Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), SLS Prototype Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is a process by which YinHua creates 3D SLS prototypes by fusing or sintering powdered thermoplastic materials or metals to form functional prototypes. YinHua is a premier selective laser sintering service company. An advantage to using SLS is the range of materials that can be used, including nylon, metals, and elastomers. Rapid prototype (RP) laser sintering can provide a competitive edge in your product development by producing rapid plastic or metal SLS prototypes with complex shapes that closely resemble injection-molded parts. Technical Overview of Selective Laser Sintering In the Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) process, three-dimensional parts are created by fusing (or sintering) powdered thermoplastic materials with the heat from an infrared laser beam. The objects creation is accomplished by repeatedly fusing thin powder layers using a laser beam. This additive manufacturing sequence produces parts that gradually increase in size until they reach the prescribed dimensions. These prototypes are created directly from 3D CAD models. Advantages Unlike stereolithography, SLS prototyping techniques allow prototypes to be made with material properties closer to that of injection molded pieces (using the DuraForm or DuraForm Glass Filled material). In addition, SLS has the capability to make metal prototype parts using the Rapid Steel A6 or Laser Form ST-200 (which replaced ST-100) materials, where metallic powder is used in the laser sintering process. Building parts out of Somos 201 material gives a final SLS prototype made from a durable elastomer selective laser sintering material, ideal for bellows and gaskets. YinHua uses the most advanced selective laser sintering materials and can provide assistance in their selection. Another advantage is that there is typically very little (if any) processing required after the selective laser sintering is completed.