SLS 3D Printing
Complexity of Geometry
High
Experience Level
Moderate
SLS 3D printers work by using a high-powered laser to solidify tiny particles of polymer powder through a sintering process. The Formlabs Fuse Series are industrial SLS with a simplified workflow and compact benchtop format, which deliver high-quality parts at a lower-cost than traditional systems. Formlabs have made SLS technology manageable, affordable and easy to use.
SLS 3D printing works by fusing a layer of powder at a time, with the part being supported by the unfused material allowing complex designs with features that interconnect. Formlabs Surface Armor technology (patent-pending) is a semi-sintered shell that surrounds each part to improve the surface quality and mechanical properties at the same time.
What can SLS print?
Why choose Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
No supports needed
SLS parts are supported by the powder as they print, so no supports are needed.
Excellent mechanical properties
Nylon 12, Nylon 12 GF, Nylon 11 and Nylon 11 CF (Fuse 1+ 30W) powders print long-lasting, durable parts
High throughput
Remove build chamber to cool and start printing again with your 2nd build chamber for 24/7 throughput
High-speed
Prototypes and end-use parts ready to use in under 24 hours
Powder recovery
Fuse Sift makes powder recovery safe and efficient - all-in-one unit extracts, recovers, stores and mixes - maximum recycling.
Printing Examples
SLS Printers
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FAQ’S
Commonly asked questions about Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
It will not be possible to print with non-Formlabs powders on the Fuse 1, and there will be no Open Mode on the Fuse 1. Formlabs will be developing a range of materials to broaden the capabilities of the Fuse 1 platform.
Formlabs put extensive work and engineering into a unique printer with unique powder to achieve industrial part quality from the start at a fraction of the cost of competitor machines. Using Formlabs own powder with the Fuse 1 ensures a smooth workflow that has been heavily validated across hardware, software, and materials. No adjusting is necessary.
The Fuse 1 ecosystem includes a complete post-processing station called the Fuse Sift, which combines part extraction, powder recovery, storage, and mixing in a single free-standing device.
Formlabs recommends the use of additional post-processing steps to eliminate graininess on the parts and improve surface finish. A media blasting cabinet, which uses compressed air and an abrasive media like silicon carbide, is highly recommended. Contact us for our recommendation of what our engineers use here in our workshop.
In general, Nylon 12 Powder is a sturdy, robust, durable material. Nylon 12 parts printed on the Fuse 1 are an actual thermoplastic that is suitable for functional, end-use parts. Parts printed with our Nylon 12 Powder absorb very little moisture and do not experience shape or mechanical property changes as you might experience with common nylons such as nylon 6 or nylon 6,6.
If you are already a Formlabs stereolithography (SLA) Printer user, you can expect Fuse 1 prints to be longer lasting and more stable. Compared to stereolithography materials, Nylon 12 prints offer a longer lifetime, better creep performance, and better wear, chemical, and UV resistance