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im体育线上登录: Additive Manufacturing, 3D Printing and Rapid Prototyping.

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July 1, 2016
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  • Testimonials

    • "Our first experience with im体育线上登录 last month was excellent. Quoting was prompt, engineering emailed and we spoke on the phone about a potential issue with the geometry of the parts so there were no surprises, the service was fast and delivery quick, the printed parts were of excellent quality, and all of the staff I dealt with were courteous and professional. You guys knocked it out of the park!" — Chris Davenport, RPC
    • "As an emerging 3D modeling student at DeSales University, it was an incredibly valuable opportunity to learn more about the new innovations in 3D printing technology and how im体育线上登录 couples its technical expertise with artistic value such as custom finishing to deliver a final product that exceeds the client's expectations." — Austin Kaplan, Desales University
    • "The Carbon [Digital Light Synthesis] 3D printing process was the perfect half step between late-stage functional prototyping and production. Aesthetics were crucial, and unless told otherwise, no one was able to identify the product was 3D-printed. [The process] accelerated business development and helped reduce risk as we approached tooling." — Michael DiCanzio, independent
    • “im体育线上登录's turnaround times are exceptional, and their prices compared to others are always better. There's a lot more value added in working with im体育线上登录.” — Matthew Bellenoit, B. Braun Medical
    • “im体育线上登录's best attribute is their attention to detail and customer service. Their willingness and desire to keep in touch with me is impressive, and physical walkthroughs ensure quality standards are being met.” — Todd Frick, Versatek
    • "im体育线上登录 has been most helpful in responding to our needs. Their knowledge of stereolithography and CAD, and their application of these technologies has helped us reshape our ideas to reality in the shortest possible time frame." — Kenneth Raines, B. Braun Medical

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What is Selective Laser Sintering?

SLS: Strong, Laser-fused Parts

Selective laser sintering (SLS) is an additive manufacturing process where a laser traces a pattern on powdered material (usually nylon), fusing the material into a solid structure. New powder is applied on top of the hardened material and the process is repeated, adding layers to the part until completion.  

SLS is a workhorse technique, best used for applications where mechanical strength is more important than aesthetics. It’s also ideal for creating low-cost, proof-of-concept parts. The sintering process leaves the surface finish slightly rougher than other processes such as stereolithography (SLA) and PolyJet. If you want an impressive finish for product demonstrations, either of these would likely be a better choice.

Get Rugged Performance from SLS Parts

SLS is known for creating tough end products and prototypes, and SLS parts are often used for functional testing. SLS parts have a homogenous material construction, and are therefore strong in every direction. The layer-by-layer sintering process creates uniform strength throughout and across the entire part. In contrast, some other AM methods are strong in one direction and weaker in another due to the material’s grain, similar to a piece of wood.

Choose From A Wide Variety of Materials

SLS parts can be made with a number of of thermoplastic materials, such as nylon, and polyamides. This allows SLS to create products with mechanical properties similar to injection molded parts.

im体育线上登录’s engineers have used SLS to create products as varied as snowboard bindings, complex hex keys, and gear sprockets. SLS is especially good for making rugged, durable parts for use in extreme environments

SLS Materials: A Sampling

  • Laser-sintered nylon is heat- and chemical-resistant, and certified for surgical testing or autoclave exposure.
  • Laser sintered glass-filled nylon delivers increased stiffness that stands up to extreme conditions.
  • Nylon FR-106 is a fire-retardant polyamide that meets the strict Federal Aviation Regulations.
  • Duraform EX elastomer has a flexible tear strength that far exceeds that of PolyJet materials.

Typical Results

SLS is excellent for creating resilient prototypes for heavy-duty functional testing, as well as durable production parts. SLS is:

  • Strong : SLS materials have mechanical integrity and heat resistance, with some able to withstand temperatures up to 100°C and an electrical charge of 460 amps.
  • Test-ready : Tear-resistant and resilient materials stand up to the rigors of functional testing.
  • Versatile : Thermoplastics and metal materials allow SLS to meet a wide variety of needs.
  • Quick : Turnaround time is as fast as a few days.
  • Cost-effective : im体育线上登录 offers competitive pricing for SLS parts.

Technical Specifications

The maximum build envelope for an SLS project is 29″ x 15″ x 23″.

  • XY tolerance is +/- 0.005″ for all features smaller than 2″, and +/- 0.003″ per inch for all features larger than 2″.
  • Z tolerance is +/- 0.010″ in the first inch, then +/- 0.003″ per inch thereafter .

Do you have questions about SLS or other additive manufacturing methods? Contact us here to discuss your next project.