Selective Laser Sintering

Order custom SLS parts suitable for rapid prototyping and end-use production.

Selective laser sintering (SLS) is an industrial 3D printing process that produces accurate prototypes and functional production parts in as fast as 1 day. Multiple nylon-based materials and a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) are available, which create highly durable final parts that require heat resistance, chemical resistance, flexibility, or dimensional stability. With SLS 3D printing, no support structures are required making it easy to nest multiple parts into a single build and an economical solution for when higher volumes of 3D-printed parts are required.

Common uses for selective laser sintering are:

  • jigs and fixtures
  • housings
  • snap fits and living hinges

SLS Design Guidelines & Capabilities


SLS Materials

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) Materials

PA 12 Smooth White

PA 12 White is an economical material choice for functional prototypes and end-use parts. It offers high impact and temperature resistance, is very durable, and remains stable under a range of environmental conditions. The nylon material exhibits a white finish with a slightly rougher surface texture compared to other nylons.

Primary Benefits​

  • Strength and stiffness
  • Well-balanced material properties

Datasheet

PA 12 Vapour Smooth White

PA 12 White is an economical material choice for functional prototypes and end-use parts. It offers high impact and temperature resistance, is very durable, and remains stable under a range of environmental conditions.

Primary Benefits​

  • Strength and stiffness
  • Well-balanced material properties

Datasheet

PA 12 - Glass Filled Smooth White

PA 12 40% Glass-Filled is a polyamide powder loaded with glass spheres that add stiffness and dimensional stability. The material possesses higher thermal resistance than unfilled polyamides and exhibits excellent long-term wear resistance. Due to the glass additive, it has decreased impact and tensile strengths compared to other nylons.

Primary Benefits​

  • Stiffness and dimensional stability
  • Long-term wear resistance
  • High-temperature resistance

Datasheet

PA 12 - Carbon Filled Smooth Black

PA 12 Carbon-Filled is an anthracite grey nylon characterized by extreme stiffness and high-temperature resistance, coupled with electric conductivity properties and lightweight. It can be used for both functional prototypes and end-use parts. The carbon-fibre filler provides different mechanical properties based on the considered three-axis direction. This material exhibits a good surface quality and smoother finish compared to other SLS nylons.

Primary Benefits​

  • Extreme stiffness
  • Electrical conductivity
  • Excellent long-term stability

Datasheet

PA 12 Flex Pure Black

PA 12 Flex Black is a black / anthracite nylon characterised by excellent flexibility and impact resistance. PA 12 Flex Black combines positives properties of PA12 and PP. Strength and stiffness is similar to PA 12. The elongation is comparable to that of unfilled PP. Its high durability makes it an excellent choice not only for prototyping, but also for end-use parts.

Primary Benefits​

  • High elongation at break
  • Flexibility
  • Durability and toughness

Datasheet

TPU-88A Pure Black

This thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) combines rubber-like elasticity and elongation with good abrasion and impact resistance. It can be leveraged to produce both prototypes and functional parts. The material’s rubber-like quality is ideal for seals, gaskets, grips, hoses, or any other application where excellent resistance under dynamic loading is required.

Primary Benefits​

  • Tear and abrasion resistance
  • Flexibility
  • Durability

Datasheet


Compare Material Properties

Material Colour Tensile Strength Tensile Modulus Elongation
PA 12 Smooth White
(PA 650)
White 50 MPa ± 4 MPa 2000 MPa ± 200 MPa 11% ± 4%
PA 12 Vapour Smooth White White      
PA 12 - Glass Filled Smooth White White 50 MPa ± 4 MPa 3600 MPa ± 400 MPa 5% ± 2%
PA 12 - Carbon Filled Smooth Black* Black 85 MPa ± 5 MPa 8300 MPa ± 400 MPa 3.2% ± 2%
PA 12 Flex Pure Black Black 50 MPa ± 4 MPa 2000 MPa ± 200 MPa 17% ± 4%
TPU-88A Pure* Black 20 MPa ± 5 MPa   520% ± 50%

 

* X plane

These figures are approximate and dependent on a number of factors, including but not limited to, machine and process parameters. The information provided is therefore not binding and not deemed to be certified. When performance is critical, also consider independent lab testing of additive materials or final parts.


 

 



Surface Finish for SLS Parts

Surface finish on SLS parts is typically rougher than other 3D printing technologies—it can range from 100-250 RMS. We also bead blasts the majority of customers’ parts to remove loose powder and create a smooth matte finish. 

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) White Part


Material:
PA12 40% Glass-Filled (PA614-GS)

Resolution: Normal (0.004 in. layer thickness)
Finish: Standard

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) Black Part


Material:
PA11 Black (PA850)

Resolution: Normal (0.004 in. layer thickness)
Finish: Standard



STANDARD Bead blast to remove all powder, which leaves a consistent overall texture.
CUSTOM

Available Secondary options:

  • Paint (RAL)
  • Black dye: only available for PA 12 White and PA 12 40% Glass Filled
  • Infiltration (black or transparent)
  • Primer and surface finish
  • Primer, surface finish and paint (RAL)
  • Taps and Inserts
  • Assembly (bonding, screwing etc.): only available for PA 11 Black, PA 12 White, PA 12 40% Glass Filled and PA 12 Carbon Filled
Vapour Smoothing

Parts are treated through an automated, high-quality, post-processing technique, which leaves them with great aesthetics and sealed surfaces that are water and air tight, and easy to clean. Currently available for following materials: SLS PA 12 White and MJF Ultrasint™ TPU-01


For proper smoothing, a minimum wall thickness of 1.5 mm is required.

 


About Selective Laser Sintering

a metal 3D printing technician removes support structures from a DMLS part

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