For any questions about our services you can call us at: +86-188-7042-1176

Why is 316l stainless steel expensive to print dmls?

 
The Cost Challenges of 316L Stainless Steel in DMLS 3D Printing

Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) is an advanced additive manufacturing technology that uses a high-powered laser to fuse metal powder layer by layer, producing complex and high-performance parts. While DMLS 3D printing offers design freedom and material versatility, certain metals, such as 316L stainless steel, can be significantly more expensive to process compared to conventional manufacturing methods.

why is 316l stainless steel expensive to print dmls
 
Key Factors Driving the High Cost

1. Material Purity & Powder Quality

316L stainless steel powder for DMLS must have extremely fine, spherical particles to ensure proper sintering and density. Producing such high-quality powder involves specialized atomization processes, increasing material costs.

2. Printing Parameters & Laser Energy

316L requires precise laser power, scan speed, and layer thickness settings to avoid defects like porosity or warping. Optimizing these parameters demands extensive testing and expertise, contributing to higher operational costs.

3. Post-Processing Requirements

DMLS-printed 316L parts often require stress-relief heat treatment, machining, or surface finishing to meet mechanical and aesthetic standards. These additional steps add to the overall production cost.

4. Machine Wear & Maintenance

The abrasive nature of stainless steel powder can accelerate nozzle and laser degradation in DMLS systems, leading to higher maintenance expenses compared to printing with less demanding metals like titanium or aluminum.

While DMLS 3D printing enables the production of high-strength, corrosion-resistant 316L stainless steel components, the combined costs of material quality, process optimization, and post-processing make it an expensive choice. However, for industries like aerospace, medical, and automotive—where performance justifies the expense—DMLS remains a valuable manufacturing solution.
Jucheng Precision Factory
Request A Quote For Your Project!
ㆍFill in your requirements and upload your 2D&3D file, we will feedback your project quotation and DFM within 24 hours.
ㆍFile types: STEP, STP, IGES, IGS, SLDPRT, 3DM, SAT or X_T files File size: < 128 MB Part size: < 1500*1500*1500 mm
ㆍPrivacy: We respect your privacy. Here you can find an example of a non-disclosure agreement. By submitting this form, you agree to our terms & conditions and privacy policy.
Choose File
Get A Quote And Solution
Factory addredd: 3rd Floor, Building C, 4th Industrial Zone, Xisha Road
Shajing Street Baoan District, Shenzhen
 
Sales Office: unit 1, Enterprise City,Durham
DL16 6JF, united Kingdom
 
 
+86 - 188 - 7042 - 1176
+86 - 186 - 8005 - 3076

Capabilities

CNC Machining
Jucheng Precision ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 13485, IATF 16949

Resources

Technical FAQ

Company

About Us
Copyright © 2023 Jucheng Precision All rights reserved.