In this article, we will explain how the selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printing process works, its advantages, challenges, and applications.
Concept of Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 3D Printing?
Selective laser sintering 3D printing is a 3D printing technology based on laser beam and powder, also known as SLS (selective laser sintering) printing. In this technique, a laser beam sinters a powder into a solid model by scanning a specific area layer by layer. Selective laser sintering 3D printing technology has attracted more and more attention and application due to its advantages of high precision, high efficiency and wide material applicability.
How does SLS 3D printing work?
In selective laser sintering 3D printing, a laser beam is scanned layer by layer onto a powder, causing it to be sintered together to form a model. Here's how to print SLS 3D
Start by laying a layer of powder on the printing platform.
The laser beam scans the first layer of the part to be printed and sinters it together to form the first slice.
The printing platform is moved down one layer and a new powder layer is laid.
The area of the new layer is scanned again using a laser beam and sintered.
Repeat the above steps until printing is complete.
Selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printingWhat are the advantages?
High speed and high throughput: Selective laser sintering (SLS) is an efficient technology capable of producing large quantities of product in a short period of time. Compared to other 3D printing technologies, it is capable of mass production and can quickly mass produce complex parts. For example, the Grain Rice T560 adopts a high-speed dual laser galvanometer system, with a printing format of up to 540*350mm2 and a scanning speed of up to 10ms. And realize double laser splicing to mass produce flexible products with high elasticity and high elongation at break.
Strength & Durability: Sintered parts have good mechanical properties and are suitable for the manufacture of functional and durable parts.
Design freedom: Since no support structures are required during the sintering process, designers are able to design more complex structures, including lattice structures, moving parts, inserts, and other components with fine internal channels.
No material waste: Unsintered powder can be utilized, which means high material utilization and cost-effectiveness. SLS 3D printing is more cost-effective than other 3D printing technologies and traditional manufacturing processes. Since the powder used in this process can be ** and reused in future prints, material waste and production costs can be reduced. Some SLS 3D printers, such as the T560 of Grain Rice, can print reusable thermoplastic powders to reduce manufacturing waste. And the ratio of new and old powder mixing is as high as 2:8. Therefore, mass production will be more economical and valuable.
Selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printingChallenges?
While selective laser sintering has many advantages, the technology itself has a number of challenges for many SLS printing applications:
Surface finish is a challenge. Compared to other 3D printing technologies, such as stereolithography (SLA) or digital light processing (DLP), SLS can produce parts with rough surfaces. This often requires subsequent surface treatment steps such as polishing, sandblasting, or coating to improve the cosmetic quality of the part.
High cost: High-quality SLS printers and materials are costly, requiring professional operators and maintenance. These factors make the initial cost of SLS investment high, especially for small manufacturers and research institutes. If you are a small prototype factory and want to transform into an industrial mass production scale, Grain Rice is a TPU full-case service provider that empowers you from additive manufacturing goals, process validation, consumables management to optimized production throughput.
Selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printingapplications?
Selective laser sintering technology has found applications in many areas, including:
Aerospace: In aircraft design, lightweight, complex parts such as airways, burners, and other capacity-focused components are manufactured.
Automotive: Manufacture of parts for high temperature and high strength requirements, such as engine components, radiator components.
Medical devices: SLS can be used to create custom prostheses, exoskeleton support systems, and parts for medical instruments.
Education & Arts: Use SLS's design and education tools to help students and designers with complex prototyping.
Consumer goods: Manufacture complex consumer goods, such as sports equipment, fashion accessories, or personalized products.
Selective laser sintering (SLS) is a great option for users who want to produce functional parts and precise prototypes with complex geometries.
We know that SLS 3D printing is an investment and an engineering project, so we would love to take the time to talk to you, whether you are a 3D printing service provider or a terminal brand enterprise, if you want to know more about TPU 3D printing, please contact us!
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