Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

This rapid prototyping process enables the rapid creation of functional products from the 3D data of any complex structure or geoemetric shape.

Firstly, with this generative layer construction method, SLI data generated from 3D data is created, which is transferred to the laser sintering machine and controls the laser beam. The lowerable construction platform of the respective machine is then dusted with thermoplastic powder through a coating system (layer thickness approx. 0.1 – 0.15 mm). The applied powder surface is heated to the melting temperature of the respective material.

Loading...

Now the laser beam melts the layer according to the component contours. Once this exposure process has been completed, the building platform is lowered again. The process starts from the beginning with the geometric data of the next layer until the complete component is finally created.

Laser sintered parts can be sealed against most mediums by subsequent infiltration (sealing oil) or with epoxy resin and are increasingly used, among other things, in the aggregate area / engine compartment. The procedure belongs to the 3D printing procedure.

Machines

Highly productive, flexible system for the additive production of small plastic parts.

Quantity

1

Constructed Size

200 mm x 250 mm x 330 mm

Coating Thickness

0,06 – 0,1mm

Highly productive, modular system with the largest construction volume for the additive production of plastic components. Two lasers enable new dimensions as far as productivity and component size are concerned.

Quantity

1

Constructed Size

700 mm x 380 mm x 580 mm

Coating Thickness

0,1 – 0,15mm

System for the additive production of functional prototypes from polymer materials.

Quantity

2

Constructed Size

480mm x 480mm x 740mm

Coating Thickness

0,1mm

System for the additive production of small series parts and functional prototypes from polymer materials.

Quantity

2

Constructed Size

350mm x 350mm x 610mm

Coating Thickness

0,15mm

Highly productive, modular system with the largest construction volume for the additive production of plastic components. Two lasers enable new dimensions as far as productivity and component size are concerned.

Quantity

4

Constructed Size

700 mm x 380 mm x 580 mm

Coating Thickness

0,1 – 0,15mm

Materials

DuraForm EX is a whitish powder based on polyamide 11 that has been optimized for use as a laser sintering material. DuraForm EX is produced from renewable resources (castor oil). It is characterized by extreme flexibility and impact strength.

Properties

  • Extreme flexibility
  • High impact strength
  • Excellent, constant long-term behavior
  • Excellent resistance to chemicals, especially hydrocarbons

Applications

  • Mechanically stressed functional prototypes
  • Temperature-resistant components from – 40 °C to +130 °C

DuraForm Flex is a durable, elastic plastic that can withstand harsh environments such as heat and chemicals. The components can be subsequently infiltrated in various colors.

Properties

  • Rubber-like flexibility and functionality
  • Durable and tearproof
  • Tight closures (pressure resistant)
  • Resistant

Applications

  • Washers
  • Seals
  • Hoses
  • Gaiters
  • Profiles

PA 2241 FR is a polyamide 12 for processing in laser-sintering systems, which is equipped with a halogen-free, chemical flame retardant. In the event of fire, a strongly carbonizing layer forms on the surface which insulates the underlying material.

Properties

  • Halogen-free
  • Higher stiffness than unfilled PA 12

Applications

  • Aviation (e.g. air ducts)
  • Electrical engineering and electronics (e.g. housings for electrical devices)

The whitish fine powder based on polyamide 12 offers a wide range of applications with a very balanced property profile. The laser-sintered components made of PA 2200 have excellent material properties.

Properties

  • High strength and stiffness
  • Good chemical resistance
  • High long-term stability
  • Good definition resolution and detail fidelity
  • Various aftertreatment options (e.g. metallization, stove enamelling, vibratory grinding, dip dyeing, bonding, powder coating, flocking)
  • Biocompatible according to EN ISO 10993-1 and USP/level VI/121 °C
  • Certified for food contact according to the EU Plastics Directive 2002/72/EC (excl. high alcoholic beverages)

Applications

  • Functional components of highest quality
  • Components with high wear resistance
  • Movable component connections (e.g. integral hinges)

The whitish, glass ball filled PA 3200 GF based on polyamide 12 powder, which is characterized by its high stiffness and good elongation at break. Laser-sintered components made of PA 3200 GF have outstanding properties:

Properties

  • High rigidity
  • High mechanical wear resistance
  • High thermal load capacity
  • Very good surface quality
  • High accuracy and detail resolution
  • Good workability
  • Excellent, constant long-term behavior

Applications

  • Sturdy housings
  • Wear/abrasion resistant components
  • Temperature-resistant components
  • Products in the engine sector of vehicles

PEEK HP3 is a high-performance polymer from the group of polyaryletherketones (PAEK) for laser-sintering production. The laser-sintered parts achieve tensile strengths of up to 95 MPa and an E-module of 4400 MPa. These values are up to 100 percent higher than the market-dominating materials PA 12 and PA 11. Depending on the application, the continuous service temperature is between 180 °C (mechanically dynamic), 240 °C (mechanically static) and 260 °C (electrical) – values that have not been achieved to date. PEEK HP3 is characterized by excellent material properties:

Properties

  • Excellent high temperature behavior
  • High wear resistance
  • Excellent chemical resistance
  • Best fire, smoke and toxicity behavior
  • Good hydrolysis resistance
  • Potential biocompatibility
  • Sterilizability

Applications

  • Medicine, motor sports, aerospace
  • Metal replaceable components
  • Fire-resistant components

Rigid is a metallic grey, aluminum/glass filled polyamide powder, which is characterized by high stiffness, metallic appearance and good finishing possibilities. The Rigid components are very well suited for subsequent drilling, milling or grinding. The machining of Rigid laser-sintered parts is simplified by the chip breaking effect of the aluminum filling.

Properties

  • Easy reworking (good machinability and grindability)
  • Good temperature property profile
  • Increased thermal conductivity
  • High rigidity
  • Excellent dimensional accuracy
  • Good postprocessing machinability

Applications

  • Stiff components for automotive applications
  • Tool inserts for injection molding, casting or foaming of small series
  • Temperature-resistant components
  • Gauge/jig construction
  • Display models (metallic optics)

TPU X92A is a urethane-based thermoplastic elastomer. The ideal material for flexible parts that have to withstand high mechanical loads.

Applications

  • Complex, rubber-like elastomer parts such as hoses, sleeves and seals