Selective Laser Sintering and Melting (SLS and SLM)
What is Selective Laser Sintering?
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is a form of powder bed fusion which typically uses a laser to sinter layers of polymer powder together. After a layer is sintered together, the powder bed moves down to allow a new layer of powder to be spread over the top. The process continues sintering new layers to the previous layer until the part is completed.
What is Selective Laser Melting?
Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is another process that comes under powder bed fusion. The process is remarkably similar to SLS. Instead of using a polymer the powder utilized is made of metal. The laser is used to melt the metal powder in each layer to form a complete part.
Here at Afaridan Plastics, we only provide Selective Laser Sintering (SLS).
When to use Selective Laser Sintering
Selective Laser Sintering can achieve faster printing rates than that of SLA or FDM. SLS should be considered when you need very high-strength parts or prototypes.
Materials
Selective Laser Sintering is mainly focused on polymers such as thermoplastics. Most parts are printed using Nylon 12 but other materials are available. Contact us to find the right material for your project.