Selective laser melting (SLM) is a relatively new 3D printing technique developed in the late 1980s. Because of this, not many companies offer the service. Finding an SLM additive manufacturing provider may be a little challenging, but this guide will help you narrow down your options:

• Consider the company’s experience with other manufacturing technologies.

The best way to determine a 3D printing company’s reliability is to check their previous experience. Some of the most common additive manufacturing processes include stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), and fused deposition modeling (FDM), and providers offering these services will more or less be able to offer high-quality SLM products.

• Determine their lead times and production speed.

If you’re looking for 3D printing service providers, you likely need to produce a batch of prototypes within a short amount of time. And luckily, experienced companies will also be able to meet your deadlines without sacrificing the quality of their work.

It’s best to look for providers that only require about one day of lead time for simple processes like SLM additive manufacturing, ensuring that you can make the necessary changes to your product and guarantee a faster time-to-market.

• Obtain a project review.

You can decide whether or not a company is capable of achieving your desired results by contacting them directly. Some providers offer free project review services, allowing them to learn more about your project scale and goals. Moreover, you can obtain various quotes this way and compare different fees before finalizing the project details.

• Ensure their credibility.

You may come across companies offering SLM additive manufacturing services for meager prices—almost too low to be true. If that’s the case, make sure you check the provider’s accreditation before working with them. The company must meet the standards set by relevant authorities, including ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certification.

Work with experienced and accredited 3D printing manufacturers and create the highest quality parts and tools for your needs!