SLS 3D Printing: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding the Technology and Its Applications
Are you looking for a cost-effective and quick way to make functional, robust prototypes or end-use parts? SLS 3D printing can be a good choice. Selective laser sintering (SLS) is among the widely used industrial 3D printing technologies that can craft parts accurately from powdered nylon (PA 12) one layer at a time. It’s even possible to use nylon with a filler like glass fibers to create stronger and more reliable parts to suit specific requirements. If you’re new to this additive manufacturing method, this guide will tell you everything you must know to understand the technology and its applications.
How does it work?
In SLS 3D printing, a high-powered laser sinters powdered polymer into a solid object following your 3D model. This additive manufacturing technology is mature and stable, so it is trusted by many product designers and engineers over conventional manufacturing methods to create functional parts. Plus, recent advances in software, materials, and machinery have made selective laser sintering accessible to more industries looking for cost-effective and reliable rapid prototyping or bridge manufacturing solutions.
What are the advantages?
Selective laser sintering can bring many benefits to your prototyping or end-use manufacturing process. For one, it can build objects with complex geometries. Any overhanging features won’t need support structures unlike in SLA (stereolithography) 3D printing because of the powdered material. Thus, you don’t have to worry about additional post-processing costs.
SLS 3D printing is highly scalable, but be sure to work with an experienced service provider that can configure the process to suit your exact requirements. That way, you can entrust your project to a knowledgeable expert that can modify the printer to make one or dozens of parts. Plus, it ensures you can get your parts sooner. Reputable manufacturers can usually ship your parts in three to four days, so you can make design iterations fast and hasten your time to market. It’s also possible to use SLS to build end-use parts.
Things to print with SLS
Since selective laser sintering uses PA 12 (polyamide 12) or nylon, it can produce durable and complex parts with excellent environmental stability. PA 12 is known for its sturdiness, durability, and strength, making it ideal for creating functional parts and prototypes. Manufacturers can also print with glass-filled PA 12, PA 11, carbon-filled, and aluminumfilled nylon.
Try SLS for your next project!
Contact HLH Proto to learn more about this low-cost technology! The company offers a wide range of additive manufacturing technologies, including SLS 3D printing to create
industrial-grade prototypes and parts. You can also send your project to them for free review.