01763 249760  office@prototypeprojects.com

Request a Quote
Specialist in the manufacture of prototypes - Prototype Projects Specialist in the manufacture of prototypes - Prototype Projects
  • CNC Machining
    • CNC Turning
    • CNC Milling
    • CNC Materials
    • CNC Finishing
    • Service Levels
  • 3D Printing
    • SLS – Selective Laser Sintering
    • SLA – Stereolithography
    • Projection Micro Stereolithography (PµSL)
    • Polyjet 3D Printing
    • DLP – Digital Light Projection
    • SLS Dyeing
    • 3D Printing Materials
    • 3D Printing Finishing
    • Service Levels
  • Vacuum Casting
  • Model Making
  • Expertise
    • Low Volume Manufacturing
    • Rapid Prototyping
    • Laser Cutting
    • Inspection
  • Downloads
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Guides and whitepapers
    • Policies, forms and certificates
    • Process datasheets
    • Prototype materials datasheets
  • About
    • Customers
    • Our Team
    • Our values
    • Payment methods
    • Work with us
    • Privacy statement
    • News & Articles
    • Case Studies
    • Plant list
  • Contact
  1. Home
  2. Selective Laser Sintering
  3. Selective Laser Sintering FAQ

Selective Laser Sintering FAQ

Selective Laser Sintering FAQ

SLS, or Selective Laser Sintering, is a form of 3D Additive Manufacturing used to produce plastic parts.

What is it used for?

It is ideal for rapid and cost-effective production of single or short run parts with complex geometries and a high-quality surface finish, yet is also ideal for run of 50, 100 or 150 parts.

Which stage of the product development is used?

SLS can be used at any stage of the product development cycle, from a single concept part through to a functional prototype and is increasingly used to manufacture operational components.

Why is SLS so popular?

The principle advantage of SLS is its ability to deliver a complete part requiring little or no further finishing, direct from a CAD file. The process is relatively fast, and small quantities can be produced readily. SLS can produce parts with mechanical functions such as snap fit and living hinged assemblies for demonstration or concept purposes.

What materials are used in SLS?

The SLS material used by Prototype Projects is PA 2200 plastic which is specifically produced for additive manufacturing using laser sintering.

How does SLS actually work?

During the SLS process, the powder itself acts as the support for the part as each successive layer is built on and fused or ‘sintered’  to the last using a powerful laser whilst the excess powder builds up around the part.

To form each layer, the powder material is fed onto the part bed in set amounts usually less than 0.1mm, which then drops by the same set level to receive the next layer. Each layer is sintered forming an additional ‘slice’, until the part is finished.

How does SLS compare to SLA?

SLS parts can have strength and geometric properties that cannot be achieved with other additive manufacturing or 3D printing processes including SLA – though refer to Prototype Projects for specific properties you require.

Summary highlights of SLS

  • Similar to SLS: main difference is use of EOS system instead of 3D Systems SLS system

SLS parts can be stronger than SLA parts

  • Surface finish is high quality, powdery and porous until coated with sealant
  • Moving parts can be created e.g. living hinges
  • Finished part is very clean, requiring very little hand finishing. Excess powder removed by blowing or brushing

Watch our Laser Sintering video

Need advice on SLS?

For any questions relating to Laser Sintering, when to use it, the properties of parts that can be achieved, turnaround times and size options, please contact Prototype Projects.

Recent Popular
Projection Micro Stereolithography

What do we mean by ‘Precision’ ‘Micro’ ...

23 January 2023 Comments Off on What do we mean by ‘Precision’ ‘Micro’ Stereolithography?
3D Printing

The beginner’s guide to 3D printing

19 January 2023 Comments Off on The beginner’s guide to 3D printing
Star of the Month - Prototype Projects

Star of the Month

6 January 2023 Comments Off on Star of the Month
reflections on 2022

Reflections on 2022 from Justin Pringle

14 December 2022 Comments Off on Reflections on 2022 from Justin Pringle
Turner's Prize of Excellence

Turner’s Prize of Excellence 2022

13 December 2022 Comments Off on Turner’s Prize of Excellence 2022
Prototyping medical devices for patient contact

Prototyping medical devices for patient contact

22 September 2021 0
silicone tooling

LUMA-iD develops Buddy with silicone tooling

21 July 2022 0
Applications and design tips for SLS: a guide

Applications and design tips for SLS: a ...

27 November 2019 0
Projection Micro Stereolithography

What do we mean by ‘Precision’ ‘Micro’ ...

23 January 2023 Comments Off on What do we mean by ‘Precision’ ‘Micro’ Stereolithography?
reflections on 2022

Reflections on 2022 from Justin Pringle

14 December 2022 Comments Off on Reflections on 2022 from Justin Pringle
Tags: Additive Manufacturing, laser sintering

Comments are closed

Next Day Dispatch

Delivering Overnight Printing

Email: office@prototypeprojects.com
Tel: 01763 249760

Prototype Projects Ltd
Units 1&2, Greenfield
Royston,
Herts SG8 5HN

If you have questions about any aspect of our service, please contact us.


    UKAS
    Made In Britain - Prototype Projects
    Royston Business Awards - Prototype Projects
    Specialist in the manufacture of prototypes - Prototype Projects

    Sign up to our Company and Industry newsletter

    Sign up here
    Specialist in the manufacture of prototypes - Prototype Projects

    Prototype Projects, established in 1980, is a specialist in the manufacture of prototypes. The company is experienced in 3D Printing, CNC Machining, Rapid Prototyping, Model Making and Additive Manufacturing. The company is located in Royston, Hertfordshire.

    Trustpilot - Prototype Projects

    About | Our team | Our values | Customers | Work with us

    CNC Machining

    CNC Turning
    CNC Milling
    CNC Materials
    CNC Finishing
    Service Levels

    3D Printing

    SLS
    SLA
    PµSL
    Polyjet
    Digital Light Projection
    3D Printing Materials
    3D Printing Finishing
    Service Levels

    Expertise

    Low Volume Manufacturing
    Rapid Prototyping
    Laser Cutting
    Inspection

    Contact us

    Prototype Projects Ltd
    Units 1 &2, Greenfield
    Royston
    Herts SG8 5HN

    office@prototypeprojects.com
    T: 01763 249760

    © 2022 - Prototype Projects | Terms | Privacy | Web Design Indigo Ross

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    However, you may visit Cookie Settingsto provide a controlled consent. Reject All
    ACCEPT ALL
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
    CookieDurationDescription
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
    viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
    Functional
    Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
    Performance
    Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
    Analytics
    Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
    Advertisement
    Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
    Others
    Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
    SAVE & ACCEPT