Metal 3D Printing (DMLS) Services in the UK

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Metal 3D Printing (DMLS) Services

Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), also known as Selective Laser Melting (SLM), is a metal 3D printing technology that selectively fuses a fine metal powder in aluminium or stainless steel. This 3D printing technology is used to manufacture both prototypes and production parts, especially with very complex features and all-in-one assemblies.

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Upload your CAD files

Multiple designs for different parts can be imported at the same time to produce a single quote. In less than a minute, a detailed cost estimation appears on the screen.

Choose the process

First, select the manufacturing process you require. You can then choose from over 50 materials and from a wide range of finishes and certifications.

Order your parts online

Once you have selected the required options, all you need to do is confirm the order and pay for it on the secure payment platform. Your design will be analysed by engineers.

Receive your parts

Within a short amount of time, you will receive the parts you ordered directly to your shipping address. You can track your package at any time in your personal account.

Advantages of DMLS with Xometry UK

Massive Capacity

We can quickly produce both prototypes and large batches thanks to a large manufacturing network, with over 2000 vetted partners.

Fast Production

You will get your 3D printed parts fast delivered in as fast as 14 days in the UK.

Quality Assurance

We have strong QA procedures, controlled by an in-house team of QA engineers, which allows us to deliver high quality parts. Xometry UK is ISO 9001 certified.

Engineering Check & Status Updates

All designs are checked by engineers before they’re sent for 3D printing. After confirming your order, you will receive status updates on your production.

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Upload Your CAD Design

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Materials for DMLS 3D Printing

Aluminium

Aluminium Al-Si10Mg

Cobalt Chrome

Cobalt chrome / CoCr

Steel

Tool steel / MS1

Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel 17-4PH / X5CrNiCuNb16-4
Stainless Steel 316L / X2CrNiMo17-12-2

Inconel

Inconel 718

Titanium

Titan Grade 5 / Ti-6Al-4V

Finishing Options for DMLS 3D Printing

As-printed

Support structures are removed, and the part is media blasted to provide a uniform finish.
Final result:
- Typical surface roughness is between 150-400 µin Ra
Bead blasting

Bead blasting involves spraying a pressurised stream of tiny beads of media, plastic or glass beads, from a nozzle onto the surface of the part.
Final result:
- Slightly grainy in the touch
- Uniform, matte or satin-like appearance
Custom

If you select a custom finish in the Instant Quoting Engine it will require manual review. Manual quoting usually 1-2 business days.

Notes:

Submitting for manual review with a custom request does not guarantee a quote.

DMLS Resolution (Layer Thickness) Options

Layer thickness refers to the height of each layer added during the additive manufacturing or 3D printing procedure, where multiple layers are stacked upon one another to create the final product The choice of layer thickness (resolution) directly impacts the visual aesthetics, overall properties, and strength of the end parts.

Xometry offers three layer thicknesses:

Economy (>60 µm): Cost-effective solution with faster build times, making it suitable for less detailed prints. It comes with lower strength attributed to thicker layers, making it more appropriate for less demanding applications where intricate details and surface resolution are not a primary concern.
Standard (40-60 µm): Balanced choice between detail and cost, versatile and commonly used solution for general-purpose parts. With a balanced strength and resolution, this option proves adequate for a wide range of applications.
Fine (<40 µm): High detail resolution, ideal choice for intricate and precise components. Despite longer build times, it offers a superior surface finish and ensures higher strength with finer details. This option is particularly well-suited for the production of intricate and high-stress components where precision and strength are paramount.

3D printing DMLS thicknesses

Gallery of DMLS prints

DMLS-AlSi10Mg-Front

DMLS-Titan-Grade-5-Front

DMLS Inconel 718, As-printed

DMLS Stainless Steel 316L, As-printed 1

DMLS Tool Steel 1.2709, As printed

Pros & Cons of DMLS 3D Printing

Advantages	Considerations
Complex Geometries: DMLS makes it possible to manufacture parts that cannot be produced with subtractive manufacturing	Surface roughness is higher than with CNC machining
Powdered metals used for DMLS 3D printing possess strong mechanical properties	Higher costs than other manufacturing technologies
Variety of mechanical and electro-chemical post-processing options applicable for final part enhancement	Limited volume size

DMLS Manufacturing Specifications & Capabilities

	DMLS	SLS	HP MJF	SLA	FDM	Carbon DLS	Polyjet
Lead time	10 days	3 days	3 days	7 days	8 days	5 days	7 days
Build volume	400 x 400 x 400 mm	up to 340 x 340 x 605 mm, but usually, we recommend the maximum size of 320 x 320 x 580 mm	up to 380 x 284 x 380 mm, while we normally recommend the maximum size of 356 x 280 x 356 mm	• 145 × 145 × 185 mm (Standard) • 736 x 635 x 533 mm (Industrial)	• 350 x 350 x 350 mm (Standard) • 900 x 600 x 900 mm (Industrial)	up to 119 x 189 x 300 mm. Recommended size: Within 100 x 100 x 150 mm	up to 490 mm x 391 mm x 200 mm
Layer thickness	0.02 – 0.08 mm depending on the material	~0.1 mm and for water-tight parts 1.5 mm, when wall thickness is higher	~0.08 mm	min 0.02	~0.05-0.3 mm	~0.1 mm	0.04 mm
Minimum feature size	0.75 mm for cosmetic features, 1.5 mm for structural features	0.5 mm	0.5 mm	0.2 mm	up to 0.2 mm	0.5 mm	1.2 mm or greater for rigid. 2 mm or greater for rubber-like
Tolerance	±0.2% (±0.1 – 0.2 mm)	±0.3% (± 0.3 mm)	±0.3% (± 0.2 mm)	• ±0,5% (±0,2 mm) (Standard) • ±0,5% (±0,15 mm) (Industrial)	±0,5% (±0,5 mm) (Standard & Industrial)	±0.1% (±0.1 mm). However, tolerances are not guaranteed on the first attempt at a new design.	±0.1 mm for the first dozens of mm is typical, plus ±0.05 mm for every mm thereafter
Description	Metal 3D printing technology. Selectively fuses a fine metal powder in aluminium or stainless steel	One of the most popular and inexpensive technologies for industrial 3D printing	A technology that produces highly accurate and durable parts at fast speeds, especially compared to other powder bed fusion technologies	A technology that produces extremely accurate and high-resolution parts	Widely known for a great material selection, accuracy, and possibility to print large parts	A breakthrough technology that uses digital light projection, programmable liquid resins, and oxygen-permeable optics to produce parts with exceptional durability, resolution, and surface finish	Polyjet is a rigid photopolymer 3D printing technology that produces high-detailed models
Support structures	Yes, for overhanging features	No	No	Yes, for overhanging features	Yes, for overhanging features	Yes, for overhanging features	Yes, for overhanging features
	Read more about DMLS	Read more about SLS	Read more about HP MJF	Read more about SLA	Read more about FDM	Read more about Carbon DLS	Read more about Polyjet