3D Printing Service:
Selective Laser Sintering
Our Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) services offer:
- Complex Geometries
- High-Performance Components
- Similar to Injection Molded Parts
- Instant and Engineer-Assisted Quotes
- Certifications: ISO 9001:2015, AS9100D, and ITAR
- Instant and Engineer-Assisted Quotes
- Certifications: ISO 9001:2015, AS9100D, and ITAR
-
Instant and
Engineer-Assisted
Quotes - 100+ Materials
-
40+ Surface
Finishes -
Certifications:
ISO 9001:2015,
AS9100D, and ITAR -
In-House Services: 3D Printing,
CNC Machining, Urethane Casting,
and Sheet Metal Fabrication
Our Process is Simple.
Upload a CAD file and request a quote.
Our team will start production.
Once complete, it passes through quality control.
Lastly, our team ships the part(s) to you.
What is Selective Laser Sintering?
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is an additive manufacturing process that utilizes a high-powered laser to fuse small particles of plastic and other material powders selectively. This process builds up a solid three-dimensional object layer by layer. Furthermore, SLS printing is an advanced additive manufacturing technology that allows for the creation of intricate designs and complex geometries with high precision. Its versatility makes it valuable in various industries, from rapid prototyping to manufacturing end-use components. Additionally, the ability to work with a wide range of materials and achieve exceptional detail makes selective laser sintering a go-to 3D printing technology for innovators and engineers pushing the boundaries of what is possible in additive manufacturing.
How does Laser Sintering work?
The SLS process begins with our additive manufacturing (AM) technicians uploading your CAD file into the system. Subsequently, the software breaks down the CAD file layer by layer. Inside an enclosed, heated chamber, a CO2 laser draws each part layer onto a powder bed, fusing the material below its melting point. Once each layer, a roller applies a thin new layer of powder, and the process repeats until the SLS parts are complete.
After completing the build process, the entire powder bed is removed and taken to a breakout station, where the AM technicians manually remove each part and brush off any excess powder. Subsequently, the components are placed into a container and subjected to a blasting process to remove any remaining powder.
After this step, the parts produced by selective laser sintering go to the finishing department. Depending on your project specifications, they undergo sanding, priming, painting, or other post-processing and finishing techniques.
Note: Laser sintering or selective laser sintering does not require support structures.
Selective Laser Sintering Advantages
Laser sintering technology has revolutionized the way products are designed and manufactured. The following are a few of the advantages of laser sintering:
- No supports needed.
- Materials with excellent mechanical properties.
- Automated vapor smoothing is available.
- Ideal for dyeing, coloring, and other finishes.
Selective Laser Sintering Disadvantages
While there are a lot of advantages to laser sintering, there are also some disadvantages to consider:
- Finishing and post-processing necessary to smooth surfaces.
- Fewer material options than other additive technologies.
Laser Sintering at Prototek
Selective Laser Sintering Companies OEM:
EOS and 3D Systems
Laser Sintering File Types:
Preferred Files: Solid, STEP, and DFX
Max Build Chamber Size:
26 x 13.5 x 21.8 in
Lead Time:
3 – 5 Days
Material:
Carbon-Filled Nylon, Fire Retardant Nylon 11, Glass-Filled Nylon 12, Nylon 12, and Ultrasint® TPU 88A
Tolerances:
± 0.005 in for the first inch and ± 0.002 in/in for each additional inch
Layer Thickness:
EOS: 0.005 in
3D Systems: 0.004 in
Prototek's Materials
SLS Carbon-Filled Nylon
Carbon-filled nylon PA 602-CF from ALM is a strong and lightweight material used in industrial applications. It is perfect for projects that need both strength and reduced weight.
Tensile Strength
12,238 psi
Tensile Modulus
1,145,797 psi
Elongation @ Break
4%
Flexural Strength
N/A
Flexural Modulus
1,329,995 psi
Heat Deflection @ 66 psi
354° F
SLS Fire Retardant Nylon 11
Tested and proven to meet the strict requirements of FAR 25.853, SLS Fire Retardant Nylon 11 can withstand extreme heat and flames for up to 60 seconds without igniting or spreading the fire.
Tensile Strength
6,700 psi
Tensile Modulus
202 ksi
Elongation @ Break
38%
Flexural Strength
N/A
Flexural Modulus
195 ksi
Heat Deflection @ 264 psi
158° F
SLS Glass-Filled Nylon 12
Fortified with glass beads, SLS Glass-Filled Nylon 12 creates plastic parts with higher thermal stability and stiffness than regular Nylon 12. It also has excellent impact and chemical resistance and is biocompatible*.
Tensile Strength
7,397 psi
Tensile Modulus
464 ksi
Elongation @ Break
9%
Flexural Strength
10,588 psi
Flexural Modulus
421 ksi
Heat Deflection @ 264 psi
205° F
SLS Nylon 12
SLS Nylon 12 is a highly versatile and durable laser sintering thermoplastic material with a wide range of exceptional physical properties, making it ideal for numerous applications across various industries.
Tensile Strength
7,252 psi
Tensile Modulus
247 ksi
Elongation @ Break
20%
Flexural Strength
N/A
Flexural Modulus
218 ksi
Heat Deflection @ 264 psi
N/A
SLS Ultrasint® TPU 88A
SLS Ultrasint® TPU 88A is a multi-purpose laser sintering material offering a balanced property profile, good flexibility, shock absorption, and the possibility of printing tiny structures with a high level of detail.
Tensile Strength
1,160 psi
Tensile Modulus
12,328 psi
Elongation @ Break
360%
Flexural Strength
N/A
Flexural Modulus
N/A
Heat Deflection @ 264 psi
N/A
*Special processing may be required. Please notify us of any biocompatibility needs.
Designing SLS Parts
Several key considerations are crucial for successful printing when designing parts for laser sintering. Firstly, it is essential to ensure that the parts have sufficient structural integrity and support to withstand the forces of the sintering process. Additionally, our technicians ensure proper nesting and orientation of the parts in the 3D printer to minimize distortion and improve print accuracy. To enhance print quality and reduce the need for post-processing, it is essential to design internal features or cavities with ample clearance and draft angles. Moreover, selecting appropriate materials and powder properties can significantly impact print quality and final part properties. Finally, it is essential to understand the limitations of the printing technology and design functional parts within these constraints. By considering these factors, designers can optimize their part designs for successful selective laser sintering.
Design Recommendations
| Feature | Measurement | |
|---|---|---|
|
|
Connecting & Moving Parts |
Connecting: 0.006 in Moving: 0.012 in |
|
|
Escape Holes |
0.04 in |
|
|
Embossing & Engraving |
Width: 0.04 in Height/Depth: 0.04 in |
|
|
Holes & Openings |
0.02 in |
|
|
Horizontal Spans |
Supports Not Required |
|
|
Minimum Features |
0.03 in |
|
|
Pin Diameter |
0.02 in |
|
|
Supports & Overhangs |
Supports Not Required |
|
|
Walls (Supported) |
0.03 in |
|
|
Walls (Unsupported) |
Supports Not Required |
| Feature | Measurement | |
|---|---|---|
|
|
Connecting & Moving Parts |
Connecting: 0.15 mm Moving: 0.3 mm |
|
|
Escape Holes |
1 mm |
|
|
Embossing & Engraving |
Width: 1 mm Height/Depth: 1 mm |
|
|
Holes & Openings |
0.5 mm |
|
|
Horizontal Spans |
Supports Not Required |
|
|
Minimum Features |
0.7 mm |
|
|
Pin Diameter |
0.5 mm |
|
|
Supports & Overhangs |
Supports Not Required |
|
|
Walls (Supported) |
0.7 mm |
|
|
Walls (Unsupported) |
Supports Not Required |
Laser Sintering Finishes
Prototek’s cutting-edge selective laser melting capabilities deliver excellent results. By utilizing our state-of-the-art additive manufacturing processes, we guarantee remarkable consistency in quality and performance for all your essential and demanding applications. Furthermore, our technology produces high-precision, exceptionally durable parts with outstanding surface finishes.
Laser Sintering Finishes
| Level | Process |
|---|---|
|
Natural |
Matte, white finish. |
|
Tumbled |
The surface is smoothed with a media for an eggshell finish. |
|
Smoothed & Sealed |
Bead-blasted and vapor smoothed for a sealed, satin watertight finish. Check out our automated post-processing capabilities. |
|
Dyed |
Dyed, please specify the color. |
|
Smoothed, Sealed, & Dyed |
Vapor-sealed and dyed (specify color) for a satin, watertight finish. |
|
Primed Exterior |
Exterior (cosmetic) surfaces are smoothed and coated in grey primer. |
|
Painted |
Parts are smoothed, primed, and painted (provide drawing with paint specifications). |
|
Custom |
Custom finish. Let us know if your project requires special finishing. Please fill out our engineer-assisted quote form. |
Learn More About SLS
Through our resources, you can discover the complexities of SLS 3D printing and gain insights into creating top-notch designs specifically tailored for this cutting-edge technology.
Vapor Smoothing: The Secret to Professional-Looking 3D Prints
Enhance your 3D prints with vapor smoothing! This technique eliminates layer lines for a glossy finish, improving aesthetics and durability. Perfect for industries like aerospace,...
AM Powder Bed Technologies
Check out this comparison guide to powder bed additive manufacturing. This process involves advanced selective laser sintering and multi-jet fusion technologies, allowing for the precise...
Prototek's
Other Additive Manufacturing Capabilities
Why choose Prototek for your next selective laser sintering project?
Prototek is a reliable and experienced provider of selective laser sintering services. Our state-of-the-art 3D printing SLS machines and expertise in the field ensure high-quality prints with quick turnaround times. Additionally, our engineers work with clients to optimize designs for the best possible results, considering the unique requirements and limitations of the selective laser sintering process. Prototek also offers a range of materials, including nylon and glass-filled nylon, allowing clients to choose the suitable material for their application. Finally, with over 30 years of experience in the industry, Prototek has built a reputation for exceptional customer service and competitive pricing. So, if you’re looking for a reliable and experienced partner for your laser sintering needs, Prototek is an excellent choice.
