METAL ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

SLM Metal 3D Printing

Use SLM when metal powder-bed fusion creates value through complex internal geometry, weight reduction or integrated features that are difficult to produce conventionally.

ENGINEERING DOSSIER

Decide what metal additive makes possible for this part

Geometry that justifies the build

Compare integrated passages, weight-saving structures and consolidated components with a machined or assembled alternative. Complexity is useful only when it serves the part function.

Support and powder access

Review how supports will be reached and removed, where powder can escape and which internal features can be inspected. Enclosed geometry needs a cleaning and verification plan.

Material and final condition

Aluminum, stainless steel and titanium are the base families for review. Confirm the exact alloy, powder specification, heat treatment and required material records for the project.

Interfaces after the build

Separate as-built areas from threads, bores, sealing faces and datum features that need further work. Plan machining allowance, access, surface treatment and final checks together.

MANUFACTURING ROUTE

Plan the complete route, from build orientation to inspected part

Review support access, overhangs, enclosed powder paths, wall transitions, orientation, datum strategy and the stock required on critical interfaces.

Confirm part intent, material and build strategy, then plan powder removal, heat treatment, plate and support removal, machining, surface finishing and inspection together. The operation sequence depends on the alloy, geometry and project requirements.

DECISION CONTROLS

Define acceptance before committing the build

Geometry review

CAD, orientation priorities, support access and powder-removal paths.

Material record

Named alloy, required condition and project-specific traceability.

Interface checks

Drawing datums, post-machined features, finish zones and inspection method.

PROJECT-SPECIFIC DECISION DATA

Bring these decisions into the SLM quotation brief

Use the drawing to distinguish required performance from choices that are still open. Dimensions, build limits and material properties need project-specific confirmation.

Decision	Resolve before quoting	Useful input
Build and access	Support contact, powder removal and inspection access	CAD views and sections
Material condition	Exact alloy, required treatment and documentation	Material specification
Critical interfaces	Machining allowance, datums, threads and fit surfaces	Controlled drawing
Finish and acceptance	Surface zones, masking and final checks	Inspection and finish notes

PART AND PROCESS EVIDENCE

Metal additive geometry and post-processing context

Illustrative metal additive design choices: geometry, supports, mating interfaces and machining allowance. Not a production or inspection record.

Illustrative post-processing operations. The sequence depends on material, part geometry and the inspection plan.

Compare polymer and metal additive routes before committing the build process.

DECISION QUESTIONS

SLM material, interface and quotation questions

Which material families are currently confirmed for SLM review?

Aluminum, stainless steel and titanium base families. The exact alloy, powder condition and supporting evidence are confirmed per project.

Which features usually need post-machining?

Critical bores, sealing faces, threads, bearing seats, datums and tight-fit interfaces commonly require planned stock and post-machining.

What should an SLM RFQ include?

Share CAD, drawing, quantity, base material intent, critical interfaces, surface requirements and the inspection evidence the application needs.

PROJECT BRIEF

A focused SLM project brief

Connect the intended part function with build constraints and the checks needed after finishing.

Part purpose and alternatives

Explain whether the part is a prototype, fixture, lightweight component or integrated flow geometry. State why an additive route is being considered.

Critical surfaces and features

Mark sealing faces, fitted bores, threads and inaccessible cavities. Include a drawing and identify the features that must be machined or measured after the build.

Material and quantity

State the preferred base family, exact grade if specified, quantity and required material or inspection documentation. Keep unresolved requirements explicit.

CONTINUE THE ENGINEERING REVIEW

Continue the metal additive decision

Connect SLM to material selection, surface treatment, inspection and the project brief.