Fast and functional parts: new ways to use selective laser melting

Selective Laser melting (SLM) is the leading additive manufacturing (AM) technology using metallic powder as base material and has reached a high level of maturity which allows the production of parts for end users. Ongoing research is being done in the fields of application and adaption of SLM as well as process and material development. The paper will report developments concerning the realization of complex internal structures and its constraints. Approaches to integrate electronics like RFID chips via SLM are shown. Examples of functionalized and complex hydraulic and medical parts will be presented. It will also be referred to the improvement of manufacturing of high temperature components for micro turbines as well as heat exchangers. Materials used are stainless steels and nickel-based alloys.