Online 3D Printing Service | Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 3D Printing Service

Overview

Our SLS 3D Printing Service

What is SLS

SLS uses laser as the heat source to selectively sinter powder materials. It is a forming process in which discrete points are piled up layer by layer into a three-dimensional entity.

How Does SLS Work?

Before starting processing, the temperature of the working chamber filled with an inert atmosphere (argon or nitrogen) is raised and kept below the melting point of the powder. When forming, the feeding cylinder rises, and the powder spreading roller moves.
First, a layer of powder material is laid on the working platform, and then the laser beam sinters the powder where the solid part is located according to the cross-sectional profile under the control of the computer, so that the powder melts and then forms a solid layer.
After the first layer of sintering is completed, the workbench is lowered to the height of a cross-sectional layer, a layer of powder is spread, and the next layer of sintering is carried out, and the cycle is repeated to form a three-dimensional part.

Features of SLS Technology

Advantages

Easy and fast

The prototype is directly made from the CAD digital model, the processing speed is fast, the product production cycle is short, and no cutting tools and molds are required.

Prototype with complex structures

It can process prototypes and molds with complex structures or shapes that are difficult to form using traditional means. Provide samples for experiments, and can verify and check the results of computer simulation calculations.

Remote control

It can be operated online and remotely controlled, which is conducive to the automation of production.

Drawbacks

Equipment cost

The cost of the SLS system and maintenance is high, and the SLS system is a precision device that operates on podwers and has strict requirements on the working environment.

Available materials for SLS 3D Printing

Here is a list of our standard 3D printing materials available through our online platform.

SLS 3D Printing Plastics

Nylon	TPU
PA12	TPU
Glass fiber nylon(PA12+35% GF)

Custom Material

The materials available on the online system may not be exhaustive of all materials available on the market. If the materials you need are not listed on the order page, please select "custom" under the material menu, and our engineers will review and purchase.

Our standard surface finishes

Spray painting - Matt paint

Spray painting: Using spray guns with air pressure to disperse into uniform and fine droplets and apply the painting to the surface of the object.

Learn More

Spray painting - High gloss paint

Spray painting: Using spray guns with air pressure to disperse into uniform and fine droplets and apply the painting to the surface of the object.

Learn More

Vacuum plating - High gloss paint

Vacuum plating mainly includes vacuum evaporation, sputtering and ion plating.

Learn More

Vacuum plating - Matt paint

Vacuum plating mainly includes vacuum evaporation, sputtering and ion plating.

Learn More

#1000 sanding

Sanding is the use of fine abrasive sand particles to rub the surface of the product to produce a diffuse, non-linear texture effect.

Learn More

Silkscreen

Silkscreen generally refers to screen printing, which is the process of pressing ink through a stencilled mesh screen to create a printed design, graphics and text.

Learn More

Laser engraving

Laser engraving is the use of laser technology to engrave text and pattern on objects.

Learn More

Dyeing

Dyeing is done in a special solution containing dyes and particular chemical material.

Learn More

View more surface finishes

Our SLS 3D printing capability

Requirement	Specification
Max part size	400 x 390 x 390 mm
Minimum wall thickness	1 mm

Tolerances

Length(L)	Metric units
L≤100mm	±0.25mm
100< L<200mm	±0.3mm

Post-Processing Options

item	note
Standard	Bead blast to remove all powder, which leaves a consistent overall texture.
Custom	Secondary options include a primer or dye color that can be applied as well as taps and inserts.

3D Printing Design Guidelines

We have summarized recommended and technically feasible values for the most common features encountered in 3D printed parts.

1. Wall thickness

The wall thickness directly determines the strength of the printed object, and also determines whether the model can be printed.
Once the model is printed, it also goes through support removal, grinding and sandblasting, which determine the minimum wall thickness for different materials. The model is printable only when the wall thickness meets the minimum requirement.

Process	5*5mm	10*10mm	50*50mm	100*100mm	200*200mm
SLA	0.5mm	0.8mm	1mm	1.2mm	1.5mm
DLP	0.5mm	0.8mm	1mm	1.2mm	1.5mm
SLS	0.8mm	1mm	1.2mm	1.5mm	2.0mm
MJF	0.8mm	1mm	1.2mm	1.5mm	2.0mm
SLM	1mm	1.2mm	1.5mm	2.0mm	2.5mm
FDM	1mm	1.2mm	1.5mm	2.0mm	2.5mm

2. Embossed and engraved detail

As the height or depth of detail is less than the minimum detail requirements, it will not be able to print accurately, can not be polished, paint and other post-processing. It is recommended that you increase the height/depth, or remove the section.

Process	Min embossed detail	Min engraved detail
SLA	0.5mm	0.5mm
DLP	0.5mm	0.5mm
SLS	0.8mm	0.8mm
MJF	0.8mm	0.8mm
SLM	1mm	1mm
FDM	1mm	1mm

3. Threads and screws

Pitch refers to the axial distance between the corresponding points of two adjacent teeth on the thread. Profile angle refers to the angle between the two sides of the whorl profile. Your design needs to meet the requirements of minimum pitch:0.6mm and minimum profile angle:20°

4. Hole diameter

The following is the minimum diameter can be achieved.

Process	Min diameter
SLA	0.8mm
DLP	0.8mm
SLS	1.5mm
MJF	1.5mm
SLM	1.5mm
FDM	1.5mm

5. Sharp surfaces

When the wall thickness is very small, models with sharp surfaces can be easily damaged during support removal, grinding, packaging, and transportation. If sharp surfaces exist, the angle should be greater than 20 degrees.

6. Clearance

Parts clearance refers to the distance between any two parts, thin wall or column, as shown above. The min clearance is 1mm. When the clearance is small, it will not be able to remove the supporting material. It is recommended that you increase the clearance size or choose other materials required by the clearance. If the independence of the two parts is not important, it is recommended that you merge them into one part.

Assembly clearance refers to the distance between any two parts to be assembled, as shown above. The min clearance is 0.2mm.

FAQ's

What is the maximum build size for your SLS 3D printing?

We support a maximum build size of 400 x 390 x 390 mm for SLS printing, capable of manufacturing integral structural parts and complex prototypes within this dimension range. For oversized parts, we can provide professional splicing and assembly solutions.

What is the minimum wall thickness requirement for SLS printed parts?

The universal minimum printable wall thickness for SLS is 1mm. For small-sized parts (55mm), the wall thickness can be precisely controlled to 0.8mm with high-precision processing, while the wall thickness needs to be increased to 2.0mm for large parts (200*200mm) to ensure structural stability and printability.

All design files must have no broken holes. Keep main wall thickness above 1.2 mm, and ensure the thinnest feature is at least 0.8 mm. Thinner structures will bring printing failure and post-processing risks.

What are the dimensional tolerances for SLS 3D printed parts?

Our SLS printing features high-precision dimensional control: for parts with length ≤100mm, the tolerance is controlled at ±0.25mm; for parts with 100mm ＜ L ＜200mm, the tolerance is ±0.3mm, which can meet the precision requirements of most functional parts and prototypes.

What is the minimum hole diameter that SLS printing can achieve?

Our SLS printing can stably form holes with a minimum diameter of 1.5mm. This dimension ensures the hole is fully formed, smooth in the inner wall and free of powder residue, and can meet the assembly and use requirements of standard structural holes.

What are the minimum embossed and engraved details for SLS printing?

We can achieve high-precision detail processing for SLS printing, with the minimum embossed detail and engraved detail both at 0.8mm. This precision can clearly restore fine patterns, small characters and delicate structural features on the part surface without blurring or incomplete formation.

What are the requirements for threads and screws in SLS printing design?

The design of threads for SLS printing needs to meet the minimum pitch of 0.6mm and a minimum profile angle of 20°. Standard metric fine and coarse threads can be stably printed, ensuring smooth assembly, firm connection and durable repeated screwing use.

What clearances are required for SLS printed parts?

The minimum part clearance (between two independent parts, thin walls or columns) is 1mm, which facilitates powder cleaning and post-processing of the parts. The standard assembly clearance is 0.2mm, which can ensure precise fitting and flexible assembly of spliced parts without jamming.

What are the requirements for sharp surfaces in SLS printing design?

If the model has sharp surface structures, the included angle should be designed to be greater than 20°. Sharp angles smaller than this are prone to chipping, powder falling and damage during post-processing, packaging and transportation, which will affect the integrity and use of the parts.

What materials do you offer for SLS 3D printing?

Our standard SLS printing materials include nylon PA12, glass fiber reinforced nylon (PA12+35% GF) and TPU, which cover the performance requirements of general structural parts, high-strength load-bearing parts and flexible parts. Custom material options are also available upon your specific request.

use PA12 (nylon 12) for SLS printing, which has high toughness and wear resistance. It is suitable for manufacturing functional parts and can meet the needs of industrial use.

What surface finish and post-processing options do you provide for SLS parts?

For SLS parts printed with PA12 nylon and glass fiber reinforced nylon (PA12+35% GF), we support standard bead blasting (to remove residual powder and create a uniform matte texture), #1000 fine sanding, matte spray painting, high-gloss spray painting and dyeing.For TPU material, no extra surface finishing is available due to its flexible elastomer properties; we only provide professional powder cleaning as final processing.