What is Selective Laser Sintering?
Find Providers For SLSSLS systems can fuse plastic, metal, ceramic, or glass into 3D models. Somewhat expensive.
Like SLA, SLS systems can produce complex structures uses laser technology. However, the materials are very different.
How It Works
Selective Laser Sintering is an additive manufacturing process. The machine builds up layer upon layer of the 3D model, starting
with the bottom layer. After some hours have passed, the model is finished.
The material used is a one-part or two-part powder, which can be a metal, plastic, ceramic, or glass. The build tray sits inside a vat of the powder and a laser system aims at specific points on the tray to fuse together the appropriate sections for each layer. The particles are either fully melted or only partially melted to fuse together and to the previous layer. After each layer is finished, the tray drops so that the machine can begin the next layer.
No Support Needed
One great benefit of SLS is that is does not require support structures to support overhanging features during printing.
This is because the bed of powder supports the model at all times.
Most 3D printing processes require some form of support material, which adds to the cost and cleanup time.
- Rapid Prototypes
- Production Parts
- Art
Example quotes for a 2-inch sphere:
| Process | Qty 1 | Qty 10 |
|---|---|---|
| SLA | $376 each | $109 each |
| SLS | $501 each | $121 each |
| FDM | $182 each | $154 each |
| PolyJet | $479 each | $139 each |
| Machined Plastic | $458 each | $139 each |
| Urethane Castings | N/A | $120 each |
For More Information
Wikipedia article
See the Next Article: Fused Deposition Modeling