Order custom Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) parts for rapid prototyping and final product manufacturing. VMT offers a convenient service that makes it easy to get high-quality SLS 3D printed parts.
Simply upload your design files to get a quick quote, with some orders delivered as soon as the next day.
SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) 3D Printing is an additive manufacturing technique that uses a laser to sinter powdered material (typically nylon or polyamide) into a solid structure based on a 3D model. SLS is capable of producing parts with complex geometries and is often used for functional prototypes and end-use parts. Here are some key points about SLS 3D Printing:
Selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printing technology has been widely used in many fields due to its many advantages. This technology can create high-precision and complex geometric shapes, which are often difficult to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods. Compared with other 3D printing technologies, a major highlight of SLS is that it does not require additional support structures, which greatly simplifies the subsequent processing process. In terms of material selection, SLS also shows extremely high flexibility. It can handle a variety of materials including nylon, metal and ceramic powder to meet the needs of different application scenarios.
Parts produced by SLS technology often have excellent mechanical strength, which makes them not only suitable for making functional prototypes, but also directly used as end-use parts. In addition, SLS also performs well in small-batch production because it can produce multiple parts at the same time in one printing operation, greatly improving production efficiency.
At our facility, we leverage cutting-edge SLS technology to produce high-quality, intricate parts from a range of materials, including plastic, metal, and composite powders. Whether you need rapid prototyping or small batch production, our SLS services guarantee outstanding results. Here’s why we’re the best choice:
Our SLS printers deliver extremely fine details and precise tolerances, allowing us to create complex geometries and intricate designs that would be impossible with traditional manufacturing methods.
We have 6 senior engineers with more than 20 years of experience in aluminum alloy processing. They can optimize the product structure according to your drawings and samples, and accurately design 2D drawings to ensure the smooth completion of the project.
2 hours quotation, 4 hours manufacturing feasibility program service and advice.
We offer a wide range of materials, including high-strength plastics and durable composites, to suit the specific needs of your project. Whether you need functional prototypes, end-use parts, or high-performance prototypes, we’ve got you covered.
Our SLS printed parts boast smooth finishes and strong mechanical properties, making them suitable for both functional prototypes and final production parts that need to withstand stress and wear.
VMT has passed ISO 9001:2015, IATF 16949, SGS On-site audit and 11 patents. Provide Thickness, Roughness, RoHS, and Material certification.
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Material Name
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Color
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Shore Hardness
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Elongation at Break (%)
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Impact Strength Notched (kJ/m²)
|
|
PA 12 (Nylon)
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White
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75D
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20
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4.8
|
|
PA 11
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White
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80D
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50
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6.5
|
|
TPU
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White
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90A
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400
|
|
|
Glass-filled PA 12
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White
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82D
|
6
|
3.5
|
|
Aluminum-filled PA 12
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Gray
|
80D
|
4
|
3.0
|
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is a 3D printing technology that uses a high-powered laser to fuse powdered materials, such as plastic, metal, or ceramic, layer by layer to create precise, durable parts.
The process begins with a 3D digital model of the part, which is sliced into thin layers. A layer of powder is spread across the build platform, and the laser selectively sinters the powder particles according to the design. Once one layer is fused, the platform lowers slightly, and the process repeats for each layer until the part is complete.
After printing, the part is cooled and the excess powder is removed. Since SLS uses the surrounding powder as support, no additional support structures are needed, allowing for complex geometries and intricate designs.
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 3D printing produces parts with incredible precision and fine details. This makes it ideal for creating intricate designs, complex geometries, and parts that require tight tolerances.
SLS supports a wide range of materials, including nylon, composites, and even metals, allowing for the creation of functional, durable parts tailored to specific application needs.
Unlike other 3D printing methods, SLS doesn’t require additional support structures since the powdered material acts as its own support. This leads to fewer post-processing steps and higher-quality finished parts.
Parts made with SLS are highly durable, with excellent mechanical properties, including strength, stiffness, and heat resistance. This makes them suitable for both prototyping and end-use production applications.
SLS allows for the production of parts with complex internal features, hollow sections, and intricate geometries that would be impossible or cost-prohibitive with traditional manufacturing methods.
SLS 3D printing enables rapid prototyping and short production cycles, which accelerates the design and iteration process, saving valuable time in product development.
SLS is ideal for low to medium-volume production runs, making it a cost-effective alternative to traditional manufacturing methods like injection molding, especially for prototypes or limited batches.
The parts produced through SLS typically have a smooth, matte finish, which reduces the need for additional post-processing or finishing steps.
For well-designed parts, VMT’s tolerances can often be very precise, such as ±0.010 inches (0.25 mm) plus 0.1% of the nominal length. However, it is important to note that tolerances may vary depending on the geometry of the part.
Factors such as part geometry, size, material, and manufacturing process can all have an impact on tolerances. For example, complex geometries may require tighter tolerance control to ensure the part fits and functions accurately. In addition, different materials may have different deformation and shrinkage characteristics during processing, which also need to be considered when designing tolerances.
The following table summarizes common surface treatment methods and their characteristics for VMT’s SLS 3D printed parts. If you need more details or additional methods, please contact us!
| Surface Finish Method | Features |
| As-Printed (Raw Surface) | The part is left as it is directly after printing, retaining the natural texture from the sintered powder. The surface is typically rough and slightly porous, suitable for functional prototypes or internal components where aesthetics are not a priority. |
| Bead Blasting | This method involves blasting the part with small media, such as glass beads, to smooth the surface. It removes excess powder, reduces roughness, and produces a matte finish. Bead blasting is commonly used for parts requiring improved appearance and uniform texture. |
| Vibratory Finishing | Parts are placed in a vibratory machine with abrasive media that polishes and smoothens the surface. This process reduces sharp edges, minimizes layer lines, and creates a more consistent texture, often used for functional or semi-aesthetic components. |
| Chemical Smoothing | A chemical solution is applied to dissolve and smooth the surface layers of the part. This method results in a glossy and uniform finish, reducing or eliminating visible layer lines. It is particularly useful for parts needing enhanced aesthetics or improved mechanical performance. |
| Polishing | Mechanical polishing is done using a polishing compound to achieve a highly smooth and glossy surface. This finish is ideal for cosmetic parts or components requiring a premium appearance, although it may be labor-intensive and time-consuming. |
| Painting or Coating | A layer of paint or protective coating is applied to enhance the part’s visual appeal and durability. This method allows for a variety of colors and finishes (e.g., matte, glossy) and can provide additional protection against environmental factors like UV light or moisture. |
| Laser Smoothing | A laser is used to selectively melt the surface of the part, smoothing out rough textures and layer lines. This technique produces a polished, glossy finish and is suitable for high-precision parts where fine details and surface quality are critical. |
With a variety of finishing options and quality assured through our range of services, our Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 3D Printing project delivers reliable parts. After you send us your 3D CAD file, our customer service engineer will review your design for manufacturability to ensure it aligns with your specifications and budget. Contact us today for a free quote!
