Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) Material Selection Guide for Low Volume Production
In recent years, Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) has emerged as one of the most reliable additive manufacturing technologies for low-volume production. With its ability to produce strong, functional parts without support structures, SLS is widely used across industries ranging from automotive to medical devices.
One of the most important steps in SLS-based manufacturing is selecting the right material — a choice that directly affects strength, flexibility, finish, and cost. This guide outlines the key materials commonly used in SLS and offers practical tips for choosing the right one for your application.
What Makes SLS Ideal for Low Volume Production?
No Support Structures Needed: Unlike FDM or SLA, SLS prints are supported by unsintered powder, making it ideal for complex geometries.
Functional End-Use Parts: SLS materials provide mechanical strength close to injection molded plastics.
Faster Production Turnaround: Multiple parts can be nested and printed in a single job.
Durable and Lightweight: Perfect for prototypes, pilot batches, or bridge manufacturing.
Common SLS Materials and Their Applications
1. Nylon 12 (PA12)
Properties: Excellent balance of strength, flexibility, and chemical resistance.
Applications: Functional prototypes, automotive parts, snap-fits, enclosures.
Why Choose It: It’s the industry standard for SLS and covers most general-purpose needs.
2. Nylon 11 (PA11)
Properties: More ductile and impact-resistant than PA12; derived from renewable castor oil.
Applications: Wearable products, orthotics, impact-resistant housings.
Why Choose It: Ideal when flexibility or biocompatibility is required.
3. Glass-Filled Nylon (PA12-GF)
Properties: Stiff, wear-resistant, and dimensionally stable.
Applications: Jigs, fixtures, structural parts, under-the-hood components.
Why Choose It: Great for applications requiring mechanical strength and minimal warping.
4. Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Nylon (PA12-CF)
Properties: High stiffness-to-weight ratio, excellent dimensional stability, and heat resistance.
Applications: Drone parts, lightweight brackets, structural supports, robotics frames.
Why Choose It: Best for high-performance parts that require stiffness and heat resistance without adding weight.
5. Alumide (PA12 + Aluminum Powder)
Properties: Metallic appearance with enhanced rigidity.
Applications: Automotive prototyping, aesthetic mockups, heat-resistant housings.
Why Choose It: When both surface appearance and mechanical stability matter.
6. Polypropylene (PP)
Properties: Excellent chemical resistance, fatigue resistance, and low density.
Applications: Containers, living hinges, fluid ducts, automotive tanks.
Why Choose It: Ideal for chemical-sensitive applications or parts requiring ductility and repeated flexing.
7.TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
Properties: Highly flexible, durable, and wear-resistant.
Applications: Gaskets, seals, footwear, flexible joints.
Why Choose It: Ideal for soft-touch or impact-absorbing parts.
Material Selection Table
Application Need | Recommended Material |
General-purpose parts | PA12 |
Flexible or ductile parts | PA11, TPU, PP |
Lightweight but stiff parts | PA12-CF |
High mechanical strength | PA12-GF, PA12-CF |
Metallic finish / heat resistance | Alumide |
Snap fits & durable enclosures | PA12, PA11 |
Fluid resistance or hinge features | PP |
Biocompatible or eco-friendly parts | PA11 |
Design and Post-Processing Considerations
Wall Thickness: Keep ≥ 1mm for PA12,PA11, GF, CF, ≥ 2mm for TPU or PP.
Post-processing: SLS parts can be vapor smoothed, dyed, painted, or CNC post-machined.
Tolerances: Typical tolerance is ±0.3 mm or 0.3% of part length. PA12-CF and PA12-GF offer best dimensional accuracy.
Why Choose IN3DTEC for Your SLS Projects?
At IN3DTEC, we offer professional SLS 3D printing services covering a full range of materials, including:
✅ PA12
✅ PA11
✅ PA12-GF (Glass-Filled)
✅ PA12-CF (Carbon Fiber Reinforced)
✅ Alumide
✅ Polypropylene (PP)
✅ TPU
Whether you’re producing functional prototypes, small-batch end-use parts, or bridge tooling before injection molding, we help you accelerate development with quick turnaround, consistent quality, and expert support.
Get Started Today
Need advice on which material best fits your application? Or want to get a quote for low-volume production?
Contact us at IN3DTEC.com
Or email: info@in3dtec.com
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