Selective Laser Melting (AM)

What is Selective Laser Melting – SLM?

Selective Laser Melting (SLM) or Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) is an additive manufacturing technique which enables the production of individual metal components with complex geometries without the need for part-specific tooling. The additive manufacturing process / 3D printing method uses a high energy density laser to selectively melt and fuse together the successive layers of metallic powders to form 3-dimensional components. In the case of our own process – Wolfmet 3D the powder is pure tungsten.

M&I Materials and Tungsten 3D Printing

SLM is a major innovation in the world of Additive Manufacturing (AM). For over 45 years M&I Materials has excelled at sintering tungsten alloy and machining it into quality components. Branching into the world of tungsten 3D printing was therefore a natural progression. For the last decade we have been working closely with universities, research labs and hospitals to fine tune our capabilities and test the limits of tungsten 3D printing.

Why Selective Laser Melting / Metal Additive Manufacturing?

Selective Laser Melting (3d printing) allows you to manufacture parts of virtually any complexity of geometry without the need for tooling. The geometries that can be achieved are not possible using subtractive manufacturing methodologies, such as traditional machining. By removing this design limitation the possibilities are quite literarily endless. Factor into this the use of a high density metal that offers excellent radiation attenuation combined with good thermal resistance and the proposition becomes even more appealing.

Applications Using Tungsten Selective Laser Melting

Wolfmet 3D currently uses pure tungsten which has the advantage of offering heat resistance and excellent radiation attenuation. It is the excellent radiation attention which has captured the imagination of our Nuclear Medical audience. It has proven ideal for the manufacture of high-precision components such as collimators and radiation shields in imaging modalities such as CT, SPECT, MR and X-ray. In particular collimator designers have found a Wolfmet 3D tungsten collimator significantly reduces septal penetration in comparison with the same collimator made from lead – resulting in reduced artifacts and much improved image quality.

To read our latest case study in which experts from the University of Liverpool – Department of Physics, and The Royal Marsden and Royal Liverpool University Hospitals have been working to develop an imaging system (known as DEPICT) that will better quantify the absorbed radiation and help facilitate personalised treatment planning click here.

The heat resistant properties of Wolfmet 3D components have been recognised for space propulsion. It has potential as rockets nozzles, resistojets and combustion chamber shields in the motors of satellites and rockets. To find out more call us today Tel: +44 (0)161 864 5454 or E-mail: [email protected]

Innovation for Personalised Cancer Treatment with Wolfmet 3D Tungsten Collimator and DEPICT Project

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