Metal additive manufacturing represents a cutting-edge sector in modern metallurgical production. The strength of this technology lies in the ability to produce topologically optimized metal components, thanks to exceptional design freedom and a production process that selectively adds material instead of removing it, as in traditional techniques. The Selective Laser Melting (SLM) or Powder Bed Fusion Laser Melting (PBF-LM) technology allows to produce metal parts using a bed of metal powders with particle sizes ranging from 15 to 63 μm, fused layer by layer using a focused laser beam.

The DIFILab, in collaboration with INFN, has acquired the Print Sharp 250 machine, equipped with a 500 W single-mode fiber laser at 1064 nm. The machine enables the manufacture of medium-sized components, approximately 250 x 250 x 300 mm. The equipment is set up for producing stainless steel 316L components.

The machine is provided with an open-parameter system that allows for direct control over the printing process variables, facilitating the study and optimization of the process.