Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
Industrial-grade nylon parts with excellent mechanical properties. Complex geometries without support structures.
1-day expedites available. Free shipping on all US and international orders.
What is Selective Laser Sintering?
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is a powder bed fusion technology that uses a high-powered laser to selectively sinter (fuse) powdered thermoplastic material layer by layer. The unfused powder surrounding each part acts as a natural support structure, enabling complex geometries without the need for support removal.
SLS produces parts with excellent mechanical properties that closely match injection molded thermoplastics. The process is ideal for functional prototypes, end-use production parts, and applications requiring snap-fits, living hinges, or interlocking assemblies.
With materials including Nylon 12, Nylon 11, glass-filled, carbon-filled, and flexible TPU options, SLS offers one of the broadest material selections of any 3D printing technology while delivering production-grade durability.
SLS Materials
Production-grade thermoplastics optimized for strength, durability, and consistency.
Nylon 12 (PA12)
Industry-standard material with excellent balance of strength, flexibility, and detail
Functional prototypes, end-use parts, snap-fits, living hinges
Nylon 11 (PA11)
Bio-based nylon with superior ductility and impact resistance
Impact-resistant parts, flexible components, automotive applications
Nylon 12 Glass-Filled
30-40% glass bead reinforcement for increased stiffness and dimensional stability
Structural components, housings, brackets requiring high stiffness
Nylon 12 Carbon-Filled
Carbon fiber reinforced for maximum stiffness-to-weight ratio
Aerospace, automotive, lightweight structural parts
TPU (Flexible)
Elastomeric powder for rubber-like flexible parts
Gaskets, seals, grips, vibration dampening, flexible enclosures
Nylon 12 Flame Retardant
UL 94 V-0 rated material for aerospace and electronics applications
Aerospace interiors, electronics housings, transportation
Flame Retardant Materials
Our SLS service offers UL 94 V-0 rated flame-retardant nylon for aerospace, transportation, and electronics applications requiring fire safety compliance. These materials meet FAR 25.853 60-second burn test requirements.
Get a Quote for Flame Retardant PartsSLS Applications
From rapid prototyping to direct digital manufacturing.
Functional Prototypes
Create durable prototypes with mechanical properties close to injection molded parts. Test form, fit, and function before tooling.
End-Use Production
Manufacture production-grade parts on demand without tooling costs. Ideal for low-to-medium volume and customized products.
Complex Assemblies
Print interlocking parts, living hinges, and assembled mechanisms in a single build without support structures.
Advantages of SLS 3D Printing
Why engineers choose Selective Laser Sintering for functional parts.
No Support Structures
Unfused powder supports parts during the build, enabling complex geometries, interlocking parts, and nested assemblies.
Excellent Mechanical Properties
SLS nylon parts offer strength, flexibility, and chemical resistance comparable to injection molded thermoplastics.
Complex Geometries
Create internal channels, lattice structures, organic shapes, and moving assemblies impossible with traditional manufacturing.
Production-Grade Materials
Real engineering thermoplastics including Nylon 12, Nylon 11, glass-filled, carbon-filled, and flame-retardant options.
Consistent Quality
Mature technology with proven repeatability for production runs requiring consistent mechanical properties.
Cost-Effective at Scale
Nested builds maximize powder utilization, making SLS economical for both prototypes and production volumes.
Ready to Start Your SLS Project?
Upload your CAD files for instant pricing. Free shipping on all orders.
Get Your Instant QuoteSLS General Tolerances
| General Tolerance | ± 0.3mm or ± 0.3% (whichever is greater) |
| Maximum Build Size | Up to 650 x 330 x 560mm (25.5" x 13" x 22") |
| Layer Thickness | 100-120 microns (0.004-0.005") |
| Minimum Wall Thickness | 0.7mm (1.0mm recommended) |
| Minimum Feature Size | 0.5mm (0.8mm recommended) |
| Surface Finish | Ra 6-10 μm as-printed |
Tolerances vary based on geometry, orientation, and material. Parts with large flat surfaces or uneven wall thicknesses may experience additional variation.
SLS Design Guidelines
Wall Thickness
Minimum 0.7mm, recommended 1.0-2.0mm for best results
Unsupported Walls
Maximum 100mm height for walls under 1mm thick
Holes & Slots
Minimum 1.0mm diameter, powder removal may require larger openings
Escape Holes
Include 3-5mm holes for hollow parts to allow powder removal
Text & Engraving
Minimum 0.5mm depth, 1.5mm height for legibility
Clearance for Moving Parts
Minimum 0.5mm gap between interlocking components
Why Choose Artemis 3D for SLS?
Material Selection
Choose from Nylon 12, Nylon 11, glass-filled, carbon-filled, flexible TPU, and flame-retardant options to match your application requirements.
Fast Turnaround
Standard lead times of 3-5 days with 1-day expedite options available. Upload files and receive instant quotes with delivery estimates.
Certified Quality
ISO 9001, ISO 13485, IATF 16949, and AS9100D certified manufacturing partners ensure consistent, production-grade results.
Start Your SLS 3D Printing Project
Upload your CAD files and get instant pricing on SLS nylon parts with complex geometries and production-grade durability.