Aluminium 3D printing
in AlSi10Mg.
Lightweight, strong metal parts made by laser powder bed fusion (SLM), from a single piece. Upload a CAD file and get price and delivery date in seconds.
Material properties.
Typical values in the as-built condition, measured on turned specimens to ISO 6892-1.
Datasheet (PDF)
Material
AlSi10Mg, composition to DIN EN 1706 (EN AC-43000)Tensile strength
450–460 MPaYield strength
230–270 MPaElongation at break
6–10%Density
≥ 2.67 g/cm³Thermal conductivity
100–110 W/(m·K)Fatigue strength
110 MPa (lower limit, 20 million load cycles)Gas tightness
Leak rate 10⁻⁶ mbar·l/s at 2 mm wall thickness
After heat treatment (T6), elongation at break rises to around 11% and thermal conductivity to 155–165 W/(m·K); tensile strength drops to 310–320 MPa.
Applications for aluminium.
Wherever a part has to be light and has a shape that cannot be milled or cast.
Lightweight design
Topology-optimised brackets and lattice structures that save weight wherever material is not needed.Heat dissipation
Heat sinks and heat exchangers with internal channels that can only be produced additively.Sealed housings
Valve blocks, manifolds and housings; gas-tight from 2 mm wall thickness.Before the casting tool
Same alloy as in die casting: test prototypes and pre-series parts before the mould is built.
When another process is a better fit.
Simple geometry
Plates, flanges and prismatic parts are cheaper and more accurate when milled.Corrosive environment
For salt water, acids and chemicals, stainless steel 316L is the better choice.Maximum strength
Where aluminium reaches its limits, titanium Ti6Al4V offers more than twice the strength at low weight.Large, solid parts
A large volume makes printing expensive and slow. Milling or casting is the better option here.
Design rules.
Follow these values and the part will fit on the first print.
Wall thickness
At least 0.8 mm for supported walls, 1.0 mm for unsupported walls.Holes
From 1.0 mm diameter. Through channels need an opening so that the powder can be removed.Details
Embossed and engraved details from 0.6 mm.Overhangs
Surfaces flatter than 45° need supports and are rougher on the underside. Steep surfaces stay smooth.Accuracy
±0.2% of the dimension. Machine fits and sealing surfaces after printing.Layer and build volume
0.03 mm layer thickness, parts up to 427 × 527 × 460 mm.
Surface and post-processing.
As printed
Matt, slightly rough grey surface with a fine sparkle from the silicon in the alloy.Sandblasted
Standard for every part. Matt or glossy, selectable in the online quoting tool.Threads and fits
Thread cutting and machining of functional surfaces, on request.
Frequently asked questions.
- Usually within 7–10 working days of ordering, depending on size and post-processing. After upload, the online quoting tool shows the exact delivery date.
- The price depends mainly on volume, build height and the supports required. Upload your CAD file and the price appears in seconds. From a single piece, with no tooling costs.
- AlSi10Mg is a casting alloy. When printed, its tensile strength of 450–460 MPa is higher than that of cast AlSi10Mg and in the range of machined alloys such as 6061. It does not reach high-strength alloys such as 7075.
- STEP and STL. STEP is preferable because dimensions and holes are transferred exactly.
- Yes, threads are cut after printing. Specify them in your inquiry or write to us.
Price your aluminium part.
Upload a CAD file and get price and delivery date in seconds. For series production and special requirements, send us an inquiry.