Discover SLS 3D Printing: PA 2200 and More

As we’ve recently discussed on our blog, SLA printing is set to revolutionise the future of work thanks to incredible advances across robotics and automation. However, you may discover several other additive manufacturing techniques to be more suitable, depending on your type of workflow and product.

For instance, Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 3D printing is a powder-based 3D printing technology that makes it possible to produce durable, complex and consistent parts for industrial applications. In this article, we’ll explore the intricacies of SLS printing and help you decide if this innovative 3D printing service makes sense for your products.

What is SLS 3D printing?

SLS stands for Selective Laser Sintering. As its name suggests, SLS is a powder-based additive manufacturing technology that uses a high-powered laser to selectively scan and sinter minute plastic particles together to form a 3D object. With the resulting 3D object completed layer by layer, this reliable process is quickly growing in popularity.

For companies in need of meticulously produced, small-batch industrial products, SLS 3D printing provides a convenient solution for many businesses in Singapore. Here, we outline some of the main features behind this rapid prototyping method.

1. Forget about support structures

When it comes to popular 3D printing services like SLA and FDM, these methods require support structures to be put in place to ensure a product’s stability. This limits the geometry that can be created. One of the standout benefits of SLS printing is that these support structures are simply not required.

While other methods need support structures to ensure hollow shapes don’t collapse during production, SLS printing automatically encapsulates these areas with excess powder to create a self-supporting product. This means it’s possible to produce parts involving pipes and chambers, while designers can also fabricate intricate mechanical joints like living hinges and snap-fits that are almost impossible to create with other methods.

2. Significantly improved durability

Choosing to use an SLS 3D printing service also leads to incredibly robust parts at a surprisingly affordable cost. This is because you can utilise high-performance materials such as glass-filled nylon (PA12-GF) and PA 2200 3D printing, which form resilient chemical bonds between each layer during production.

With SLS printed products achieving almost isotropic mechanical properties, this production method resembles a similar strength to products created using injection-moulding. Plus, thanks to the lack of support structures required and high dimensional precision, it’s possible to print virtually endless functional prototypes and parts using the SLS method.

3. Choose from a wide range of materials

Part of what makes SLS 3D printing so effective is how you can use a variety of materials to create your designs. Meanwhile, you can also use TPU Flexa to create strong but flexible parts, while glass-filled nylon-12 offers extra stiffness over standard PA12 nylon.

Making 3D Printing Services Accessible for All

Based in Singapore, Additive3D Asia has been serving a variety of high-end clients in the Asia Pacific region since 2014. Backed by an expert team with an in-depth understanding of every aspect of additive manufacturing, we provide comprehensive 3D printing services to Singapore businesses of all shapes and sizes.

If you’re looking to take your product development to the next level, consider making the most of this rapidly evolving technology. With the power of SLS 3D printing, you can be sure that your complex parts are produced to the highest standards at a reasonable cost. Get in touch with Additive3D Asia’s friendly team to find out how we can help your business step into the future of manufacturing.