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SLS

Selective Laser Sintering

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is an additive manufacturing process whereby the prototype is created directly from 3D CAD data.

The Process

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is an additive manufacturing process whereby the prototype is created directly from 3D CAD data. The model is built layer at a time by scanning and sintering the surface of a plastic powder with a computer-controlled CO2 heat laser. A fresh film of powder is deposited on top of each layer, and subsequently sintered to the layer below. Parts built in SLS can have a rougher surface and more heavily layered z-axis than other 3D print formats.

The temperature in the build chamber during this process is approximately 180oC and a post-build cool down period is required which can take as long as the original build. The natural cooling phase is necessary to prevent any parts within the build from distorting. This can elongate lead times compared to SLA and Figure 4 but if you have a specific target date please contact us as these can often be accommodated.

The Benefits

  • Excellent physical properties: strength, stiffness, abrasion resistance
  • Excellent long-term stability
  • High Temperature Resistance
  • Can be finished to a high standard (for full list of finishing options see Product Finishing & Painting)
  • Non-hygroscopic
  • Good chemical resistance
  • Flame retardant
  • Can be dyed/coloured (limited range)
  • Threaded inserts can be fitted

Applications

  • Form, fit & functionality testing – incl. living hinges
  • Non-aesthetic pre-production runs
  • Design evaluation & feasibility studies
  • High durability Presentation models
  • Low Volume / Pre-Production Manufacture
  • Limited Medical and Food applications.

Please contact Drumlord for more details.

Machines & Materials

  Build Chamber Dimensions Build Layers Material
X Y Z
SLS 1 340mm 340mm 600mm 0.1mm / 0.12mm PA, PA/GF, FR Nylon
SLS 2 700mm 380mm 580mm 0.1mm / 0.12mm PA, PA/GF
SLS 3 310mm 265mm 330mm 0.1mm PA, PA/GF

 

Typical Tolerances (0-100mm) (>100mm-600mm) (>600mm)
SLS +/-0.3mm +/-0.3% To be agreed

 

Available Materials
Nylon PA, Glass Filled Nylon PA/GF, Flame Retardant PA/FR.

For more information view our Materials Data Sheets page.

Typical Lead Time

4-5 working days.

Beautiful design & robust options

Examples of our SLS Capabilities

We look forward to working with you.

Give us a call and talk through your project with one of our experts. We’ll help you choose the best path to your perfect product.