SLS Printing Services

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is a 3D Printing technology that is ideal for producing industrial strength parts on demand.

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What is SLS printing?

SLS which stands for Selective Laser Sintering, is the process of compacting and forming a solid mass of material by heat and/or pressure without melting it to the point of liquefaction.

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Malcolm Nicholls Ltd and SLS 3D Printing

The use of 3D Printing via SLS allows MNL to automatically build functional parts, casting patterns and tooling inserts from your 3D CAD data. SLS or Selective Laser Sintering directly produces end-use plastic or metal parts, tooling inserts, or casting patterns from your 3D CAD data files. Eliminate the need for machining, tooling, casting or other secondary processes — saving you time and money.

“SLS Rapid Prototyping for functional high-strength components – without the need for tooling”

How does SLS printing work?

When using a SLS 3D printer, a thin layer of material powder is applied on top of the building platform, which is inside a hot chamber with the temperature just under the material’s sintering point. A powerful laser beam “draws” a 2D section of your part on the material surface then with an increase in the temperature above the sintering temperature, the laser sinters the powder particles together, and where necessary to the layer beneath too.

With new layers being deposited on top of the first one and the process repeating itself until the very last 2D section of the part is produced. The last step is taking the part out that is now buried within the unsintered powder, we then de-cake the part (removing all of the powder) and take it to our workshop for any additional client finishing requirements.

SLS 3D Printing Applications

Nylon / Glass Filled Nylon
Test your first rapid prototype without the fear of breakage
Acts like moulded components, strong and durable
Excellent for fit and function. Ideal for clip features, hinges and snap-fit connections
Build more complex structures than SLA as no supports are required

High chemical resistance. High-Temperature resistance
Durable patterns for sand casting
The superior surface, straight from the machine
For a detailed material datasheet download here
Foundry Patterns

The benefits of SLS Rapid Prototyping

With SLS rapid prototyping, we can create highly accurate and robust SLS models, quickly and efficiently. Some benefits of SLS printing include:

Built from successive layers, SLS rapid prototype parts are laser fused to produce a 3D product with an exceptional range of properties
High strength and rigidity
Excellent mechanical properties
Functional, high-quality plastic parts
Stable over long periods of time
Moveable parts abrasion resistance

High resolution and selectivity
High chemical resistance
Food contact compliant
Medical application appropriate
Please get in touch for details of compliance with regulatory requirements.
Support systems not required

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) Materials

If you are looking for a reliable SLS powder printing company that use the highest quality materials, look no further than Malcolm Nicholls Ltd. At MNL we use PA 2200 (base PA12) material for our SLS Prototyped parts as well as a wide variety of other materials – PA2200 is the most popular option however you can contact us to discuss our other materials for your project.

What is PA2200 SLS?

PA2200 is a fine, white powder with a well-balanced property profile which makes it an ideal choice for a wide variety of applications. Laser-sintered parts using PA 2200 possess excellent material properties including:

Long-term stability along with high strength and stiffness
Fully functional, high-quality plastic parts
Excellent mechanical properties make it an ideal substitute for common injection moulding plastics
Ideal for parts with movable components due to its high abrasion resistance
Biocompatible according to EN ISO 10993-1 and USP/level VI/121 °c, allowing its use in medical applications e.g. for prostheses
Approved for food contact in compliance with the EU plastics directive 2002/72/EC (exception: foodstuffs with high alcohol content)
Good chemical resistance
Ecological valuation – US Pharmacopeia Class VI Approved

Why choose MNL’s SLS printing service?

If you’re looking for high quality SLS printing services, MNL is the perfect choice. We use the latest technology and equipment to produce stunning results that meet your specific needs and requirements.

To find out more about our Selective Laser Sintering printing service, contact us today and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you have and provide you with a free quote.