What is SLM Metal 3D Printing?

Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is an advanced additive manufacturing process that builds fully solid metal parts from the ground up. Think of it as 3D printing, but with the strength and durability of industrial-grade metal. The result is a dense, high-performance component built to your exact specifications.

How Does SLM Metal Printing Work?

The process is remarkably precise:

• Fine metal powder spreads across the build platform
• Laser selectively melts powder following your 3D design
• Each layer fuses to create solid metal structures
• Complex geometries emerge without tooling or molds

Get the Right Size for What You're Building

Every project is different, so why settle for a one-size-fits-all printer? We’ve got you covered with machines ranging from our compact MA100 or SLM-120D (perfect for research and small prototypes) all the way up to our industrial MA480 (great for big parts and production runs). Whether you’re making tiny medical devices or huge automotive molds, you can pick exactly the build size you need. This way, you’re only paying for what you actually use.

Speed Up Your Work

Let’s be honest – waiting around for outsourced parts or slow manufacturing is frustrating. It creates delays and pushes back your launch dates. Our high-performance printers, like the MA450 and MA480, come with powerful dual-laser systems that work much faster. You can go from your design file to a finished metal part in just days instead of weeks. No more depending on outside suppliers or missing deadlines.,

Work with More Types of Metals

Why limit yourself? Our standard fiber laser systems handle most industrial metals really well. But if you’re working with tricky materials like pure copper or precious metals for jewelry and research, our MA100G model has a special green fiber laser that can handle these challenging materials. This opens up new possibilities for your business.

How to Choose the Right Metal 3D Printer

Selecting the appropriate system requires careful consideration of your specific needs. Answering “what 3d printer can print metal” is less about if it can, and more about which one is suitable.

Key Decision Factors

• Intended Application: Is it for prototyping, small batch production, large-scale manufacturing, or research?
• Material Compatibility: What specific metals or alloys do you need to print? Not all printers support all materials.
• Build Volume: What is the maximum size of the parts you need to produce?
• Speed & Throughput: How quickly do you need parts? How many parts per year?
• Cost of Ownership: Consider the initial metal 3d printer price, material costs, operational expenses (gas, power), maintenance, and post-processing equipment.
• Part Quality Requirements: What are the necessary density, accuracy, surface finish, and mechanical properties?
• Safety & Facility: Industrial systems often require controlled environments, specialized ventilation, powder handling protocols, and safety training.
• Ease of Use & Support: Consider software usability, available training, and technical support.

Cost-Effective Metal Part Production

Tired of expensive outsourcing for metal prototypes and small-scale production? The Matrix MA100 offers a significantly lower cost per part compared to traditional manufacturing methods. This metal 3D printer allows you to bring metal part fabrication in-house, reducing lead times and empowering rapid iteration. For businesses seeking a budget-friendly 3D printer that prints metal for sale, the MA100 provides an exceptional return on investment.

High Precision and Accuracy for Complex Geometries

Achieve intricate designs and tight tolerances with the Matrix MA100’s high-accuracy scanning system and fine laser focus (≤40 μm). This 3D printer that can print metal delivers exceptional building accuracy (≤±0.1mm), making it ideal for producing functional prototypes and end-use parts with complex geometries that are challenging or impossible to create with conventional methods. Industries like aerospace and medical device manufacturing can benefit from this level of precision.