Metal 3D printing from independent shops
DMLS and SLM fuse fine metal powder with a laser into fully dense parts, for end-use metal geometry that machining cannot reach: conformal cooling channels, internal lattices, and lightweighted structures. Common metals are AlSi10Mg, 316L, 17-4 PH, Ti-6Al-4V, and Inconel 718. Parts are stress-relieved, cut off the build plate, and machined on critical faces. Upload a model and hear back from metal additive shops.
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How OpenSpindle works
We tap our partner network. You get the best-match quote.
Upload your part and we tap our network of partner shops to get you a competitive, all-in quote that is the best match for the job.
One upload
A CAD file or a sketch. That is the whole ask on your end.
Your best-match quote
Sourced from the partner shops set up for your exact part.
All-in, on your timeline
Machining, finishing, and shipping detailed to your turnaround.
Design rules
How to design for Metal 3D Printing
Metal additive fuses fully dense parts but fights thermal stress. Design for supports, stress relief, and a machining allowance on critical faces.
| Design rule | Typical spec | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Typical tolerance | +/- 0.1 to 0.2 mm | As-built; critical features are machined tighter after printing. |
| Min wall thickness | 0.4 to 1.0 mm | Thin walls warp under thermal stress during the build. |
| Min feature size | 0.3 to 0.5 mm | Below the laser spot and powder size, detail is lost. |
| Support material | required | Overhangs and downskins below ~45 degrees need supports to anchor heat. |
| Unsupported overhang | >= 45 degrees from horizontal | Shallower overhangs sag or need supports that must be machined off. |
| Machining allowance | +0.5 mm on critical faces | Leave stock for post-machining bores and mating surfaces. |
Typical values from metal-powder datasheets; a shop confirms against its machine, material, and heat treatment.
Process comparison
Metal 3D printing vs other processes
When another process fits better than metal additive.
| Process | Best for | Typical volume | Choose it over Metal 3D Printing when |
|---|---|---|---|
| CNC Machining | Tight tolerance, lower cost per part | Prototype to production | The geometry can be machined; CNC is cheaper, tighter, and faster for most metal parts. |
| 5-Axis Machining | Complex machined geometry, one setup | Prototype to production | The complex shape is still subtractive-friendly and needs machined-grade tolerance and finish. |
| SLS (Nylon) | Complex parts without metal properties | Low-volume production | A tough nylon part will do the job at a fraction of the cost. |
| Investment Casting | Higher-volume complex metal parts | 100+ | You are past low volumes and can amortize a pattern and tooling for lower unit cost. |
Applications
Industries we serve
Metal additive shops on OpenSpindle include AS9100 and ISO 13485 facilities for flight and implant hardware.
More on OpenSpindle
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Questions
Frequently asked questions
Metal 3D printing (DMLS and SLM) fuses fine metal powder with a laser, layer by layer, into fully dense parts. It reaches geometry machining cannot, such as internal conformal cooling channels, lattices, and consolidated assemblies, for end-use metal parts.
Get metal 3D printing quotes
Upload a model and compare quotes from independent DMLS and SLM shops.
STEP · STL · IGES · DWG · DXF · PDF · and more
Uploads are secure & confidential