Selective Laser Sintering (also known as SLS, Laser Sintering or LS) is an additive manufacturing process that builds parts by using a laser to selectively sinter (heat and fuse) a powdered material.
This layer-by-layer manufacturing process allows for the direct fabrication of complex parts that would be cost-prohibitive, if not impossible, to produce through traditional manufacturing processes. For example, interior features, undercuts and negative draft are not an issue for SLS fabrication.
While the SLS process has been used effectively as a prototyping tool for years, recent advancements in materials and process control have resulted in the fabrication of parts that are suitable for many production applications.
Get specifics about design considerations for Selective Laser Sintering by downloading our design guide.