Speaker: Andreas Kotsch, PhD student, Laserinstitut Hochschule Mittweida
Macro-SLM: The solution for cubic metre metal tools
20.11.2025
Your design experts create the perfect tool, but how can you manufacture it? Standard selective laser melting (SLM) quickly reaches its limits when it comes to large tools. But the innovative Macro-SLM process solves this challenge by using high-power laser systems and cost-effective coarse-grain metal particles. This combination merges the complexity of SLM-parts with the efficiency of direct energy deposition. As a result, Macro-SLM significantly reduces production costs for large, complex metal parts. Components with a dimension up to 2 x 2 x 1 m³ can be built at rates up to 10 kg/h. We present the Macro-SLM setup and experimental results for steel samples. Tensile tests demonstrated that the mechanical properties of the as-built samples exceed the required standards. The potential of the Macro-SLM process is further illustrated by full size prototypes of industrial parts such as tools for the concrete industry.