Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

Need rapid prototyping of snap fits, living hinges or other mechanical joints?

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Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is the rapid prototyping technology of choice for a range of functional prototype applications, including those with snap fits, living hinges and other mechanical joints. The ability of SLS to produce several pieces at one time also makes the process a good choice for Direct Digital Manufacturing (DDM) of products requiring strength and heat resistance.

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) uses high power CO2 lasers (carbon dioxide laser) to fuse plastic, metal or ceramic powder particles together, layer-by-layer, to form a solid model. The system consists of a laser, part chamber, and control system.

The part chamber consists of a build platform, powder cartridge, and leveling roller. A thin layer of build material is spread across the platform where the laser traces a two-dimensional cross section of the part, sintering the material together. The platform then descends a single layer thickness and the leveling roller pushes material from the powder cartridge across the build platform, where the next cross section is sintered to the previous. This process is repeated one slice at a time until the part build height is completed.

Once the model is complete, it is removed from the part chamber and finished by removing any loose material and smoothing the visible surfaces. Part support is accomplished by the un-sintered powder that surrounds the parts during processing.