Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), SLS Prototype

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is a process by which ProtoCAM creates 3D SLS prototypes by fusing or sintering powdered thermoplastic materials or metals to form functional prototypes.  ProtoCAM is a premier selective laser sintering service bureau.  An advantage to using SLS is the range of materials that can be used, including nylon, metals, and elastomers.  Rapid prototype (RP) laser sintering can provide a competitive edge in your product development by producing rapid plastic or metal SLS prototypes with complex shapes that closely resemble injection-molded parts.

Technical Overview of Selective Laser Sintering

In the Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) process, three-dimensional parts are created by fusing (or sintering) powdered thermoplastic materials with the heat from an infrared laser beam.  The object’s creation is accomplished by repeatedly fusing thin powder layers using a laser beam.  This additive manufacturing sequence produces parts that gradually increase in size until they reach the prescribed dimensions.  These prototypes are created directly from 3D CAD models.

Advantages

Unlike stereolithography, SLS prototyping techniques allow prototypes to be made with material properties closer to that of injection molded pieces (using the DuraForm or DuraForm Glass Filled material). In addition, SLS has the capability to make metal prototype parts using the RapidSteel A6 or LaserForm ST-200 (which replaced ST-100) materials, where metallic powder is used in the laser sintering process. Building parts out of Somos 201 material gives a final SLS prototype made from a durable elastomer selective laser sintering material, ideal for bellows and gaskets. ProtoCAM uses the most advanced selective laser sintering materials and can provide assistance in their selection.

Another advantage is that there is typically very little (if any) processing required after the selective laser sintering is completed.

SLS Prototype Equipment

The machines available to make SLS prototypes are:

• Sinterstation HiQ
• Sinterstation Pro

Materials

(also available on the Spec Sheet page)

Technical Specifications for SLS Prototyping

• Build envelope:
  • Sinterstation HiQ: 14" x 12" x 17"
  • Sinterstation Pro: 22" x 22" x 30"
  • The recommended thickness of metal parts varies by process
• Layer thickness: 0.004" or 0.006"
• Typical Tolerances: ±0.007" (varies based on selective laser sintering material selection)

Contact ProtoCAM for Selective Laser Sintering

Please contact us to discuss your selective laser sintering (SLS) needs or to request a quotation.