Why Choose Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)?

One of the biggest strengths of the parts produced using the Selective Laser Sintering process is their durability – SLS 3D Printing materials offer both exceptional strength and functionality. Models produced using the selective laser sintering process can withstand rigorous testing and high temperatures (up to 150°C).

Another advantage of the selective laser sintering process is that it can accurately produce complex geometries.

The selective laser sintering process requires very little post production clean-up which means that parts are competitively priced and can be rapidly turned around in a matter of days which facilitates faster design iterations.

The selective laser sintering process is very well suited to low volume production as complicated parts can be produced in large quantities without incurring expensive tooling costs.

Unsure if Selective laser sintering is the right technology for your project?

Request a Quote

Materials

PA2200
PA2200
  • Durable white parts
  • Biocompatible and certified for contact with foodstuffs
  • Strong, rigid with good chemical resistance
  • Suitable for under bonnet applications and snap fits/living hinges

PA3200 GF
PA3200 GF
  • Glass reinforced white parts
  • High rigidity and good elongation at break
  • Good thermal load ability and especially resistant to wear and tear
  • This material is commonly used in vehicle engines and molding material for deep drawing tools

PA2210 FR
PA2210 FR
  • Flame retardant white parts
  • At wall thicknesses above 3mm, it meets the required fire protection class UL 94/ V-0
  • Particularly suitable for production of electric and electronic components and applications in the aerospace and mobility sectors

Alumide
Alumide
  • Metallic material which simulates aluminium filled Nylon
  • High temperature resistance which results in excellent dimensional stability at high temperatures
  • Suitable for wind tunnel tests, tool inserts, illustrative models and jig manufacture

Technical Specification

Standard lead time:3-5 days. If your project is urgent, please let a member of sales team know so that we can investigate if anything can be done to improve the lead time
Minimum feature size:0.6mm*/0.7mm**
Layer thickness:0.1-0.192mm
Tolerances:Expected tolerances for non-dyed parts are +/-0.25 per 100mm. For dyed parts, tolerances can be up to +/-0.35 per 100mm.
Max part size:320 x 320 x 600mm*/190 x 240 x 320mm**
Machines:EOS P390 | Formiga P100 | EOS P396

* PA2200 ** PA3200 GF/PA2210 FR/Alumide

 

Please note figures provided above are expected tolerances, we cannot guarantee part tolerance. Stresses during the build and other geometry considerations may cause deviation in tolerances and flatness. Part designs with thicker geometries, flat or broad parts, and parts with uneven wall thicknesses may be prone to significant deviations or warp.

Process Comparison

Stereolithography (SLA)Stereolithography High Res. (SLA HR)Digital Light Processing (DLP)Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)Direct Metal Laser Sintering Production (DMLS Pro)Direct Metal Laser Sintering High Res. (DMLS HR)Hybrid Photosynthesis (HPS)
DescriptionHigh quality precision prints, excellent detail & definition.
Wide range of materials.
SLA prints with ultra fine detail & definition.Super high resolution for small & complex parts in durable prototype & production materials.Very tough, high impact and high-temperature resistant. Range of nylon materials.Metal parts with excellent physical and mechanical properties – full production spec (>99% density).High resolution metal prints with superior surface finish and ultra-fine detail.High-definition parts with production grade functional properties.
Layer Thickness0.1mm0.05mm0.01-0.05mm0.1-0.15mm0.03-0.06mm0.015-0.025mm0.05-0.1mm
Minimum printable XY features0.15mm0.08mm0.1mm0.75mm0.2mm0.1mm0.1mm
Minimum printable Z feature0.5mm0.5mm0.3mm0.5mm0.06mm0.03mm0.3mm
Typical Tolerance+/- 0.15 Per 100mm+/- 0.10 Per 100mm+/- 0.25 Per 100mm+/- 0.25 Per 100mm+/- 0.10 Per 100mm+/- 0.10 Per 100mm+/- 0.25 Per 100mm
Max Part Size650 x 750 x 550mm450 x 450 x 415mm124x70.2x196mm320 x 320 x 600mm250x250x305mm90x90x90mm249x140x495mm
Quality of printed Surface Finish★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
Lead Times3-5 days3-5 days3-5 Days3-5 days5-7 Days5-7 Days3-5 days
Price£££££££££££££££££

Finishing Options


LPE has a team of experienced in-house traditional model makers and a full spray-painting booth allowing us to offer our customers a range of finishing and painting options.


Standard

Components produced using the Selective Laser Sintering process are supplied with minimal post production clean up as standard and have a texture similar to very fine sandpaper.

Water Sealed

SLS parts can be impregnated with a waterproof layer.

Colour Dyed

It is possible to dye SLS parts in a range of colours.

Other paint finishes

It is possible to give SLS parts a range of paint finishes including cosmetic (Pantone/RAL colour matching), matt, satin, spark or gloss.

DyeMansion (Automated Finishing)

Automated cleaning, surfacing and dyeing are available with LPE’s end-to-end DyeMansion post-processing system.

Finishing Options Image

Applications

Selective Laser Sintering is suitable for low volume production and one-off prototypes.

Prototyping
  • Temperature Testing
  • Early Concept Models
  • Functional Models
Production
  • Under bonnet applications
  • Snap fits/living hinges
  • Short production runs

How does SLS work?

First developed and patented in the mid 1980s, the Selective Laser Sintering process involves the creation by additive layer technology of physical models using a carbon dioxide laser on a bed of powdered material. As the powder is self supporting, no support structures are necessary.

Request a Quote

Production with SLS

We offer a complete contract manufacturing service and qualification route that complies with ISO9001 and ISO13485 standards. With our QMS quality management system we can manufacture repeatable and reliable plastic parts.

As part of our production manufacturing process we can offer:

  • Process control documents (PCD) – FAIs & COCs
  • Dimensional reports
  • Mechanical Testing
  • Biocompatible and food-safe nylon material option (PA2200)
  • Production-grade surface finishing and custom colour matching (DyeMansion)

FAQs

  • What colours are available for SLS parts?

    LPE offer an extensive range of colour finishing options for SLS. Our in-house DyeMansion technology enables us to dye parts to mathc any RAL or Pantone number.

  • What is DyeMansion?

    DyeMansion is groundbreaking post-processing technology we run in-house which automates the ‘print-to-production’ process for SLS parts. Our trio of DyeMansion machines clean, smooth and dye parts in batches.

  • Which industries commonly use SLS?

    The tough, functional properties of SLS make it ideal for applications in the automotive, aerospace, motorsport and medical industries.

  • What types of plastics are used in SLS?

    Typically, thermoplastic polymers are used. The raw materials are in powder form, rather than resin form.

  • Can SLS parts warp?

    If dyed via DyeMansion technology, parts may bow and warp slightly.

  • How accurate is SLS?

    Like all industrial AM processes, SLS is highly accurate. However, for highly complex applications where precision is paramount, an alternative process may be preferable.

  • How much does SLS printing cost?

    SLS is a relatively low-cost AM process. As with every process, specific costs depend on project scale, complexity and post-processing/quality certification requirements. Get a quote here.

  • Which material is best for my project?

    The PA2200 material is one of the most versatille and popular materials available. However, the optimal material for your project depends on your specific requirements. Contact our team for material selection assistance.

  • Is SLS cost-effective for low volumes?

    Yes, SLS is especially cost-effective for low volumes.

  • Is SLS best for production or prototyping?

    Traditionally, SLS was seen as being primarily suited to functional prototyping applications. However, the introduction of DyeMansion technology has made it a viable option for cost-effective production of end-use parts in low volumes.

  • What are the limitations of SLS?

    The limitations of SLS are its inability to accurately produce ultra-fine features, and an inability to produce highly detailed, aesthetic surfaces as well as other processes.

  • How will SLS affect my carbon footprint?

    Like other AM processes, SLS offers significant savings on material waste, and can help you minimise excess stock, reduce the weight of your parts (and thus your shipping emissions), and onshore/nearshore your manufacturing for further reduced shipping emissions.

  • How long do quotes take?

    Typically between 2 and 4 hours.

  • What are the main benefits of SLS?

    The main benefits of SLS lie in the functional properties of parts produced. They exceptionally strong and heat resistant. SLS is also very cost-effective.

Why choose LPE?

Range of services and materials

Range of services and materials

One stop shop for all your prototyping and production requirements with a full range of in-house services and wide range of materials.

Speed of turnaround

Speed of turnaround

Parts can be turned around in a matter of days.

ISO9001 and ISO13485 <br> quality approved

ISO9001 and ISO13485
quality approved

Quality is at the heart of everything we do and is integrated into all our processes. All our parts are finised to the highest standard every time.

Speed of turnaround

Speed of turnaround

Parts can be turned around in a matter of days.

Free next day delivery

Free next day delivery

Our parts can be delivered next day free of charge (within the UK & Ireland).

Personal service

Personal service

Technical sales team offering a professional, experienced and personal service.

Contact us now for a fast, competitive quotation on your latest project.