SLS 3D Printing Applications

You can create a solid three-dimensional object from three-dimensional digital models using several additive manufacturing or 3D printing technologies. Each 3D printing technology creates the object, model, part, or product physically in a specific way. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is one of the mature and widely used 3D printing technologies.

As the name suggests, this additive manufacturing technology creates solid parts by fusing or sintering nylon powder selectively using a high-power laser. Many engineers opt for SLS 3D printing to produce strong and durable parts with complex geometries. Also, they can enhance the look and feel of the 3D-printed structures during post-processing through sanding, dyeing, and smoothing.

Both companies and startups have been transforming and revolutionizing SLS 3D printing by fostering innovation and research. Some companies replace standard CO₂ laser with new-age fiber laser to make the SLS 3D printer effective in sintering powder more quickly by increasing power density. Likewise, some companies are finetuning SLS 3D printers to reduce material wastage by using one powder as the primary material and another powder as supporting material.

According to Wikipedia, “SLS technology is in wide use at many industries around the world due to its ability to easily make complex geometries with little to no added manufacturing effort. Its most common application is in prototype parts early in the design cycle such as for investment casting patterns, automotive hardware, and wind tunnel models.”

At present, SLS is used commonly by enterprises to facilitate rapid prototyping and production of functional parts. But the SLS 3D printing applications and use cases vary across industries. We can summarize the applications of this additive manufacturing technology based on use cases created by enterprises from various sectors.

Understanding SLS 3D Printing Applications across Industries and Verticals

Manufacturing Industry

One of the key advantages of SLS 3D printing technology is design freedom. Unlike traditional production methods, SLS 3D printing helps engineers to design products with unusual shapes and complex geometries without escalating production time and cost. Manufacturing companies leverage the design freedom to produce moving parts and interlocking parts. Also, this additive manufacturing technology is effective in facilitating small-batch manufacturing.

Aerospace Industry

SLS 3D printers use a flexible, durable, and lightweight material like nylon. Many engineers experiment with various forms of nylon to 3D-print parts tailored for flights and space travels. Also, they opt for SLS 3D printing for projects that require a few items like antennas, drones, aircraft parts, and satellites on demand. NASA has been incorporating 3D printed parts into aircraft engines to curtail both production time and cost.

Automotive Industry

The automotive industry has been using SLS 3D printers to create prototypes as well as produce functional parts. The automotive companies leverage key advantages of SLS 3D printing technology – speed, accuracy, reliability, and durability – to produce end-user components on demand.

Many companies use this additive manufacturing technology to replace obsolete components of vintage cars. 3D scanners make it easier for them to replicate the obsolete components exactly in the form of a digital 3D model. An SLS 3D printer can produce the out-of-stock components physically from the digital files.

Mechanical Industry

Mechanical engineers use SLS 3D printers to create innovative devices, components, and systems by combing principles of physics and mathematics in a variety of ways. Unlike other 3D printing technologies, SLS makes it easier for them to convert out-of-box ideas into components and devices by providing design freedom. Also, the components printed with SLS 3D printers meet varying mechanical requirements through high-dimensional accuracy.

Medical Industry

The medical industry leverages SLS 3D printing to produce complex medical devices accurately and precisely. As mentioned earlier, SLS 3D printers can produce durable and strong items with complex geometries and varying forms. Medical device manufacturers leverage these benefits to produce patient-specific prosthetics and orthotics. They further explore ways to optimize SLS 3D printing technology to fabricate human organs with 100% accuracy and authenticity.

Footwear Industry

SLS reduces 3D printing time by several hours. The reduced printing time makes it easier for footwear companies to produce a variety of insoles according to the varying needs of customers. SLS 3D printing is used widely by footwear companies to produce molded insoles, comfort insoles, and custom orthotics tailored for individual patients. Footwear companies use thermoplastic or nylon as the primary material to print customized insoles that provide support to and ease the pain of patients with flat feet and other foot disorders.

Several market analysis reports forecast the consistent growth of the global SLS 3D printing market over the next few years. Hence, the popularity of SLS 3D printing will remain intact despite the growing popularity of consumer and desktop 3D printing. Enterprises will leverage this mature and reliable additive manufacturing technology by creating new use cases regularly. Also, they will contribute towards evolving SLS 3D printing through research and development (R&D).

About Aurum3D

Aurum3D is one of the leading 3D printing companies in Bangalore. We have been working with various new-age areas like Drone manufacturing and Electric vehicle manufacturers in multiple areas like prototyping and custom 3D printing. You can get in touch with us for your custom requirements in electric vehicle manufacturing.

References:

https://www.shapeways.com/blog/archives/41152-top-applications-for-sls-3d-printing.html

3D Printing at Home: 10 Reasons Why You Should Have a 3D Printer at Home

Like industrial 3D printers, desktop 3D printers produce a variety of three-dimensional objects by depositing filament layer by layer. But desktop 3D printers are popular among consumers and individual users due to their simplicity, usability, and low cost. Several market forecast reports suggest a consistent increase in the demand for low-cost desktop 3D printers.

According to Emergent Research, “The global desktop 3D printer market size was valued at USD 1,435.9 Million in 2019 and is forecasted to reach USD 5,129.0 Million by 2027 at a CAGR of 17.2%.”  The surge in the demand is being driven by a consistent increase in the number of people buying 3D printers for personal use or home use.

When you want 3D printing at home, you have the option to choose from a wide range of desktop 3D printers. Some of these 3D printers for home use are easier to use than others. At the same time, certain desktop 3D printer models are less expensive and more affordable than others. You have to consider several factors to choose the right 3D printer for home use. But you can leverage a slew of benefits by facilitating 3D printing at home.

9 Reasons Why You Should Facilitate 3D Printing at Home and Buy a 3D Printer for Home Use

1) Acquire Next-Generation Skills

Disruptive technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) will make res killing and ups killing essential in the near future. But you can acquire next-generation skills by using 3D printers efficiently and seamlessly. Once you purchase a 3D printer for home use, it will become easier for you to produce a wide variety of models, patterns, and designs by combining your creativity and inventiveness. Also, you can easily impress prospective employers by highlighting 3D printing skills in your resume.

2) Unleash Your Creativity and Imagination

A 3D printer can produce any three-dimensional object based on a digital file. You can combine your creativity and imagination to produce unique and outstanding digital models using CAD software. Some of these 3D-printed ideas will help you to solve specific problems, while others will enable you to produce personalized accessories and home decors. The procedure will help you to keep your mind relaxed and stress-free in the post-pandemic age.

3) Transform Your Child’s Learning Style

3D printing is one of the disruptive technologies that have the potential to transform and revamp the education sector in a few years. Many educational institutions already use 3D printers to modernize and supplement their curriculum by making students acquire both theoretical and practical knowledge. You can facilitate 3D printing at home to make your children acquire knowledge by performing tasks instead of reading books. Access to a 3D printer at home will help your child to retain and transfer knowledge, along with standing out from the crowd.

4) Produce Various Items on Your Own

You can use a 3D printer to produce a variety of three-dimensional items instead of buying them. In addition to reducing material consumption, 3D printers enable you to use recycled and eco-friendly filaments. Also, the new-age 3D printers run seamlessly with both traditional and renewable energy sources. In addition to producing various items for home use, you can impress your friends and coworkers by presenting unique and personalized 3D-printed gift items.

5) Improve Both Quality and Accuracy

As mentioned earlier, 3D printers produce three-dimensional objects based on digital models created using CAD software. You can use CAD software to evaluate the quality and accuracy of the items to be produced before starting the 3D printing process. Also, you can boost both quality and accuracy simply by making relevant changes to the digital model in a few seconds. Thus, you can 3D print various items that are durable and sustainable as well as meet your precise needs.

6) Modify and Customize an Item in the Desired Way

Often the ready-to-use consumer products available in the market do not match your requirements and preferences perfectly. You can facilitate 3D printing at home to modify and customize an item without any restrictions. You can improve the quality and functionality of a product by experimenting with different 3D printing filaments. Also, the 3D printer will make it easier for you to produce home decors and accessories that are both original and exotic.

7) Avoid Shipping Delays

The disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic made most sellers and suppliers delay shipment. You cannot operate specific devices or instruments without getting replacements or spare parts without any delay. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many professionals used 3D printers at home to produce replacement and spare parts in less than 24 hours. In addition to curtailing shipment time and cost, you can use a 3D printer to get replacements quickly and precisely.

8) Curtail Overall 3D Printing Cost

Professional 3D printing services enable you to obtain various consumer products and spare parts without investing in a 3D printer. But you can easily curtail overall 3D printing cost by purchasing the right 3D printer for home use. The 3D printer will enable you to reduce material cost and usage by experimenting with a wide range of filaments. Also, you can curtail costs by creating digital models using free and open-source software solutions.

9) Many Options to Monetize

The partial and complete lockdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic create opportunities for you to monetize 3D printing at home. You can earn revenue by using the 3D printer to produce a variety of three-dimensional items based on digital files. Also, you can complement your income by choosing from a variety of monetization options – conducting 3D printing classes, offering 3D printing services, and designing customized products.

While comparing 3D printers for home use, you must focus on shortlisting 3D printers that are both beginner-friendly and low-cost. Aurum3D makes it easier for you to facilitate 3D printing at home by developing a slew of low-cost and beginner-friendly 3D printers. In addition to being easy to use and maintain, the desktop 3D printers enable users to produce a variety of three-dimensional items without availing themselves of professional 3D printing services.

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Source: https://aurum3d.wordpress.com/2021/09/28/3d-printing-at-home-10-reasons-why-you-should-have-a-3d-printer-at-home/

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