L3-MFG-3DP-SLM
CRITICAL
RESOURCES
Level 3 · hardware
Selective Laser Melting Metal Printer
SLM Printer for AlSi10Mg + Lunar Regolith Composite Parts
Selective Laser Melting printer producing metal parts (AlSi10Mg, Ti-6Al-4V, stainless 316L) and regolith-metal composite structures using ISRU-sourced powders.
Purpose
Selective Laser Melting printer producing metal parts (AlSi10Mg, Ti-6Al-4V, stainless 316L) and regolith-metal composite structures using ISRU-sourced powders.
Context
Child of L2-MFG-3DP within the Lunar Ark system
Principles
- ▸Laser sinters metal powder layer-by-layer
- ▸AlSi10Mg / Ti-6Al-4V / 316L per part requirement
- ▸Lunar regolith + AlSi10Mg composite per ScienceDirect 2021
- ▸Build envelope 250x250x300 mm
- ▸Vacuum chamber natural on Moon
Typical implementations
- ▸ESA Metal3D first metal part in space (Aug 2024)
- ▸Lunar Regolith-AlSi10Mg SLM Composite (ScienceDirect 2021)
- ▸Regolith-Stainless Composite AM (MIT 2024)
Lunar considerations
- ▸Vacuum environment ideal for SLM (no oxidation)
- ▸ISRU Al/Fe stock from L1-MFG-SMELT closes loop
- ▸Long-life laser source (fiber laser)
Specifications
Functional
| primary function | Selective Laser Melting printer producing metal parts (AlSi10Mg, Ti-6Al-4V, stainless 316L) and regolith-metal composite structures using ISRU-sourced powders. |
| build volume mm | 250, 250, 300 |
| layer thickness mm | 0.03 |
| laser power w | 500 |
Physical
| mass kg | 200 |
| materials | Fiber laser source, Metal powder beds, Stainless build chamber |
| vacuum compatibility | True |
Operational
| power consumption w | 1000 |
| thermal range c | -40, 70 |
| lifetime years | 15 |
| mtbf hours | 15000 |
Interfaces
Provides
- Metal + composite parts
- Custom spare parts
Requires
- Laser + heater (~1 kW)
- Metal powder feedstock
- Recycled metal source
Cite this entry
Lunar Ark Codex. "Selective Laser Melting Metal Printer" (L3-MFG-3DP-SLM). Retrieved 10 September 2026, from https://lunarark.com/entry/L3-MFG-3DP-SLM
Licensed CC-BY-SA 4.0. You may reuse and adapt this entry with attribution, under the same licence.