Background

DMLS (Direct Metal Laser Sintering) is an industrial metal 3D printing method that fuses layers of fine metal powder particles creating a metal part layer by layer. Metal 3D printing techniques are ideal for manufacturing complex metal shapes that can be expensive or impossible using traditional manufacturing methods. Metal 3D printed parts are typically stronger and denser than traditional casting. The DMLS process is used for prototyping metals parts and low volume manufacturing, eliminating expensive and time consuming tooling. When mixing various metal alloy powders it is important to monitor the elemental compositions of the raw materials and powder mixtures to ensure proper alloy balances for the parts being produced. Rigaku offers the NEX CG EDXRF spectrometer for fast and simple analysis of metal alloy powders used in metal 3D printing.