What is Selective Laser Sintering?
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is an industrial 3D printing process ideal for manufacturing end-use parts.
In SLS, a laser selectively sinters polymer powder particles, fusing them together and building a part layer-by-layer.
SLS produces functional plastic parts with isotropic mechanical properties that can be used for detailed prototyping or end-use low-volume production.
Our SLS 3D printing service
From prototyping to small-batch production, our certified SLS 3D printing facilities will allow you to produce highly accurate parts with quality and strength comparable to injection molding.
Upload your STL file for a free quote and manufacturability review and get your parts into production.
| Standard capabilities | Description |
|---|---|
| Maximum build size * | 300 x 300 x 300 mm (9” x 9” x 9”) |
| Lead time * | 6 business days |
| Dimensional accuracy | ± 0.3% with a lower limit of ± 0.3 mm (± 0.012”) |
| Layer thickness | 100 μm |
* For expedited lead times or parts that exceed the maximum build size contact sales@addexp.com
Available materials for SLS 3D Printing
SLS produces parts from a very wide range of engineering thermoplastics. Here is a list of the SLS materials available at Additive Experts.
| Material | Description |
|---|---|
| Nylon 12 (PA 12) | SLS nylon is a robust thermoplastic with all-around excellent physical properties, ideal for functional prototypes and end-use applications. |
| Glass-filled Nylon (PA 12 GF) | Glass-filled SLS nylon is reinforced with glass beads creating parts with higher stiffness and thermal stability than standard nylon. |
| TPU / TPE / TPA * | Thermoplastic elastomers combine high elasticity and strength with good chemical resistance, making them ideal for functional, flexible parts. |
| Flame retardant Nylon (PA 12 FR) * | Flame retardant SLS nylon typically contains halogen-based agents making them suitable for electronic, automotive or aviation applications. |
| Fiberglass-filled Nylon (HST) * | Nylon-based composite with anisotropic properties suitable for end-use, functional applications that require high stiffness and low weight. |
| Carbon fiber filled PEKK (HT-23) * | Advanced composite with excellent thermal and chemical resistance, well suited for applications that require maximum performance and isotropic properties. |
* These materials are available by contacting sales@addexp.com
As printed
As printed
As printed SLS parts are typically white or stone grey in color with a smooth surface and a powder texture and without visible layers.
Dyed
Dyed
SLS parts can be dyed by immersing in a warm color bath to a variety of colors. The color penetration reaches an approximate depth of 0.5 mm and covers all surfaces. We can currently custom formulate up to 500 colors.
Tumble smoothing *
Tumble smoothing *
The parts are placed in a tumbler that contains small ceramic chips, gradually eroding its surface down to a polished injection molding-like finish.
Bead blasting
Bead blasting
Bead blasting (shot pinning) adds a uniform matte or satin surface finish on a 3D printed part. *
Spray painting *
Spray painting *
SLS parts can be spray painted white, black or to a specified RAL or AMS STANDARD 595 Paint Code.
Metal plating *
Metal plating *
Electroless plating (nickel, copper or gold) is an ideal solution for parts that require a metallic appearance, without the high costs associated with metal 3D printing.