SLS 3D printing service
We specialize in high-quality SLS 3D printing and have the latest technology to ensure your prints are always accurate and precise. We also offer a wide range of materials to choose from, so you can find the perfect one for your project. Contact us today to learn more about our SLS 3D printing services.
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) Process
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is an additive manufacturing process that uses a laser to fuse together small particles of powder into a solid object. It is one of the most popular 3D printing processes due to its flexibility and ability to create complex shapes.
The SLS process begins with a bed of powder being deposited onto a build platform. The powder can be made from a variety of materials, including metals, plastics, and ceramics. The platform then lowers into the powder bed, and the laser begins sintering the material, fusing it together layer by layer.Once the build is complete, the platform raises out of the powder bed and the finished product is removed. Any excess powder can be recycled and reused for future builds.
SLS is a versatile technology that can be used to create parts for a wide range of applications. It is often used forprototyping and low-volume production due to its high accuracy and repeatability.
Available materials for SLS 3D printing
The most common FDM 3D printing materials are ABS, PLA and their various blends. More advanced FDM printers can also print with other specialized materials that offer properties such as increased heat resistance, impact resistance, chemical resistance, and rigidity.
| Image | Materials | Description |
|---|---|---|
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Nylon 12 | Nylon 12 is a synthetic polyamide resin. It is white in color and has high impact strength and stiffness. |
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Nylon 12, Glass-filled (GF) | Nylon 12, glass-filled (GF) is a thermoplastic elastomer with excellent abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, and tensile strength. |
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Nylon 11 EX | Nylon 11 EX is a high-performance, flexible polymer that offers excellent chemical resistance and heat resistance. |
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Nylon 12, Carbon-Filled (CF) | Nylon 12, Carbon Filled (CF) is a plastic filled with carbon fibers. Typically used in applications where strength and durability are critical, such as automotive parts or sports equipment. |
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Nylon 12, Mineral-Filled (HST) | Nylon 12, mineral-filled (HST) has excellent wear resistance and good dimensional stability. It is also resistant to oils, greases, and most chemicals. |
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Nylon 12, Flame Retardant (FR) | Nylon 12, Flame Retardant (FR) has a high melting point and is resistance to most chemicals, making it an ideal material for many industrial applications. |
Applications for Selective Laser Sintering
Concept Models
The speed and versatility of SLS printing allow product developers to create physical snapshots of their designs through an iterative process.
Rapid Prototypes
SLS prototyping can be used to create fully functional prototypes, including moving parts as well as all-in-one assemblies.
Direct Digital Manufacturing
The high accuracy and consistency of SLS make it an ideal way to build large numbers of discrete or custom parts.
SLS General Tolerances
| Description | Tolerance Notes |
|---|---|
| General Tolerances | +/- 0.010” for the first inch is typical, plus +/- 0.002” for every inch thereafter. |
| Build Area | Build area up to 13" x 13" x 20". Glass filled can extend up to 26" x 15" x 23". |
| Standard Layer Thickness | 0.0045" |
| Minimum Feature Size | 0.030" or greater |
Overview: What is FDM 3D Printing?
The Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) printing process is one of many 3D printing technologies. It is a powder-based printing process that uses a laser to fuse material together, layer by layer.
What are the benefits of SLS 3D printing?
Short for selective laser sintering, SLS is a type of 3D printing technology that relies on lasers to fuse powdered material into a solid object. The benefits of SLS 3D printing include:
- Fast printing speed: objects can be printed relatively quickly using SLS technology.
- High quality prints: due to the high precision of the laser, SLS prints are typically of high quality.
- Wide range of material compatibility: almost any type of powder can be used in an SLS printer, allowing for a wide variety of materials to be used.
- Low cost: while not the cheapest type of 3D printing technology, SLS is relatively affordable compared to some other methods.
What industries is SLS 3D printing suitable for?
While there are many industries that can benefit from SLS 3D printing, some of the most common applications include:
- Automotive – prototypes for car parts and components, low-volume production of car parts
- Aerospace – prototypes for airplane parts and components, low-volume production of airplane parts
- Medical Devices – prototypes for medical devices and components, low-volume production of medical devices