Selective Laser Sintering is a method of additive manufacturing that utilizes a laser as a heat and power source. The laser focuses automatically on points in space defined by a 3D model, causing the material to bond together into a solid structure. The process is a great way to create objects with a high degree of precision.
Process
It is a process that creates parts by fusing together fine polymer powder particles. This process creates plastic parts layer by layer according to a 3D model. As the material cools, the laser vaporizes the coating on the surface and causes the powder particles to join together.
The process starts with a fine powder bed. A laser beam then illuminates these powder particles. The particles adhere to the laser beam and solidify. A beam deflection system scans successive layers according to a CAD model. Then, the powder deposition system deposits successive layers of powder, which are generally between 20 and 150 mm thick.
SLS is a versatile additive manufacturing process that is ideal for production and rapid prototyping. It especially effective for the manufacturing metal scaffolds. It has several unique advantages that traditional manufacturing techniques can’t match. The process can also be used to create intricate geometries. In addition, you can choose from a range of different 3D printing materials and finishing options.
The SLS process is capable of producing lightweight and durable parts from various materials. It can also be used to manufacture architectural models and consumer products. Depending on the application, this process can be used to manufacture all parts of a 3D model. It is ideal for manufacturing parts with intricate geometries.
When using an SLS 3D printer, choose the right material. A wide range of options are available, from a compact system to a modular, digitally networked platform. You can even use SLS for large-scale industrial production. For the SLS process to be effective, the material must be perfect for your project. Fortunately, EOS has a comprehensive portfolio of printing materials.
Materials
Selective laser sintering process that use laser beam to sinter powder onto a bed. Various materials have been used for SLS, including ceramics, polymers, and composites. Most of the applications of SLS have been in the biomedical and aerospace industries, where functional prototypes and patterns for casting are produced. This paper focuses on the development of materials for biomedical applications using SLS.
Selective laser sintering can produce metal and plastic objects. Metal objects require higher heat than plastic, so they require a metal platform for the melting process. Once the sintering process is complete, the metal objects are separated from the platform. Afterwards, mechanical and thermal treatments may be performed on the objects, to improve their surface quality.
SLS is an efficient, cost-effective process for prototyping parts. It allows engineer to print part in the design cycle without the need for expensive & time-consuming tooling. This allows prototypes to be produced and tested in a matter of days. Moreover, SLS 3D makes it possible to produce functional prototypes that can withstand repeated use.
SLS has been a popular 3D-printing technique for decades. However, it has been quite expensive, and industrial-grade systems start at over $200,000. For small businesses, however, SLS is a cost effective alternate to inject moulding. The FYE 1+ 30W 3D printer brings SLS technology to the benchtop. It features industrial-grade materials and a simple workflow.
SLS is an efficient way to produce highly-functional plastic parts, without the need for a support platform. During the process, polymers are expose on high temperature for long time, which causes them undergo chemical changes. Used but unfused powder is typically mixed with virgin powder to get the desired result. The process can reuse as much as 50 per cent of a kilogram of powder.
Advantages
Selective laser sintering is a method for 3D-printing parts without the use of additional materials or support structures. It can produce complex designs that do not require support structures or overhangs. This process is a good choice for small-scale production runs of parts. However, there are some disadvantages associated with it.
The process can create parts with complex geometry and can be very strong. It also works with a wide variety of materials. This type of 3D-printing is an affordable way to make prototypes and finished products. The process works by using a high-powered laser to fuse tiny particles of material. It also doesn’t require a separate feeder that holds support material. The raw powder bed remains surrounding the laser during the entire process.
Parts created with SLS are relatively durable, with decent tensile strength and chemical resistance. However, they are not as flexible as parts made with other methods. In addition, these parts tend to be less appealing than their more traditional counterparts. Nevertheless, they are suitable for prototyping and small-scale production runs.
Another major advantage of SLS is its ability to produce parts with complex geometries. It can be used for both hard and soft materials. In addition to plastic, SLS can also be used for metal parts. While SLS is often used for producing components in the electronics industry, it is also used in medical applications.
Another advantage of SLS is its fast and reliable process. It can create components with complex lattice structures that are impossible to produce through conventional methods. It is also the fastest additive manufacturing technology. The lasers used in this process are more accurate and fast than those used by other additive manufacturing processes. It can create a series of complex parts with high detail, and multiple layers can be tightly arranged during printing. Moreover, it can be optimized for high productivity.
Applications
Selective laser sintering (SLS) is a process for 3D-printing functional parts and features. It is used in many industries, and is especially useful in prototyping parts early in the design cycle. The technique is also useful in limited-run production, such as for aerospace parts. This process can also be used to manufacture tooling, fixtures, and jigs.
In some applications, such as the manufacture of lightweight parts, selective laser sintering has been proven to be a reliable, highly accurate, and cost-effective alternative to traditional methods. The laser sintering process allows for parts to be manufactured in a short period of time, even with complicated geometries. It also offers improved mechanical properties compared to conventional manufactured products.
The advantages of selective laser sintering are numerous. First, it does not require pre-processing, as with traditional 3D-printing techniques. Secondly, it can be used for pharmaceutical manufacturing, since pharmaceutical grade powders are generally considered safe for human consumption. Another advantage of SLS is that it can produce high-quality materials that are stable during printing.
Another advantage of SLS is its excellent thermal and mechanical properties. This makes it ideal for functional and assembly validation. Because it uses polyamide as a base material, it can produce complex geometries. It is also biocompatible. This makes SLS a viable option for a wide range of applications.
SLS has also been used to manufacture medical devices, including implants and prosthetics. Its use in this industry is most common in North America and is expected to grow over the coming years. It is also used in the automotive industry and to produce customized consumer goods.