SLS

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

Selective Laser Sintering is an Additive Manufacturing process that belongs to the Powder Bed Fusion family. In SLS, a laser selectively sinters the particles of polymer powder, fusing them and building a part layer-by-layer. The materials used in SLS are thermoplastic polymers that come in a granular form. SLS 3D Printing is used for both prototyping of functional polymer components and small production runs, as it offers high design freedom, high accuracy and produces parts with good and consistent mechanical properties, unlike FDM or SLA. The capabilities of the technology can be used to its fullest though, only when the designer takes into consideration its key benefits and limitations.

After printing, the parts are fully encapsulated in the unsintered powder and the powder bin must cool down before the parts can be unpacked. This can take a considerable amount of time (up to 12 hours). The parts are then clean with compressed air or other blasting media and are ready to use or must be further post-processed. The remaining unsintered powder is collected and can be reused.

SLS process produces parts with a powdery, grainy surface finish. The appearance of SLS printed parts can be improved to a high standard using various post-processing methods such as media polishing, dyeing, spray painting and lacquering. Their functionality can also be enhanced by applying a watertight coating or a metal plating.