Digital Metal vs. laser technologies
Each AM technology has its strengths and weaknesses. Digital Metal combines high resolution and surface finish with high productivity for small components.
The following comparisons have been done by the French CETIM (Centre Technique des Industries Mécaniques/Technical Center for the Mechanical Industry), a non-profit establishment supporting French industry to adapt new technologies.
Comparison of surface quality
From left: Digital Metal 316L, SLM CoCr, SLM Ti6Al4V
Accuracy
Left: Digital Metal
Right: Laser Beam Melting
Images courtesy of CETIM
Productivity, no support structures
Left: No support structure needed for Digital Metal
Right: Supports to be removed with SLM
Images courtesy of CETIM