Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)
Design Processes
3D printing solid metal parts by fusing powder with a laser, layer by layer.
In practice
Direct metal laser sintering — often used interchangeably with selective laser melting — builds metal parts by melting fine metal powder with a high-power laser, one cross-section at a time, in an inert atmosphere. It produces dense, functional parts in aluminium, titanium, steel and superalloys with geometry no machining can reach, at the price of slow builds, heavy post-processing and careful design for thermal stress.
Questions
What is Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)?
DMLS is a metal additive process that laser-fuses powdered metal into fully dense parts directly from a digital model.
Why do you use Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)?
Internal channels, lattices and consolidated assemblies in real metal — parts that would otherwise be many pieces, or impossible.
How do you use/apply Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)?
Design with build orientation and supports in mind, manage overhangs and thermal stress, print, then heat-treat, remove supports and machine critical surfaces.
When do you use Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)?
For high-value, low-volume metal parts where geometry or consolidation justifies the cost — medical, aerospace, tooling, bespoke hardware.
Who uses Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)?
Mechanical engineers and industrial designers working on metal components.
