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Rapid
Prototyping Processes
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Rapid
Prototyping -- Selective Laser Sintering
- SLS
The SLSŪ process creates
three dimensional objects, layer by
layer, from powdered materials with
heat generated by a CO2 laser. The part
is built inside of a cylinder that contains
a moveable platform, and is formed layer-by-layer.
A roller deposits a layer of powder
across the top of the cylinder; the
laser fuses the powder to create the
part geometry and also bonds each layer
to the one beneath it; the platform
drops by the height of one layer; the
roller deposits another layer of powder,
and the process continues.
Some materials being
used are polycarbonate, nylon, polyester,
Protoform@153 Composite(Nylon & Glass),
TrueForm&153 PM Polymer, Rapid Steel
Metal(Carbon Steel particles w/ Polymer
coating) and polystyrene.
The SLS process can
typically hold tolerances in the range
of +.002" to +.010" across the part-
building envelope.