SLM (Selective Laser Melting) and DSLM (Direct Metal Laser Sintering) are Additive Manufacturing technologies that allow metal parts to be printed from a bed of spray-dried powders. They are different from other types of 3D printing because of the wide range of materials that can be used and the density and toughness of the finished product. In DMLS, a laser melts the metallic powder layer by layer until the part is complete. SLM – unlike SLS technology – does not sinter powders, but melts them into a uniform mass. The used metallic powders do not contain any low melting agents, thus making the action of the laser more powerful. Materials involved are the same as those used in DMLS technology: cobalt chromium, aluminum alloys, titanium, steel, nickel, bronze, copper, and silver. This 3D printing technology has a high level of precision and detail accuracy, and allows for the production of metal prototypes ready for testing or finished parts ready for post-processing – such as surface treatments, turning, heat treatments, and milling. DMLS/SLM is an optimal solution for smaller batch production because of the speed of execution and elimination of tooling costs. 
Benefits and applications of SLM/DMLS technology
Being able to produce a part, whether a finished product or a prototype for testing, in one simple and fully automatic process significantly reduces costs and production time. SLM/DMLS technology also allows the creation of highly elaborate geometries in a single piece intended for a variety of fields and industrial areas:
- automotive
- aerospace and aeronautics
- naval
- motorsport: lowering chassis masses with high-performance materials
- biomedical: small series and customization for clients
- architecture and homedesign
