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A6 STEEL USING SLS SYSTEM vs 15-5 Stainless ASTM Steel using DMLS System

System to create A6 Parts

SLS System 3D Systems’ Vanguard™ or Vanguard HS SLS systems and Sinterstation® 2500plus system

Part Breakout Breakout station (BOS) recommended

Oven LaserForm oven (TO INFILTRATE PARTS)
Surface Roughness - 5 - 10 μm

System to create DMLS Parts

EOS M270 or M280
Metal powder is fused layer by layer back to a solid form – fully dense
Can be heat treated
Surface Roughness – 2.5 – 4.5 μm

A6 Process

The SLS with LaserForm™ A6 process starts by selective laser sintering a blend of A6 tool steel, tungsten carbide and a binder. When finished, the “green” part is infiltrated with bronze yielding a part composed of approximately 60% A6 and 40% bronze. Minimum wall thickness on A6 parts is .040”.

DMLS Process

A DMLS part starts with a metal powder (15-5 & 17-4 stainless, Inconel, MS1 tool steel, MP1 Cobalt Chrome, Ti64) and is then melted locally using a fibre optic laser, which turns the powder back into a solid form. DMLS is an additive process and can be built in either 20 or 40 micron layers. DMLS parts are fully dense and can be polished or machined to your discretion. Minimum wall thickness on DMLS parts is .015”.

Mechanical Properties of A6 Parts

Density ASTM D792 0.28 Lb/in3 (7.8 g/cm3)

Tensile - Yield Strength (0.2%) ASTM E8 68 Ksi (470 MPa)

Tensile Strength ASTM E8 88 Ksi (610 MPa)

Elongation ASTM E8 2.0 - 4.0%

Hardness (Rockwell “C”) ASTM E18 HRc = 10 - 20 (polished surface)

Mechanical Properties of DMLS – 15-5 (PH1) ASTM Steel

Density ASTM A564-04 – 7.8 g/cm³ 0.28 lb/in³

Tensile - Yield Strength (0.2%) 1050 MPA

Tensile Strength 1150 MPA

Elongation  16% - Hardened 10%

Hardness (Rockwell “C”) ASTM A693-06 – 30-35 HRC as built – min 40 HRC after H900 heat treat

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If you are looking for fast metal parts, please give us the opportunity to quote your next project. We offer a wide variety of materials to suit the needs of your application.