Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
Robust End-Use Components
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is a powder-bed fusion technology that utilizes a high-powered laser to sinter (fuse) fine polymer powder particles together, layer by layer. This process creates exceptionally strong, durable, and highly complex parts with no need for dedicated support structures, as the unfused powder acts as its own support.
This is the go-to method for tough, load-bearing functional parts and cost-effective, low-to-mid volume manufacturing.
- Exceptional Durability & Strength: Produces robust, load-bearing components from engineering-grade nylon materials.
- Design Freedom: Achieve highly complex, interlocking, or internal geometries with no support removal required.
- Material Versatility: Access to nylon (PA 12, PA 11) and composite powders for specific mechanical properties.
- Rapid Lead Times & Cost-Efficient Production.
Advantages of SLS Technology
Superior Strength and Durability
SLS parts, typically made from Nylon (Polyamide), exhibit excellent mechanical properties, making them highly suitable for functional prototypes, end-use parts, and low-volume production that must withstand significant stress and impact.
No Support Structures Required
The surrounding unfused powder naturally supports the part during printing. This eliminates the need for manually designed and removed supports, reducing post-processing time and enabling the creation of highly complex internal features and interlocking parts.
Excellent Design Freedom
Since supports aren't needed, SLS offers unparalleled geometric freedom. You can design complex, organic, and intricate geometries, and even nest multiple parts within a single build volume to maximize efficiency.
High Production Throughput
The ability to tightly nest parts in the build chamber (up to 100% packing density) and print without supports leads to a higher volume of parts per build, making it a cost-effective and time-efficient option for batch manufacturing.
Material Recyclability
A significant portion of the unused polymer powder can be collected, sieved, and reused in subsequent builds, minimizing waste and making the process more sustainable and cost-effective than processes that use high volumes of non-reusable liquid resin.
Isotropic Mechanical Properties
The way the laser sinters the powder layers typically results in parts that are isotropic, meaning their mechanical properties (strength and stiffness) are consistent in all three directions ($X$, $Y$, and $Z$), which is crucial for reliable functional components.
Recent Projects
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Camera Mount - Downward Camera Mount
Purpose: Camera Mounts
Overall Size: 90 x 46 x 83 mm
Material: PA 12
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Tool Trackers - Drill extensions Mounts
Purpose: Mounts for Medical Industry
Overall Size: 73 x 147 x 73 mm
Material: PA 12
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Prox Sensor Bracket
Purpose: Sensor mounts
Overall Size: 40 x 40 x 31 mm
Material: PA 12
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Reference Tracker
Purpose: Reference Tracker - For Medical Industry
Size: 57 x 90 x 35mmMaterial: PA 12
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Handle
Purpose: Functional Prototype
Overall Size: 76 x 76 x 279 mm
Material: SLS PA 12
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Spine
Purpose: Spine
Overall Size: 154.998 x 288.418 x 115.22 mm
Material: PA 12
Our FDM 3D Printers
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Formlabs Fuse 1+ 30W
Learn MorePrint Volume: 159.2 × 159.2 × 295.5 mm (6.27 × 6.27 × 11.63 in)
Materials: Nylon 12, Nylon 11 CF, Nylon 12 GF, Nylon 11, TPU 90A
Dimensional Accuracy: 0.0395mm +/- per axes
Layer Resolution: 0.110 mm
Discover Our Technologies and Capabilities
Stereo Lithography Printer
Fused Deposition Modeling
ColorJet Printing
Industrial FDM
Request a Free Sample From Us
Ready to test the accuracy and durability of industrial additive manufacturing? Submit your project details to request a free, no-obligation sample part. This offer is reserved for businesses and engineers evaluating our services for serious production or tooling applications. See and test the quality before you commit to a full project.
Applications for SLS Printing
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End-use Parts
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IR Sensor
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Nylon 12 End Use Parts
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Bicycle Pedal
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End Use Parts
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End Use Parts
Our Full SLS Material Portfolio
Nylon 12 Powder
General purpose, versatile nylon known for high strength, high detail, and excellent dimensional accuracy. The go-to material for durable functional parts.
Nylon 12 Tough Powder
An enhanced version of Nylon 12 with higher ductility and impact resistance, ideal for parts that require snapping, bending, or high-wear environments.
Nylon 11 Powder
A highly ductile and robust bio-based nylon material, perfect for parts requiring high impact resistance, such as hinges, clips, and thin-walled enclosures.
Nylon 11 CF Powder
Carbon fiber-filled nylon, offering superior stiffness, strength, and thermal stability. Best for lightweight, high-performance tooling and structural parts.
Nylon 12 GF Powder
Glass-filled nylon, providing enhanced stiffness, rigidity, and heat resistance. Suitable for jigs, fixtures, and parts under sustained structural or thermal load.
TPU 90A Powder
A tough elastomer that creates flexible, rubber-like parts. It features high elongation and tear strength, perfect for gaskets, seals, and wearables.
Our SLS 3D Printing Service
Our team of 3D Printing experts will allow you to rapidly verify your designs for 3D printing use. Each prototype will be thoroughly inspected to ensure our quality meets your needs. Feel free to upload your file to get a quote from us.