SLM Solutions white paper: What to ask before buying a metal additive manufacturing system

With 2018 ending and 2019 starting, some manufacturers are considering the acquisition of a metal AM machine. SLM Solutions North America, Wixom, Mich., has re-issued a white paper to help them with the decision-making process.

Titled “7 questions manufacturing professionals must ask before buying a metal additive manufacturing machine,” SLM intended the paper for industry professionals who:

— understand the benefits of AM and where it would fit in their operations;

— are comparing specs, features, and business policies of competing suppliers;

— and are concerned about making the right long-term decision.

“Metal 3D Printing is a game changer,” according to the paper, which mainly focuses on metal-bed-fusion systems. “The technology is seeing explosive growth and acceptance across industries. ... Staying current with this wave of change is a strategic imperative for U.S. manufacturers.”

The white paper highlights critical factors to consider when investing in additive manufacturing technology. Here are seven questions SLM Solutions recommends that prospective purchasers of an AM system ask themselves:

1. How do I make sense of the AM “alphabet soup”: DMLS, SLM, DMLM, SLS, etc.?

2. What are the safety concerns?

3. Build envelope: Does one size really fit all?

4. How can I get the fastest results possible from the additive metal process?

5. Who owns my operating parameters?

6. What if I want to try new materials?

7. What are the “hidden” operating costs?