Thunder SLM-175(NEW) - Thunder Laser

Q: 2. What materials can be used in 3D metal printing?

Common materials include stainless steel, cobalt-chromium alloys, high-temperature alloys, tool steels, and superalloys . Material availability depends on the printer model and technology.

Q: 3. What industries use 3D metal printing?

3D metal printing is widely used in aerospace, automotive, medical devices, energy, mold & tooling, and research for its ability to produce lightweight, complex, and high-strength components.

Q: 5. How accurate are 3D metal printed parts?

Most industrial-grade machines achieve layer thicknesses between 20–60 microns and excellent dimensional accuracy, depending on the material and process parameters.

Q: 7. Do 3D metal printed parts require post-processing?

Yes. Post-processing such as heat treatment, surface finishing, CNC machining, or polishing is often required to achieve final mechanical properties and surface quality.

Q: 8. Is 3D metal printing expensive?

Costs depend on the material, machine, and application . While initial investment can be high, the technology reduces waste and tooling costs, making it cost-effective for complex or low-volume production. T hunder L aser Thunder SLM-175 is a b u d g e t - f r i e n d l y s t a r t e r .

Q: 9. How strong are 3D metal printed parts compared to traditionally manufactured ones?

When properly processed, 3D printed metal parts can be as strong as or even stronger than cast or forged components, thanks to fine microstructures formed during printing.

Q: 10. What software is needed for operating a 3D metal printer?

Most machines require CAD (for design) and slicing software to prepare files. Advanced systems also include process monitoring and parameter optimization software .

Thunder SLM-175

High -Value Metal 3D Printing
for Every Business.

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The Thunder SLM-175 is an entry-level yet industrial-grade metal 3D printer, designed to make additive manufacturing more accessible than ever. With its compact footprint, reliable performance, and affordable investment, it brings professional metal printing within reach for startups, research labs, and small to mid-sized enterprises.

Delivering both precision and efficiency, the Thunder SLM-175 is the ideal solution for those looking to explore metal additive manufacturing without compromising on industrial quality.

Here's what makes

Thunder SLM-175 different

With a footprint of just 1.08 m² and weighing 480kg, the Thunder SLM-175 runs on a standard 220V power supply and fits easily into labs, workshops, and classrooms. Its modular architecture allows seamless integration while delivering industrial-grade performance.

Equipped with a laser energy field optimization algorithm, the Thunder SLM-175 intelligently adjusts processing parameters to enhance the success rate and quality of complex part fabrication. Achieving a forming accuracy of up to ±0.05mm, it is ideal for producing high-precision components such as aerospace turbine blades and customized medical implants.

Powered by an optimized path planning algorithm, the Thunder SLM-175 intelligently matches distinct process strategies to the specific requirements of each part, improving printing efficiency by up to 15%. With a gas-filling time of only 10-15 minutes (assuming adequate gas pressure supply), the system significantly shortens production cycles and enhances overall throughput.

A reusable filter system, modular architecture for simplified maintenance, and up to 85% powder utilization work together to minimize material waste and ongoing operational costs, maximizing user return on investment over the machine’s lifecycle.

Our in-house developed laser scanning algorithm stabilizes melt pool dynamics by resisting changes in atmospheric conditions. Coupled with intelligent path optimization, it reduces printing time while maintaining exceptional quality both speed and reliability.

From tailored process packages to end-to-end training, Thunder Laser provides full lifecycle support. Responsive technical service and application guidance—covering education, research, and industrial scenarios—help users reduce the barriers from entry to mass production, accelerating the adoption of metal additive manufacturing.

Supported Materials

The Thunder SLM-175 supports a wide range of metal powders, ensuring flexibility for research, prototyping, and production. Some of the compatible materials.

316L

CoCrMoW

CX

18Ni(300)

Applications in Action

The Thunder SLM-175 empowers innovation across industries-making metal additive manufacturing practical, precise, and accessible.

Impeller

Material: 18Ni300
Printing Time:2.24h
Industry: Aerospace

Engine Model

Material: 18Ni300
Printing Time:1.34h
Industry: Aerospace

Aircraft Engine

Material: 18Ni300
Printing Time:50.14h
Industry: Aerospace

Engine Components

Material: 316L-Stainless steel
Printing Time:9H
Industry: Aerospace

Hot Mouth Cover

Material: CX
Printing Time:8.15h
Industry: Mould

Pipe

Material: 316L-Stainless steel
Printing Time:14h
Industry: Mould

Earphone Sleeve

Material: 316L-Stainless steel
Printing Time:18h
Industry: Mould

Shoe Model

Material: 18Ni300
Printing Time:3.32h
Industry: Mould

Oral

Material: 316L-Stainless steel
Printing Time:0.63h
Industry: Medical

Hip

Material: 316L-Stainless steel
Printing Time:17h
Industry: Medical

Braces

Material: 316L-Stainless steel
Printing Time:0.56h
Industry: Medical

Dental mold

Material: 316L-Stainless steel
Printing Time:5h
Industry: Medical

Fluid

Material: 316L-Stainless steel
Printing Time:4.67h
Industry: Toolings

Wrench

Material: 316L-Stainless steel
Printing Time:1.6h
Industry: Toolings

Screws and Nuts

Material: 316L-Stainless steel
Printing Time:2.9h
Industry: Toolings

Heat Exchanger

Material: 316L-Stainless steel
Printing Time:5.86h
Industry: Toolings

Crafts

Material: 316L-Stainless steel
Printing Time:14h
Industry: Crafts

Black Myth Wukong

Material: 316L-Stainless steel
Printing Time:3.66h
Industry: Crafts

Material: 316L-Stainless steel
Printing Time:4.5h
Industry: Crafts

Gundam Model

Material: 316L-Stainless steel
Printing Time:3.82h
Industry: Crafts

Technical Specifications

Build Volume	L175mmW175mmH200mm(6.9"×6.9"×7.9")
Machine Dimensions	L1200mmW900mmH1850mm(47.2"×35.4"×72.8")
Machine Weight	≤ 480 kg
Power Supply	220 V ± 10%, 50/60 Hz, 3.5 kW
Laser Power	Fiber 500W
Maximum Scan Speed	8000mm/s
Build Rate	10-15cm³/H
Beam Diameter	40~100μm
Layer Thickness	0.03mm - 0.1mm
Project Accuracy	±0.05mm
Shielding Gas	Ar/N₂
Supporting Software	Thunder Make
File Format	STL or Transformable Formats
Processable Materials	Stainless Steel / Cobalt-Chromium Alloy / High-Temperature Alloy / Superalloy / Tool Steel
Application Scenarios	Education and research, aerospace, medical devices, precision manufacturing, mold manufacturing, artistic products, and jewelry and luxury goods.
Warranty	2-Year

Why Choose Thunder SLM-175?

Bridging the Gap

From research to production, Thunder SLM-175makes metal 3D printing possible for more businesses.

Lower Entry Barrier

Cost-effective without com- promising industrial quality.

Future-Proof Investment

Scalable technology backed by Thunder Laser expertise.

Professional Metal Printing Within Reach

Your Gateway to Metal Additive Manufacturing

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FAQS

1. What is a 3D metal printer?

A 3D metal printer is an additive manufacturing machine that builds metal parts layer by layer using metal powders or wires, melted and fused by a high-energy source such as a laser or electron beam.

2. What materials can be used in 3D metal printing?

Common materials include stainless steel, cobalt-chromium alloys, high-temperature alloys, tool steels, and superalloys. Material availability depends on the printer model and technology.

3. What industries use 3D metal printing?

3D metal printing is widely used in aerospace, automotive, medical devices, energy, mold & tooling, and research for its ability to produce lightweight, complex, and high-strength components.

4. What are the advantages of 3D metal printing compared to traditional manufacturing?

(1)Ability to create complex geometries not possible with CNC or casting

(2)Reduced material waste

(3)Faster prototyping and production cycles

(4)Lightweight designs with high strength

(5)On-demand manufacturing with less tooling cost

5. How accurate are 3D metal printed parts?

Most industrial-grade machines achieve layer thicknesses between 20–60 microns and excellent dimensional accuracy, depending on the material and process parameters.

7. Do 3D metal printed parts require post-processing?

Yes. Post-processing such as heat treatment, surface finishing, CNC machining, or polishing is often required to achieve final mechanical properties and surface quality.

8. Is 3D metal printing expensive?

Costs depend on the material, machine, and application. While initial investment can be high, the technology reduces waste and tooling costs, making it cost-effective for complex or low-volume production. Thunder Laser Thunder SLM-175 is a budget–friendly starter.

9. How strong are 3D metal printed parts compared to traditionally manufactured ones?

When properly processed, 3D printed metal parts can be as strong as or even stronger than cast or forged components, thanks to fine microstructures formed during printing.

10. What software is needed for operating a 3D metal printer?

Most machines require CAD (for design) and slicing software to prepare files. Advanced systems also include process monitoring and parameter optimization software.