SLS 3D printing service

Fast, precise, reliable - your partner for SLS laser sintering

SLS 3D printing service from PROTEC3D

At PROTEC3D, we offer you customized solutions in the field of selective laser sintering (SLS). Our SLS 3D printing service enables you to produce complex prototypes and components with high precision and quality.

our customers

Why
Choose PROTEC3D?

Our service for selective laser sintering guarantees a smooth process from the idea to the finished product. We support you in every phase of your project with our expertise and experience. Thanks to personal support, you can be sure that your component will meet your expectations exactly.

Optimum component properties thanks to laser technology

Advantages of the SLS process

SLS printed components

The SLS process

  1. Transmission of the 3D data: The customer sends the 3D model data to be printed to the service provider. This data is checked for printability using software and, if necessary, adapted for optimum production.
  2. Preparation of the printing process: The printer is prepared with the selected powder material, such as polyamide or alumide. The powder is applied evenly to the print bed.
  3. Printing process: The SLS printer heats the powder material to just below the melting point. A laser then sintered the powder particles together at the specified points based on the 3D data. This process is repeated layer by layer until the component is complete.
  4. Removal and cleaning: After printing, the finished component is removed from the powder bed. Excess powder is carefully removed to clean the part.
  5. Post-processing (optional): Depending on the customer’s specific requirements, post-processing can be carried out, for example to achieve a higher surface quality or to improve additional properties of the component.

This process offers a flexible and efficient way to manufacture complex components, minimizes material waste and reduces the need for extensive reworking.

Popular process for product development

Who is the SLS process suitable for?

Selective laser sintering (SLS) is particularly suitable for engineers, product designers and manufacturers who require complex, functional prototypes or end parts with high precision and strength. Its ability to work without support structures makes it ideal for the production of parts with complex geometries and internal cavities, which are common in the aerospace, automotive and medical industries. In addition, small to medium-sized companies looking to produce small batches or customize products benefit from the flexibility and scalability of the SLS process. Designers who value the aesthetics and functionality of their products will find SLS a method that offers both design freedom and material diversity. Finally, the SLS process is also attractive for research and development departments that want to test and implement innovative solutions quickly and cost-effectively.

Requirements for the SLS process

For SLS printing, the product geometries must be available as 3D data, which is converted into layered data. In contrast to traditional mold production, the layers required for printing are generated from the CAD data (usually in STL format) by slicing. Typically, CO2 lasers, Nd:YAG lasers or fiber lasers are used to process a variety of materials such as plastic, moulding sand, metal or ceramic. The material is applied in thin layers and sintered layer by layer by the laser according to the component contours. This enables the production of complex structures, including those with undercuts, with minimal post-processing. [1]

Applications for the SLS process

What applications is selective laser sintering suitable for?

Selective laser sintering is particularly impressive for complex and large components. It is used in aerospace, aviation, the automotive industry, dentistry and many other areas. You can find out which other applications SLS 3D printing is suitable for in the table below:

Description Specific applications
Precision Creates fine details and complex geometries Ideal for complex prototypes, series production and somewhat larger components
Strength Parts have a high density and durability Suitable for functional components that are exposed to specific loads
Variety of materials Processing of various materials possible Flexible for different materials, for a wide range of applications
Design freedom No support structures required, which increases design freedom Enables more complex designs without additional support structures or the limitations of traditional manufacturing processes
rapid prototyping Rapid iteration and optimization of products Acceleration of development cycles in product development
Efficient prototyping process Guarantees a smooth process from the idea to the end product Support in all phases of the development process
The right material for every application

Popular materials for selective laser sintering (SLS)

PA 12 (polyamide 12)

Properties: High strength, durable and flexible.
Application: Ideal for functional parts and moving components.

PA-AF (polyamide with aluminum content)

Properties: The difference to PA 12 lies in the added aluminum content. This results in harder components that can withstand even higher temperatures. Its metallic appearance makes it ideal for metallic-looking prototypes.
Application: Particularly suitable for components where a metallic look and feel is desired and a cost-effective solution is sought.

PA-GF (polyamide with glass fiber reinforcement)

Properties:Improved rigidity and thermal resistance.
Application: Suitable for components that have to withstand high mechanical loads and high temperatures.

PA-FR (flame-retardant polyamide)

Properties: High-performance polyamide with flame-retardant properties.
Application: Perfect for parts that require high chemical resistance and must meet flame-retardant standards of the aircraft industry according to UL94

PP (polypropylene)

Properties: Lightweight material with very high elongation at break.
Application: Perfectly suited for components that require snap-in functions or movable hinges, for example. Often used for packaging and consumer goods.

Selective laser sintering at PROTEC3D

Comprehensive support for your SLS 3D print jobs

Discover how PROTEC3D optimally supports your SLS 3D printing project. Our comprehensive range of services includes:

  • Personal advice: We support you with our expertise from the very first contact. We provide you with comprehensive advice on the possibilities of the SLS printing process and help you to implement your ideas in the best possible way.
  • Design optimization: Our experts support you in preparing and optimizing your design data for SLS printing in order to achieve the best possible printing results.
  • Material selection: We help you select the right material for your project based on the desired properties and requirements of the end product.
  • Rapid prototyping: Our team supports you in introducing rapid prototyping processes in your company quickly and efficiently in order to minimize development times and accelerate the time-to-market of your products.
  • Post-processing and finishing: We continue to support you after printing and offer services for post-processing and finishing your parts to achieve the desired quality and perfect finish.
  • From prototypes to series production: We not only support you in the production of prototypes, but also accompany you on the way to series production to ensure smooth scaling of your production.

Our individually tailored support and advice will make the transition from the initial idea to series production as efficient and smooth as possible for you. With PROTEC3D as your partner, you can rely on your innovative projects being implemented with the highest precision and quality.

SLS 3D printing with PROTEC3D

Request SLS 3D printing

Are you ready to take advantage of selective laser sintering for your project? As an experienced 3D printing service provider, we accelerate your product development process efficiently and quickly. Request your SLS prototype today:

Alexander Reizner
Your contact person
Alexander Reizner
The most important facts at a glance

Frequently asked questions about SLS

Selective laser sintering (SLS) is an advanced 3D printing process that makes it possible to produce complex and high-strength parts directly from powdered material. This technology has established itself in various industries due to its flexibility, the ability to produce complicated designs without support structures and the wide range of materials that can be used. Further questions can be found here:

  • Design freedom: Complex geometries and cavities that cannot be produced using traditional methods can be realized.
  • No support structures: Objects are supported in the powder bed, which means no support structures are required.
  • High strength: The parts produced are often more robust and durable than with other 3D printing processes.
  • Variety of materials: A wide range of materials allows versatile application possibilities.

SLS is used in a variety of industries, including:

  • Automotive industry: for prototypes, end parts and tools.
  • Aerospace: for lightweight, high-strength components.
  • Medical technology: for customized implants and prostheses.
  • Consumer goods: for robust, functional prototypes and end products.

The printing time depends on the size and complexity of the object as well as the layer thickness. Typically, an SLS print can last from a few hours to several days.

SLS can be considered sustainable in certain aspects, as the process minimizes material waste and can be used for on-demand production, reducing overproduction and warehousing. The reusability of unmelted powder also contributes to sustainability, but the energy intensity of the process is a factor that increases the environmental impact.