Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
General Purpose Volume Production & Prototyping
Functional Parts
Parts built in 2-5 Business Days
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is an additive manufacturing process that uses powdered thermoplastic polymers. Layers are fused together using a laser that selectively sinters the particles of the powder and binds it together to create a solid structure. SLS offers fantastic throughput with its unique ability to nest thousands of parts within the boundaries of the machine.
Parts produced using SLS provide a uniform finish with excellent mechanical properties and abrasion resistance, making it suitable substitute for injection molding as well as functional prototyping alike. Bio compatibility certifications fulfill requirements for end-use-applications in medical products.
Materials | Selective Laser Sintering
Nylon PA 12 (PA2200)
Tough & Durable parts for Prototyping & Production
Nylon PA12 (PA 2200) is a highly functional polyamide material that provides a consistent surface finish, excellent resolution and feature detail. PA 2200 is ideal for both functional prototyping as well as end use applications that require complex thin wall parts, chemical resistance, snap fits and/or low vibration resistance. PA 2200 is biocompatbile according to EN ISO 10993-1 and USP/Level VI/121 °C
|
MEASUREMENT |
VALUE |
STANDARD |
|
Tensile Strength, Yield |
50 MPa |
ISO 527 |
|
Tensile Modulus |
1,700 MPa |
ISO 527 |
|
Elongation at Break |
24 % |
ASTM D638 |
|
Flexural Strength |
58 MPa |
ISO 178 |
|
Flexural Modulus |
1,500 MPa |
ISO 178 |
|
Izod Impact Strength |
32 kJ/m² |
ISO 180 |
|
Izod Notched Impact |
4.4 kJ/m² |
ISO 180 |
|
Shore D Hardness |
75 |
ISO 868 |
|
Heat Deflection Temperature |
175°C @ 0.45 MPa |
ASTM D648 |
Black Nylon PA 12
Duraform GF (Glass Filled Nylon)Advantages of Powder Bed Fusion
Durable
Create functional parts with consistent durability that are capable of being used in end-use, low-volume production at competitive prices.
Production Quantities
The scability of SLS allows small production runs of end use parts with material properties similar to injection molded parts.
Accurate
Ideal for thin wall parts, SLS is uniquely capable of replicating small features with crisp details and a consistent surface finish.
Large Builds
Produce parts with build volumes up to 22″ x 22″ x 30″ to produce large, complex parts in a single build.
Design Guidelines | Powder Bed Fusion
Minimum Wall Thickness:
1 mm
Engraved Details
Thickness & depth of at least 0.8 mm
Embossed Details
Thickness & depth of at least 0.7 mm
Clearance
0.5 mm
Minimum Hole Size
1.5 mm or 3 mm for internal chanels
Layer Height
60 μm- 100 μm
Maximum Build Size
200 x 250 x 330 mm (8 x 10 x 13 in.)
Tolerances
±0.25%, with a lower limit of ±0.25 mm.
Surface Finish
Parts are sandblasted and have a uniform grainy matte texture
Warping & Deformities
Avoid large flat planes which are likely to cause warping.
Case Studies | Powder Bed Fusion
Covid-19 Response
Forge Labs is proud to support the COVID relief efforts, and offers multiple materials suitable for medical-end use applications. The tables below summarize some of the current efforts, applications & materials we are currently providing. This page is routinely being updated as we continue to investigate more applications.
