DMLS - Direct Metal Laser Sintering

GPI Prototype is a service provider of Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), the latest technology in rapid prototype and direct digital manufacturing services. As one of the first DMLS service providers in the country, GPI produces metal parts for applications ranging from prototypes to production. DMLS technology is ideal for a variety of applications including the creation of conformal cooling channels for injection molding tooling.

Utilizing the DMLS process, metal parts of the most complex geometries are built layer-by-layer (down to 20 microns) directly from 3D CAD data. Parts built using DMLS have excellent mechanical properties equivalent to wrought materials, high detail resolution, and exceptional surface quality. The metal powder is melted entirely to create a fully dense, fine, homogenous structure. Unique geometric freedom of design enables DMLS to form cavities and undercuts, which with conventional machining methods, can only be produced with great difficulty, if at all.

Additionally, when a part needs to be tested and re-designed over and over, the lead time for receiving a traditionally tooled part can create a large bottleneck in the final production process. DMLS produces parts that are extremely high quality and can be built in a matter of hours or days rather than weeks. The ability to generate functional metal prototypes in short order radically impacts design processes, accelerating design cycles and time to market.

Depending on size and geometries, in some cases the turnaround time for a part can be as little as a few hours. Furthermore, these parts can undergo functional testing in the environment for which they were designed. This technology delivers unlimited potential for engineers to create previously impossible solutions, embracing a new era of design-driven manufacturing.

DMLS VIDEOS:

IMAGES:

DMLS MACHINES:

GPI currently has 3 DMLS machines at our Lake Bluff, IL facility. There are 2x EOSINT M 270 machines and 1x EOSINT M 280.

 DMLS MATERIALS: Click on the material type to view a data sheet.

DMLS FINISHING:

From left to right: Brush Finish, Mirror Polish, Medium Polish, Shot Peen, Shot Blast

* Conformal Cooling PDF
* EOS M270 PDF
* Mechanical Test Data PDF
* Finishing Options for Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)

If you are looking for fast metal parts with excellent mechanical properties, high resolution and exceptional surface quality, please give us the opportunity to quote your next project.