Selective Laser Sintering

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is a laser-based additive manufacturing technique capable of printing both metallic and non-metallic three-dimensional physical parts rapidly in the layer-by-layer fashion directly from the CAD models. It is an effective method in rapid prototyping, which forms the layer of material by directing a high-density laser into the bed of metallic or non-metallic powders. SLS can be classified based on the laser medium used and the mechanism of printing. Based on the mechanism, it is classified into direct SLS and indirect SLS. The quality of parts in terms of surface finish, mechanical properties, metallurgical properties, and so on depends on SLS's operating parameters, such as laser parameters, feedstock properties, and geometrical parameters. The SLS printed parts can have properties similar to the wrought material.