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Benefits of Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
SLS stands out among powder-bed 3D printing methods because it doesn’t need support structures. The surrounding unfused powder holds every part in place during printing, so complex shapes like undercuts, internal channels, snap-fits, and multi-part assemblies can be printed as one piece, with no support marks to clean up afterward.
Parts also come out strong in every direction (X, Y, and Z), making them great for functional testing and load-bearing end-use parts. SLS works with a wide range of engineering plastics, including nylon, glass-filled nylon, and flexible TPU, producing parts with impact and chemical resistance close to injection-molded plastic. And since leftover powder can be reused, it also helps cut material waste and cost.
SLS General Tolerances
Our dimensional specifications align with standard SLS industry benchmarks for accuracy and repeatability. Typical tolerances are ±0.3% of nominal dimension, with a lower limit of ±0.3mm for smaller features. Minimum wall thickness is around 0.8mm, and fine details down to 0.5mm are achievable depending on part geometry and orientation.
Material |
XY Plane Tolerance |
Z Axis Tolerance |
Minimum Wall Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|
| PA12 Nylon 12 | ±0.3% or ±0.3 mm (whichever greater) | ±0.4% or ±0.4 mm (whichever greater) | 1.0 mm (0.8 mm minimum for non-load structures) |
| Glass-Filled PA12 | ±0.35% or ±0.35 mm | ±0.45% or ±0.45 mm | 1.2 mm |
| TPU Flexible Elastomer | ±0.4% or ±0.4 mm | ±0.5% or ±0.5 mm | 1.2 mm |
SLS Service Capabilities
MXY Machining delivers end-to-end Selective Laser Sintering Service Capabilities (SLS) manufacturing, covering CAD design optimization, powder-bed laser sintering, post-processing, and secondary fabrication. Our SLS process produces strong, isotropic nylon parts without support structures, enabling complex geometries, interlocking assemblies, and thin-walled designs. From single prototypes to low-volume production, our engineers provide DFM guidance, material selection, and finishing options to help you move confidently to production-grade parts.
Material Portfolio
We supply industrial-grade Selective Laser Sintering(SLS) powders: PA12 nylon, glass-filled PA12, PA11, flexible TPU and ESD-safe static dissipative nylon materials suitable for functional components.
Printing & Production Scale
Secondary Manufacturing
Industry Application Support
Quality Assurance
Lead Time for Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) Service
MXY Machining offer flexible lead times tailored to your project schedule and urgency. All timelines start from full confirmation of design specifications, material approval, and order details. Every schedule already includes time for engineering review, precision machining, strict quality inspection, required surface treatments, and secure packaging. We also provide regular progress updates throughout production, and can arrange custom priority schedules for time‑sensitive projects.
Project Type |
Scope & Finishing |
Standard Turnaround |
|---|---|---|
| Rush Prototype | Raw breakout + bead blast finish, single material | 3–4 business days |
| Standard Prototype | Basic finishing, PA12 nylon, 1–200 units | 4–6 business days |
| Low-Volume Production | Dyeing, tumble finishing or vapor smoothing | 6–8 business days |
| Complex & Regulated Parts | Secondary CNC machining, full inspection documentation | Add 2–4 business days |
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) Materials
MXY Machining work with a wide range of certified, traceable materials selected to match your performance, regulatory, and application requirements. Our engineers provide HP MJF services guidance to optimize your plastic and metal parts design for manufacturing. Contact us or upload a CAD file for material options, instant quotes, and custom production solutions.
CNC milling services supports a wide range of additional metals, plastics, and composites.
Visit our materials page for a full list.
