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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.
Selective Laser Sintering (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 |
Selective Laser Sintering (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.
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) Surface Finishes
As-Printed (Standard)
Passivation process
The raw, unprocessed finish straight from the 3D printer. Characteristic visible horizontal layer lines and stair-stepping texture, with a matte surface in the material’s native color. No post-processing suitable for functional prototypes, fit-and-assembly testing, internal components, and parts where surface appearance is secondary to dimensional accuracy and cost efficiency.
Sanded & Smooth
Passivation process
Post-printing manual sanding with progressively finer grit sandpaper (typically 120–600 grit) removes layer lines, stair-stepping, and surface imperfections, producing a smooth, matte, uniform surface. Labor-intensive but flexible ideal for resin prints, FDM parts, and prototypes requiring a smooth base for painting or a refined matte finish without chemical processing.
Vapor Smoothed
Passivation process
Chemical post-processing that exposes ABS, ASA, or compatible 3D printed parts to solvent vapor, melting the surface micro-layer to dissolve and completely eliminate layer lines, producing a smooth, glossy, non-porous finish. Seals surface porosity, improves chemical resistance and mechanical strength the most widely used smoothing finish for functional prototypes and end-use 3D printed parts requiring a production-quality surface.
Primed & Painted
Passivation process
Combined post-processing where 3D printed parts are first sanded and primed, then spray painted in any custom RAL/Pantone color, including metallic, matte, satin, or gloss finishes. The primer fills micro-porosity and layer lines, creating an ideal substrate for uniform paint adhesion resulting in a flawless, production-quality paint finish with no visible print texture. Used for consumer products, automotive prototypes, and showcase models.
Dyed
Passivation process
Post-printing dyeing process for SLS, MJF, or sintered nylon parts where the porous nylon substrate absorbs dye in any custom color (black, blue, red, purple, etc.), producing uniform, colorfast coloring throughout the surface. No painting required the dye penetrates the material for durable, scratch-resistant color. Ideal for functional nylon parts, consumer products, and components requiring custom color with the natural sintered texture.
High-Gloss Polished
Passivation process
Post-printing hand or mechanical polishing with progressively finer abrasive compounds and buffing wheels removes all layer lines and surface imperfections, producing a mirror-like, highly reflective glossy surface. Achieves the highest possible gloss on 3D printed resin, acrylic, or polished plastic parts. Used for optical components, cosmetic prototypes, premium consumer products, and display models requiring a flawless, reflective, production-quality finish.
Metal Electroplated
Passivation process
Post-printing electroplating process that deposits a metallic layer (copper, nickel, chrome, gold, or silver) onto a prepared 3D printed plastic substrate (typically ABS or PC/ABS), producing a smooth, reflective, metallic finish. Transforms lightweight plastic prints into parts with the appearance, weight, and conductivity of metal. Used for decorative figurines, jewelry, automotive emblems, hardware, and functional parts requiring metallic aesthetics or electrical conductivity.
Hydro Dipped / Water Transfer
Passivation process
Post-printing decoration process that transfers printed patterns (carbon fiber, wood grain, camouflage, marble, custom designs) from a water-soluble film onto the entire 3D surface of 3D printed parts, including complex curves and recesses. Produces a seamless, full-coverage decorative pattern with excellent adhesion. Used for automotive interior trim, consumer electronics, sporting goods, and any 3D printed part requiring a premium patterned finish that conforms to complex geometries.
Clear Coated / Resin Coated
Passivation process
Post-printing application of a transparent clear coat or epoxy resin layer over a prepared 3D printed part, producing a high-gloss, smooth, protective finish with depth and shine. The clear coat fills micro-porosity, seals the surface, enhances underlying paint or dye color, and provides a durable, scratch-resistant, UV-stable top layer. Used for consumer products, display models, art pieces, and parts requiring a premium, deep-gloss protective finish.
Custom Textured
Passivation process
Post-printing or print-integrated custom surface texture created by 3D modeling the texture directly into the part (knurling, diamond grip, stipple, geometric patterns) or applying it post-print via etching, texturing, or abrasive blasting. Adds tactile grip, hides surface defects, and provides a premium custom feel. Used for ergonomic grips, handles, consumer product enclosures, tool handles, and any 3D printed part requiring a specific textured surface for ergonomic, anti-slip, or aesthetic purposes.
