Direct Metal Laser Sintering Process

Proto Labs offers Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) as a service to its customers. The technology uses a laser system that draws onto a surface of atomized metal powder, welding the powder into a solid wherever it draws. After each layer, a blade adds a fresh layer of powder and repeats the process until a final metal part is formed.

The process is compatible with a variety of alloys, enabling prototypes to be made out of the same material as production components. Since the components are built layer by layer, it is possible to create internal features and passages that could not be cast or otherwise machined. The product produces full-strength, functional metal parts.