Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
Custom SLS Parts: Ideal for Rapid Prototyping and End-Use Production
Advantages of SLS 3D Printing
Selective laser sintering (SLS) is a form of industrial 3D printing that can swiftly produce accurate prototypes and fully functional production components within a single day. It employs various nylon materials and a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), offering final products with high durability and resistance to heat and chemicals, as well as excellent flexibility and dimensional stability. SLS technology eliminates the need for support structures, which simplifies the process of stacking multiple parts in a single production cycle and makes it a cost-effective choice for larger quantities of 3D-printed items.
Typical applications of selective laser sintering include:
- Tooling and fixtures
- Enclosures
- Interlocking joints and flexible hinges
Just a few steps to try and complete the delivery
Step 1 : Begin by filling out a form with your specific project requirements and your contact information. This helps us understand what you need and how to contact you for further discussions.
Step 2 : After reviewing your submission, a dedicated product manager will reach out to you. This step ensures that we have a clear understanding of your expectations and requirements, allowing us to tailor our approach specifically to your project's needs.
Step 3 : Once all details are agreed upon, we will proceed with the contractual agreement. This formalizes our engagement and outlines the scope, timeline, and terms of the project. Production begins immediately after the contract is signed, adhering to the highest standards of quality.
Step 4 : Upon completion, your product will undergo a thorough quality check before being delivered to you. We ensure that the final product meets all your specifications and is delivered within the established timeline, ready for use or deployment.
Compare 3D Printing Processes
If you’re new to our 3D printing service and uncertain about which additive technology best suits your 3D design, explore the capabilities of each process outlined below to determine the most suitable option for your application’s needs.
| Nylon and TPU Materials | 304mm x 269mm x 406mm | |
| PP (Polypropylene) | 304mm x 269mm x 269mm | |
| PA12 | 482mm x 482mm x 431mm |
| Nylons | 0.762mm | |
| PP and TPU | 1.01mm |
| Layer Thickness | 0.1016mm |
Well-engineered parts can achieve tolerances of +0.076 mm plus 0.1% of the nominal length. It’s important to remember that tolerances might vary with the geometry of the part.
| Minimum Wall Thickness | 0.762mm |
Materials for SLS 3D Printing
| Material | Characteristics | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| PA 11 Black (PA 850) | Provides ductility and flexibility without sacrificing tensile strength and temperature resistance. | Widely used general-purpose material for functional and moving parts. |
| PA 12 White (PA 650) | The strongest of the unfilled nylon materials and slightly stiffer than PA 11 Black. | General-purpose applications like functional and end-use parts. |
| PA12 Mineral-Filled (PA620-MF) | 25% mineral fiber-filled PA powder, increases stiffness and HDT (up to 363 °F). | Ideal for parts requiring stiffness and high temperature resistance. |
| PA12 40% Glass-Filled (PA614-GS) | PA powder with glass spheres, providing stiffness and dimensional stability, but lower impact and tensile strengths. | Suitable for parts that require long-term wear resistance properties. |
| Polypropylene Natural | Offers chemical resistance properties, tough and durable, yet flexible, low weight material. | Suitable for applications requiring chemical resistance, like containers. |
| TPU 70-A | White thermoplastic polyurethane combining rubber-like elasticity with good abrasion and impact resistance. | Ideal for seals, gaskets, grips, hoses, or any other dynamic resistance applications. |
SLS Surface Finish Options
Standard
Our bead blasting technique meticulously eliminates all powder residue, resulting in a uniformly smooth texture across your parts
Vapor Smoothing
Experience a notable improvement in surface smoothness, reducing roughness from 250+ μin RA (as-printed) to a refined 64 – 100 μin RA after our smoothing process. Available for PA11 Black.
Custom
Additional options include the application of a primer or dye for color customization, along with the inclusion of taps and inserts for added functionality.
The benefits of SLS 3D printing
Why Use SLS 3D Printing?
How Does SLS 3D Printing Work?
The SLS machine starts by sintering each layer of the part geometry onto a heated bed filled with nylon-based powder. After each layer is fused, a roller moves across the bed to evenly apply the next layer of powder. This process continues, building the part layer by layer, until the entire structure is complete.
Upon completion, the full powder bed containing the encased parts is transferred to a breakout station. Here, the bed is elevated, and the parts are carefully separated from the surrounding powder. Initially, a manual brushing is performed to clear away most of the loose powder. Subsequently, the parts undergo bead blasting to eliminate any remaining residual powder, before they are sent to the finishing department for the final touches.