SLS 3D Printing: O guia definitivo

SLS 3D printing is a highly trusted process that a lot of manufacturers use for multiple components used across industries.

If you are looking forward to knowing about the process, its limitations, benefits, and applications, the guide below will help you learn so let's read.

What is SLS 3D Printing?

SLS, or Selective Laser Sintering, is a type of 3D printing process that uses additive manufacturing.

It uses a high-power laser so that the small particles of polymer powder can be sintered and help create a solid structure. It helps in creating a 3D model and is a very common choice for manufacturers.

The process of SLS is highly productive and offers low cost. It also helps in catering to rapid prototyping and can be opted for small-volume production.

How SLS 3D Printing Works?

The process of selective laser sintering works by fusing the layers of powdered material across the area where the component is built using various steps.

The entire steps of the process of SLS 3D printing are as follows:

• The first stage is where the powder is heated below its melting point so that it can be kept prepared for the process of printing.
• The second stage is where the powder is dispersed in the form of a thin layer in the build chamber. The particles of powder are fused together so that a solid 3D part can be manufactured.
• Once the process of printing has taken place, the build chamber is left for cooling, and this stage is crucial to be completed in order to avoid the warping in the parts.
• The components manufactured through SLS printing are then taken out from the build chamber once they have cooled down, and the excess powder is then removed.
• The excess powder can be recycled and the components can be further treated with secondary finishing processes.

Benefits of SLS 3D Printing

The process of SLS 3D printing offers multiple benefits, some of which are as follows:

• SLS parts offer excellent mechanical properties, and they help a lot with prototype and functional components.
• The SLS process doesn't need any support; hence if the components have complex geometries, they can easily be made.
• The SLS process is suitable for manufacturing small to medium batches.
• The sintered powder, which is excessive, is not wasted and can be recycled.

Limitations and Challenges of SLS 3D Printing

Along with benefits, there are some downsides to the SLS 3D printing process, and some of these are as follows:

• The lead time of SLS 3D printing is usually longer than that of other types of processes that are offered by 3D printing; hence, it takes more time to produce components.
• The components manufactured by SLS 3D printing have a porous surface, which requires post-processing.
• Surfaces that are large in size and have flat surfaces or very tiny holes are not compatible to be printed with SLS as they can end up warping.

What Materials are Used for SLS Printing?

Selective laser sintering materials are based on a wide range of powders made of thermoplastics. These thermoplastic powders are TPEs, polipropileno, and nylon.

Some rigid materials like PA 12 and PA 11 are also used. Moreover, when it comes to flexible materials, flex TPU is preferred.

However, the most popular material remains nylon because of its excellent mechanical properties and high tensile and impact strength.

Applications of SLS 3D Printing

SLS 3D printing has a lot of applications in widely used products, and some of these applications are as follows:

Fabrico

In the manufacturing industry, a lot of components can be manufactured through SLS 3D rooting, like fixtures, jigs, automobile components, components for motorcycles, marine equipment, and much more.

These components are manufactured in small batches and are highly customized.

Engenharia

The engineering industry uses the process of SLS 3D printing to manufacture prototypes.

This process plays a vital role in the development of components and is widely used in rapid prototyping, functional prototyping, and testing of the products.

Components like brackets and ductwork are widely adopted in this industry using SLS 3D printing.

Healthcare

Medical components like braces, medical devices, surgical tools, braces, and even prototypes for medical components are manufactured using SLS 3D printing.

The material commonly used for the healthcare sector is nylon 12, as it has biocompatible properties and is suitable for sterilization.

Conclusão

SLS 3D printing is a type of 3D printing that helps manufacture durable components in 3D shapes and layouts.

The process is widely adopted in a lot of applications, and if you are also looking to have components manufactured through SLS, you can get in touch with DEK.

FAQs

Can you use SLS 3D printing for rapid prototyping?

Yes, SLS 3D printing is used for rapid prototyping.

Can you use SLS 3D printing for low-volume manufacturing?

SLS 3D printing allows the manufacturing of low-volume components.

How much does SLS 3D printing cost?

The cost of SLS 3D printing is dependent on various factors like the type of material, volume of production, and complexity of the component.

What is the difference between SLA and SLS?

SLS stands for selective laser sintering and uses particles of powder, which could be glass, metal, or plastics, to create a solid object.

Meanwhile, SLA is stereolithography, which uses UV lasers to cure photosensitive resin and create a solid shape.

Is SLS stronger than FDM?

The materials used in SLS are known for their high strength compared to the ones used in FDM.