Table of contents
What is the process of the SLS 3D printing service?
How does the SLS process work?
What are the advantages of SLS 3D printing?
How accurate are SLS printers?
When does SLS printing make sense?
How much does an SLS 3D printer cost?
What is the difference between SLS and SLM?
What is the process of the SLS 3D printing service?
1. Preparation: First, the 3D model is created digitally and converted into a format suitable for printing.
2. Material selection: The powdered material is carefully selected to meet the desired properties of the final product.
3. Printing process: The SLS printer uses a high-power laser that selectively heats and melts the powder to build each layer of the object layer by layer.
4. Cooling and removal: After the printing process is complete, the component is cooled in the powder bed and then carefully removed.
5. Post-processing: The excess powder is removed in the debinding station and the surface of the component is smoothed by sandblasting to achieve a clean and precise surface.
6. Quality control: The printed components are tested for accuracy, strength and other quality characteristics to ensure they meet the requirements.
7. Delivery: Finally, the finished components are delivered to the customer or can be picked up.
How does the SLS process work?
Selective laser fusion (SLS) is a 3D printing process in which a high-powered laser is directed at a powdered material. The laser selectively fuses the powder particles together at the desired locations to create thin, layered sections of the object. Here's a video on YouTube showing how an SLS printer works. After printing is complete, the entire component is removed from the unmelted powder. This unmelted powder serves as support material for the complex geometries created during the printing process. SLS enables the production of highly precise and functional prototypes and components without the need for external support structures, as the powder bed supports the material during printing. This process is particularly well-suited for the production of durable and highly detailed parts.
What are the advantages of SLS 3D printing?
1. Design freedom: SLS enables complex and geometrically demanding designs without the limitations of conventional manufacturing methods.
2. No support structures: Since the component is printed in the powder bed, no additional support structures are necessary, which saves time and material.
3. Diverse materials: SLS can process a variety of materials, such as plastics and composites, enabling a wide range of applications.
4. High precision: The use of high-performance lasers and precise layer structures results in very accurate and detailed components.
5. Functionality: SLS parts are functional and often exhibit high strength and durability, making them suitable for functional prototypes and end products.
6. Economic efficiency: By eliminating support structures, processing various materials and enabling small-batch production, SLS offers an economical manufacturing solution.
How accurate are SLS printers?
The printing accuracy of SLS printers is typically in the range of ±0.15mm . This precision enables the production of high-quality and functional components with complex geometries and fine structures for a wide variety of industrial and prototyping applications.
When does SLS printing make sense?
Selective laser sintering (SLS) is a suitable 3D printing method in various scenarios, especially when:
1. Complex geometries are required: SLS is ideal when complex shapes and structures are required that would be difficult or impossible to produce using conventional manufacturing methods.
2. Functional prototypes are needed: For prototypes that need to be functional and durable, SLS offers a good solution for fast and precise manufacturing.
3. Small batch production is required: SLS is well suited for small batch productions because the printing costs are independent of the quantity and no expensive molds or tools are needed.
4. Material diversity is in demand: SLS can process a variety of materials, including plastics and metals, which enables a wide range of applications.
5. Support structures should be avoided: Due to the pressure in the powder bed, SLS does not require additional support structures, which saves time and material and enables complex designs without restrictions.
How much does an SLS 3D printer cost?
The price of SLS 3D printers varies depending on the model, features, and manufacturer. Here are some examples of SLS printers with brief information:
1. Sintratec Kit:
- Price: The Sintratec kit typically costs around €5900.
- Description: The Sintratec Kit is the world's first SLS kit at an unbeatable price. Developed by Swiss SLS experts, the kit impresses with its user-friendliness and is ideal for producing high-quality, functional prototypes. It's the perfect kit for beginners to learn how an SLS printer works.
2. Formlabs Fuse 1+:
- Price: The Formlabs Fuse 1+ is in the mid-price range and costs €28,000.
- Description: The Formlabs Fuse 1+ is a compact, high-performance SLS 3D printer with industrial-grade capabilities, bringing speed and quality to your workbench. Designed for high-speed SLS 3D printing technology, the Fuse 1+ offers an efficient and precise additive manufacturing solution for professional applications.
3. EOS P 770:
- Price: The EOS P 770 is one of the high-end models and can cost over €210,000.
- Description: The EOS P 770 is an outstanding SLS 3D printer designed for the additive manufacturing of serial parts. This state-of-the-art system offers exceptional versatility with various polymer materials. With its advanced technology and wide range of applications, the EOS P 770 is ideal for producing high-quality, functional components in industrial manufacturing environments.
What is the difference between SLS and SLM?
The main difference between SLS and SLM lies in the materials used and the process. In SLS, powdered plastic material is fused layer by layer. In contrast, in SLM , metal powder is completely melted by the laser in a closed system, resulting in a direct conversion into a solid material.
How fast is an SLS printer?
The speed of an SLS printer can vary depending on the model, settings, and printing process. Generally, printing speed depends on several factors, including:
Print resolution: The higher the desired print resolution, the slower the printing process may be, as finer details require more time.
Layer height: The layer height determines how thick each printed layer is. A lower layer height results in more detailed prints, but requires more time.
Material type: Different materials require different printing parameters, which can affect the printing speed.
Build volume and printing parameters: The size of the printed object, the printing speed and other parameter-dependent settings influence the operating speed of the SLS printer.
Overall, SLS printers can typically achieve a printing speed of 15 mm/h to approximately 50 mm/h, with the exact speed depending on the variables mentioned above.
Which materials can be used with the SLS process?
1. PA12 (Polyamide 12):
- Intended use: Robust, high resistance, ideal for mechanical components and heavy-duty parts.
2.TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane):
- Intended use: Flexible, shock-resistant, ideal for rubber parts and protective covers.
3. PP (Polypropylene):
- Intended use: Lightweight, chemical-resistant, for packaging, medical devices and plastic parts.
4. PA11 (Polyamide 11):
- Intended use: Highly flexible, bio-based, for applications requiring high impact strength.
5. PA6 (Polyamide 6):
- Intended use: Versatile, good strength and toughness, for functional prototypes and components with high load-bearing capacity.
6. PA 2200 (Polyamide 12):
- Intended use: Good mechanical properties, versatile for use in functional prototypes and end products.
7. Alumide (Aluminium-Filled Polyamide):
- Intended use: Lightweight, rigid, metal-like surface, ideal for structural parts and functional prototypes.
8.PA ESD (Electrostatic Dissipative Polyamide):
- Intended use: ESD protection, chemical resistant, for applications in electrosensitive environments.
9. PA GF (glass fiber reinforced polyamide):
- Intended use: High stiffness, strength, glass fiber reinforced for robust and structural components.
10. PA 11 CF (Carbon fiber reinforced polyamide):
- Intended use: Lightweight, extremely stiff and strong, with high mechanical properties for durable components.
11. PA FR (Flame-retardant polyamide):
- Intended use: Self-extinguishing, fire-resistant, ideal for applications requiring flame-retardant equipment.
