SLM Metal 3D Printing Technology Specifications
SLM (Selective Laser Melting) Material Properties and Applications
| Metal 3D Printing Technology | Material Type | Abbreviation | Material Status | Common Post-Processing | Tolerance Range | Processing Advantages | Processing Disadvantages | Application Fields | Maximum Build Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLM | Aluminum Alloy | AL | Metal powder | Sandblasting, Anodized Matte Black, Polishing, Electroplating, Passivation, Spray Painting/Powder Coating | Based on 3D drawing assessment, post-printing accuracy for smaller dimensions (within 50mm) is approximately ±0.2mm. Secondary precision machining required for accuracy below ±0.1mm | Lightweight material, fast heat dissipation, good electrical and thermal conductivity | Support removal is troublesome after printing, rough surface, secondary processing required for high precision requirements | Prototypes, automotive, medical, digital electronics, toys, mechanical equipment, aerospace, etc. | 420*225*260mm |
| Stainless Steel | SS | Metal powder | Sandblasting, Polishing, Electroplating, Passivation, Spray Painting/Powder Coating | Rust-proof, excellent corrosion resistance, ideal for mirror finish effects | |||||
| Titanium Alloy | TC4 | Metal powder | Sandblasting, Polishing, Spray Painting/Powder Coating | High strength with low density, good mechanical properties, toughness and corrosion resistance | 150*150*200mm | ||||
| Die Steel | CX | Metal powder | Sandblasting, Heat Treatment | High toughness and good thermal resistance | Rough surface, requires secondary processing | Plastic, die-casting, shoe mold and other mold industries | 250*250*300mm | ||
| 1.2709 | Metal powder | High toughness and good thermal resistance | |||||||
| Nickel – based Superalloys | GH4169 | Metal powder | Hot isostatic pressing (HIP) , solution treatment and aging, machining | Superior high-temperature strength (>800°C) Excellent oxidation/corrosion resistance Tailorable γ′ precipitation hardening High design freedom for complex geometries | High crack sensitivity, Strict parameter control required, Costly post-processing, High powder cost/reactivity | Aerospace, energy, high-temperature corrosion-resistant industrial systems | 250*250*300mm |
| Metal 3D Printing Technology | SLM |
| Material Type | Aluminum Alloy |
| Abbreviation | AL |
| Material Status | Metal powder |
| Common Post-Processing | Sandblasting, Anodized Matte Black, Polishing, Electroplating, Passivation, Spray Painting/Powder Coating |
| Tolerance Range | Based on 3D drawing assessment, post-printing accuracy for smaller dimensions (within 50mm) is approximately ±0.2mm. Secondary precision machining required for accuracy below ±0.1mm |
| Processing Advantages | Lightweight material, fast heat dissipation, good electrical and thermal conductivity |
| Processing Disadvantages | Support removal is troublesome after printing, rough surface, secondary processing required for high precision requirements |
| Application Fields | Prototypes, automotive, medical, digital electronics, toys, mechanical equipment, aerospace, etc. |
| Maximum Build Size | 420*225*260mm |
| Metal 3D Printing Technology | SLM |
| Material Type | Stainless Steel |
| Abbreviation | SS |
| Material Status | Metal powder |
| Common Post-Processing | Sandblasting, Polishing, Electroplating, Passivation, Spray Painting/Powder Coating |
| Tolerance Range | Based on 3D drawing assessment, post-printing accuracy for smaller dimensions (within 50mm) is approximately ±0.2mm. Secondary precision machining required for accuracy below ±0.1mm |
| Processing Advantages | Rust-proof, excellent corrosion resistance, ideal for mirror finish effects |
| Processing Disadvantages | Support removal is troublesome after printing, rough surface, secondary processing required for high precision requirements |
| Application Fields | Prototypes, automotive, medical, digital electronics, toys, mechanical equipment, aerospace, etc. |
| Maximum Build Size | 420*225*260mm |
| Metal 3D Printing Technology | SLM |
| Material Type | Titanium Alloy |
| Abbreviation | TC4 |
| Material Status | Metal powder |
| Common Post-Processing | Sandblasting, Polishing, Spray Painting/Powder Coating |
| Tolerance Range | Based on 3D drawing assessment, post-printing accuracy for smaller dimensions (within 50mm) is approximately ±0.2mm. Secondary precision machining required for accuracy below ±0.1mm |
| Processing Advantages | High strength with low density, good mechanical properties, toughness and corrosion resistance |
| Processing Disadvantages | Support removal is troublesome after printing, rough surface, secondary processing required for high precision requirements |
| Application Fields | Prototypes, automotive, medical, digital electronics, toys, mechanical equipment, aerospace, etc. |
| Maximum Build Size | 150*150*200mm |
| Metal 3D Printing Technology | SLM |
| Material Type | Die Steel |
| Abbreviation | CX |
| Material Status | Metal powder |
| Common Post-Processing | Sandblasting, Heat Treatment |
| Tolerance Range | Based on 3D drawing assessment, post-printing accuracy for smaller dimensions (within 50mm) is approximately ±0.2mm. Secondary precision machining required for accuracy below ±0.1mm |
| Processing Advantages | High toughness and good thermal resistance |
| Processing Disadvantages | Rough surface, requires secondary processing |
| Application Fields | Plastic, die-casting, shoe mold and other mold industries |
| Maximum Build Size | 250*250*300mm |
| Metal 3D Printing Technology | SLM |
| Material Type | Die Steel |
| Abbreviation | 1.2709 |
| Material Status | Metal powder |
| Common Post-Processing | Sandblasting, Heat Treatment |
| Tolerance Range | Based on 3D drawing assessment, post-printing accuracy for smaller dimensions (within 50mm) is approximately ±0.2mm. Secondary precision machining required for accuracy below ±0.1mm |
| Processing Advantages | High toughness and good thermal resistance |
| Processing Disadvantages | Rough surface, requires secondary processing |
| Application Fields | Plastic, die-casting, shoe mold and other mold industries |
| Maximum Build Size | 250*250*300mm |
| Metal 3D Printing Technology | SLM |
| Material Type | Nickel – based Superalloys |
| Abbreviation | GH4169 |
| Material Status | Metal powder |
| Common Post-Processing | Hot isostatic pressing (HIP) , solution treatment and aging, machining |
| Tolerance Range | Based on 3D drawing assessment, post-printing accuracy for smaller dimensions (within 50mm) is approximately ±0.2mm. Secondary precision machining required for accuracy below ±0.1mm |
| Processing Advantages | Superior high-temperature strength (>800°C) Excellent oxidation/corrosion resistance Tailorable γ′ precipitation hardening High design freedom for complex geometries |
| Processing Disadvantages | High crack sensitivity, Strict parameter control required, Costly post-processing, High powder cost/reactivity |
| Application Fields | Aerospace, energy, high-temperature corrosion-resistant industrial systems |
| Maximum Build Size | 250*250*300mm |
Plastic 3D Printing Technologies Comparison
Material Properties and Applications of Various Plastic 3D Printing Methods
| 3D Printing Technology | Material Category | Material Name | Color Option | Post-Processing | Dimensional Accuracy | Advantages | Limitations | Applications | Max Build Size (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLA | Photopolymer Resin | ABS-like | White | Sanding, Bead Blasting, Painting, Silkscreen, Vacuum Plating, UV Coating, Laser Engraving | ±0.2-0.5mm | Cost-effective, Fast turnaround, Assembling capability, No size restrictions | Brittle material, Heat resistance \\\~40°C, Yellowing over time without coating, Limited reuse of threaded holes | Prototypes, Automotive, Medical, Consumer Electronics, Toys, Machinery, Aerospace | 1200×600×400 |
| ABS-like | Yellow | Cost-effective, Fast turnaround, Assembling capability, No size restrictions | Brittle material, Heat resistance \\\~40°C, Yellowing over time without coating, Limited reuse of threaded holes | ||||||
| ABS-like | Green | Cost-effective, Fast turnaround, Assembling capability, No size restrictions | Brittle material, Heat resistance \\\~40°C, Yellowing over time without coating, Limited reuse of threaded holes | ||||||
| ABS-like | Black | Cost-effective, Fast turnaround, Assembling capability, No size restrictions | Brittle material, Heat resistance \\\~40°C, Yellowing over time without coating, Limited reuse of threaded holes | ||||||
| SLA | Photopolymer Resin | PC-like | Transparent | Sanding, Polishing, Bead Blasting, Painting, Silkscreen, Vacuum Plating, Laser Engraving | ±0.2-0.5mm | Affordable pricing, Quick cycle time, Assembly possible, Unlimited size capacity | 90% transparency max (vs CNC machining), Limited optical clarity | Transparent parts, Lampshades, Display models | 600×600×400 |
| PC-like | Semi-Transparent | Affordable pricing, Quick cycle time, Assembly possible, Unlimited size capacity | 90% transparency max (vs CNC machining), Limited optical clarity | ||||||
| SLS | Nylon | PA | Black/White | None | ±0.3mm | Wear-resistant, High temperature tolerance | Rough surface finish, Not suitable for bonding | Home Appliances, Power Tools, Automotive Components | 200×200×100 |
| DLP | Red Wax | – | Red | None | ±0.1mm | High precision, Fine detail capability | Higher cost, Limited build size | Jewelry, Accessories, Animation Models | 200×100×200 |
| FDM | Inkjet Fused Filament | PLA, TPU, PA, carbon fiber, PC, ABS | Multiple colors available | Grinding, polishing, sandblasting, spraying, silk – screening, laser engraving, etc. | ±0.05mm | Multiple colors, various materials, cost – effective, no size restrictions | Rough surface | Crafts, lighting fixtures, home furnishings, animation and comics, etc. | 1000*1000*500 |
| 3D Printing Technology | SLA |
| Material Category | Photopolymer Resin |
| Material Name | ABS-like |
| Color Option | White |
| Post-Processing | Sanding, Bead Blasting, Painting, Silkscreen, Vacuum Plating, UV Coating, Laser Engraving |
| Dimensional Accuracy | ±0.2-0.5mm |
| Advantages | Cost-effective, Fast turnaround, Assembling capability, No size restrictions |
| Limitations | Brittle material, Heat resistance \\\~40°C, Yellowing over time without coating, Limited reuse of threaded holes |
| Applications | Prototypes, Automotive, Medical, Consumer Electronics, Toys, Machinery, Aerospace |
| Max Build Size (mm) | 1200×600×400 |
| 3D Printing Technology | SLA |
| Material Category | Photopolymer Resin |
| Material Name | ABS-like |
| Color Option | Yellow |
| Post-Processing | Sanding, Bead Blasting, Painting, Silkscreen, Vacuum Plating, UV Coating, Laser Engraving |
| Dimensional Accuracy | ±0.2-0.5mm |
| Advantages | Cost-effective, Fast turnaround, Assembling capability, No size restrictions |
| Limitations | Brittle material, Heat resistance \\\~40°C, Yellowing over time without coating, Limited reuse of threaded holes |
| Applications | Prototypes, Automotive, Medical, Consumer Electronics, Toys, Machinery, Aerospace |
| Max Build Size (mm) | 1200×600×400 |
| 3D Printing Technology | SLA |
| Material Category | Photopolymer Resin |
| Material Name | ABS-like |
| Color Option | Green |
| Post-Processing | Sanding, Bead Blasting, Painting, Silkscreen, Vacuum Plating, UV Coating, Laser Engraving |
| Dimensional Accuracy | ±0.2-0.5mm |
| Advantages | Cost-effective, Fast turnaround, Assembling capability, No size restrictions |
| Limitations | Brittle material, Heat resistance \\\~40°C, Yellowing over time without coating, Limited reuse of threaded holes |
| Applications | Prototypes, Automotive, Medical, Consumer Electronics, Toys, Machinery, Aerospace |
| Max Build Size (mm) | 1200×600×400 |
| 3D Printing Technology | SLA |
| Material Category | Photopolymer Resin |
| Material Name | ABS-like |
| Color Option | Black |
| Post-Processing | Sanding, Bead Blasting, Painting, Silkscreen, Vacuum Plating, UV Coating, Laser Engraving |
| Dimensional Accuracy | ±0.2-0.5mm |
| Advantages | Cost-effective, Fast turnaround, Assembling capability, No size restrictions |
| Limitations | Brittle material, Heat resistance \\\~40°C, Yellowing over time without coating, Limited reuse of threaded holes |
| Applications | Prototypes, Automotive, Medical, Consumer Electronics, Toys, Machinery, Aerospace |
| Max Build Size (mm) | 1200×600×400 |
| 3D Printing Technology | SLA |
| Material Category | Photopolymer Resin |
| Material Name | PC-like |
| Color Option | Transparent |
| Post-Processing | Sanding, Polishing, Bead Blasting, Painting, Silkscreen, Vacuum Plating, Laser Engraving |
| Dimensional Accuracy | ±0.2-0.5mm |
| Advantages | Affordable pricing, Quick cycle time, Assembly possible, Unlimited size capacity |
| Limitations | 90% transparency max (vs CNC machining), Limited optical clarity |
| Applications | Transparent parts, Lampshades, Display models |
| Max Build Size (mm) | 600×600×400 |
| 3D Printing Technology | SLA |
| Material Category | Photopolymer Resin |
| Material Name | PC-like |
| Color Option | Semi-Transparent |
| Post-Processing | Sanding, Polishing, Bead Blasting, Painting, Silkscreen, Vacuum Plating, Laser Engraving |
| Dimensional Accuracy | ±0.2-0.5mm |
| Advantages | Affordable pricing, Quick cycle time, Assembly possible, Unlimited size capacity |
| Limitations | 90% transparency max (vs CNC machining), Limited optical clarity |
| Applications | Transparent parts, Lampshades, Display models |
| Max Build Size (mm) | 600×600×400 |
| 3D Printing Technology | SLS |
| Material Category | Nylon |
| Material Name | PA |
| Color Option | Black/White |
| Post-Processing | None |
| Dimensional Accuracy | ±0.3mm |
| Advantages | Wear-resistant, High temperature tolerance |
| Limitations | Rough surface finish, Not suitable for bonding |
| Applications | Home Appliances, Power Tools, Automotive Components |
| Max Build Size (mm) | 200×200×100 |
| 3D Printing Technology | DLP |
| Material Category | Red Wax |
| Material Name | – |
| Color Option | Red |
| Post-Processing | None |
| Dimensional Accuracy | ±0.1mm |
| Advantages | High precision, Fine detail capability |
| Limitations | Higher cost, Limited build size |
| Applications | Jewelry, Accessories, Animation Models |
| Max Build Size (mm) | 200×100×200 |
| 3D Printing Technology | FDM |
| Material Category | Inkjet Fused Filament |
| Material Name | PLA, TPU, PA, carbon fiber, PC, ABS |
| Color Option | Multiple colors available |
| Post-Processing | Grinding, polishing, sandblasting, spraying, silk – screening, laser engraving, etc. |
| Dimensional Accuracy | ±0.05mm |
| Advantages | Multiple colors, various materials, cost – effective, no size restrictions |
| Limitations | Rough surface |
| Applications | Crafts, lighting fixtures, home furnishings, animation and comics, etc. |
| Max Build Size (mm) | 1000*1000*500 |
