The Impact of SLS on the Rapid Prototyping Industry
3D printing is not a mere concept but a reality that has revolutionized the manufacturing sector. No longer do we rely on hard tooling for the production of parts and prototypes. Speaking of prototypes, selective laser sintering, or SLS, is the most widely employed technology for printing prototypes, apart from stereolithography (SLA).
SLS rapid prototyping has enabled engineers, designers, and conceptualists to create functional prototypes of various design concepts. It means you can easily bring your concept into a tangible product! Not only do SLS rapid prototyping services save time, it is cost-effective as well. Alongside this, it creates the most functional prototypes suitable for end use.
Today, we will discuss the impact of SLS on the rapid prototyping industry, but let us have a brief overview of the process.
How does SLS Work?
The selective laser sintering process is a form of additive manufacturing technology where layers of powdered material are sintered using a laser beam. Let us understand it in detail.
A thin layer of thermoplastic material is evenly distributed on the build platform. A layer beam then sinters or melts the desired areas, which fuse to form the structure. The laser moves across the build platform as per the CAD file. When you complete a layer, the build platform descends, and the process repeats. As the structure cures, it is taken out of the printer, and excess material is removed. Sometimes, you may require post-processing as the product finish demands.
The most commonly used material for SLS rapid prototyping is nylon. It possesses immense mechanical strength along with being light and water-resistant. So, you get highly functional prototypes at low production cost.
What are the Various Uses of SLS?
SLS printing is employed across multiple industries. These include:
i. Prototype Complex Geometries- By using CAD files to produce complex geometries, SLS is widely preferred for rapid prototyping. It can create prototypes of any shapes and sizes. The process is fast since there is no need for support structures.
ii. Aerospace- The need for high-quality and lightweight functional parts is an exclusive requirement of the aerospace industry. Nonetheless, today, its soaring demand has escalated the implantation of SLS rapid prototyping. Durable, consistent, and precise, makes SLS the most reliable prototyping technique.
iii. Medical Industry- From dental fixtures to surgical implants, there is no better option than SLS 3D printing. Water-resistant and high-end mechanical properties of the prototypes make them ideal for medical parts and products.
Conclusion
The extensive variety of raw materials used in the selective laser sintering process, the low cost of production, and the prompt delivery of services account for its popularity as a rapid prototyping process. We are sure to witness more of it in the following times.