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SLS 3D printing technology: Everything you need to know



SLS – Selective Laser Sintering is a powder-based additive manufacturing technology. The solid model (data), designed in a CAD program, is sliced into layers of mostly 0.1 mm in a special slicing program for that 3D printer and sent to the printer. The powdered polymer (mostly Polyamide) is laid in a 0.1 mm thin layer, heated and then sintered with a laser to create a 3D data layer by layer.


The powder laid at a thickness of 0.1 mm is heated and sintered with a laser. This process is repeated each time, the layers are fused and a 3D model is created.


Advantages of SLS

SLS 3D printers have many superior and unique features compared to other printers. Here's what you need to know before making a choice.

 

No support structure required

The biggest disadvantage of FDM and SLA printers is the necessity of creating a support structure. It is quite difficult to print especially complex models. In addition, the consumables spent for the support structures are also thrown away, creating additional costs. These support structures are removed with the help of a side cutter after printing, leaving residues and marks on the surface.

FDM and SLA support structers


















SLS printers do not require support, so you can use the workspace more efficiently. You can even print movable models in one piece without assembly.



It is easy to use, you can work in an office environment

SLS technology, which was known industrially until 2015, has also gained a desktop version with Sinterit. It is very easy to use. Just load the powder, flatten it and close the lid. After the printing is finished, first clean the models from excess dust by brushing, if necessary, have a completely smooth surface by sandblasting. No special operator or room conditions required. With a normal socket, it consumes a maximum of 2 kW/h energy and even if you fill it completely, the printing will be finished after 24 hours.



Outputs are almost as robust as molded products

The mechanical and surface properties of the printouts you will receive from the SLS 3D printer are almost as if they came out of injection. You can use the outputs for prototype or visual purposes, or you can use them as a final product and make tests.



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