DMLS Metal 3D Printing in India — Titanium, Inconel & Stainless Steel Parts in 5 Days

DMLS (Direct Metal Laser Sintering) builds metal parts layer by layer from powder using a fiber laser, enabling geometries impossible with CNC machining - internal channels, lattice structures, organic topology-optimised shapes, and part consolidation. Unlike CNC which removes material from solid stock, DMLS only uses the material that forms the final part, with minimal waste. Mechanical properties are comparable to wrought metal at 99.5%+ density.

DMLS parts achieve 99.5%+ relative density with mechanical properties comparable to or exceeding conventional wrought or cast equivalents. For example: SS316L printed by DMLS achieves ~530 MPa tensile strength vs ~480 MPa for cast 316L. Ti-6Al-4V DMLS matches AMS wrought titanium specifications. Properties vary by material and heat treatment - full datasheets available on request.

Yes, heat treatment is mandatory for most DMLS materials and is included in our standard process. Stress relief removes residual stresses built up during printing and is performed before support removal to prevent distortion. Additional age hardening (Inconel 718, Maraging Steel), annealing (Ti-6Al-4V), or T6 treatment (AlSi10Mg) improves mechanical properties and is performed according to material specifications.

As-printed DMLS surfaces are Ra 6-15µm - functional but visibly textured. Support contact areas are Ra 10-20µm (rougher). After bead blasting (standard), finish improves to Ra 3-8µm uniformly. For critical surfaces like sealing faces, bearing bores, or mating surfaces, CNC post-machining achieves Ra 0.8-1.6µm. Polishing or electropolishing (SS316L) can reach Ra 0.2µm.

DMLS achieves ±0.1mm or ±0.1% dimensional accuracy as-printed. For critical tolerance features (bearing fits, sealing faces, threaded interfaces), CNC post-machining on the same order can achieve ±0.025mm or better. Always specify which dimensions are critical on your drawing so we can plan post-machining accordingly.

DMLS complements rather than replaces CNC. Choose DMLS when geometry is too complex to machine, when internal features are required, or when part consolidation adds value. Choose CNC for simple prismatic geometry, tight tolerances across the full part, high volumes (50+ units), or when as-machined surface finish is needed on all faces. Partwork often combines both: DMLS for the complex shape, CNC post-machining for critical surfaces.

Partwork offers SS316L (corrosion-resistant general purpose), AlSi10Mg (lightweight aluminium), Ti-6Al-4V Grade 5 (aerospace and medical titanium), Inconel 718 (high-temperature superalloy), and Maraging Steel 1.2709 (ultra-high-strength tooling steel). Additional materials including SS17-4PH, CoCr, and copper alloys are available on request.

SS316L and AlSi10Mg parts are typically dispatched in 5-8 days including stress relief and bead blasting. Titanium and Maraging Steel take 7-10 days due to extended heat treatment cycles. Inconel 718 with aging treatment takes 8-12 days. CNC post-machining on critical surfaces adds 3-5 days. Rush orders are evaluated on request.

Yes, and this is one of the most compelling applications for DMLS. Conformal cooling channels follow the contour of the mould cavity - impossible to drill conventionally. Studies show conformal cooling reduces injection moulding cycle times by 15-40% and eliminates hot spots. Maraging Steel 1.2709 is the standard material, hardened to ~54 HRC after age hardening for full production tool life.

Yes. Our manufacturing partners hold AS9100 (aerospace) and ISO 13485 (medical device) certifications for applicable DMLS orders. Ti-6Al-4V DMLS parts can be produced to ASTM F3001 and AMS 4999 standards. SS316L and Ti-6Al-4V are biocompatible materials per ISO 10993. Material certification packages including powder lot traceability, tensile, hardness, and chemical composition reports are available.

HIP (Hot Isostatic Pressing) is a post-processing step that uses simultaneous high pressure and temperature to close any residual internal porosity in DMLS parts, further improving density toward 100% and significantly enhancing fatigue life. HIP is recommended for fatigue-critical applications like aerospace load-bearing structures, rotating components, and medical implants. It adds 5-7 days and cost to the order but is mandatory for certain certifications.

Yes, and this is one of Partwork's key advantages. Hybrid DMLS + CNC orders are handled on a single platform. The complex geometry is printed in DMLS, then critical faces, bores, threads, and sealing surfaces are CNC machined to tight tolerances (±0.025mm) and fine finishes (Ra 0.8µm). This combines the geometric freedom of additive with the precision of subtractive manufacturing.