SLS 3D printing service
Source high-quality parts for prototyping and production easily using selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printing. Select from industrial-grade materials and a broad range of surface finishes. Our standard lead time is just 3 business days.
What is SLS printing?
SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) 3D printing is an advanced additive manufacturing technology widely used in industrial applications. It works by using a laser to sinter powdered materials such as nylon, polymers, or metals, layer by layer, to create highly precise and complex geometries. Ideal for functional prototypes, custom parts, and small-batch production, SLS does not require support structures and requires minimal post-processing. With its high strength, accuracy, and durability, SLS printing is popular in industries like automotive, aerospace, and healthcare. Discover how SLS 3D printing can enhance your manufacturing processes.
SLS capabilities
SLA (Stereolithography) 3D printing comes in two primary categories: desktop SLA for prototyping and industrial SLA for large-scale manufacturing. Desktop SLA is ideal for producing highly detailed, accurate prototypes, with smooth surface finishes and fine features, making it popular for product design, jewelry, and dental applications. Industrial SLA, on the other hand, excels in creating larger, high-strength parts with excellent surface quality, suitable for end-use production in automotive, aerospace, and healthcare industries. Both technologies offer precision and versatility, catering to different needs based on scale and application.
| Maximum build size | Standard lead time | Dimensional accuracy | Layer thickness | Minimum feature size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 395 x 500 x 395 mm (15.53" x 19.68" x 15.53") | 3 business days | ± 0.3% with a lower limit of ± 0.3 mm (± 0.012 in) | 100μm | 0.5 mm (0.0196”) |
SLS materials
We manufacture your custom SLS 3D-printed parts in accordance with stringent manufacturing standards to ensure optimal quality and precision.
- Initial Surface Treatment: After printing, parts are first bead blasted and then air blasted to effectively remove any excess powder from the surface, resulting in a smooth and clean finish.
- Optional Post-Processing: Additional post-processing options are available to further enhance the part’s appearance and performance. These include dyeing for color customization, vapor smoothing for a polished surface, and tumbling to refine the texture and improve durability.
| Material | Color | Resolution | Tensile strength | Elongation at break | Heat deflection temperature | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nylon (PA 12) | White, dyed black | 100 μm | 41-50 MPa | 11-36% | 146-180 °C | Prototypes, detailed and complex parts, fully functional models, and end products. |
| Glass-filled Nylon (PA 12)(US only) | Off-white | 100 μm | 30-48 MPa | 6.3-9.3% | 152-179 °C | Enclosures and housings, jigs, fixtures, tooling |
SLS surface finishes
Enhance the mechanical properties and aesthetic appeal of your SLS 3D-printed parts with various post-processing options. From smoothing techniques like tumbling and bead blasting to dyeing, painting, or coating, these surface finishing processes can improve part strength, durability, and visual appearance. Post-processing not only refines surface texture but also allows for color customization and additional protection, making it ideal for both functional prototypes and end-use products.
As printed
Dyed (black)
Tumbling
How SLS stacks up against other 3D printing technologies
| Technologies | Materials | Price | Dimensional accuracy | Strengths | Build volume | Layer thickness | Min. feature size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FDM | 5 | $ | ± 0.5% with a lower limit on ± 0.5 mm | Low cost, wide range of materials | 500 x 500 x 500 mm (19.68" x 19.68" x 19.68") | 100-300μm | 2.0 mm (0.0787’') |
| Industrial FDM | 6 | $$$$ | ± 0.3% with a lower limit of ± 0.3 mm (± 0.012") | High level of repeatability, engineering grade materials | 406 x 355 x 406 mm (15.98” x 13.97” x 15.98") | 100-330μm | 2.0 mm (0.0787’') |
| Prototyping SLA | 8 | $$ | ± 0.3% with a lower limit of ± 0.3 mm (± 0.012") | Smooth surface finish, fine feature details | 145 × 145 × 175 mm (5.7" x 5.7" x 6.8") | 50-100μm | 0.2 mm (0.00787’') |
| Industrial SLA | 3 | $$$ | ± 0.2% with a lower limit of ± 0.13 mm (± 0.005") | Smooth surface finish, fine feature details, big print area | 500 x 500 x 500 mm (19.68" x 19.68" x 19.68") | 50-100μm | 0.2 mm (0.00787’') |
| SLS | 2 | $$ | ± 0.3% with a lower limit of ± 0.3 mm (± 0.012”) | Design flexibility, supports not required | 395 x 500 x 395 mm (15.53" x 19.68" x 15.53") | 100μm | 0.5 mm (0.0196”) |
| MJF | 2 | $$ | ± 0.3% with a lower limit on ± 0.3 mm (0.012’') | Design flexibility, supports not required | 380 x 285 x 380 mm (14.9’’ x 11.2’’ x 14.9’') | 80μm | 0.5 mm (0.0196”) |
Manufacturing standards for SLS 3D printed parts
We manufacture your custom SLS 3D-printed parts in accordance with stringent manufacturing standards to ensure optimal quality and precision.
- Initial Surface Treatment: After printing, parts are first bead blasted and then air blasted to effectively remove any excess powder from the surface, resulting in a smooth and clean finish.
- Optional Post-Processing: Additional post-processing options are available to further enhance the part’s appearance and performance. These include dyeing for color customization, vapor smoothing for a polished surface, and tumbling to refine the texture and improve durability.
Advantages
Drawbacks
Advantages and drawbacks of SLS 3D printing
SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) 3D printing offers significant advantages for industrial applications, including the ability to create complex geometries without support structures, strong and durable parts, and efficient batch production. However, it also comes with some drawbacks, such as rough surface finishes, high initial investment costs, and lengthy cooling times. Despite these challenges, SLS remains a popular choice for functional prototyping and small- to medium-volume production due to its versatility and material range.
Design guidelines for SLS
The table below outlines the recommended and technically feasible values for common features in SLS 3D-printed parts to ensure optimal performance and quality:
| Feature | Recommended Value | Technically Feasible Value |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Wall Thickness | 1.0 mm | 0.6 mm |
| Minimum Detail Size | 0.5 mm | 0.3 mm |
| Minimum Hole Diameter | 2.0 mm | 1.0 mm |
| Maximum Part Size | 300 x 300 x 300 mm | 600 x 600 x 500 mm |
| Overhang Angle | Up to 45 degrees | Up to 60 degrees |
Our other 3D printing processes
With over 90 3D printing hubs, we deliver high-quality parts at competitive prices. From rapid prototyping with FDM to functional end-use parts using SLS and MJF, we guarantee premium results every time.