Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
Selective laser sintering (SLS) is an additive manufacturing technique that uses a laser as the power source to sinter powdered material (typically nylon or polyamide), aiming the laser automatically at points in space defined by a 3D model, binding the material together to create a solid structure. It is similar to selective laser melting; the two are instantiations of the same concept but differ in technical details.
How SLS Selective Laser Sintering 3D Printing Works
SLS operation principle is powder sintering with the help of infrared laser in elevated temperature, which helps the grains of the powder consolidate before being bound with the laser beam. In the conventional SLS printer, there is a so-called “bed” on which the roller spreads a thin layer of powder followed by sintering according to the layers sliced from a 3D model file (e.g., a .stl file (derived from CAD-like designing software).
Why Use SLS 3D Printing Service?
SLS Applications
SLS 3D Printing Service uses production-grade nylon materials, resulting in durable, functional parts that last. SLS printed parts rival other parts produced using traditional manufacturing methods. The robustness of SLS makes this technology great for:
Complex and durable production parts
Production and prototype parts that need to withstand high-heat environments or chemical exposure Impact-resistant parts
Parts with snap-fit/living hinges
Automotive design
Aerospace parts and ducting, flame-retardant parts
Low-volume production and mass customization solutions
Medical devices
Jigs, fixtures, and tools
Investment casting patterns
Elastomeric and urethane parts, such as gaskets, seals, and hoses
Why Make your 3D Priting at Unionfab？
- Endless Options Choose from millions of possible combinations of materials, finishes, tolerances, markings, and certifications for your order.
- Easy to Use Get your parts delivered right to your door without the hassle of sourcing, project management, logistics, or shipping.
- Vetted Network We are ISO 9001:2015 certified and AS9100D compliant. Only the top shops that apply to become Suppliers make it through our qualification process.
Design Guidelines: Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
| US | Metric | |
| PA12 GB | 14 in. x 14 in. x 16 in. | 350mm x 305mm x 400mm |
| PA12 | 14 in. x 14 in. x 16 in. | 350mm x 305mm x 400mm |
| US | Metric | |
| Layer Thickness | 0.004 in. | 0.1016mm |
| US | Metric | |
| Minimum Wall Thickness | 0.030 in. | 0.762mm |
SLS Tolerances
For well-designed parts, tolerances of ±0.010 in. (0.25mm) plus ±0.0015 in./in. (0.0015mm/mm) for each additional inch can typically be achieved. Note that tolerances may change depending on part geometry.
| Standard | Bead blast to remove all powder, which leaves a consistent overall texture. |
|---|---|
| Custom | Secondary options include a primer or dye color that can be applied as well as taps and inserts. |
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) Material Options
SLS NYLON PA11(White)
- Features:
[Print Size]
310x240x190 MM[Features]
PA11 (Nylon 11) is a biocompatible nylon material that is durable and flexible, making it optimal for use in exterior medical applications. Our PA11 is printed using SLS technology, which uses a laser to sinter nylon powder into the plastic layer by layer. It is tensile, durable, and impact-resistant with high elongation at break. PA11 is offered in a natural white finish.[Print Effect]
Nylon Materials Surface is not as smooth as sla resin,the surface is a bit grainy.
With our postprocess can be smooth.- Color:
- White
- Introduction:
-
SLS NYLON PA11(White) is a broad family of synthetic thermoplastics based on aliphatic or semi-aromatic polyamides. It is often used for SLS 3D printing. Prints made from nylon powder have good surface finishes and excellent mechanical properties. Nylon or Polyamide (PA) has different variations which characterise the number and nature of chains in a material. This influences the properties of objects fabricated from nylon powder like resistance, stiffness, moisture absorption and flexibility.
SLS TPU
- Features:
[Print Size]
350x350x400 MM[Features]
Elastic parts with high strength and high abrasive resistance for shoe and sports industry, pipes, sealings, prosthetics and many more applications.[Print Effect]
- Color:
- Off White
- Introduction:
-
As a strong, wear-resistant and elastic substance, SLS TPU offers new application opportunities. Thanks to its convenient processing window and full recyclability of the powder cake, it is a natural choice for series production; tailor-made shoes and clothes, complex tube geometries or orthopaedic parts are some examples of new 3D print applications
SLS NYLON 12 (White)
- Features:
[Print Size]
680x380x580 MM[Features]
High temperature resistance, good toughness and high strength, can be used as functional parts. No support is required during printing, suitable for product proofing with extremely complex structure[Print Effect]
Nylon Materials Surface is not as smooth as sla resin,the surface is a bit grainy.
With our postprocess can be smooth.- Color:
- White
- Introduction:
-
Balancing strength and detail, SLS Nylon 12 is a highly capable material for both functional prototyping and end-use production of complex assemblies and durable parts with high environmental stability.
SLS NYLON 12 (Black)
- Features:
[Print Size]
350x350x400 MM[Features]
High temperature resistance, good toughness and high strength, can be used as functional parts. No support is required during printing, suitable for product proofing with extremely complex structure[Print Effect]
Nylon Materials Surface is not as smooth as sla resin,the surface is a bit grainy.
With our postprocess can be smooth.- Color:
- Black
- Introduction:
-
Balancing strength and detail, SLS Nylon 12 is a highly capable material for both functional prototyping and end-use production of complex assemblies and durable parts with high environmental stability.
Nylon 12 Glass-Filled(Black)
- Features:
[Print Size]
350x350x400 MM[Features]
Glass-filled Nylon (Light Gray) – compared to pure nylon, PA GF demonstrates better stiffness and higher heat resistance but is less flexible and has a natural (off-white) colour. The composite is stable, so prints fit better, are machinable, can be used for consumer goods and sports items, and perform well with complex parts.[Print Effect]
Nylon Materials Surface is not as smooth as sla resin, the surface is a bit grainy.
With our postprocess can be smooth.- Color:
- Black
- Introduction:
-
The surface of the GLASS-FILLED NYLON is Black and slightly granular and porous. Nylon Glass-filled is more durable and resistant than Nylon (PA12). It gives you great freedom in your designs – allowing for both complex and enclosed volumes. The Material is great for technical parts that need resistance and loads. The surface is not as accurate as polyamide 12 but it will fit the requirements of technical parts
GLASS FILLED NYLON (Light Gray)
- Features:
[Print Size]
350x350x400 MM[Features]
Glass-filled Nylon (Light Gray) – compared to pure nylon, PA GF demonstrates better stiffness and higher heat resistance but is less flexible and has a natural (off-white) colour. The composite is stable, so prints fit better, are machinable, can be used for consumer goods and sports items, and perform well with complex parts.[Print Effect]
Nylon Materials Surface is not as smooth as sla resin, the surface is a bit grainy.
With our postprocess can be smooth.- Color:
- Light Gray
- Introduction:
-
The surface of the GLASS FILLED NYLON is white and slightly granular and porous. Nylon Glass-filled is more durable and resistant than Nylon (PA12). It gives you great freedom in your designs – allowing for both complex and enclosed volumes. The Material is great for technical parts that need resistance and loads. The surface is not as accurate as polyamide 12 but it will fit the requirements of technical parts
Compare our 3D Printing Services
| Service | Lead Times | Materials | Tolerances | Max Part Size |
| SLA | 1 – 3 days | Resin / Somos | +/- 0.003 in. | 800 x 800 x 550 mm |
| SLS | 2 – 5 days | PA12/ PA12GB | +/- 0.002 in. | 350 x 350 x 400 mm |
| MJF | 2 – 5 days | PA12/ PA12GB | +/- 0.002 in. | 380 x 280 x 380 mm |
| FDM | 2 – 5 days | PLA / ABS | +/- 0.003 in. | 500 x 500 x 400 mm |
| Poly Jet | 2 – 5 days | Resin | +/- 0.003 in. | 490 x 390 x 200 mm |