3D Printing (3DP) and Selective Laser Melting (SLM), a comprehensive comparison
1. Working Process 3D printing is an additive manufacturing process that creates physical objects from digital design. In 3DP layer of powder is deposited automatically in the tray. Then print head applies resin to power layer and it dries almost immediately. When the layer dried another layer will be added to finish the model. The working principle of SLM differs from 3DP and it works on the principle of melting. Powder heated and melted and forms pool of liquid where its phase changes from liquid to solid by reforming and hardening. The final part wont porous, thereby it can be used for wide range of applications.