SLS MACHINES
Our Elite VIT SLS machine is not your run of the mill 3D printer that your mate has. No way, it’s the crème de la crème of 3D printing and one of the most versatile machines on the market. Each machine in our fleet is an investment of hundreds of thousands of dollars and uses one of the best additive manufacturing technologies in the world – SLS (Selective Laser Sintering).
The VIT SLS produces parts second to none, no matter how complex your design geometry is and from the widest range of materials available today.
How SLS Works
The SLS process works by firing a laser into a bed of nylon, ABS or composite powder, fusing (sintering) the parts shape layer by layer. Then, the machine sweeps another 50 micron layer of powder (less than half the thickness of a sheet of printer paper) over the top and shoots the laser again. This process is repeated thousands of times until the build is completed. The unsintered material around a part acts as a bed of powder and supports the part during sintering. Once the build has completed the build chamber containing all the parts is removed from the machine and left to cool down for up to several days before parts are removed. Then you simply shake off the powder from the part and the printed part can be used right away. Shake and walk away.
BENEFITS OF SLS
Most 3D Printing technologies require a support material, to support the part whilst it’s being printed. This support material either needs to be broken off or chemically removed, the latter leaves residue on the part or on your hands. Both take time to post-process. SLS’s powder support eliminates this support material and will leave you with a flawless finish to your printed parts.
SLS produces nylon parts that are both strong and flexible and allows for designs to be highly complex. Printed structures can still be extremely light, yet stable and durable, giving you unparalleled results. It can produce structurally functional parts such as living hinges, functioning springs and snap fit components.