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?
View our process comparison tableTechnical specifications
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. |
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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.
Materials
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
- 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
- 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
- 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
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.
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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.
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Water Sealed
SLS parts can be impregnated with a waterproof layer.
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Colour Dyed
It is possible to dye SLS parts in a range of colours.
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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.
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DyeMansion (Automated Finishing)
Automated cleaning, surfacing and dyeing are available with LPE’s end-to-end DyeMansion post-processing system.
Applications
Selective laser sintering is suitable for low volume production and one-off prototypes.
Under bonnet applications
Snap fits/living hinges
Early concept models
Temperature testing
Short production runs
Functional models
Why LPE?
LPE are an ISO 9001 & 13485 approved supplier, with over 30 years of industry experience. We are a supplier of 3D printed components to both large and small organisations across the UK & Ireland. LPE has the capabilities to meet all your requirements for both prototyping and low volume production.
Our in-house additive manufacturing facilities consist of multiple state-of-the-art SLS machines and a range of materials offering superior mechanical properties. If requested we can provide first article inspection reports, certificates of compliance and will work with you to ensure any quality requirements in relation to your production requirements are met. Customer service lies at the heart of everything we do at LPE and if you feel you could benefit from chatting directly to an expert about your project, contact us now.
Learn more about why you should choose LPE as your preferred SLS 3D Printing partner.
Learn moreHow 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.