SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING (SLS)

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SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING(SLS)
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SLS History

• Selective Laser Sintering was developed by the
  University of Texas in 1987.
• Commercialized by DTM Corporation, a subsidiary
  of B.F. Goodrich.
• Company has strong patent to help absorb
  financial burdens of development.
• First SLS system shipped in 1992.

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SLS Technology

• SLS system is ranked as high-end RP modeling.
• Builds rapid prototyping models using additive
  fabrication method.

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SLS Technology Continued...

• Click here to view Sinterstation Pro SLS System
  and an animated demonstration on how to use it.

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SLS Technology Continued...

• Uses DTMView software to import, scale, and
  orient part to be modeled.
• The Sinterstation Pro is cost-effective. Directly
  manufacture customized short production runs.
• The Sinterstation Pro has a layer thickness
  0.004" or 0.006.
• Build size is 22" x 22" x 30."
• Tool-less plastic part manufacturing
• Form/fit/functional plastic prototypes

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SLS Technology Continued...
TYPICAL ROOM LAYOUT Sinterstation Pro SLS system
- Manufactures the part(s) from 3-D CAD
data. Rapid Change Module (RCM) - Build module
mounted on wheels for quick and easy transfer
between the Sinterstation, OTS and BOS. Nitrogen
Generator - Delivers a continuous supply of
nitrogen to the SLS system. Offline Thermal
Station (OTS) - Pre-heats the RCM before it is
loaded into the SLS system and manages the
RCM cool-down process after a build has been
completed. Break Out Station (BOS) - In the BOS
the parts are removed from the RCM. The
non-sintered powder automatically gets sifted and
transferred to the IRS. Integrated Recycling
Station (IRS) - The IRS automatically mixes
recycled new powder. The mixed powder is
automatically transferred to the SLS
system. Intelligent Powder Cartridge (IPC) - New
powder is loaded into the IRS from a returnable
powder cartridge. When the IPC is connected to
the IRS, electronic material information is
automatically transferred to the SLS system.
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SLS Technology Continued...
Click here to view the SLS Sinterstation Pro with
a typical room layout.
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How The Sinterstation Pro Works!

• First you have to build the setup for the part.
• Then remove the RCM from the OTS, then placed in
  the Sinterstation.
• The part is then goes through the Selective Laser
  SINTERING process.
• The RCM is then unloaded from the Sinterstation
  and placed back on the OTS.
• Then the RCM is then loaded into the BOS, where
  the part is broke out.
• The used powder is then sifted and transferred to
  the IRS, new powder is then transferred into the
  IRS.
• The IRS mixes the powders and transfers it back
  to the SLS System.

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How SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) process
works

• How SLS Works - SLS process produces parts
  directly from 3D CAD model layer by layer
  similar to SLA but rather than liquid resin
  powder is used. The CO2 Laser provides a
  concentrated heating beam which is traced over
  the tightly compacted layer of fine heat-fusible
  powder. The temperature in the entire chamber is
  maintained little below the melting point of the
  powder. So laser slightly raises the temperature
  to cause sintering, means welding without
  melting. For next level, piston moves down along
  with the formed object and powder is spread with
  a roller for next layer. Process repeats until
  full object is formed.

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How SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) process
works (cont)
Click here to view a diagram on how the Selective
Laser Sintering process works.
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SLS Uses

• Produces patterns for casting.
• Creating highly detailed Functional parts.
• Rapid tooling from powdered carbon steel.
• Significant impact on prototype manufacturing
  industry and RP job shops.
• Ideal for Automotive, Motorsports, Aerospace,
  White Goods/Kitchen Appliances, RD and others
  needing small to extra-large plastic parts from
  3-D CAD data

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SLS Uses Continued

• Click here to view samples of SLS uses from the
  www.conceptual_reality.com site.

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SLS Advantages

• Robust System and High End Products.
• Conceptual Models.
• Functional Prototypes.
• Pattern Masters for casting.
• Rapid Tooling.
• Wide Range of Building Materials.
• High Throughput Capability.
• intelligent powder tracking
• Largest available part size

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SLS Disadvantages

• Large Amount of Up-Front Capital.
• Designed for Large Manufacturing Industries.
• High Maintenance Cost
• High power requirements for Sinterstation Pro.
• Requires lots of open space.

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REFERENCES

• http//www.arptech.com.au/slshelp.htm
• http//www.3dsystems.com/products/sls/sinterstatio
  n_pro/index.asp