ExafuseMetal additive manufacturing
Service route

Qualify fit by geometry, material, surface function, finishing and inspection before a quote conversation.

Service / Metal AM

Manufacture metal parts with LMD scale, SLM detail or a hybrid additive route.

Use this route for new-build parts, prototypes, hard-to-machine alloys, compact SLM geometries, large LMD builds and projects where finishing and inspection must be planned from the start.

Start manufacturing RFQ Use the process decider
Laser Metal Deposition process adding metal to a component

Process fit

Choose LMD, SLM or hybrid by part logic, not by acronym.

Start with the part: size, detail, functional surface, finishing and inspection. The first review separates LMD, SLM, hybrid and machine-window questions before a route is quoted.

Use LMD whenLarge geometry, local material addition, repairable design, near-net-shape build or hard-to-machine alloy drives the route.
Use SLM whenCompact geometry, fine detail, internal channels, lattices or powder-bed design freedom create the part value.
Use hybrid whenThe part needs LMD scale or speed and SLM resolution logic in the same overall manufacturing strategy.
CNC-based LMD machine window4 m3 build space for components up to 2 m x 1 m x 2 m, with LMD wall widths from 1.8 mm to 3.7 mm.
6-axis robotic window 6 x 5 x 4 m installation space, 2-axis positioners, 1,000 kg rotary-table support and zoom-optic wall adjustment from 1.5 mm to 4.5 mm.
SLM machine windowTRUMPF TruPrint 3000 with 400 mm diameter platform, 400 mm build height and 500 W single-laser capability.

Manufacturing route

A part idea becomes a manufacturing route only when process, finishing and inspection are planned together.

The route is intentionally compact: start with part logic, then lock process choice, material, finishing, inspection and the RFQ package.

Visual decision support for LMD, SLM and hybrid additive route selection
01 CAD review Clarify build orientation, functional surfaces, critical dimensions and missing data.
02 Route choice Choose LMD, SLM / LPBF or hybrid by size, detail level, quantity and risk.
03 Material logic Align alloy family, powder route, substrate interaction and procurement constraints.
04 Finish plan Define machining, grinding, heat treatment or surface finishing before quoting.
05 Inspection scope Set dimensional, surface, metallographic or documentation requirements early.
06 RFQ package Turn CAD, drawing, material, quantity, deadline and acceptance criteria into a reviewable request.
Estimate base cost Compare LMD, SLM and hybrid

Flagship proof

Duisburg bridge components show large structural LMD from CAD to validated production.

The public bridge case connects large LMD components, CAD adaptation, path planning, monitoring, validation support and final inspection in one reference.

Large LMD-manufactured bridge node component

750 kg+ LMD components

Structural nodes, handrails, CAD redesign, path planning, monitoring and validation in one public large-LMD reference.

Open the case study when you are evaluating large Metal AM parts, robotic LMD, long builds or validation logic.

Open bridge case study

Drill workflow proof

130 mm build-and-coat drill: one image, one clear manufacturing logic.

The drill shows LMD as both the manufacturing route and the functional coating route. The point is practical: geometry, coating, finishing and inspection must be reviewed together.

130 mm drill during Laser Metal Deposition build and coating workflow

Build and coat

130 mm build-and-coat drill: one image, one clear manufacturing logic.

  • Build the part geometry with LMD
  • Apply the functional coating locally
  • Plan finishing and release evidence per part
Open case studyRead build-and-coat guide

Multi-material proof

750 mm water-cooled nozzle with two Ni-based material zones.

The nozzle case is a strong signal for material zoning, thin-wall LMD planning and long build stability. It does not replace part-specific release for other geometries.

Close process view of a 750 mm multi-material LMD nozzle demonstrator

Material zoning

750 mm water-cooled nozzle with two Ni-based material zones.

  • Use Inconel 625 and Inconel 718 in defined zones
  • Plan thin walls, cooling ribs and heat input together
  • Evaluate long builds through process stability
Read nozzle proofRequest multi-material review

Article snapshots

Read the manufacturing articles connected to this service.

These articles answer the process-selection questions buyers usually ask before sending CAD, drawings or an RFQ package.

Proof and FAQ

Manufacturing proof paths and direct answers.

These examples clarify limits, machine capability and LMD/SLM route logic before a technical review.

Browse all case studies

Manufacturing RFQ

Send CAD, material, size and target finish.

Exafuse can review whether LMD, SLM or a hybrid route is the practical process path. Final pricing and feasibility depend on technical review.

Start manufacturing RFQ