Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

Overview:

Selective Laser Sintering, or SLS, fuses powders together using lasers. The lasers sweep across a powder, creating a single layer of fused solid mass. New powder is then deposited across the previous layer, and the process repeats. Layer-by-layer, an object is formed.

Design Considerations for SLS:

Generally, SLS enables full geometric design freedom, because the surrounding powder acts like support material. However, to save material, it is generally advised to create holes near cavities, so excessive powder can drain upon removal of the part.

Common SLS Materials:

Nylon:

• Very strong
• Production quality parts

TPU:

• Flexible

Metals (usually requires an inert gas like Argon):

• Alumide
• Titanium

Composites:

• Carbon fiber (carbonmide)