Nylon: The Go-To Material for SLS Printing

Nylon, a highly capable engineering thermoplastic, is the most common material used in SLS 3D printing. Known for its strength, durability, and versatility, nylon is ideal for both functional prototyping and end-use production.

Why Nylon?

• Complex Assemblies: Nylon’s ability to create complex assemblies makes it a favorite among engineers and designers. Its mechanical properties ensure that even intricate designs are robust and reliable.
• Durability: SLS 3D printed nylon parts are renowned for their strength and durability. They are impact-resistant and can endure repeated wear and tear, making them suitable for parts that need to withstand rigorous use.
• Environmental Stability: Nylon exhibits high resistance to environmental factors such as UV light, heat, moisture, and solvents. This stability ensures that nylon parts remain functional and reliable even in challenging conditions.
• Biocompatibility: One of the notable properties of nylon is its biocompatibility. SLS 3D printed nylon parts can be made to be skin-safe and non-sensitizing, which means they are ready to wear and safe to use in various contexts, including medical and consumer products.

Types of Nylon in SLS Printing

Nylon is a synthetic thermoplastic polymer that belongs to the family of polyamides, and it is available in multiple variants tailored to different applications. The two most common types are:

• Nylon 12: Known for its low density and good chemical resistance, Nylon 12 is often used in the production of prototypes and end-use parts that require high precision and fine details.
• Nylon 11: This variant is slightly more flexible than Nylon 12 and is used in applications where impact resistance and flexibility are crucial.

Both Nylon 12 and Nylon 11 can be reinforced with other materials like glass or carbon fiber to create composites with specific properties, such as added strength and rigidity. These composites are used in industries that demand high-performance materials, such as automotive and aerospace.

Polypropylene (PP): Lightweight and Functional

In addition to nylon, polypropylene (PP) is another popular material for SLS 3D printing. Known for its versatility and lightweight properties, PP is ideal for producing fully functional parts that offer the mechanical properties of commonly injection-molded polypropylenes.

Advantages of Polypropylene in SLS Printing

• Durability: PP parts produced through SLS are durable and able to withstand demanding environments, making them suitable for both prototypes and end-use applications.
• Lightweight: The lightweight nature of PP makes it an excellent choice for parts where weight reduction is a priority without compromising strength.
• Versatility: PP’s mechanical properties, combined with the precision of SLS printing, ensure that the final parts meet the rigorous standards required for various industrial applications.

Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU): Flexibility Meets Functionality

Another material that stands out in SLS 3D printing is Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU). TPU is a flexible material that combines the high tear strength and elongation at break of rubber with the design freedom of SLS 3D printing.

Why Choose TPU?

• Flexibility: TPU parts are incredibly flexible, making them suitable for applications where parts need to bend or stretch without breaking.
• Skin-Safe: TPU is often used to create skin-safe prototypes and end-use parts, which is crucial for wearable technology, medical devices, and consumer products.
• Everyday Use: The combination of flexibility and durability makes TPU an excellent choice for parts that need to withstand the demands of everyday use, such as gaskets, seals, and protective covers.

Beyond Plastics: Other Materials for SLS

While plastics like nylon, polypropylene, and TPU are common in SLS 3D printing, the technology is not limited to these materials. Sintering can be applied to a wide range of powdered materials, including:

• Glass: Sintered glass can create transparent or translucent parts with unique optical properties.
• Ceramics: Ceramic materials can be sintered to produce parts that are heat-resistant, wear-resistant, and chemically inert, making them suitable for specialized industrial applications.
• Concrete: Sintering concrete allows for the creation of complex structures that are difficult to achieve with traditional concrete casting methods.

Other Materials: SLS can also be used with metals and other composites, expanding the possibilities for creating parts with diverse properties tailored to specific applications.