Selective Laser Sintering

Selective Laser Sintering 

For rapid prototypes and low-volume production, we offer stereolithography (SLA) and selective laser sintering (SLS) of plastics as an additional option to 3D metal printing (DMLM).

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)  is the rapid prototyping technology of choice for a range of functional prototype applications, including those with snap fits, living hinges and other mechanical joints. The ability of SLS to produce several pieces at one time also makes the process a good choice for Direct Digital Manufacturing (DDM) of products requiring strength and heat resistance.

SLS prototyping uses a laser to fuse powdered Nylon into a physical solid layer-by-layer. The process makes a prototype with a rougher surface texture that requires secondary finishing if it’s to be used as a master mold, but the advantage is that the prototype is more robust than its SLA counterpart., making it more suitable for mechanical models.

Tolerances

SLA and SLS models typically have layer thicknesses of + .3mm with a lateral deviation of + .1mm. Better tolerances than this can easily be achieved with post machining per customer requirements. Please see here for more information on the tolerance guide for plastic materials.