Technology
Selective Laser Sintering
Laser sintering is a popular and versatile 3D printing technology thanks to its high precision, design freedom, and wide range of production-grade materials. Suitable for all stages of the production lifecycle, from prototyping to small series or custom manufacturing, laser-sintered parts need no support structures, making it possible to produce even the most complex geometries.
Why work with Materialise Manufacturing?
At Materialise, we help you push the limits of possible with laser sintering. Our wide choice of materials and finishing degrees let you bring even the most complex designs to life. From prototypes to serial manufacturing, you can count on our in-depth understanding of laser sintering to help you achieve outstanding results. And with our Fast Lane service available for selected materials and finishes when you order online, your model can be on your desk within 48 hours.
Discover applications of laser sintering
Technical specifications
| Maximum build dimensions | Dimensions are unlimited as components may be composed of several sub-parts. The maximum build envelope is 630 x 330 x 550 mm |
| Standard accuracy | ±0.3% (with a lower limit on ±0.3 mm) |
| Layer thickness | 0.12 mm |
| Minimum wall thickness | 1 mm, but living hinges are possible at 0.3 mm |
| Surface structure | Unfinished parts typically have a grainy surface but various post-production finishes are possible |
Materials
Choose from a broad selection of materials when you come to Materialise for your laser sintering projects.
PA 12 Medical-Grade (PA 2201)
Technology
Selective laser sintering
Description
PA 12 Medical-Grade offers high strength, chemical resistance, and detail resolution, making it ideal for high-quality and fully-functional biocompatible plastic parts for settings such as operating rooms. This material is subjected to testing for cytotoxicity, sensitization, irritation, acute systemic toxicity, and material-mediated pyrogenicity.
Key characteristics
- Biocompatible material
- High strength and stiffness
- Good chemical resistance
- High selectivity and detail resolution
- Max part dimensions: 170 x 215 x 320 mm
PA 12 (SLS)
Technology
Selective laser sintering
Description
PA 12 (SLS) is a general-purpose material that offers excellent long-term stability and good chemical resistance, making it suitable for functional prototypes and end-use parts, as well as consumer goods.
Key characteristics
- Strong, general-purpose material printed without a support structure
- High strength and stiffness
- High chemical, mechanical, and thermal resistance
- Fast Lane service available for online orders of PA 12 (SLS) – Normal finish
- Max part dimensions: 630 x 330 x 550 mm
- Max part dimensions (Fast Lane orders): 270 x 270 x 270 mm
PA-AF (Aluminum Filled)
Technology
Selective laser sintering
Description
PA-AF blends polyamide with aluminum to produce strong, stiff parts resistant to temperatures of up to 130°C. With a metallic appearance, it is ideal for models, rapid tooling, and fixtures.
Key characteristics
- Strong, stiff material printed without a support structure
- Slightly sparkly metallic appearance, suitable for post-machining
- High temperature resistance (130°C)
- Max part dimensions: 630 x 330 x 550 mm
PA-GF
Technology
Selective laser sintering
Description
PA-GF blends polyamide with glass beads to offer higher durability, stiffness, and thermal resistance. It is ideal for prototypes or applications where temperature or wear resistance are key.
Key characteristics
- Strong, stiff material printed without a support structure
- High tensile strength, wear resistance, and temperature resistance (110°C)
- Suitable for post-machining
- Max part dimensions: 630 x 330 x 550 mm
Polypropylene (PP)
Technology
Selective laser sintering
Description
A tough, fatigue-resistant, and lightweight material, polypropylene (PP) is ideal for functional prototypes of snap-fit assemblies or living hinges in automotive components, packaging, and consumer goods.
Key characteristics
- Tough yet flexible material printed without a support structure
- Very high elongation at break (> 500%)
- Lightweight and fatigue resistant
- Max part dimensions: 480 x 480 x 430 mm
PA 2210 FR
Technology
Selective laser sintering
Description
PA 2210 FR is a high-performance, UL Blue Card-certified polyamide containing a halogen-free flame retardant. Excellent long-term stability and good chemical resistance make it ideal for functional prototypes or end-use parts.
Key characteristics
- Strong material printed without a support structure
- Flame retardant — UL Blue Card-certified (UL 94 rating of V-0 at 3 mm wall thickness), CS/FAR 25.853 compliant
- High chemical, mechanical, and thermal resistance
- Max part dimensions: 280 x 280 x 550 mm
PA 2241 FR
Technology
Selective laser sintering
Description
PA 2241 FR is a high-performance, flame-retardant polyamide. Its excellent long-term stability and good chemical resistance make it ideal for functional prototypes or end-use parts.
Key characteristics
- Strong material printed without a support structure
- Flame retardant — CS/FAR 25.853 compliant, available in Airbus certified grade, according to AIPI 03-07-022
- Excellent long-term stability and high chemical resistance
- Max part dimensions: 630 x 330 x 550 mm
Work with us: discover our products and services
Want to bring laser sintering into a future project? Discover the services that can help you do it.
Get direct 24/7 access to the technologies and materials you need to bring your designs to life. Instant quotes, short lead-times, and easy checkout.
Transform your product development cycle and get the best possible products to market faster. Get unbiased advice and dedicated support from teams committed to your success.
Innovate and speed up your manufacturing in collaboration with our experts. Rely on our full range of in-house technologies suitable for all industries and applications.
Build your success on a platform of software tools that efficiently manage and control the 3D printing process, allowing you to meet the highest standards of the most demanding industries.
Work with our experts to translate your business challenges into 3D printing opportunities and identify the applications that can help you meet your needs.
Train and learn
Get more from your next project with helpful resources dedicated to selective laser sintering.
