting or machining.
- Weight reduction using SLM: Parts can be 30–50% lighter (vs. traditional) without losing strength—critical for aerospace/automotive.
- Reduced material waste: SLM uses 95% of metal powder (vs. 60–70% for machining), cutting costs and boosting sustainability.
- Faster production times: Prototypes are ready in days, not weeks—accelerating your time-to-market.
- Lower costs with SLM: Eliminate tooling costs (saving 10k–100k per part type) and reduce assembly steps (fewer parts = less labor).
- Enhanced mechanical properties: SLM parts have 10–20% higher tensile strength than cast parts (due to dense, uniform material).
- Customization capabilities: Produce one-off parts (e.g., patient-specific medical implants) at the same cost as batches.
- Sustainability in SLM: Less waste, lower energy use (vs. forging), and recyclable powder—aligning with green initiatives.
Reduced lead times: Industrial-scale production runs are completed 2–3x faster than traditional methods.
SLM 3D Printing Applications by Industry
SLM is transforming industries worldwide—here are how Yigu’s solutions impact key sectors:
| Industry | Key Applications | Materials Used | Yigu’s Value Add |
| Aerospace | Engine components, turbine blades, brackets | Ti-6Al-4V, Inconel 718 | Weight reduction + high-temperature resistance |
| Automotive | Lightweight frames, sensor housings, tooling | AlSi10Mg, 316L | Faster prototyping + cost savings |
| Medical | Orthopedic implants, dental crowns, surgical tools | Ti-6Al-7Nb, CoCrMo | Patient-specific designs + biocompatibility |
| Dental | Dental restorations (crowns, bridges), implant abutments | Precious metals, CoCrMo | Same-day prototypes + precise fit |
| Tooling & Molds | Injection mold inserts, cooling channels | H13 steel, 17-4 PH | Faster cooling + longer tool life |
| Consumer Electronics | Heat sinks, connector parts | Copper, aluminum | Compact design + high thermal conductivity |
SLM vs. Traditional Manufacturing & Advanced Techniques
SLM outperforms traditional methods in many areas—but we also offer hybrid solutions to meet unique needs:
| Method | SLM Advantages | Traditional Manufacturing (e.g., Machining) Advantages |
| Complexity | Handles undercuts/hollow structures | Limited to simple shapes |
| Waste | 5% waste (recyclable powder) | 30–40% waste (scrap metal) |
| Tooling | No tooling required | Requires expensive molds/tools (≥$10k) |
| Lead Time | 3–5 days (prototypes) | 2–4 weeks (prototypes) |
At Yigu, we also offer:
- Hybrid manufacturing with SLM: Combine SLM with machining for parts that need ultra-precise surfaces.
- Multi-material SLM: Build parts with two or more materials (e.g., Ti-6Al-4V + 316L) for mixed properties.
- In-process monitoring in SLM: Use cameras and sensors to detect defects early, reducing rework.
SLM process simulation: Predict part behavior (e.g., warping) before building—saving time and materials.
Yigu’s SLM Case Studies
Our successful SLM projects demonstrate how we solve real-world challenges. Here are three examples:
Case Study 1: Aerospace Engine Bracket
- Challenge: A leading aerospace client needed a lightweight bracket (50% lighter than aluminum) with high strength.
- Solution: Used Ti-6Al-4V SLM to create a lattice-structured bracket.
- Results: 45% weight reduction, 20% higher tensile strength, and $8k tooling cost savings. Lead time cut from 6 weeks to 10 days.
Case Study 2: Medical Knee Implant
- Challenge: A hospital needed patient-specific knee implants with porous surfaces (for bone integration).
- Solution: Custom SLM design using Ti-6Al-7Nb (biocompatible).
- Results: Implants fit 98% of patients (vs. 85% for off-the-shelf), and recovery time reduced by 2 weeks.
Case Study 3: Automotive Heat Exchanger
- Challenge: An automaker needed a compact heat exchanger with internal channels (for better cooling).
- Solution: SLM with copper (high thermal conductivity) and complex channel design.
Results: 30% smaller size, 25% better cooling efficiency, and $5k per unit cost savings (vs. brazed designs).
Why Choose Yigu Technology for SLM 3D Printing?
When you partner with Yigu, you get more than SLM parts—you get a trusted advisor. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Unique SLM offerings: We specialize in multi-material SLM and hybrid manufacturing (rare among competitors).
- Expertise in SLM technology: Our engineers have 15+ years of SLM experience—we solve problems others can’t.
- Quality SLM parts: 99.5% of our parts pass first inspection (vs. industry average of 95%).
- Reliable SLM services: On-time delivery rate of 98%—we meet your deadlines, even for tight projects.
- Fast SLM turnaround times: Prototypes in 3–5 days, production in 2–3 weeks.
- Competitive SLM pricing: 10–15% lower costs than global SLM providers (due to efficient in-house processes).
- Proven SLM track record: 500+ successful projects across aerospace, medical, and automotive.
SLM customer support: 24/7 technical assistance—we’re here when you need us.