SLS Laser Sintering Process
Convert your design into a plastic production part quickly and at a low cost! Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) rapid manufacturing method produces sls parts layer by layer. As each powder layer is sintered it builds the part step by step.
Step 1
The process begins with a 3D CAD file which has been sliced into many 2D cross-sections. These 2D sections or layers, 0.004”-0.006” (0.10-0.15mm) thick, are later reassembled layer by layer within the machine.
Step 2
Inside, a laser sintering machine is an oven used to heat plastic material to a few degrees below melting. This nearly melted powder is then “selectively” melted or sintered by an overhead laser to represent one 2D cross-section of the 3D part.
Step 3
The machine platform drops in the z direction a few thousandths or one layer. Immediately afterwards the recoater or roller carries material in the x direction from left to right or vise versa. This thin layer of nearly melted powder is then again selectively melted to represent the next cross section which is slightly different than the last.
Step 4
Over several hours or days, hundreds or thousands of layers are sintered together to form an entire part. After the powder cools, it can be simply brushed away, revealing solid parts. These parts are then bead blasted to remove any powder sticking to the surface and are then ready to use.