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SLS as technology for 3D Printing

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is a widely accepted technology for the purpose of producing functional prototypes from Nylon material, a technically functional plastic. 

How does Selective Laser Sintering work?

A 0.1 mm layer of powdered plastic is dosed on to a powder bed. The entire surface is then heated to just below the melting point (170 degrees), after which the product cross-section is selectively exposed with a CO2 laser. Owing to the exposure with a laser, the temperature on the spot is briefly brought above the melting point of the powder grains, which then melt and fuse into a product. 

Once this process has taken place layer upon layer, following cooling of the powder cake, the product may be removed from the construction volume. By means of temperature load, the unused powder is suitable for reuse after having been refreshed with 50% new material. 

Finishing of you 3D model

SLS products may be invisibly impregnated for (pressure) water tightness and improved finish. In addition, components can be impregnated to colour, standard colours being black, red, green and blue. 

A precise operation from our Formiga P100

RapidPrototyping.NL has two Formiga P100 laser sintering machines from EOS. The spearhead of this type of machine is the large detailing power from 0.4 mm and a superior surface quality. Due to a compact construction volume, daily batches are started whereby we are normally able to manage a delivery time of 2-3 days. 

A 3D model of your product also?

Want to know about the possibilities of 3D models using Selective Laser Sintering? Phone our prototyping specialists. We stand for professional advice and short delivery times.