Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) 3D Printing Service
Instant quotes for metal prototypes and production parts | Free shipping on all US orders | ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485, IATF 16949:2016, AS9100D certified. ITAR registered.
High-Quality Metal Parts Without Tooling
Direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) is a metal 3D printing technology that builds metal parts with exceptional mechanical properties and precision. Our Manufacturing Supplier Network provides you with massive on-demand production capacity, including a wide range of DMLS machines and high-performance materials.
Designers often choose DMLS for its ability to produce all-in-one metal assemblies and highly precise metal parts with complex features, such as internal supports and lattices. DMLS does not have upfront setup or tooling costs, making it an affordable option for fully dense metal parts with the design freedom of additive manufacturing. With DMLS’s affordability, speed, and superior design freedoms, companies and creators can build metal designs they never thought possible and produce accurate, end-use components.

Xometry Direct Metal Laser Sintering 3D Printing Service Capabilities
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Feature Typical Build Volume | Description 10" x 10" x 10" (250 x 250 x 250 mm) |
Feature General Tolerances | Description ± 0.005” for the first inch is typical, plus ± 0.002” for every inch thereafter |
Feature Layer Height | Description .0012”-.0016" (30-40 microns) depending on material |
Feature Surface Roughness | Description 150-1000 µin Ra, as-printed (geometry and orientation dependent) |
Feature Part Density | Description 98%+ |
This table depicts the general tolerances for Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS). Stresses during the build and other geometry considerations may cause deviation in tolerances and flatness. Part designs with thicker geometries, flat or broad parts, and parts with uneven wall thicknesses may be prone to significant deviations or warp. Improved tolerances may be possible with a manual quote review, after successful completion of a prototype build, and must be approved on a case-by-case basis. General tolerances apply before secondary finishing or post-processing unless otherwise specified. Please check out Xometry's Manufacturing Standards for more information on tolerances per process.

Need to Compare Printing Processes?
Our quick reference guides let you quickly compare different 3D printing processes!
How a Direct Metal Laser Sintering Machine Works
Direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) is an additive metal printing technology that builds metal parts from a CAD file by selectively fusing thin layers of metal powder.
Direct metal laser sintering’s layer-by-layer printing allows multiple parts to be combined during the printing process. In traditional manufacturing, metal parts are machined or cast as multiple components and then assembled. 3D Printing enables all-in-one assemblies, strengthening the finished part while significantly reducing weight and cost. DMLS can also create high-density parts ideal for high-pressure applications, such as in the oil and gas industries.
Direct Metal 3D Printing Materials
| Material Name | Description | Data Sheets |
|---|---|---|
Material Name Aluminum AlSi10Mg | Description A lightweight aluminum alloy offering excellent thermal conductivity and high resistance to stress and vibration. | Data Sheets |
Material Name Stainless Steel 17-4 | Description A precipitation-hardening stainless steel combining high strength and hardness with excellent corrosion resistance. | Data Sheets |
Material Name Stainless Steel 316/L | Description A low-carbon stainless steel with excellent ductility and superior corrosion resistance in harsh environments. | Data Sheets |
Material Name Inconel 625 | Description A corrosion-resistant nickel-chromium superalloy offering exceptional fatigue and thermal-fatigue properties. | Data Sheets |
Material Name Inconel 718 | Description A high-strength superalloy capable of maintaining its mechanical properties at extreme temperatures up to 700°C. | Data Sheets |
Material Name Maraging Steel | Description An ultra-high-strength steel featuring excellent toughness and exceptional dimensional stability during heat treatment. | Data Sheets |
Material Name Titanium Ti6Al4V (Grade 5) | Description A lightweight, high-strength alloy known for superior corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. | Data Sheets |
Available Finishes
Standard: In addition to the removal of support structures, the part surface is media blasted to provide a uniform finish.
Custom: Additional DMLS post-processing, such as CNC Machining of features and polishing, are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and can be requested in the quoting tool.

Best Applications for DMLS

Rapid Tooling
Because DMLS parts are strong yet lightweight, they are widely used for rapid tooling, fixtures, and jigs.

Rapid Prototyping
DMLS metal laser printing is typically affordable and fast, and therefore is often used to make proof-of-concept models and fully functional late-stage prototypes.

Production
Cast-quality finish (fully dense) and durable materials make DMLS printing a favorite technology for end-use products.
Get your quote for metal 3D printed parts today
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Why Choose Xometry for DMLS 3D Printing?

Endless Options
Choose from thousands of possible combinations of materials, finishes, tolerances, markings, and certifications for your order.

Easy to Use
Get your parts delivered right to your door without the hassle of sourcing, project management, logistics, or shipping.

Vetted Network
We are ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485, and AS9100D certified. Only the top shops that apply to become suppliers make it through our qualification process.