What Is SLM Metal Printing in Dentistry?

In dentistry, it is used to produce cobalt chrome partial denture frameworks, crown and bridge substructures and implant components with accurate fit that is difficult to achieve reliably through conventional casting.

Key Points

• SLM metal printing is a manufacturing process that builds metal frameworks layer by layer using a laser.
• The process eliminates wax pattern production and casting, reducing dimensional variables.
• SLM-printed cobalt chrome frameworks are fully dense with no porosity and consistent accuracy.
• Digital files are retained so any framework can be reprinted without a new impression.
• Simcast offers SLM metal printing as a standard service for laboratories and practices submitting digital cases.

How the Process Works

A digital design file is sliced into thin cross-sectional layers. A fine layer of cobalt chrome powder is spread across the build platform and a laser fuses the powder in the pattern of the first layer.

The platform lowers by one layer thickness, new powder is spread and the process repeats until the full component is built. The part is then removed, support structures are taken off and the component is finished by hand.

SLM vs casting

Traditional casting requires a physical wax pattern, investment material, a burnout cycle and molten metal injection. Each stage introduces potential dimensional error: investment shrinkage, gas entrapment porosity and alloy shrinkage during solidification.

SLM bypasses all of these stages. The digital file defines the geometry and the laser builds it precisely, producing a fully dense part with no porosity.

SLM vs polymer 3D printing

SLM is distinguished from polymer printing processes such as FDM by the use of metal powder and a high-power laser. Unlike selective laser sintering (SLS), SLM fully melts the powder rather than fusing it at particle boundaries, producing a denser, stronger component.

Applications in Dentistry

SLM is used principally in dental manufacturing to produce cobalt chrome removable partial denture frameworks. It is also used for crown and bridge metal substructures, implant bars and bars for overdentures, orthodontic appliances and custom implant abutments when titanium SLM powder is used.

Cobalt chrome framework production

SLM-printed cobalt chrome frameworks offer several practical advantages over cast equivalents. Complex designs with thin connectors, multiple rests and precision attachments are produced with the same accuracy as simpler cases.

The same framework can be reprinted from the original digital file if a replacement is needed, without a new impression. Learn more about our chrome cobalt frameworks.

Clinical Advantages

For the prescribing dentist, SLM-printed frameworks arrive ready to fit with consistent accuracy across cases. A framework that seats correctly first time, with clasps that engage the survey line without adjustment, saves chair time and simplifies the fitting appointment.

SLM Metal Printing at Simcast

Simcast produces SLM-printed cobalt chrome RPD frameworks, crown and bridge substructures and orthodontic metal work from digital files as a standard service. Submit a case via the Send Files page. See our SLM direct metal printing service page for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is SLM printing more expensive than casting? No, in many cases SLM can present better value. Contact us for a quote.
• How accurate is SLM printing? SLM holds tolerances that are at least equivalent to, and in many cases superior to, precision casting.
• What metals can be printed? Cobalt chrome is the primary dental SLM material. Titanium is used for implant applications.
• Can SLM frameworks be adjusted chairside? Minor clasp adjustments can be made in the same way as for cast frameworks.

Find out about SLM printing at Simcast