SLS Technology - Druk 3D | Wrocław

SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING - SLS

Layer-by-layer laser sintering of polymer powders

SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) or simply LS (Laser Sintering) is a 3D printing technology that involves sintering of powdered plastic material using a laser beam. The use of polyamides (nylons) as the build material produces remarkable mechanical properties that match the building requirements of many sectors (aerospace, automotive, machine industry). SLS 3D printing is so efficient that it can produce end-use objects, also in short-run batches.

QUOTE

* Minimum order value is PLN 249 net

HOW DOES 3D PRINTING WORK WITH SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING (SLS) TECHNOLOGY?

SLS 3D printing involves layer-by-layer sintering of powdered plastics. The properly prepared powdered material is applied using a recoating blade or roller onto the work platform, where it is heated and laser sintered. Laser beam scans areas which correspond to the current cross-section of a given model, resulting in their building up. Then the work platform is descended by the layer thickness and a new portion of the material is deposited. This is repeated until the desired geometry is obtained. The use of precise scanning systems produces models of complex geometry and high quality. No support structures are used.

Schemat działania technologii druku 3D - wykonanie modelu 3D

1. Prepare a 3D CAD model

Schemat działania technologii SLS Selective Laser Sintering Spiekanie laserowe - etap spiekania

2. Layer-by-layer sintering of the powdered material

Schemat działania technologii SLS Selective Laser Sintering Spiekanie laserowe - etap oczyszczania

3. Removing loose powder

4. Ship / Post-process the model

SLS TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS

» Concept models and functional prototypes
» Short-run batches
» End-use products
» Spare parts and machine parts
» Electronic equipment housings
» CMM positioning tools
» Workshop aids
» Pre-surgery models and phantoms
» Architectural models and art installations

Wspornik wydrukowany w technologii SLS lakierowanie wydruków 3D

SLS SPECIFICATIONS

SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) or simply LS (Laser Sintering) is a 3D printing technology that involves sintering of powdered plastics with a laser beam. A wide range of printing materials (e.g. PA, TPU, Tribo, Alumide) enables production of elements for multiple applications.

Lead times:
The average lead time is 7 to 10 business days depending on the size of the part, number of components and finishing type. Priority orders ship in 3 to 5 business days (only for small orders).

Dimensional accuracy:
SLS technology is an ideal solution for producing complex geometries with high accuracy and repeatability. Depending on the part rendition and its location in the build envelope the tolerances are +/-0.3% of nominal dimension, with maximal accuracy of +/-0,3 mm. › Guidelines for SLS technology design.

Maximum dimensions of the object::
Maximum dimensions of the object depend on the size of the build envelope – presently the maximum dimensions are 381 x 330 x 460 mm. However, the parts may be divided into pieces and assembled after printing, which greatly increases the maximum part dimensions.

Finishing options:
After the process is finished, the parts are cleaned from any free powder and then sanded. Additionally, elements manufactured with SLS technology can be dyed, lacquer coated and polished to obtain the desired final effect.

Mechanical properties:
Polyamides are plastics which serve as building materials. They are strong and elastic with good impact strength. The elements manufactured with SLS technology are isotropic which means their physical properties have the same value when measured in different directions. Their tensile strength is 50 MPa.

* Minimum order value:
Minimum order value refers to the value of the entire order, while the cost of fabrication of one element contained in a single order may be lower.

NOT SURE IF YOUR MODEL MEETS TECHNOLOGICAL REQUIREMENTS?

››› CHECK SLS DESIGN GUIDELINES ›››

Technologia SLS | materiał PA12 | przekładnia planetarna

SLS MATERIALS

PA12 (nylon)

material most often (in as many as 90% cases) opted for in SLS technology owing to its high mechanical properties and high elasticity. Resistant to the majority of chemical agents. Operating temperature limit is 100°C. Original color of the material is white.

PA12-GF

Glass-Filled Polyamide (PA12). This addition makes SLS manufactured elements more rigid and compression resistant. It also slightly increases the heat resistance of the material. Original color of the material is ivory.

Alumide

Alumide is a mixture of polyamide powder and fine aluminum particles. It ensures a raw metallic effect. Its higher heat resistance facilitates finishing work.

TPU (elastic)

TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) is the only elastic material available in SLS technology. It has the “shape memory” and elongation of 400%. High tear and abrasion resistance are characteristic of TPU. It can be used wherever it is regularly subjected to dynamic loads at the range of -20°C to 80°C. Original color of the material is white.

PA12-tribo

Polyamide for tribological applications. It is available in two types: the basic one for sliding parts and extended one for gear wheels and other kinematic pairs. Its abrasion resistance is almost three times higher than that of pure nylon (PA12). Original color of the material is light yellow.