Selective Laser Sintering (SLS®) is an additive rapid manufacturing
process that builds three-dimensional parts by using a laser to selectively
sinter (heat and fuse) a powdered material. The process begins
with a 3D CAD file, which is mathematically sliced into 2D cross sections.
The part is built a layer at a time until completed.
Parts can be created from a range of powder materials, including polymers
(nylon or nylon with fillers such as glass or carbon to enhance
physical properties), and metals (steel, titanium, alloy mixtures, and
composites). Depending on the material, up to 100% density can be
achieved with material properties comparable to those found with traditional
manufacturing methods.
While SLS production began as a way to build prototype parts early in
the design cycle, it is now being used to manufacture end-use parts.
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