SLS 3D Printing Services

SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) is a powder-based fusion technique that uses a laser beam to sinter polymer powder, layer by layer, to create parts. A recoating blade puts an extremely thin layer of powdered material (nylon or polyamide) (0.1 mm) onto the build platform after it is heated at high temperatures in the overflow bin. After that, the building platform scans a whole cross-section, lowering the platform by one layer thickness.

The unsintered powder will stay in the same place to support subsequent layers, eliminating the requirement for support structures. The recoating blade applies another layer of powder on top of the previously scanned layer. The laser beam then sinters the cross-section part onto the previously solidified cross-section. This process is repeated until the part is finished. 

SLS is required for users seeking a solution for manufacturing functional goods with complex geometries. This technology has little to no restrictions compared to other 3D printing services.

Advantages

1. The SLS Material properties are exceptional 
2. There is Material Flexibility During Production
3. Large Numbers Of Parts Can Be Quickly Printed
4. Appropriate for functional designs
5. A High Degree Of Flexibility And Precision is applied To The Parts
6. The Parts' Detail & Quality: The dimensional accuracy of components produced by selective laser sintering is quite competitive. The quality they provide is likely the best of all fast prototyping methods. Thin vertical walls and other intricately designed components can be produced with ease with SLS products. In essence, it is possible to design geometries that are both efficient and light.
7. SLS Does Not Require Support: Because the powder functions as a self-supporting element, selective laser sintering eliminates the requirement for support structures, in contrast to many other additive manufacturing techniques like stereolithography. The powder is evenly distributed over the print area, reducing the need for labor- and resource-intensive support post-processing methods. As a result, the printed parts virtually support themselves.
8. The SLS Process Produces Less Waste: Without wasting a lot of material, parts can be made. SLS 3D printing is far more efficient than subtractive manufacturing methods, which create a lot of waste material. Only the amount of powder required to create the necessary parts is utilized to build the finished product. The extra powder can be collected and used for future production once components have been printed.

The drawback of SLS 3D Printing

1. Surfaces of Parts Are Not Smooth
2. The Powder Used May Possess Hazardous Qualities
3. Cleaning Process is Cumbersome - Unpacking the metal or polymer powder cake and spraying the finished product with compressed air are two steps in the cleaning process that might be challenging.
4. Design and Material Constraints
Those coming from an FDM background can experience some difficulty designing parts for SLS because the two processes require entirely different designs.

Additionally, the number of materials that may be used in SLS production is constrained, making it unsuitable for many applications.

Types of Materials Used in SLS Printing

Nylon 12 parts have good long-term stability, offering resistance to most chemicals. This material delivers the impact strength and durability required for functional testing. Tensile and flexural strength combine to make tough prototypes, with the flex associated with many production thermoplastics. 

• Good mechanical properties
• Good chemical resistance

Glass-Filled Nylon (PA-GF)  

This glass-filled variant of Nylon 12 provides greater rigidity - perfect when prototyping parts requiring greater stiffness than standard Nylon 12. The filler in this material is glass beads, not fiber, resulting in increased stiffness but not strength.

• High stiffness
• High wear & temperature resistance 
• Good Strength and resilience to temperature

Post Processing for SLS 3D Printing

Several post-processing techniques such as spray painting and dyeing can be done to improve the overall appearance of the 3D printed part.

SLS Capabilities 

Design Guidelines for SLS

We manufacture your parts according to strict manufacturing standards. Verification of these requirements is included in our inspection report that is shipped with every order.

UPLOAD your design for an Instant Quote ( Acceptable file types are .stl, .step, . x_T)