SLS 3D Printing
Complex geometries and interlocking assemblies without support structures. Upload your model for a quote.
Request a QuoteWhat is SLS 3D Printing?
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) uses a high-power laser to fuse PA12 nylon powder particles layer by layer. Because the surrounding unsintered powder supports the part during printing, SLS can produce complex geometries, internal channels, lattice structures, and interlocking assemblies that are impossible with FDM or mSLA. There are no support structures to remove, which eliminates post-processing marks and enables nesting of multiple parts in a single build for efficient batch production. Design for SLS with a minimum wall thickness of 0.8 mm (1.0 mm recommended for structural walls), include escape holes of at least 3.5 mm diameter in enclosed cavities so trapped powder can be removed, and keep clearances of 0.5 mm or more between moving parts in interlocking assemblies.
PA12 nylon delivers tensile strength of approximately 48 MPa, elongation at break around 18%, heat deflection temperature up to 175 °C (at 0.45 MPa), and strong chemical resistance to oils, greases, hydrocarbons, and most solvents. Parts exhibit isotropic mechanical behavior, meaning strength is consistent regardless of print orientation, unlike the layer-dependent anisotropy of FDM. The natural finish is a slightly textured matte surface that can be dyed in a range of colors, vapor-smoothed for a semi-gloss appearance, or coated and painted for production-quality aesthetics. Choose SLS over FDM when your design requires complex internal geometry, self-supporting structures, isotropic strength, or batch quantities where nesting parts in the powder bed reduces per-unit cost.
| Build Volume | 220 × 220 × 330 mm |
| Layer Height | 0.10–0.12 mm |
| Dimensional Tolerance | ±0.10 mm |
| Available Materials | 1 |
Available Materials
Ideal Use Cases
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How to Order
Upload Your File
Upload your STL or STEP file. We analyze geometry and check for trapped powder volumes.
Engineering Review
Our team reviews your design for manufacturability and recommends optimal orientation.
We Print & Ship
Parts are sintered, depowdered, and finished before shipping across Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does SLS not need support structures?
The unsintered powder surrounding each layer acts as a natural support, allowing complete design freedom including overhangs, internal voids, and interlocking assemblies. This eliminates the support removal step entirely, reduces post-processing time, and avoids the surface marks that support structures leave on FDM and mSLA parts.
What is the minimum wall thickness for SLS?
We recommend 0.8 mm minimum wall thickness for general features and 1.0 mm for structural walls under load. Thin walls down to 0.6 mm are technically possible but may warp during the cooling phase due to differential crystallization shrinkage. For enclosed cavities, include escape holes of at least 3.5 mm diameter so trapped powder can be removed during depowdering.
Can SLS parts be dyed or painted?
Yes. PA12 accepts industrial dyes in black, blue, red, and other colors for a uniform tinted finish that penetrates the surface. Parts can also be vapor-smoothed for a semi-gloss appearance, or primed and spray-painted for custom RAL colors and brand-matched finishes. Bead blasting produces a clean, uniform matte texture.
Is SLS suitable for food contact?
Raw PA12 is not food-safe due to its porous surface, but parts can be sealed with food-grade coatings for indirect food contact applications such as packaging fixtures, sorting trays, and dispensing mechanisms. For direct food contact, consult us about certified coating options.
How long does delivery take?
SLS orders include an engineering review for manufacturability. Typical lead time is 5–8 business days from design approval. For urgent projects, express prioritization is available. Large batch orders may require additional build cycles; contact us for a detailed production schedule.
Ready to Print?
Upload your 3D model for an engineering review and quote.
Request a Quote