What is SLS?
Also known as: Selective Laser Sintering, LS, Laser Sintering
Selective Laser Sintering(SLS) is a versatile 3D printing technology that produces durable parts for prototyping and end-use applications. SLS is ideal for affordable prototyping, complex geometries, durable end-use parts, and low-midvolume production runs.
How does SLS work?
Powdered material is swept across a build platform to ensure a level printing surface. The powder is fused together by a high-powered laser and the parts are built up layer by layer.
No Support structures are needed as the model is supported by the unmelted powder around it. Afterwards, the models are excavated from the powder bed and excess powder is removed through manual picking and media blast techniques.
Applications Using SLS 3D Printing
SLS is ideal for fabricating durable or complex parts. After being sintered together, the full-melt parts produced in SLS have a density and strength comparable to parts manufactured through traditional manufacturing methods.
Benefits of SLS:
- Strong and Durable
- Very affordable low volume production
- Complex geometries don't cost much more
- UV Stable
Challenges of SLS:
- Warping of flat, thin geometries
- Surface finish like fine sand paper
- Limited material selection
- Very labor intensive to finish
Design Guidelines for SLS 3D Printing
| Minimum Wall Thickness | Minimum Feature Size | Minimum Space for Interlocking Parts | Minimum Size Embossed/Engraved Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.8mm | 0.8mm | 0.5mm | 0.5mm |
Escape Holes (2mm-4mm)
Hollowing parts reduces the part volume and saves you money but you need to add escape holes. Be careful, hollowing out a model can cause structural integrity issues.
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