Introduction of SLS 3D Printing
SLS 3D printing is also known as powder sintering technology. SLS printing technology uses a layer of powder material laid flat on the upper surface of a molded part and heated to a temperature just below the sintering point of the powder, and the control system scans the laser beam over the powder layer according to the cross-sectional contour of the layer so that the temperature of the powder rises to the melting point, sintering and bonding with the molded part below.
Advantages of SLS 3D Printing
1.Multiple Material Choice
The materials that can be used include polymer, metal, ceramics, plaster, nylon and many other kinds of powder, but due to segment of the market, the metal material will call it SLM now, and at the same time, because nylon material is accounted for 90% in the market, so we usually refer to the SLS is to print nylon material
2.No Extra Support
It does not require a support structure, and the overhanging layers that occur during the stacking process can be directly supported by the unsintered powder, which should be one of the biggest advantages of SLS .
3.High Material Utilization Rate
Because there is no need to support, no need to add a base, for the highest material utilization of several common 3D printing technology , and relatively cheap, but more expensive than SLA .
Disadvantages of SLS 3D Printing
1.Since the raw material is in powder form, prototyping is achieved by heating and melting the powdered layers of material to achieve a layer-by-layer bond. As a result, the surface of the prototype is strictly powdery and therefore of low surface quality.
2.The sintering process has an odor. In the SLS process, the powder layer needs to be heated by laser to reach the melting state, and the polymer material or powder particles will evaporate odor gas during laser sintering.
3.Processing will take longer. If the same part is printed SLS and SLA , it is obvious that the delivery time of SLS will be longer. It is not that the equipment manufacturers are not capable, but it is actually due to the SLS molding principle.
Application Areas
Generally speaking, SLS 3D printing can be used in many industries, including Automotive Parts, Aerospace components, Medical devices and other healthcare applications, Consumer Electronics, Military, Clamps, Sand casting pattern, and Knivesneeds etc,.
If you want to know more information and need to make 3d printing model, please contact JSADD 3D Manufacturer every time.
Author: Karianne | Lili Lu | Seazon