Direct Laser Metal Sintering, DMLS

In SLS manufacturing, the powder metal [1] is heated to just below its melting point and then spread into an even layer over the building platform [2] using a roller [3]. A pulsating laser [4] draws a cross section of a CAD model in the powder material, which causes the powder particles to adhere to each other by sintering. The building platform is then lowered down corresponding to a layer thickness, usually less than 0.1 mm.

The process is repeated until the model is completed. Non sintered powder material can be reused and unlike many other additive manufacturing methods, very little finishing work, such as grinding, is required.

This method produces a more porous end product than, for example, Selective Laser Melting, SLM and Electron Beam Melting, EBM.