Introduction

Industrial manufacturing covers a wide range of production environments, from tooling shops and automotive suppliers to energy equipment manufacturers and precision engineering firms. What these environments have in common is that they need to produce functional parts reliably, at controlled costs, without depending on long supply chains or expensive dedicated tooling for every component.

Metal additive manufacturing has become a practical option for a growing number of these use cases. SLM systems are now used in production environments alongside conventional machining, not as a replacement but to handle parts that are complex, low-volume, or difficult to source. Tooling inserts with internal cooling channels, consolidated assemblies, custom fixtures, and short-run production parts are all areas where metal AM is already established in industrial settings.

ANiMA supplies metal AM systems to industrial manufacturers across Europe. Our portfolio includes the ANiMA A series, two machines developed and optimised by European engineers for production environments, and the ZRapid iSLM series, a range of open-parameter systems covering build volumes from 80 mm up to 600 mm and more. For industrial applications that also involve large plastic parts, prototyping, or investment casting patterns, we also offer the ZRapid iSLA880 (amongst other options), an industrial-grade SLA system with an 800 x 800mm build platform.

This page describes how industrial manufacturers use additive manufacturing, what they need from a machine, and which systems are suited to different production requirements.

How Industrial Manufacturers Use Metal AM

The most common entry point for metal AM in industrial production is tooling. Injection moulding inserts, die casting tools, and forming dies can be produced with internal cooling channels that follow the contour of the part geometry. This is not possible with conventional drilling. Conformal cooling reduces cycle times, improves part consistency, and extends tool life by distributing heat more evenly.

Beyond tooling, manufacturers use metal AM for spare parts and replacement components, particularly for older equipment where the original supplier no longer stocks the part or lead times are prohibitive. Producing a part from a digital model in a few days rather than waiting weeks for a casting or machined equivalent has real value in a production environment.

Short-run production is another established use case. When volumes are too low to justify tooling, and when part complexity makes conventional machining slow or expensive, AM becomes a cost-effective direct manufacturing method. This is particularly relevant for parts with internal features, lattice structures, or geometries that require multiple setups on a machining centre.

What Industrial Environments Require from a Machine

Repeatability
In production, a part needs to come out the same way every time. Variations in density, microstructure, or dimensional accuracy between builds create problems downstream, whether in assembly, post-processing, or final inspection. All systems in the ANiMA portfolio maintain stable process conditions through controlled build chamber environments, consistent powder recoating, and precise laser scanning. This is what allows the same parameter set to produce the same result across different builds and different operators.

Open Parameters and Materials
Industrial applications often involve materials or process requirements that do not fit a standard preset. Tool steels, copper alloys, and customer-specified materials all require the ability to adjust parameters at the process level. The SLM systems we supply give users full access to over 200 process parameters, including laser power, scan speed, layer thickness, hatch distance, and scanning strategy.

Integration with Existing Workflows
Printed metal parts go through post-processing before they are finished parts. Heat treatment, machining, surface finishing, and inspection are all standard steps. The systems we supply produce parts with predictable dimensional behaviour and consistent material properties, which simplifies the transition to downstream processes. Build data and parameter logs can be used for traceability documentation where required.

Build Volume
Different applications require different build volumes. A tooling insert is a different problem from a large structural bracket or an energy sector component. The range of systems we offer covers 160mm build platforms for precision work up to 600mm and more platforms for large industrial parts, so there is a practical option for most production requirements without over-specifying the machine.

Application Areas

Tooling with Conformal Cooling
Injection moulding and die casting tools with internal cooling channels are one of the most established industrial applications of metal AM. Channels designed to follow the contour of the cavity remove heat more uniformly than drilled cooling lines, reducing cycle times and improving dimensional consistency in the moulded or cast part. Mould steel and maraging steel powders are well suited to this application and are supported across our machine range.

Custom Fixtures and Jigs
Production lines frequently require custom fixtures, holding devices, and assembly aids that are specific to a particular part. These are often produced in low quantities and need dimensional accuracy. Metal AM allows these to be produced directly from a CAD model without pattern-making or casting, which reduces lead time and cost for low-volume tooling.

Spare Parts and Obsolete Components
For manufacturers operating equipment where original spare parts are no longer available or have very long lead times, metal AM provides a route to producing functional replacements in-house or through a service provider. Stainless steel, titanium, aluminium, and nickel alloys used in industrial equipment are all supported on the systems in our range.

End-Use Parts in Small Series
Where volumes are too low for conventional production tooling to be economical, AM can be the direct manufacturing method. This includes specialised components for the energy sector, fluid handling systems, heat exchangers, and structural parts where geometry makes traditional machining methods slow or unprofitable.

Investment Casting Patterns
For manufacturers who use investment casting for larger volumes, SLA technology offers a way to produce highly accurate patterns directly from a digital model. Large resin patterns can replace wax injection tooling for low-volume casting series, reducing upfront costs and lead times significantly.

The Systems - Metal AM: SLM

ANiMA A1
Build volume: 160mm x 160mm x 210mm | 500W fiber laser | SLM

The A1 is ANiMA's compact industrial SLM system, developed and optimised by European engineers. It is designed for production support, tooling, functional prototyping, and development work where a full-size industrial machine is more than what the application requires. The mechanical structure and motion components are manufactured in Europe. It includes a Build Volume Reducer for material testing with minimal powder, and supports the full range of industrially relevant materials: stainless steels, tool steels, titanium alloys, aluminium alloys, cobalt-chromium, and nickel alloys. With over 200 open parameters and full GCode access, it is a production-capable system in a compact footprint.

ANiMA A4
Build volume: 420mm x 420mm x 500mm | Dual fiber laser | Up to 4x 500W | SLM

The A4 is ANiMA's large-format industrial SLM system, optimised by European engineers for demanding production environments. It is built with components from established suppliers including IPG and Max Photonics lasers, Scanlab galvos, Siemens PLCs, and Omron sensors. The dual-laser system improves throughput without affecting accuracy. It is compatible with the AFS automated powder handling unit, which automates sieving and recycling of unused powder, reducing manual handling and keeping the workspace cleaner. Supported materials cover stainless steel, titanium, aluminium, nickel alloys, tool steels, and others relevant to industrial production.

ZRapid iSLM160 Ultimate
Build volume: 160mm x 160mm x 210mm | 500W fiber laser | SLM

The iSLM160 is an industrial-grade machine suited to small and medium metal parts, tooling inserts, and precision components. It is a cost-effective entry point for industrial manufacturers who want to bring metal AM in-house without the footprint or cost of a larger system. All parameters are open, and the machine supports the same range of materials as larger ZRapid systems.

ZRapid iSLM600QN Ultimate
Build volume: 600mm x 600mm | Z-axis up to 1300mm | 4 to 8x 500W fiber laser | SLM

The iSLM600QN is the largest system in the portfolio. The 600mm square platform and configurable Z-axis up to 1300mm cover components that are not achievable on smaller machines. Up to eight 500W lasers operating simultaneously bring the throughput needed for production use of a machine at this scale. Intelligent partitioned scanning, a circulating automated powder supply, and a high vacuum, low-leak build chamber are all designed for sustained industrial operation. For manufacturers producing large structural parts, energy sector components, or large-format tooling, the 600QN removes the size limitation from the manufacturing equation.

The Systems - SLA for Large Plastic Parts and Casting Patterns

Not every industrial manufacturing application calls for metal. Functional prototypes, fit-and-form validation parts, assembly aids, and investment casting patterns are often best produced in high-accuracy resin. For these applications, we offer the ZRapid iSLA880.

ZRapid iSLA880 Ultimate
Build volume: 800mm x 800mm x 550mm | SLA

The iSLA880 is one of the largest industrial SLA systems available. Its 800 x 800mm platform allows large plastic parts to be produced in a single build without assembly. The machine uses a Nd:YVO4 diode-pumped solid-state laser at 354.7nm with dynamic focus scanning, achieving layer resolution down to 0.05mm in precision mode. A marble benchmark platform and high-accuracy servo motor ensure dimensional stability across the full build volume.

It supports industrial engineering resins including accurate white, tough white, and high-transparency formulations. For manufacturers who use investment casting, the iSLA880 can produce large resin patterns directly from a 3D model, eliminating wax injection tooling for low-volume casting series and significantly reducing upfront costs.

Working with ANiMA

We supply machines, support installation and commissioning, train operators, and provide ongoing technical support across Europe.

For manufacturers considering metal AM for the first time, we can help assess which applications are a good fit, which system makes sense, and what the realistic expectations are for part quality, process time, and integration with existing workflows.

For organisations already running AM who are looking to expand capacity or move to a larger or more capable system, we can advise on the right step up.

ANiMA is open to discussing new industrial applications and partnerships across Europe.