Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) offers great opportunities for manufacturers and engineers in many different industries. Both large- and small-scale manufacturing operations have begun to explore the advantages of SLS 3D printing for prototyping and small volume production of functional parts.
SLS shapes material in layers using a powder bed fusion technology. It uses a powerful laser, similar to SLA technology, but processes powdered materials instead of liquid resin. In this process, the powder material is laid down in a thin layer on the print bed and the laser melts the powder in each layer, creating the desired shape. When the layer is complete, the print bed is lowered slightly, and a new layer of powder is laid down. This process is repeated until all parts are finished. After printing is complete, the parts are still covered in powder and require a post-processing stage. This involves cleaning the powder, sanding the parts and coating them.
• Design: Unlike many other 3D printing technologies, parts produced with SLS do not require support structures. This enables the production of designs with complex geometries and nested parts. At the same time, multi-part components can be produced as a single part, saving assembly time and costs.
• Fast Production: SLS can quickly produce parts ready for end use. The lasers quickly scan the print bed, and since no support structures are required, postprinting operations become very simple.
• High Productivity: SLS technology offers high productivity with the capacity to produce multiple parts simultaneously. The more parts you can place in the print chamber, the more parts support each other, and material waste is minimized.
• Competitive Cost Per Piece: SLS printers can be costly initially, but their efficiency, short lead times and the low cost of desktop-sized machines ensure a quick return on investment.
• End User Ready Materials: Some 3D printing technologies are only suitable for prototype production. But besides prototypes, SLS also enables the production of parts suitable directly for the end user after cleaning. This shortens your time to market and helps you grow your business.
• Material Recycling: With SLS machines you can reuse up to 70% of unused powder. This reduces material costs and offers an environmentally friendly production method.
The durability and impact resistance of parts produced with SLS make the technology suitable for many different applications. From small workshops to large aerospace companies, SLS offers benefits for everyone.
• Prototyping and Product Development: Thanks to its high printing speed, SLS 3D printing is a great option for quickly producing durable product prototypes. This application is suitable for any industry, regardless of the area of the manufacturing operation.
• Small Businesses: Small and medium-sized businesses can benefit from the speed and high productivity of SLS to produce functional and customizable parts in short lead times. It is particularly suitable for low-volume production, such as enclosures or packaging materials for electronic devices.
• Automotive and Aerospace: SLS 3D printing is used in the automotive and aerospace industries to produce prototypes, test models and functional parts. For example, in automotive it can produce parts such as gaskets, seals and hoses, while in aerospace it can produce high durability and fire-resistant parts.
• Medicine: Since SLS can work with biocompatible materials, it is also widely preferred in medical fields. Hospitals use SLS 3D printing for prototype medical devices, surgical models, instruments and prosthetics.