Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) Services

Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) is the leading additive manufacturing technology for metals. Due to its precision, this technology can create complex and dimensionally stable parts.
Metal parts made with LPBF 3d printing technology

How LPBF works

Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) is also known as Selective Laser Melting (SLM) or Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS). This technology requires an inert gas atmosphere and a laser to melt metal powder which is stored in a powder bed.

As this happens repetitively layer by layer on the build platform, the material fuses together to form the part.

With the help of support structures, LPBF enables complex geometries that are not achievable through subtractive manufacturing methods. Furthermore, this additive manufacturing process requires no additional tooling, making it a cost-efficient manufacturing technology. Another advantage of powder bed technologies is the recyclability of unused powder.

How it works - The LPBF laser powder bed fusion process

LPBF Use Cases

As the leading metal additive manufacturing technology, LPBF is used by many industries on the MakerVerse platform, including automotive, energy, and others. This technology is equally suitable for producing functional prototypes as engineered end-use parts.

LPBF by the Numbers

Max Build Size
500 mm x 500 mm x 500 mm (Standard)

Lead Times

Starting at 12 days
Minimum Wall Thickness
0.8 mm (depending on geometry)
Dimensional Accuracy
+/- 0.3% with a minimum of 0.3 mm

Key Feature: Oversized Parts

Looking for bigger parts? You’re in the right place.

While the standard size for LPBF parts is typically 500 mm in the longest dimension, we offer state-of-the-art LPBF printers capable of up to 1.5 meters in the longest dimension. With these capabilities, you can explore all-new applications in prototyping, spare parts, and series production. ​

Learn how to go far beyond the standard sizes typically available

Gas turbine emissions probes made for Siemens Energy using LPBF, welding, and machining.

Working with MakerVerse and leveraging their extensive eco-system to support on demand parts requirements has allowed us to be more responsive and agile.

Quan Lac

Vice President of Additive Manufacturing at Siemens Energy

Source Industrial-Grade LPBF parts

MakerVerse give you the flexibility to source parts however you need. Get instant quotes and quickly order parts with on-demand manufacturing. For sophisticated orders, our team of experts will work with you to develop, align and supervise a manufacturing quality plan from start to finish.

On-Demand Manufacturing

  • Instant quoting and DFM checks
  • Short lead times
  • Fast and intuitive order placement

Production Orders

  • Expert support from end-to-end
  • Comprehensive manufacturing and quality plan
  • Guaranteed quality meeting advanced specifications

Available LPBF finishes

Heat Treated

After reaching and remaining at a pre-determined temperature, the material is cooled back down. As a result, the material properties can be specifically adapted to individual use cases.

Painted

Additional color is applied to the printed part, often by a professional spray-painting system. To get the desired output, the part is properly prepared through accurate cleaning and a clearcoat.

CNC Machined

Post-processing CNC options include turning, milling, drilling, and more. The advantages include dimensional stability, low surface roughness, and flexibility for customer-specific requirements.

Polished

An abrasive is used to smooth a part's surface. By repeating this process throughout different stages with reduced roughness of the abrasive, you gain a smooth and polished surface.

Tumbled

Parts are reworked by grinding media in a container, where they are deburred, finely ground, and polished by vibration or rotation of the container.

Blasted

An abrasive medium is applied to the component under high pressure. By using different media (e.g., corundum, sand or glass beads), both functional (achieving a certain surface roughness) and optical (polishing the surface) finishing can be performed.

Available LPBF materials

What’s the best material for your project?
Use our interactive technology and material advisor to find out.

Didn't find the material you are looking for?

We are constantly expanding and you can request specific materials going beyond our current standardized offering. Simply select “Other Material” in the order process and provide us your desired specifications in the comment section.
 
You can also reach out to us with your specific material requests at any time under support@makerverse.com

Resources: Additive manufacturing with metals

Let’s build together

Schedule a consultation with our specialists to kickstart your project.