Aluminum

Description

Aluminum AlSi7Mg0.6 is a metal alloy composed mainly of aluminum (about 90%), silicon (7%) and magnesium (0.6%), equivalent to the foundry alloy A357 / EN-AC 42200. It is 3D printed with technology SLM (Selective Laser Melting), a selective laser melting process that brings metal powder to the melting point layer by layer, with a precision of 30 µm per layer.

This alloy offers excellent strength-to-weight ratio, good thermal properties, and mechanical strength comparable to that of components produced using traditional methods such as chill casting or die casting. It is commonly used in the aerospace, automotive, and industrial sectors for lightweight structural components, heat sinks, brackets, supports, casings, and housings.

Material characteristics

The surface of the newly printed part is grainy and slightly rough. Compared to other metals for the 3D printing, Aluminum has a higher surface roughness. The material is durable, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant.

Unlike SLS printing on nylon, the Metal 3D printing requires support structures To anchor the part to the print platform and dissipate thermal stresses generated by the casting process. These structures are mechanically removed after printing and can leave surface marks in the contact areas. For this reason, the model geometry and print orientation must be carefully designed.

Finishing and post-processing

Raw (crude) – The piece is sandblasted to remove residual dust and supports. The surface is matte and slightly rough. This is the standard option.

Polishing – the surface can be mechanically polished to achieve a smoother finish, suitable for aesthetic or functional components with reduced roughness requirements.

Mechanical machining (CNC) – for surfaces with precise tolerances or mechanical couplings, 3D printing can be integrated with finishing mechanical processes.

Heat treatment – the AlSi7Mg0.6 alloy can be subjected to heat treatments (stress relieving, direct aging) to optimize the mechanical properties according to the application.

For custom finishes, specific surface treatments or particular certifications, contact us for a dedicated consultation.

When to choose aluminum 3D printing

Additive manufacturing in aluminum requires a high level of technical expertise for the preliminary study of thermal and mechanical effects and for correct post-processing. It is the most advantageous choice when the part geometry is too complex For traditional CNC machining or casting: lattice structures, internal channels, optimized topology, non-removable mechanisms. For parts with simple geometries, traditional machining can be more economical.

Maximum printable volume: 280 × 280 × 365 mm

You can not insert multiple objects into a single template / file.

Main features

• Moving and articulated parts: No (the SLM process does not allow moving parts)
• Support structures: Yes, requested and removed after printing
• Leakproof: Yes (material is fully melted, density ≥ 99%)
• For food: No
• Recyclable: Yes
• Layer thickness: 0.03 mm (30 µm)
• Density: 2.68 g/cm³

To find out all the rules to follow to create a model with this material, consult the sheet Technical details.

For a complete guide to file preparation, read our 3D printing guide.

Modeling Guides

To prepare a 3D model suitable for metal printing, you can follow our guides:

• Autodesk Fusion – ideal for mechanical design and generative design
• Rhinoceros – for industrial design, jewelry and architecture
• Blender – for organic forms and digital sculpture

If your model was generated with AI, check out our guide on How to 3D print AI-generated models.