Custom Nylon12 Nylon11 Rapid prototype SLS printed

In this process, lasers are used to plastic powders and create solid 3D structures. The best feature of this process is that different kinds of objects having different characteristics can be produced. It is slightly affordable and feasible for small scale businesses as it has a large range of material options. It is also suitable for visual models and prototypes. Its process also has some cons such as is slow speed Lack of structural properties in materials, size restrictions, high power usage.

Advantages of SLS Printing
SLS 3D Printing is a popular technology in several industries based on its advantages. Below are a few advantages of the process.
No Need for Support Structures  
SLS doesn’t require specialized support structures, unlike other additive manufacturing processes, e.g., Stereolithography (SLA) and Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). This is because of the unsintered powder that is present during printing.
Ability to Make Complex Designs
Due to the support structure, SLS 3D printing is suitable for making highly complex designs. With the technology, designers can explore and unleash different possibilities for design not possible with the traditional process. Another unique SLS advantage design-wise is that the designer can consolidate complex assemblies requiring multiple parts into one.
High Productivity
SLS 3D printing is one of the fastest additive manufacturing technology without a loss in the functionality of the finished part. Compared to layer deposition methods such as FDM, the process is also very accurate.
Productivity is high due to the maximization of the 3D printer’s build space which allows it to work with multiple parts. This will also post-processing time.
Competitive Cost Per Part
The cost per part of using a process is only possible after accounting for equipment ownership, material, and labor costs. SLS 3D printing have a lesser cost per part due to the following
Easy Modification of Design
SLS printing allows easy modification of design. Therefore, designers can make prototypes and end-use parts using the same machine and materials. This ease of modification ensures lesser cost and time consumption, unlike the traditional processes
Materials of Selective Laser Sintering

SLS materials are always powdered form, and they include plastic polymers, ceramic, and glass. Of the many materials, polyamides/nylons are the most common due to their ideal sintering behavior and mechanical properties (e.g., durability, environmental stability, and impact resistance). Many variants are used in SLS printing, each suitable for different industries. Below are variants you can apply to your project.
Nylon 11
Nylon 11 is made from castor oil. It has higher ductility, flexibility, strength, impact resistance, chemical resistance, low absorption, and wear and tear. Consequently, it is ideal for making parts that require a living hinge, e.g., jigs and fixtures, snaps, clips, and hinges.
Nylon 12
Nylon 12 is the more common SLS 3D printing material known for its versatility, high impact and temperature resistance, durability, and stability under various environmental conditions. It also has great details and dimensional accuracy making it the right material in high-performance prototyping. It is also stiff and tough but is slightly rougher than other nylons and is applicable in making permanent jigs, fixtures, and tooling.
Nylon 12 GF
Nylon 12 GF is a glass-filled composite SLS 3D printing material. It has excellent mechanical stiffness, superior dimensional stability, thermal stability, and a nice surface finish making it suitable for several industrial environments.
Aluminum-Filled Nylon
Aluminum Filled Nylon is suitable for parts with a high metallic shine. Due to the aluminum part, it is stiff and has high thermal conductivity. However, it is not electrically conductive. The material is suitable for rapid tooling and fixtures.
Carbon-Fiber Filled Nylon (PA-FR)
Carbon-Fiber-Filled nylon is a material known for its stiffness and low weight. It is suitable for making products applicable in high elevated temperatures or high-performance situations. These include making sports equipment, rapid tooling, drones, and racing

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