Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 3D Printing Service

Selective laser sintering, SLS printing, is a powerful 3D printing, additive manufacturing, technology that produces highly accurate and durable parts capable of being used directly in end-use, low-volume production, or rapid prototyping. SLS is one of the most inexpensive options for industrial 3D printing services because it can build parts in bulk without support structures. SLS printing materials are primarily nylon and come with various infills that enhance material properties--from stiff carbon-filled to flame retardant properties.

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.

Xometry offers professional vapor smoothing to transform 3D printed parts into high-performance components with exceptional surface finishes. Utilizing AMT PostPro3D technology, this automated batch process creates a uniform, sealed, semi-gloss surface that rivals the aesthetics and durability of injection molding. Our color-dyed finishes can also be combined with vapor smoothing for additional customization options.

Beyond aesthetics, the vapor smoothing process can improve the overall performance of 3D-printed parts by enhancing key mechanical properties, including ultimate tensile strength, flexural yield, and percent elongation to break. We offer this service for both SLS and HP Multi Jet Fusion, supporting a wide range of rigid plastics and elastomers.

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. SLS is often thought of as a cousin to the popular metal 3D printing technology direct metal laser sintering (DMLS). Both processes use a laser to precisely fuse a bed of powder, building parts layer by layer from 3D CAD files. SLS specializes in powdered plastic polymers, such as nylon, to create parts, while DMLS uses metal particles. Both are extremely common for prototyping and low-volume production.

Selective laser sintering can be used to make parts from a variety of plastic polymer materials, including filled and unfilled nylons, flexible TPU, and high-performance PolyKetone (PK 5000). Since SLS doesn’t require a support structure like most other 3D printing technologies, builds can be tightly nested to produce parts in greater quantities, but with less labor and time. The powder bed process also enables low-risk production of complex geometries and delicate features, more so than other printing methods. SLS is useful for both rapid prototyping and low-volume production of functional end-use parts. The combination of design flexibility, material diversity, and rapid turnaround time makes SLS an increasingly popular choice across industries, including aerospace, medical, and consumer products.

The Benefits Of Working With Xometry

Xometry provides a single, streamlined gateway to the world’s most advanced industrial additive manufacturing facilities. Our global network of vetted partners offers deep expertise in 3D printing, providing you with immediate access to a vast array of sintering systems and high-quality materials. Whether you require a one-off prototype or high-volume production, our platform intelligently matches your project to the facility best suited for the job.

We simplify the entire sourcing process while offering a comprehensive suite of finishing options, including color dyeing, sanding, painting, and plating, to meet your exact specifications. By leveraging our domestic and international network, Xometry ensures you receive high-quality parts at competitive prices with the speed and reliability your project demands.