Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is capable of building complex polymer parts with high accuracy. It’s a popular 3D printing process for prototyping and end-use parts.
The main advantages of this technology are that it doesn’t require additional tooling, is not susceptible to tooling wear, and is cost-effective.
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is a powder-based technology, like Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF). However, instead of metal, plastic materials build the basis to create parts. SLS uses a powder bed to create highly accurate parts layer by layer based on a 3D model.
During the process, the powder is heated just below its melting temperature. The laser’s thermal energy delivers the residual energy to melt the part.
SLS is a popular additive manufacturing technology for producing plastic parts on the MakerVerse platform – particularly for rapid prototypes and end-use applications.
SLS is the go-to technology when the printed parts require good mechanical properties or must be produced very efficiently (common applications include jigs & fixtures, replacement parts, and more).
SLS materials are suited for a wide range of use cases. Aluminum and glass-filled PA 12 offers high levels of strength. Other materials are biocompatible and suited for medical use.
SLS is also capable of printing flame-retardant parts. Parts made with these materials meet the high certification standards for specific industries, such as aerospace, rail, and electronics.
MakerVerse gives you the flexibility to source parts however you need. Get instant quotes and quickly order parts with on-demand manufacturing. Our team of experts will work with you for large or complex orders to develop, align, and supervise a manufacturing quality plan from start to finish.
In the smoothing process, the plastic component is reworked by a chemical reaction. The top layer of the component is dissolved in a solution bath, resulting in a very smooth surface.
Additional color is applied using a professional spray system. Accurate cleaning and a clear coat are applied beforehand to ensure high surface quality.
Parts are processed with grinding media in a container where they are deburred, finely ground, and polished through vibration or rotation.
The plastic component is immersed in a dye bath. A chemical reaction allows the color to penetrate into the material for a uniform finish.
An aqueous solution is applied or the part is dipped to close the outer surface and fill small pores, improving surface integrity.
An abrasive medium is applied under high pressure. Different media allow both functional surface roughness control and improved visual appearance.
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PA 11 
PA 12 PA 12 Glass filled (GF) PA 12 Al-filled PA 12 Flame Retardant (FR) PA 11 PA 12 PA 12 Glass filled (GF) PA 12 Al-filled PA 12 Flame Retardant (FR) 
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Best practices for metal 3D printing: optimize materials, design, and post-processing for precision and efficiency.
Compare CNC and metal 3D printing costs side by side with MakerVerse’s instant quoting tools.
Designing MJF parts is only step one. Focus on post-processing essentials for better results and faster lead times.