Selective laser sintering (SLS) relies on CO2 laser for heating and fusing durable thermoplastic powders, creating versatile parts with high elongation at break. It is among the popular additive manufacturing or 3D printing technologies for building parts for various applications, such as production tools, aerospace, aviation, machine components, and wearables. A reputable SLS printing service would use powder nylon (PA12) and its variants, such as glass-filled, to create custom prototypes and end-use parts.
How does it work?
Unlike some 3D printing technologies, SLS does not need support structures when creating complex geometries or overhangs. The computer-controlled laser intuitively binds the nylon particles in the powder bed by increasing the temperature above the glass transition point. Then, adjacent particles move together.
Applications
Discerning vowin.cn' target='_blank'>product designers, engineers, and manufacturers rely on an SLS printing service to build functional prototypes and low-volume end-use parts out of high-strength material. Static and articulated models made using this method have mechanical properties comparable to injection-molded parts.
The flexible and quick production process makes it popular in producing more production parts for use in taxing environments. SLS 3D printing is also practical for lightweight designs with complex lattice structures.
Selective laser sintering creates parts from various polyamide materials, such as nylon. This means the results have a quality comparable to those made with conventional manufacturing methods. Your custom components or prototypes can be airtight, watertight, flame-retardant, and heat-resistant.
Why choose SLS 3D printing?
You may consider the SLS printing service for designs with complex geometries, especially when other manufacturing and prototyping technologies can be costly or unable to provide the best results. The technology offers reliability and consistency and ensures stable, durable, and production-grade parts. SLS 3D printing also makes sense for part consolidation, as it can easily produce internal features, undercuts, and complicated features. So, it eliminates the need to make separate mounting components and fasteners or use adhesives.
