SLS 3D Printing Service UK | High-Strength Nylon Parts & Low Volume Production

The UK Pioneer in Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) for Functional, End-Use Nylon Components.

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Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is the premier Additive Manufacturing technology for producing industrial-strength, durable, and complex parts on demand.

As a UK pioneer in SLS technology and the first to introduce a superior-finish SLS Nylon, Malcolm Nicholls Ltd (MNL) combines high-end machine output with over 50 years of finishing and model-making expertise to deliver unparalleled part quality.

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What is SLS Printing & Why Choose MNL?

SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) is a powder bed fusion process that uses a powerful laser to sinter (fuse) polymer powder particles together, layer-by-layer, creating robust, isotropic parts. The surrounding powder acts as built-in support, giving designers complete geometric freedom to create internal features, complex assemblies, and thin-walled structures.

MNL’s SLS Advantage:

UK Pioneer Heritage: Unmatched expertise, as we were the first in the UK to introduce superior-finish SLS Nylon.
Full-Service Integration: Seamless transition from SLS parts to our in-house, expert Finishing & Model Making departments.
Production Alternative: A viable, cost-effective alternative to traditional injection moulding for low-volume manufacturing and production runs.

SLS Materials & Technical Data (Industrial Grade)

Malcolm Nicholls Ltd delivers industrial-grade Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) parts by adhering to the highest global quality standards. Our process guarantees access to certified polymers and superior machine output, backed by decades of prototyping expertise.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	MNL Industrial Data (PA 2200 / PA12)
Material	PA 2200 (Base PA12 Nylon) – Certified Polymer
Tolerance	$\pm 0.3\text{mm}$ (min) / + $\pm 0.3\%$ over $100\text{mm}$
Max Build Size	Up to $700 \times 380 \times 580\text{mm}$
Lead Times	From 2 working days
Layer Height	$\sim 100\text{ microns}$ ( $0.1\text{mm}$ )

Extended SLS Material Selection

We offer a comprehensive SLS material selection, ensuring the right thermoplastic for your exact application requirements:

Standard & High Performance: PA 2200 (PA12 Nylon), PA 3200 GF (Glass-Filled), PA 11.
Specialised: Flame Retardant (PA 2210 FR & PA 2241 FR), PA 603-CF (Carbon Fiber), PA 12 Aluminium (Alumide).
Regulatory Compliant: PA 12 for Food Contact and specialised TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) for flexible components.

Design Guidelines (SLS)

To achieve the best quality and cost efficiency, please use these minimum design rules, established over decades of experience in SLS manufacturing:

Feature	Recommended Minimum Size (PA 2200 / PA12)
Supported Walls	$0.6\text{ mm}$
Unsupported Walls	$1\text{ mm}$
Embossed & Engraved Details	$1\text{ mm}$ (width & height)
Holes (Diameter)	$> \text{Ø}1.5\text{ mm}$
Minimum Features	$0.5\text{ mm}$
Gap for Moving Parts	$> 0.3\text{ mm}$

SLS Applications and Use

SLS is the most versatile Additive Manufacturing solution, suited for projects ranging from rapid prototyping to full production runs.

Functional Prototyping: Test fit, form, and function with durable, high-strength parts that behave like moulded components. Ideal for clip features, hinges, and snap-fit connections.
Low Volume Production: Cost-effectively produce 1 to 1,000s of end-use parts, eliminating the cost and time of traditional tooling for faster market entry.
Tooling & Patterns: Durable patterns for sand casting, jigs, fixtures, and tooling inserts due to the material’s high temperature and chemical resistance.
Complex Geometries: Build intricate internal structures and consolidate complex assemblies into a single, strong component with complete design freedom.

The MNL Finishing Advantage

Our integrated post-processing elevates your SLS parts beyond standard 3D prints. Every project benefits from our over 50 years of expertise in model-making and finishing.

Where many bureaus stop, MNL excels. Our full-service integration ensures your parts look and function better than standard production pieces.

Advanced Treatments Include:

Vapour Smoothing: Smooths and seals the surface, enhancing impact resistance and fatigue strength. Max capacity $385 \times 585 \times 385\text{ mm}$
Aesthetic Finishing: Professional painting, custom colour matching, lacquering, and clear coating.
Surface Treatments: Vibro polishing (removes grain for a satin finish), Black/Colour Dyeing (deep penetration for increased resistance).
Hardware Integration: Threaded and non-threaded inserts for fully functional end-use assembly.