Learn More About Our Applications in Industrial Field
Aerospace
3D printing technology has been widely facilitating the aerospace industry since the 1980s. It has provided multiple dimensions to produce flexible aircraft parts with high precision.
Moreover, the reason behind its popularity in the industry is its ability to manufacture lightweight and efficient turbine and engine parts.
3D printing technology is helpful in the medical industry to produce organoids and tissue of various parts of the human body. These parts can further be utilized for experimentation and transplantations.
Moreover, many medical research institutions are experimenting with a 3D technique to produce liver and intestinal tissues to cure certain fatal diseases.
The automotive industry utilizes 3D printing technology to enhance the prototyping of various automotive parts, low volume mass productions and manufacturing customized vehicle parts. Consequently, the technology is also helpful for producing fixtures, toolings, and jigs for different automobiles with the customization and on-demand manufacturing of discontinued parts.
In past years, 3D printing technology has explored different dimensions in the manufacturing of automation equipment. Typically, it is helpful for successful and rapid prototyping to obtain toolings and efficient end parts. Additionally, they help make automotive brackets, lug nuts for car protection, tools, customized seats, and other automation equipment parts.
Over time, 3D printing has created multiple dimensions for the engineers to experiment with new electronic products and create exact products for different circuit boards.
Besides, it offers the users to customize the designs according to their requirements with no compromise in the quality and efficiency of the system.
In the construction sector, 3D printing has evolved the entire building and constructing new style projects. Typically, it is used to print the entire design and analyze the possible constructing problems and flaws that help solve them beforehand.
Moreover, it speeds up the production of complex designs with more accuracy.
Currently, schools, universities, and other educational institutions have been widely implementing 3D printing techniques to print models to give students better explanations of certain concepts. Moreover, it helps students be creative with their ideas and develop a better bonding with their teachers. Usually, it helps in explaining concepts of every field.
3D printing robotics is an advanced application of 3D printing technology. It has introduced a robotic arm to print flexible 3D designs. The variable speed and high movement range have opened a new world of designing freedom in the industries. Practically, they can print complex to simpler geometries in minutes.
Working with market leaders in the On-demand manufacturing industry, without the busyness and risk.
High Precision
Our engineers work day and night to get you what you desire, from refined cutting pieces to smooth finish edges. We won't let you down.
Excellent Quality
The consistent quality checks and regular maintenance of machines have enabled us to gain the trust of our consumers. We never compromise on less quality.
Low Cost
Over time, DEK has proved that we offer services to our consumers at the least rates. It took us years to finalize the strategies of reducing costs for our customers.
Quick Turnaround Time
We understand how important it is to fix the machine as quickly as possible when a specific part stops working. We'll send you that part in the quickest turnaround time.
Business Partnership
We always consider our clients as partners. That's the main reason why we solve your problems with the most effective solutions. We are always there to guide you as companions.
24x7 Services
Since you might need our services any time, our service dealers are available 24/7 with the most prominent and beneficial solutions. You don't have to wait any longer now.
Quality is our top priority
“QUALITY COMES NOT FROM INSPECTION, BUT FROM IMPROVEMENT OF THE PRODUCTION PROCESS.”
To DEK, Dr. Deming’s textbook remark is not a theory, but a practice we have been conducting every day. We use advanced production technologies and strict control systems to ensure high quality. More importantly, the quality-oriented attitude has been so entrenched in the mind of every single employee.
We never stop improving
“We use advanced 3D printing technologies and strict control systems to ensure high quality. More importantly, the quality-oriented attitude has been so entrenched in the mind of every single employee.”
In DEK, we never stop improving the quality of our product. This is how we differentiate ourselves from the competition and is also why we can remain on top of the game for so many years.
For small-sized goods, we will deliver them directly to you via DHL, FedEx, UPS, TNT. It usually takes 3-7 days.
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It's our honor to be their best partner
It's always a pleasure working with DEK. They treat every client with equal attention and listen to them for their requirements. I have been working with them for the last 5 years, and I haven't found any decline in the quality. I surely recommend their services.
Zachary D.
I have just started my business venture and was searching for competitive yet valuable SLS 3D printing services. I met the DEK representative personally, and they were terrific. They sent me the best quotes and delivered my order with high-quality maintenance. Highly recommend them to every entrepreneur.
Luca M.
Are you looking for more information or want to get an accurate quotation?
If you need a professional business partner to provide you high quality, cost-effective, timely, and risk-free 3D printing services, we are the first step towards success.
Are you looking for reliable SLS 3D printing services? And still confused about choosing the right manufacturers to boost your sales?
For that reason, we wrote a brief guide about SLS 3D printing so you would know all the details about what it is, how it works, and its applications.
Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
What is SLS 3D Printing?
Selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printing is a prototyping process that combines microscopic particles.
Technically, it uses polymer powder into a solid structure based on a three-dimensional model.
For decades, experts and manufacturers have favored SLS 3D printing for amazing outcomes.
How Does SLS 3D Printing Work?
The SLS 3D printing works with an energy source that selectively melts powdered plastic material, fusing them into a 3D printed part.
Moreover, it contains the following three stages:
Printing
The printer preheats the powder to a temperature just below the raw materials melting point, enabling the laser to raise the temperature of sections of the metal powder.
Especially the laser scans a bridge of the three-dimensional model, heating the powder to just below or slightly above the material’s melting point.
As a result, the unfused powder acts as a support structure during printing, obviating the requirement for additional support structures.
Cooling
First, the build chamber is slightly cooled inside the print enclosure.
Subsequently, outside the printer to provide ideal mechanical qualities and prevent wrapping in parts.
Post-processing
However, the completed components must be taken from the chamber, sorted, and vacuumed to remove any extra powder.
Moreover, the powder used in the process is recyclable, and the printed components can be further processed.
What Are The Advantages Of SLS 3D Printing?
The advantages of SLS 3D printing are many because SLS has long been an order model for quick prototyping, particularly for batch production of unique parts.
Following are the main advantages of SLS 3D printing:
High-Resolution Images
It allows producing high-quality images that you can use for multiple purposes.
Quick Reaction Times
It is a rapid process and does not take hours to process.
Outstanding Mechanical Properties
The resulting product has excellent mechanical properties without any flaws.
Superior Toughness and Stiffness
SLS 3D printing gives durable prints that can be used with confidence because they contain toughness and stiffness in their structure.
Many Choices of Materials
You can choose from a variety of materials, and these are not confined to any one material.
What Are The Disadvantages Of SLS 3D Printing?
The disadvantages of SLS 3D printing technology are listed below:
Limited Materials
Since SLS 3D printing can make items out of plastic and metal, the selection of raw materials is not exhaustive.
This is because metals and plastics cannot be controlled to 3D printing’s full extent.
Additionally, many of these printable materials cannot be recycled, and very few are food safe.
Post Processing
Post-Processing procedures are complicated and are time taking.
Large Volumes
SLS 3D printing is a fixed cost, unlike more conventional techniques such as injection molding, where high volume production can be more profitable.
While the initial investment for SLS 3D printing may be less than with other manufacturing methods, once it is increased to produce large volumes for mass production, the unit cost is not reduced. As it would with injection molding.
Structure of Parts
In SLS 3D printing, parts are usually created layer after layer, which is also called additive manufacturing.
This means that although the layers are held tightly together, they are vulnerable to splitting when exposed to loads with specific orientations or stresses.
This is a problem that often occurs with objects created using Fusion Deposition Modeling (FDM).
In addition, the Multijet and Polyjet parts are generally more fragile.
Therefore, it may be better to use injection molding in SLS 3D printing when manufacturing homogeneous parts, as they are more robust and less likely to fail under structural load.
Restricted Build Size
The chamber built into SLS 3D printers is usually relatively small, thus limiting the size of the parts that can be printed.
Therefore, any more oversized items must be printed separately and then assembled after production.
As a result, it increases the cost and time it takes to print because the SLS 3D printer has to print multiple parts before you can go ahead and manually join the parts.
Design Inaccuracies
Another potential problem with SLS 3D printing is directly related to the type of machine or process used.
Moreover, some SLS 3D printers have lower tolerances meaning the final parts may differ from the original design.
It can be fixed in post-processing, but it should be noted that this will further increase production time and costs.
Reduction in Manufacturing Jobs
Another downside of SLS 3D technology is the potential reduction in human labor, as most manufacturing is automated and performed by printers.
However, many third-world countries depend on low-skilled jobs to keep their economies running.
This technology could put those manufacturing jobs at risk by eliminating the need for overseas manufacturing.
Copyright Issues
As SLS 3D printing becomes more and more popular and accessible, people have more and more chances to create counterfeit products.
Are SLS 3D Printed Parts High-Temperature Resistant?
Yes, SLS printed parts are high-temperature resistant, extremely durable, and acid, and quite heat resistant.
Moreover, it can tolerate operation temperatures of up to 70 degrees Celsius.
Even though SLS 3D printed parts are equally easy to print, they are more technically robust to high temperatures, making them an excellent choice for everyone.
Are SLS 3D Printed Parts Strong?
Yes, SLS 3D printed products are strong, stiff, solid, and long-lasting due to SLS technology. Amongst all the materials, Nylon is highly resistant to ultraviolet light, heat, moisture, chemicals, temperature, and water.
Moreover, it is also resistant to abrasion especially, when utilizing specialized filaments like Polycarbonate, which is used for bullet-proof glass and riot shields.
Furthermore, increased strength can be achieved by adjusting the infill density, wall thickness, and print orientation.
Moreover, some SLS 3D printers have lower tolerances meaning the final parts may differ from the original design.
It can be fixed in post-processing, but it should be noted that this will further increase production time and costs.
Can SLS 3D Printed Parts Have To Post Surface Finishing?
Yes, SLS 3D printed parts have to post surface finishing.
Consequently, 3D printed objects created by SLS 3D printing have high accuracy and strength and are frequently employed as functional components.
Moreover, processing SLS parts after they have been printed is routine practice, and there are a variety of processes and finishes available.
Coatings are also applied to SLS parts regularly to increase their performance; however, it is necessary to remove any extra powder.
What Are SLS 3D Printing Applications?
SLS 3D printing applications are widely distributed in various fields.
However, it is rapidly being used in modest production to make end-use components for aerospace, military, and electronics hardware.
The following are some examples of SLS 3D printing applications:
Wind-tunnel Test Models
It provides wind-tunnel test models with great care.
Automotive Design
It has a tremendous Automotive design with prototyping technology.
Elastomeric and Urethane Parts
It includes elastomeric and urethane parts, such as gaskets, seals, and hoses.
Aerospace Parts and Flame-retardant Parts
It is specifically built with Aerospace, lame and retardant parts for your good use.
Low-volume Production and Mass Customization Solutions
Gain customized mass solutions and low-volume productions with the SLS 3D Printing.
Medical Devices
It is driven by a vision of delivering affordable, accessible, and highly functional healthcare training equipment across the globe.
Functional Proof-of-concept and Design Evaluation Models
It comes with the Functional proofs brings a concept and incredible design models for the evaluation.
What Is the Difference Between Industrial And Commercial SLS 3D Printing?
The difference between industrial and commercial SLS 3D printing is that the former is for Aerospace applications and uses the SLS technology to process metal objects.
On the other hand, the commercial SLS 3D printer uses resin-based technology for beneficial outcomes.
SLS vs SLA 3D Printing, Which Is Ideal For My Projects?
Among SLS and SLA 3D printing, the ideal for your projects would be the one with accurate and more beneficial features.
While SLA is ideal for minor features, SLS has a benefit over SLA in that the adjacent powder supports the pieces during the manufacturing process.
Moreover, allowing for intricate shapes and channels that would be unachievable in SLA without powder support, while SLS allows for a wide range of materials to be used.
Furthermore, SLS machines are riskier due to the higher power of the lasers, and as such, are entirely contained with no view of the print.
However, the laser is much weaker in SLA machines. Tinted glass or plastic allows the user to view prints while preventing dangerous UV radiation from escaping.
FDM vs SLS 3D Printing, Which Is Ideal For My Projects?
Among FDM and SLS 3D printing, SLS 3D printing is an ideal option for you.
Some 3D printers use Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) as it employs layer-by-layer process numerous filaments to form a structure.
On the contrary, Laser-powered processes like Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) use only one filament material to build strong structures.
Compared to SLS, FDM is incapable of printing complex designs or goods with a high degree of fine detail.
Subsequently, higher-quality finishes can be achieved through the use of chemical and mechanical polishing techniques.
DLP vs SLS 3D Printing, Which Is Ideal For My Projects?
Among DLP and SLS 3D printing, both can be ideal for your projects, according to their respective conditions.
Indeed, you may choose to consider professional SLS 3D printers for more complex projects.
Compared to DLP, SLS is also beneficial for rapid prototyping, functional prototype, rapid manufacturing, and low-volume production.
PLA vs SLS 3D Printing, Which Is Ideal For My Projects?
Among PLA and SLS 3D printing, PLA 3D printing parts are ideal for your projects.
It is because PLA is an abbreviation for polylactic acid (or polylactide). This ubiquitous thermoplastic is affordable, easy to print, and biodegradable.
PLA is a material used in 3D printing, while SLS is a printing technique.
Mainly, PLA is used for rapid prototyping, creating showcase models, and education.
On the other hand, Selective laser sintering (SLS) is rapid prototyping and functional production component manufacturing technology.
Numerous nylon-based materials are available, resulting in highly durable final components.
Polyjet vs SLS 3D Printing, Which Is Ideal For My Projects?
Among Polyjet and SLS 3D printing, SLS 3D printing is ideal for you because of its good detailing quality.
SLS produces stunning, detailed models but is constrained by breakaway support material and the process’s overall mess. Therefore, SLS is best.
With soluble support material, increased print speed, and unrivalled multi-material capabilities, PolyJet technology elevates resin-based SLS 3D printing to a different level.
Moreover, PolyJet 3D printers transfer the resin onto the print bed via an inkjet-like print head. Thus, obviating the need for the dirty, odorous, and potentially hazardous pool of resin utilized in SLA machines.
MJF vs SLS 3D Printing, Which Is Ideal For My Projects?
Among MJF and SLS 3D printing, MJF is better because of its flexibility and some other qualities.
In industrial 3D printing, powder bed fusion processes like Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) are used.
Both techniques involve layering polymer powder particles and thermally fusing (or sintering) them. Both MJF and SLS are composed of granular thermoplastic polymers.
Compared to SLS parts, which are weaker in the print direction, MJF parts printed in this material have higher strength, flexibility, and uniform mechanical properties.
