Tips on Finding the Best Direct Metal Laser Sintering at an Affordable Price

Direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) is an industrial additive manufacturing or 3D printing technology that can build parts from select metals. The process crafts metal parts one layer at a time by sintering powdered metals together. Hence, making it capable of realizing highly complex shapes, which would have been impossible to make with other methods. It may sound similar to SLS (selective laser sintering), another type of 3D printing method, but the difference is the material used to print the parts.

If you require DMLS 3D printing for your project, you’ll want to leave it to a reliable and experienced company that can offer the service at an affordable price. Here are some tips to help you find this service provider:

Check the DMLS 3D printing experience.

Find a service provider with years of experience in prototyping and end-use manufacturing using 3D printing technologies. Consider a business that has been around for at least ten years. That should be enough to acquire relevant manufacturing experience and prove their capability and dependability. Moreover, it gives you confidence in their command over  direct metal laser sintering. You must even consider a service provider with experience in working with companies in your industry.

Know the available materials

Reputable providers of DMLS 3D printing can make metal parts out of proven durable metals, such as titanium, copper, stainless steel, tool steel, and aluminum. If you’re unsure which metal to use, consult their in-house team for advice. And speaking of advice…

Schedule a free project review

Consult with a prospective service provider with a track record of respecting their clients’ intellectual property. They can review your project for free to understand your requirements and advise you on ways to improve your design for direct metal laser sintering when necessary.

Get an estimate

DMLS 3D printing is used extensively in the medical, aerospace, and automotive industries, typically for part consolidation and weight-saving applications. Service providers may have different views of your project, so consider getting a free instant quote from two companies and compare their offers.