| Image 1 |
|
|
| Image 2 |
|
|
| Links |
|
|
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) starts with a thin, evenly-distributed layer of powder. A laser is then used to sinter only the powder that is inside a cross-section of the part. The energy added by the laser heats the powder into a glass-like state and individual particles coalesce into a solid. Once the laser has scanned the entire cross-section, another layer of powder is layed on top and the whole process is repeated.
What is SLS good for?
Because SLS has the sintering material supporting the object, we don't have to make any supports for the object. SLS is better than fused deposition (FDM) and stereolithography (SLA) for this reason. The passive support also makes it easier to build more complex objects. The lack of supporting structures also reduces the material cost.
What is SLS not good for?
SLS is not good for prototypes that are bigger than the sintering bed. Also, the material used in the SLS station (metal, ceramic,etc ) may impose a restriction. If a part needs to be strong (load bearing piece, etc.) it should not be made using SLS because the sintered material may not be as strong as needed.
How is the part made?
First, the CAD drawing from IronCad needs to obtained. Then it needs to be converted into an STL file with by setting the Facet Surface Smoothing to 150. Finally, we need to send the STL file to the workstation at the SLS machine. (University of Texas at Austin). NOTE: DTM Corporation, the company that makes the Sinterstation 2500 is also located in Austin, Texas.
What materials does SLS use?
- Nylon (Duraform Polyamide)
- Polycarbonated Rubber
- Metal (Laserform and Copper Polyamide)
- Ceramic (must be fired afterwards)
- Calcium hydroxyapatite (for biomedical applications)
How much do the parts cost?
The cost (from a UK company) is about $72 dollars per build hour. However, the price may vary depending on materials. The University of Texas provides SLS production services. We did not get a response from a representative at the time of writing this document. The cost of the Sinterstation is very expensive and owners are usually open to making parts for people at a price.
How quickly can parts be made?
Production times are similar to FDM and SLS (a few minutes to hours). One of the device shafts would take about an hour to make. Since we did not get an official time from the SLS people, the British company assures a delivery of parts within a three or four days for shipping.
Links to SLS siteshttp://lff.me.utexas.edu/sls.html
http://www.pidc.co.uk/content/prototyping/sls/
http://www.acceltechinc.com/sls.html
http://www.deltelweb.com/deltel/sls.htm
