Selective laser sintering (SLS) is a powder-based additive manufacturing process. Layer by layer, three-dimensional objects are created from diverse materials directly from 3D model data.
The starting material for laser sintering is a plastic powder which is applied in thin layers to a printing platform and melted locally by a laser. The base material then cools again at the predefined points, creating a component layer by layer. During the printing process, the powder, which has not melted, stabilizes the resulting component, making further support devices superfluous. This means that even internal structures and undercuts can be produced in just one step – an advantage that plays a significant role in rapid prototyping as well as rapid and direct manufacturing.
Learn more about selective laser sintering (SLS) here.
High potential for rapid manufacturing
Flexible design and fast implementation are the major advantages that mean SLS is now also used in the production of pre-series and small series. Following the printing process, it is possible to finish the component. Proven finishing processes include blasting, milling or painting.
Shortened time to market
Prototype construction was the original core application of selective laser sintering. Thanks to the tool-free production method based on 3D data, models are produced economically and with very short delivery times. Changes to the model can be implemented and tested at short notice, significantly shortening the development phase from the idea to series production readiness.
Wide range of applications
High resistance of the material, a precise manufacturing process and immense design freedom make selective laser sintering attractive for a wide range of applications. Today, laser-sintered products can be found in the automotive industry, in special machine construction, in medicine and in aerospace, among others.