SLS 3D Printing (Selective Laser Sintering)

How it works

1. Powder is preheated and spread in a thin layer across the build chamber.
2. The laser sinters the cross-section; unsintered powder remains in place.
3. The platform indexes downward; fresh powder is recoated for the next layer.
4. The cake is cooled, depowdered, and finished with dye, vapor smooth, or machining.

Key advantages

• No dedicated support structures on most geometries — complex internals are feasible
• Engineering nylons (PA11, PA12, glass-filled) with good impact and fatigue behavior
• Ideal for hinges, living hinges (TPU), and batch functional testing
• Powder recycling lowers material waste versus filament processes

Typical applications

• Functional prototypes and pilot-series end-use plastics
• Automotive ducts, clips, and under-hood test hardware
• Drone frames, RC components, and robotics covers
• Medical device housings and ergonomic handles (material dependent)

Materials

Specifications

Design tips

• Allow powder escape holes on enclosed volumes before sealing in post-processing.
• Living hinges work best with dedicated TPU grades and tuned thickness.
• Large flat panels may benefit from ribbing to reduce warp during cooling.