The Evolution of SLS 3D Printing

At present, Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is one of the widely used 3D printing technologies. Enterprises from various sectors use SLS 3D printing technology to produce parts and prototypes with superior strength, stiffness, resolution, and mechanic properties. Also, they have the option to choose from a variety of powdered materials according to precise project needs.

A market analysis report published by Grand View Report suggests a steady increase in the shipment of SLS 3D printers. However, SLS, like other popular 3D printing technologies, has been evolving consistently. We can understand and analyze the evolution of SLS 3D printing based on the technology’s history, materials, use cases, and popularity.

As a Patented 3D Printing Technology

SLS 3D printing technology was developed with the aim to replace liquid materials with powdered materials. Dr. Carl Deckarddeveloped the technology at the University of Texas. He patented the technology in 1988. In 2006, a startup company founded by Dr. Deckard and his academic adviser Dr. Joe Beaman started building and shipping SLS 3D printers commercially. The patent related to SLS 3D printing technology expired in 2014.

As a Non-Patented 3D Printing Technology

SLS became an open-source 3D printing technology after the expiration of the recent patent. Also, the expiration of the recent patent creates opportunities for many companies to build and ship low-cost and compact SLS machines. Many hardware manufacturers these days leverage OpenSLS as an open-source and low-cost platform to build multiple variants of SLS 3D printers. Hence, enterprises and individuals these days have the option to choose from many compact and large SLS 3D printers.

As a Widely Used Industrial 3D Printing Technology

While creating parts and prototypes for industrial projects, many enterprises these days prefer SLS to other widely-used 3D printing technology. Engineers find it easier to produce parts with enhanced strength, dimensional accuracy, and resolution using SLS 3D printers. Also, they love the option to choose from a wide range of powdered materials and filaments according to precise project needs while using SLS 3D printers.

That is why; SLS 3D printing is used widely by enterprises to produce strong and stiff parts with fantastic mechanical properties. The absence of a support structure speeds up the printing process by eliminating many post-processing activities. Also, engineers can leverage the no need for support to produce robust and detailed parts in a short amount of time. SLS 3D printing further curtails overall 3D printing costs by facilitating material recycling and reducing material wastage.

A Wide Range of SLS Materials and Filaments

Unlike other 3D printing technologies, SLS forms parts and prototypes by sintering small particles of powdered materials using a high-power laser. The industrial SLS 3D printers initially produced objects using nylon. Nylon is one of the widely-used engineering thermoplastics. In addition to being strong, durable, and lightweight, nylon facilitates the printing of items that can resist the impact of heat, chemicals, water, dirt, and UV ray.

That is why; engineers still opt for nylon while creating parts and prototypes using SLS 3D printers. But manufacturers have been developing and launching new SLS 3D printing materials regularly. Engineers, at present, have the option to choose from a wide range of nylon-based composite materials and high-performance materials. For instance, they can boost the quality of printed parts or prototypes using composite materials formed by mixing nylon with aluminum, carbon fiber, and glass fiber.

The composition enables them to enhance the thermal and mechanical properties of the material. At the same time, engineers can also choose from a slew of high-performance materials – PEEK, PEKK, flexible TPUs, anti-static polymers, and flame-retardant polymers. The emergence of innovative and superior materials contributes hugely toward making SLS a widely-used industrial additive manufacturing technology.

Common and Innovative Applications

Based on the precise needs of a part or prototype, engineers have the option to choose from a wide range of SLS 3D printing machines and materials. Hence, enterprises from various sectors create new use cases of SLS 3D printing regularly. We can summarize the evolution of SLS 3D printing based on some use cases or applications.

Complex Parts Manufacturing

Engineers these days design parts with intricate designs and complex geometries digitally. SLS 3D printing technology makes it easier for engineers to convert digital designs into solid parts or prototypes. Also, engineers can leverage SLS 3D printing to boost a product or process through part consolidation.

Low Volume Production

As mentioned earlier, SLS is a fast and cost-efficient 3D printing technology. It reduces overall printing costs by reducing material wastage. Likewise, it speeds up the printing process by eliminating support structures. Hence, it becomes easier for enterprises to facilitate low-volume productions of parts, tools, and fixtures.

Mass Customization

Manufacturing companies use SLS 3D printers for both small-batch manufacturing and end-use production. The technology further makes it easier for them to customize consumer products on a mass scale without escalating costs. The engineers can perform mass customization of products simply by making relevant changes to the digital 3D model.

Rapid Prototyping

While evaluating an idea or concept, engineers need to fabricate a physical part or model rapidly and repeatedly. SLS 3D printers help engineers to produce prototypes rapidly. The engineers can further refine the prototype by making changes to the digital 3D model or experimenting with new materials.

Material Experimentation

The new-generation SLS 3D printers create opportunities for engineers to experiment with a variety of powdered materials. In addition to using composite materials, engineers can choose materials with superior thermal and mechanical properties. Hence, they can produce innovative parts according to changing project needs.

Conclusion

At present, SLS is a widely used industrial 3D printing technology. But SLS is one of the additive manufacturing technologies that have been evolving consistently. Both individuals and enterprises these days have the option to choose from a wide range of SLS 3D printers and printing materials. The ongoing advancements contribute immensely towards boosting the adoption and popularity of SLS 3D printing.

Source - https://medium.com/@allaboutappsbiz/the-evolution-of-sls-3d-printing-24bc6df91aad

3D Printing Companies in Kolkata

 

The number of individuals and enterprises leveraging 3D printing technologies has been growing consistently. But 3D printing adaption is still a nascent stage in developing countries like India. 3D printing companies have been making various 3D printing technologies accessible and affordable to end-users in a variety of ways. Several market research and forecast studies suggest a consistent growth of the 3D printing market in India.

Many companies and startups have been popularizing 3D printing technologies in Kolkata. Most of these 3D printing companies in Kolkata offer customized 3D printing services. You can avail of customized 3D printing services to transform digital three-dimensional models into solid three-dimensional objects. At the same time, you can 3D-print a variety of items yourself buying 3D printers and 3D printing filaments from specific 3D printing companies in Kolkata.

While living in Kolkata, you have the option to choose from many local and remote 3D printing companies based on your project needs. But you should not shortlist the 3D printing companies only based on their corporate office addresses. It is always important to consider the reputation of 3D printing companies to avail the machines, services, or materials required to produce high-quality items.

Shortlisting Some of the Leading 3D Printing Companies in Kolkata

MELT

MELT is one of the leading 3D printing companies in Kolkata. It enables clients to 3D-print a variety of items by supplying AutoCAD software, 3D printers, 3D scanners, and 3D printing filaments. At the same time, it helps clients to overcome constraints related to skills and budgets by providing 3D designing, 3D printing, and 3D scanning services. You can share your project needs with MELT by uploading the digital 3D model. Also, you can customize the 3D printing services by choosing the appropriate 3D printing technology, material, and file unit.

Turtle Tech

Turtle Tech is a Kolkata-based 3D printing company. It offers SLS and FDM 3D printing services, along with a wide range of materials and filaments. You can customize the 3D printing services provided by Turtleye Tech by combining the appropriate material with an FDM/SLS 3D printer. The company helps you to compare the right material for your project by highlighting the pros and cons of every filament. You can receive a quote for Turtleye Tech by sharing your project needs in the form of a digital file.

FusionStream

FusionStream is one of the local3D printing companies in Kolkata. It has been providing both 3D printer manufacturing and 3D printing services to clients. But FusionStream delivers 3D printing services in offline mode. You can receive a quote by submitting your phone number and email address through its website. But you do not have the option to share your requirements by uploading a digital file. The company will contact you to understand your requirements.

Aurum3D

The Bangalore-based 3D printing company has been providing 3D printing services and supplying 3D printing filaments to clients in Kolkata through its website. You should consider Aurum3D to avail of FDM, SLS, or SLA 3D printing services, along with 3D designing and 3D scanning services. Also, you can customize the 3D printing services by choosing the appropriate material type, support material, print resolution, infill percentage, and layer height while uploading the STL file. At the same time, you can order a variety of 3D printing materials – resin, powder, and plastics – according to your specific project needs.

Think3D

The Hyderabad-based 3D printing company supplies 3D printing materials as well as provides 3D designing, 3D scanning, and 3D printing services. Think3D uses its own facility to provide a variety of 3D printing services – FDM, SLS, SLA, DMLS, MJP, and PJP - to clients in Kolkata. It facilitates 3D printing service customization by allowing you to define important aspects of the 3D-printed item while uploading the digital file. Also, you have the option to order a variety of materials – plastic, metal, and elastomers – through its website.

WOL3D

This Mumbai-based 3D printing company has branch offices in several cities, including Kolkata. WOL3D allows you to buy 3D printers, 3D scanners, 3D models, filaments, accessories, and spare parts. In addition to manufacturing various 3D printers, WOL3D is the master distributor of leading international manufacturers. You should consider the 3D printing company to convert your ideas into solid 3D dimensional items by buying a slew of 3D printers and filaments. You can further create prototypes using FDM 3D printing technology by availing of the 3D prototyping services provided by WOL3D.

Srijan Creations

Srijan Creations is one of the 3D printing companies in Kolkata that supply 3D printers, offer 3D printing services, and conduct 3D printing workshops. You can attend the classes and workshops conducted by this company to learn various 3D printing technologies and 3D-print a variety of items. At the same time, you can avail of 3D printing services to convert your ideas into solid three-dimensional objects. However, you have to contact Srijan Creations by sending a message or making a phone call as the company delivers 3D printing services and solutions in offline mode.

Skubotics

Skubotics has been popularizing 3D printing technologies in Kolkata by providing training and organizing workshops. The training programs and workshops aim to make teachers, students, hobbyists, and working professionals familiar with widely used 3D printing technologies. You can attend the training program or workshop to learn how to express your ideas in the form of a digital 3D model and how to convert the digital model into a solid three-dimensional object. Also, you get an opportunity to access a custom-made 3D printer and use it to produce solid three-dimensional objects.

While comparing and shortlisting 3D printing companies in Kolkata, you must remember that most enterprises these days offer 3D printing services and supply 3D printers/filaments through their websites. Hence, you can buy high-end 3D printers and high-quality 3D printing services opting for a company whose corporate office is not located in Kolkata.