AGF Defcom

Production Metal 3D Printing (DMLS) — U.S. Manufacturer

ISO 9001 • ITAR • FFL • SOT

Direct metal laser sintering build tray with precision metal components

High-precision DMLS printed aerospace turbine component

Production metal 3D printed cylinders in EOS-class DMLS machine

Asteroid Precision, a contract manufacturing firm founded in 1966, specializes in complex high-precision component machining and manufacturing.

We are known for our constant innovation, state of the art technology, highly skilled personnel, and our firm commitment to quality. We have become a preferred supplier for the most well-known OEMs in a range of industries including automotive, medical, military, hydraulic, and industrial.

DMLS (Direct Metal Laser Sintering) Process

DfAM Review Build & Depowder Heat Treat / Stress-Relieve 5-Axis CNC Finish & Inspect

Certifications	ISO 9001 • ITAR • FFL/SOT
Primary process	Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) with EOS-class systems
Common build volume	250×250×325 mm typical; larger formats on review
Layer thickness	≈20–60 µm, per alloy/feature mix
Feature guidance	Min wall ≈0.5–0.8 mm; channels ≥0.8–1.0 mm; overhangs per support strategy
Alloys	17-4 PH • 316L • Ti-6Al-4V • Inconel 718 (others on request)
As-printed tolerances	Nominal ±0.003–0.005" on small features; scale with size (finals per print after CNC)
Surface finish	As-printed ≈200–400 µin Ra; machined faces to ≤32 µin Ra (finer on request)
Post-processing	Depowder • EDM part removal • Stress-relieve • Heat treat • Media blast/tumble • 5-axis CNC finish
Inspection & docs	FAI • Certificate of Compliance • Traceability per program requirements
Volumes	Prototype → bridge → production (repeat programs supported)
Industries	Firearms/Defense • Industrial • Energy • R&D

✓

A great fit for

Lightweighting, part consolidation, internal channels or lattice
Firearms/Defense components needing strength + tight machined faces
Prototype → bridge → production with repeatable documentation

Not a fit for…

Large flat cosmetic panels needing mirror finishes without machining
Ultra-thin walls < 0.3 mm across long spans
Commodity parts better served by casting or sheet-metal

Design for Additive Manufacturing
(DfAM)

What we look at

Geometry & walls: min wall/feature sizes, fillets, overhangs, ribs, self-supporting angles.
Supports & orientation: fewest supports, easy removal, best surface on critical faces, shortest build height.
Channels/holes: printable diameters, escape holes for powder, straight vs. helical, post-reaming plan.
Tolerance plan: what stays “as-printed” vs. what gets CNC finished (bores, threads, sealing faces, datums).
Material & heat treat: 17-4 / 316L / Ti-6Al-4V / 718 choices, stress-relief/HIP needs, final properties.
Cost drivers: part height, support volume, nesting, cycle time, post-ops.

Fast rules of thumb

Aim for ≥45° self-supporting angles where possible.
Keep min walls ~0.5–0.8 mm (thicker for tall spans).
Provide powder-escape paths for internal cavities.
Call out machined features (Ø, threads, sealing faces) on the print.
Shorter build height = cheaper/faster (when orientation allows).

What you get from a DfAM pass

Recommended orientation & support strategy (with critical-face protection).
Feature tweaks (radii, wall/slot sizes, channel diameters) to print reliably.
A simple post-process map: stress-relieve/HIP → blast → 5-axis CNC → inspect (FAI/C of C).

AGF Defcom Additive Manufacturing Overview

3D printed lattice structure – AGF Defcom additive manufacturing

Precision DMLS printed metal component for aerospace applications

Additively manufactured titanium aerospace nozzle – DMLS

High-strength lattice DMLS components for lightweight applications

Complex DMLS additive manufacturing part – optimized lightweight design

AGF Defcom production floor with EOS metal 3D printing systems

DMLS printed suppressor component – AGF Defcom additive manufacturing

Additional Information

Equipment

Production metal DMLS systems (EOS-class), dedicated depowdering, EDM build-plate removal
5-axis CNC mills for post-machining of additively manufactured parts (tight-tolerance bores, threads, sealing faces)
Workholding/fixturing for thin-wall AM geometries; rotary trunnion setups for multi-face finishing
Inspection: precision hand metrology; program-level documentation for FAI/C of C and traceability
Shop support: blasting/tumble for surface prep; saws, tooling, and setup equipment

Certified Outside Process Capabilities

Heat treat & stress-relief per alloy (e.g., 17-4 H900/H1025; Ti-6Al-4V; Inconel 718)
HIP (hot isostatic pressing) for density/mechanical properties when required
Coatings/finishes via approved partners (passivation, black oxide/phosphate, nitriding/PVD as specified)
NDT/testing on request (e.g., dye penetrant, mag particle, CT/X-ray through partners)
Packaging/labeling to spec; certification coordination

Markets Served

Firearms & Defense (additive components with CNC-finished critical features)
Industrial & Energy (light-weighting, internal channels, consolidated assemblies)
R&D/Pre-production (prototype → bridge → production pathways)
General OEM applications needing complex geometries and rapid turn

Inhouse Process Capabilities

DfAM review (orientation, support strategy, wall/channel guidance, tolerance plan)
DMLS build, depowdering, part removal (EDM), surface prep for finishing
5-axis CNC machining of AM parts (bores, threads, sealing faces, datum features)
Feature validation & documentation (FAI, C of C, traceability per program)
Program management from prototype through repeat production (ISO 9001 • ITAR • FFL/SOT)

Certifications

ISO 9001:2015
ITAR
FFL
SOT

DfAM (Design for Additive Manufacturing)

Accordion Content

Contact Us

Tell us a bit about your project and we’ll get back the same business day.

Connect with a Sales Rep

Prefer a direct line? Reach out anytime.
I can get you in direct contact with our engineering team or assist with any additional questions you may have.

Charles Legg

Sales Representative

📞 540.589.7888 ✉️ cglegg@leggassociates.com