SLS (Selective Laser Sintering)
An industrial technology that uses a laser to sinter polymer powder. It needs no support structures and allows very complex geometries.
How it works
1. Inerting
The print chamber is filled with an inert gas (most often nitrogen) to prevent oxidation and degradation of the polymer powder.
2. Temperature conditioning
The powder in the build bed is heated to a temperature just below the polymer's melting point, to minimize thermal shock and warping.
3. Sintering
A CO2 or fiber laser is directed via galvanometric mirrors to selectively melt the powder particles, fusing them into a solid layer with no need for supports.
4. Powder spreading
The build platform lowers, and a dispenser (recoater) / roller spreads a new precise micro-layer of unmelted powder over the previous one.
5. Cooling and depowdering
After printing is finished, the entire block of powder (cake) cools slowly. The parts are then dug out and cleaned by sandblasting.
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