Rapid Prototyping refers to the creation of quick representations of
final products from an initial idea and taking it through successive
iterations until the final form is developed without tooling or molds.
Selective Laser
Sintering (SLS) is one of the most popular Rapid Prototyping mechanisms
in which a laser beam selectively fuses or sinters powder materials,
nylon, elastomer etc. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) can provide your
manufacturing business with a leading edge by producing rapid plastic
or metal prototypes that closely match their molded counterparts.
SLA vs SLS
The primary advantage of Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) over
Stereolithography is that it builds prototypes in nylon material. It is
possible to make structurally functional parts such as living hinges,
functioning springs, snap fit components with nylon material using
Selective Laser Sintering. The process in itself is very simple and
there is no molds or tooling involved. The nylon material used in SLS
can be easily machined, drilled and tapped unlike those used in SLA,
which are brittle as they are built with liquid photopolymers and cured
with UV light. They continue to cure once complete and as a result
become more brittle as time goes on.
Since being patented by Dr. Carl Deckard in 1989, the Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) technology
has become one of the most popularly utilized processes for rapid
prototyping and product development in manufacturing industries.
Selective Laser Sintering has become a very reliable and trusted form
of rapid prototyping due to its structural properties. Selective Laser
Sintering (SLS) is particularly useful when the design is complex,
customized, needs to be functional or requires short run production.
PROCESS
In the Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) process, 3D parts are created
when an infrared laser beam sinters and fuses powdered materials. The
final object is created by repeatedly fusing thin layers using the
laser beam. This process also known as additive manufacturing producing
parts that gradually increase in size until they reach the prescribed
size. These prototypes are created directly from the STL file obtained
from 3D CAD models.
The most beneficial characteristic of Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
is how durable and functional the materials are. These materials
include versions of the original DuraForm and DuraForm glass-filled
(GF), which are nylon-based materials that create highly durable and
functional plastic prototypes. Other Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
materials available are Flex Plastic for elastomeric, rubber-like
parts, and LaserForm, which makes metal prototypes.
ADVANTAGES
Research and development has been progressing to bring newer selective
laser sintering (SLS) materials to the market. These materials are such
that they require no post processing steps whatsoever after building
and this offers a distinct advantage over stereolithography (SLA). This
however does not mean that these materials cannot be processed. All of
the selective laser sintering (SLS) materials can be finished in
multiple ways. They can be painted, plated, drilled, tapped, or even
machined. This allows for a higher grade of appearance to these parts
thus giving users an unlimited potential to use them.
Annette Kalbhenn is Business Development Manager at a Rapid Prototyping service bureau. For more info on how you can benefit from Rapid Prototyping check out http://www.3dPrototype.com
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