Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

Selective Laser Sintering is a rapid prototyping technology with which you can create durable, metal, plastic, or rubber-like parts directly from any 3-D CAD model in as little as one day.

The data from a 3D CAD file is entered into the Sinterstation.   A precise, thin layer of heat fusible powder is deposited across the build platform.   A computer controlled carbon dioxide laser scans a cross section of the 3D solid model (described in the CAD file). As the laser draws the cross section, the powder contacted by the laser is fused together, without actually melting the powder, forming a thin layer (typical 0.004").   A new layer of powder is deposited and the process of laser sintering and spreading powder is repeated until the 3D object is complete.