Selective Laser Sintering

Selective laser sintering is one of the techniques used for rapid prototyping. It can help in the production of cost-effective, fast and extremely accurate aesthetic models, functional prototypes and low volume production components. Selective laser sintering also negates the need for conventional tooling as the prototypes are built directly from 3D CAD data.

The Selective laser sintering stations use a plastic powder to make the prototype parts. This powder is melted, layer by layer, by a computer-directed heat laser. Additional powder is deposited on top of each solidified layer and again sintered. Selective laser sintering allows for great diversity in material selection, including nylon, glass-filled nylon, SOMOS (rubber-like) and Truform (investment casting). Also available is a new polyamide nylon material called Duraform and copper Duraform for direct tooling. Selective laser sintering provides the most functional rapid prototype available.

Selective laser sintering is fast becoming a popular choice because it has some great benefits. Prototypes created using this technology have good surface finish and feature detail. They have tight dimensional tolerances all the way down to thousands of an inch. Selective laser sintering gives the capability of flexible snaps and living hinges as well as high stress and heat tolerance.

JH May also uses the selective laser sintering technology for its rapid prototyping process. If you have any queries, please do call us at 01277 365500. We’ll do our level best to help you out.