There are multiple 3D printing processes that use lasers, like Adaptive Laser Sintering (ALS), Direct Metal Laser Melting (DMLM), Laser Metal Deposition (LMD), and Selective Laser Melting (SLM). This last is the focus of a new process, developed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT, which has yet to be researched in the field of SLM. Researchers hope to further develop the SLM process to make it more suitable for 3D printing components made of copper alloys and pure copper. At formnext 2017 in Frankfurt, Fraunhofer ILT will be introducing its research topic, using a model and initial process videos, for a specially developed laser beam source that operates with green light, instead of infrared, to enable the economic production of pure copper components. Read more at 3DPrint.com: http://3dprint.com/186009/fraunhofer...-print-copper/