Cookie Policy
Xometry stores cookies on your computer to provide more personalized services to you, both on this website and through other media. By using this website, you consent to the cookies we use and our Privacy Policy.
Selective Laser Sintering
Prototypes and production nylon parts in as fast as 1 day using Selective Laser Sintering technology
All uploads are secure and confidential.
Selective Laser Sintering
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is a powerful 3D printing technology that produces highly accurate and durable parts that are capable of being used directly in end-use, low-volume production, or for rapid prototyping. SLS is one of the most inexpensive options for industrial 3D printing services because it can build parts in bulk without support structure requirements.
An additive manufacturing layer technology, Selective Laser Sintering involves the use of a high power laser (for example, a carbon dioxide laser) to fuse small particles of plastic powders into a mass that has a desired three-dimensional shape. The laser selectively fuses powdered material by scanning cross-sections generated from a 3-D digital description of the part (for example from a CAD file or scan data) on the surface of a powder bed. After each cross-section is scanned, the powder bed is lowered by one layer thickness, a new layer of material is applied on top, and the selective laser sintering process is repeated until the part is completed.
For engineers who are heavy users of industrial 3D printing services, we designed a subscription service to stretch your budget: 3D Printing Pro Membership.
Popular SLS Materials
Available nylon varieties
- Nylon 12 (Unfilled)
- Nylon 12 GF (Glass Bead)
SLS Finishes
Standard
SLS parts are de-powdered with a sand blasting process, followed by detailed manual de-powdering for more complex geometries. These parts are left with a surface finish comparable to a sugar cube.
Media Tumbled
Parts go through the standard de-powdering process and are then media tumbled for several hours. These parts will have reduced grow lines and sharp edges may be softened by the tumbling process. The parts are left with an eggshell finish.
Additional Finishes
Xometry provides additional SLS finishing options, including but not limited to: color dyeing, sanding, painting and plating to meet your needs. For examples of our additional finishes, please refer to the SLS section of our photo gallery.
Ready to get started on your custom SLS quote?
Benefits of SLS 3D Printing Process
Selective Laser Sintering can be used to make parts using a variety of materials, including plastic, metal, ceramic, or glass powder, making it a popular machining process. Since SLS doesn’t require a support structure like most other 3D printing tech, parts can be made in greater quantities, but with less labor and material expense. Additionally, because the support structure doesn’t need to be removed, there is less risk of damage to the complex internal geometries 3D manufacturing is capable of producing.
SLS can be useful for both rapid prototyping or small numbers of functional end-use parts. Nylon, especially, is a durable material with great impact strength, medium flexibility, and high resistance to environmental factors. This combination of complexity, design flexibility, material diversity, rapid turnaround, and overall durability makes SLS an increasingly popular choice in many industries.
Advantages of SLS
Durability
Nylon is a durable material with great impact strength, medium flexibility, and high resistance to environmental factors.
Rapid Turnaround
Parts can typically be shipped in 3-4 days, allowing for faster design iterations and speed to market.
Parts Production
SLS is capable of producing end-use parts on-demand, increasing throughput.
Complex Geometry
Geometries can be built more easily due to the 3D printing process, adding complexity without additional cost.
Scalability
SLS can make a single part or component as easily as dozens of production pieces.
Precision
We use the latest generation of SLS technologies to meet tolerances of +/- 0.005” or +/- 0.002” per inch, whichever is greater. Please see our Manufacturing Standards for more details.
Applications of SLS
- Concept Models - The speed and versatility of SLS lets product developers create physical snapshots of their designs through the iterative process.
- Rapid Prototyping - SLS can be used to create fully-functional prototypes, complete with moving parts, as well as all-in-one assemblies.
- Direct Digital Manufacturing - The high accuracy and consistency of SLS makes it an ideal way to build large quantities of discrete or customized parts.
Xometry's SLS Manufacturing Specifications
Build Envelope:
- Nylon 12 : 13” x 13” x 18”* (330 x 330 x 450 mm), (*13” x 13” x 13” in is the recommended useable area.)
- Nylon 12 glass-filled (glass bead): 23.6" x 13.8" x 22”* (600mm x 350mm x 560mm), (*23.6" x 13.8" x 13.8" is the recommended useable area.)
Standard layer thickness:
- .004” (~0.1mm) thick layers
Minimum recommended feature size:
- .030”(.75mm)
Tolerance:
- +/- 0.005” for the first inch is typical, plus +/- 0.002” for every inch thereafter.
- Guaranteed tolerances may be possible with a manual quote review, and must be approved on a case-by-case basis.
Overview: What is SLS?
The Basics Of Selective Laser Sintering
Selective laser sintering (SLS) is a powder bed 3D printing technology that produces highly accurate and durable parts capable of being used directly in end-use, low-volume production. SLS is a newer 3D printing process that is often thought of as a cousin to the popular metal 3D printing technology direct metal laser sintering (DMLS). Both processes work by utilizing a laser to precisely fuse a bed of powder to construct a part from a 3D CAD file. SLS specializes in nylon or polyamide powder particles to create parts, while DMLS uses metal particles, and is extremely common for prototyping and low volume production.
The Benefits Of Working With Xometry For Selective Laser Sintering
Xometry can always help you find the ideal supplier for your specific SLS needs. Our wide network of vetted machine shops contains a wide range of dedicated quick turn SLS partners with a variety of high-quality finishing and material capabilities and many types of sintering systems. Finishing options available include color dyeing, sanding, painting, and plating to meet your needs. From low-volume prototyping to high-volume production, Xometry can always help you source the parts you need on time and at a competitive price, from the U.S. machine shops best suited to the job.
Why choose Xometry for SLS?
Endless Options
Choose from millions of possible combinations of materials, finishes, tolerances, markings, and certifications for your order.
Easy to Use
Get your parts delivered right to your door without the hassle of sourcing, project management, logistics, or shipping.
Vetted Network
Only the top 6% of shops that apply to become Partners make it through our multi-tiered qualification process, so you can be confident your part will be made right.
