SLS Printing

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Selective laser sintering

SLS printing is a powder bed additive manufacturing method based on laser sintering of polymer powders. The method is used when the requirements for functional prototypes, advanced geometry and good dimensional stability are high.

Because the components are built layer by layer directly from a powder bed material, SLS allows for complex shapes and internal geometry that may be difficult or impossible to manufacture using traditional machining methods. The technology is commonly used in product development, spare parts manufacturing and short production runs in plastics.

Fast delivery

Professional service

Prototypes

Large series

Spare parts

High material strength

Versatile

Rapid prototyping

Chemical resistance

What is SLS printing?

In SLS printing, a thin layer of polymer powder is spread out in a build chamber. A laser selectively fuses the powder in the areas corresponding to the component's cross-section for that layer. The process is repeated layer by layer until the entire part is built.

The powder around the component acts as a natural support, eliminating the need for separate support structures. This gives great freedom in design and is well suited to parts with internal channels, complex reinforcements, tight radii and other geometries that can be difficult to produce using injection moulding or milling, for example.

Advantages of SLS printing

SLS has been established as a useful method in industrial projects where strength, precision and material performance are prioritised. The method provides:

Consistent geometric accuracy
Good surface finish after blasting
High dimensional stability even with complex internal geometry
Efficient production of both one-off parts and recurring series
The possibility to minimise support materials and manual steps

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How does SLS printing work?

The process starts by filling the build chamber with polymer powder. The material is preheated to just below sintering temperature. A laser then sweeps over the surface and binds the particles according to the layers of the digital model. Each new layer of powder is distributed with high precision, and the same procedure is repeated until the component is fully built.

After sintering, the parts undergo controlled cooling. The excess powder is then removed by depowdering. The parts are blasted to release fine residues and stabilise the surface. Further finishing steps may include colouring, surface polishing and surface modification depending on the requirements.

SLS compared to FDM, SLA and MJF

FDM provides useful prototypes but does not reach the same level of detail reproduction or mechanical stability as SLS.
SLA achieves a very smooth surface but has limitations in strength in functional applications.
MJF has similar properties and is suitable for production-oriented projects, but SLS can be advantageous for designs with high demands on material flexibility, internal geometry or specific polymers.

Materials for SLS printing

PA11

A bio-based alternative with good impact resistance and some flexibility. Suitable for parts that are subject to dynamic impact or where the material needs to handle vibrations.

PA12

A versatile nylon material which combines strength and dimensional stability. Suitable for functional prototypes, fixtures and serial production.

TPU

An elastic material for flexible components. Useful for seals, flexible elements and shock absorbing structures.

PA12 GB

Nylon with glass-filled reinforcement that provides high stiffness and improved heat resistance. Used for structures where mechanical loading or structural stability is key.