SLS 3D Printing Technology Overview

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), also known as Laser Sintering (LS), uses a CO2 laser to heat and fuse durable thermoplastic powder to build versatile parts with high elongation at break. 3D printed production parts and prototypes provide lightweight, heat, and chemical resistant solutions

SLS is one of the most versatile and commonly used additive manufacturing technologies. Common uses of SLS-printed parts are in airplanes, wearables, machine components, and production tools.

 

Nylon SLS 3D Printing Services

How SLS Works

Without the need for support structures, SLS allows for extremely complex geometries. A computer-controlled laser selectively binds together particles in the powder bed by raising the powder temperature above the glass transition point after which adjacent particles flow together.

  • Applications

    • Functional prototyping or large production parts in taxing environments
    • Prototypes with mechanical properties similar to injection-molded parts
    • Lightweight designs using complex lattice structures
  • SLS parts can be created from a range of powdered polyamide materials. The resulting parts are comparable to those produced with traditional manufacturing methods. Parts can be watertight, airtight, heat resistance, and flame retardant

 

Benefits of SLS 3D Printing

Laser Sintering is a great option when the geometric complexity of a part makes it difficult to produce through other processes or when the anticipated production volume doesn’t justify the time & expense of tooling

  • Consistency & Reliability
    • Implementation of stringent, proprietary process controls and procedures for executing builds, maintaining equipment, and handling materials.
  • Production Parts
    • SLS is an affordable means to build durable, stable production parts in low volume. Also effective for high  volumes of components when designs are too complex for traditional manufacturing to execute
  • Part Consolidation
    • With the ability to produce complex features, undercuts, and internal features with ease, SLS can consolidate what once was a multi-part assembly into one part. SLS eliminates the need for separate fasteners, mounting components, and adhesives.

Materials

Work with our SLS 3D Printing services bureau to 3D printing in a variety of heavy duty materials