Many people are surprised when they learn how truly different SLS 3D printing is from what they thought it was.
As Canada’s first 3D Printing Company since ’96 and SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) specialists for over 20 yrs, we still find it fun to share just how different it really is!
They say a picture says a thousand words, so we figured a quick 1—1/2 minute video would speak volumes!
SLS 3D Printing — In Laymen’s Terms
In a computer software program, we take parts and slice them into layers that are .004” thick (approx. 2 hairs).
The SLS machine is heated up, the building bed drops by .004” (one slice of your parts) and the roller lays out a layer of power material.
Here’s when the term selective laser sintering comes into play — the laser then goes across the building bed area and selectively sinters (flash melts the slice) making the solid areas solid, one slice at a time. Whatever doesn’t get melted remains as a powder and acts as the support structure. ‘SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING’
This process will continue layer by layer until the parts are done.
Once the build is complete and the bed has cooled down, a technician removes the block of powder; digs through to find the solid pieces, then removes and cleans away the loose powder around the parts (just like in the video). The parts are then ready for use or post-colouring.
Parts function like injection molded parts and can be drilled, tapped, machined, snap-sit and assembled. We can also product living-hinges and functioning springs. Short run production parts are our specialty!