Selective Laser Sintering

sla 3d printing set up

SLS printing is perfect for rapid prototyping, and low- to mid-volume production parts.

Need durable, functional parts with complex geometries? Quickparts’ Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 3D printing service delivers high-quality prototypes and production parts, quickly and efficiently.

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Rapid Prototyping and Production in a Single Day

Experience the speed of creating accurate prototypes and functional production parts in as little as 24 hours. Choose from a variety of nylon-based materials and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) to achieve the specific properties your parts require, such as heat resistance, chemical resistance, flexibility, or dimensional stability.

How does Selective Laser Sintering work at Quickparts?

Quickparts simplifies SLS 3D printing from quote to delivery. Our engineers support every stage of the process, from design review and material selection to production and finishing.

Why choose Quickparts for Selective Laser Sintering?

01

Global presence

Quickparts supports SLS projects through manufacturing facilities across the US and Europe. Our in-house facilities and global network help teams move from prototype to production with reliable lead times.

02

State-of-the-art equipment

Industrial SLS equipment and extensive machine capacity support complex geometries and fast turnaround times. Some projects can ship in as little as one business day.

03

Experienced engineers

Our engineers help evaluate part designs, materials, finishes, and manufacturability requirements. This support helps teams identify potential challenges before production begins.

04

Quality assurance

Experienced operators and production-grade equipment help deliver parts that match design requirements. Every project undergoes quality inspections before shipment.

05

Transparent communication

QuickQuote® provides pricing, lead times, and project details early in the process. Our team remains available throughout production to answer questions and provide updates.

cad design review for 3d printing

Selective Laser Sintering materials and finishes

Quickparts offers a range of SLS materials and finishing options for prototype and production applications. Our engineers help identify the right material, finish, and manufacturing approach based on your performance, durability, and design requirements.

Choose from nylon and TPU-based materials that support functional testing, snap-fit parts, thin-wall enclosures, interlocking components, and end-use applications. We also offer custom finishing options to help meet your appearance, performance, and branding requirements.

Relevant applications

General

  • Rapid prototyping: Creating realistic models for evaluation before full production.
  • Production: Convenient for small to medium batches and customized products.
  • Functional prototyping: testing usability, ergonomics, and manufacturability.
  • Complex Geometries: Parts with intricate details and internal features.
  • Durable Parts: End-use applications demanding strength and heat resistance.

 

Production for industry

  • Aerospace
  • Medicine and healthcare
  • Electronics
  • Defense and security
  • Automotive
  • Industrial products, machinery and robotics

 

Master Tools and Models

  • Masks and equipment
  • Models for micro-casting

 

Production

  • Components in small to medium series
  • Complex plastic parts
  • Consolidation of the parts

Materials

  • DuraKor™
  • Nylon 12 PA
  • Nylon 12 GF
  • Nylon 12 HST
  • Nylon 11 EX (Black)
  • Nylon 11 EX (Natural)
  • TPU elastomer

Looking for material data?

All technical data for SLS materials is available in our Materials Guide. Explore our Quick Guide to Physical Properties or download the full datasheet. Click here.

Finishes

  • Standard (uncoated)
  • Standard (coated)
  • Ready for painting
  • Painted
  • Dyed
  • Vapor smoothing
  • Custom

Relevant resources

Get Selective Laser Sintering 3D printing for different prototyping and manufacturing needs

Quickparts helps teams determine whether SLS is the right fit for their project requirements. Our engineers can recommend the best manufacturing approach based on part geometry, performance requirements, quantities, and timelines.

Get started with Selective Laser Sintering 3D printing for your parts

You’re just a few steps away from starting your SLS 3D printing project with Quickparts. It only takes seconds to get started.

Register for free to get an instant quote with the QuickQuote® service, confirm your order, and receive your high-quality SLS parts quickly.

Connect with an engineer who can guide you through even the most complex SLS 3D printing challenges, or contact one of our technicians for support.

Selective Laser Sintering FAQs

What is SLS 3D printing?

SLS 3D printing is an additive manufacturing process that uses a laser to fuse powdered materials into durable, functional parts. Quickparts uses SLS to produce prototypes, functional testing parts, and low-volume production components with complex geometries and production-grade materials.

What are the advantages of SLS technology?

SLS supports a wide range of prototyping and production requirements. Key advantages of the process include:

  • Producing complex geometries without dedicated support structures
  • Supporting functional testing with durable nylon and TPU materials
  • Reducing tooling costs for prototypes and low-volume production
  • Creating snap-fit parts, thin-wall enclosures, and interlocking components
  • Supporting fast turnaround times for prototype and production projects
  • Offering multiple finishing options, including painted, dyed, and custom finishes

How fast is SLS 3D printing?

SLS is one of the faster additive manufacturing processes for producing durable prototypes and low-volume production parts. At Quickparts, some SLS projects can ship in as little as one business day, although lead times vary based on part size, complexity, quantity, and finishing requirements.

Can SLS be used for small production runs?

Yes. SLS is commonly used for small production runs because it does not require tooling. The process supports low-volume manufacturing, bridge production, customized parts, and early product launches while reducing upfront production costs.

Is SLS or MFJ better?

Both SLS and MJF are powder-based 3D printing technologies that produce durable, functional parts without support structures. The better option depends on your project requirements.

SLS uses a laser to fuse powdered material layer by layer. It is often selected for functional prototypes, complex geometries, and applications that require a broad range of material options and finishes.

MJF uses fusing and detailing agents with heat to build parts. It is often chosen for higher-volume production, consistent surface quality, and parts that require fine feature detail.

If your project prioritizes material flexibility and proven performance across a wide range of applications, SLS may be the better choice. If you need larger quantities of parts with consistent surface finishes, MJF may be a better fit.

What is the difference between SLS and SLA?

SLS and SLA are both 3D printing technologies, but they use different materials and are suited to different applications. SLS uses a laser to fuse powdered materials into durable parts, while SLA uses a laser to cure liquid resin into solid parts.

SLS is often chosen for functional prototypes, complex geometries, and low-volume production because it produces strong parts without dedicated support structures. SLA is commonly used for prototypes that require smooth surface finishes, fine details, and presentation-quality appearance. The best choice depends on whether your project prioritizes functional performance or visual quality.