Selective laser sintering (SLS) is the process for parts that have to take some punishment. A laser fuses fine polyamide powder layer by layer into a solid part; the unfused powder around it carries the part while it prints. That is why SLS needs no support structures – undercuts, internal channels and moving assemblies come out in one piece. We print on the Formlabs Fuse 1 in nylon PA12 and flexible TPU 90A and ship to Germany and across the EU. The calculator prices your part straight away: just upload the file.
Key figures
When SLS is the right choice
SLS is the process industry relies on for functional parts and small series – and that is exactly what our customers use it for.
Brackets, adapters, gears, jigs. PA12 is almost equally strong in every direction – unlike FDM there is no weak layer direction.
The broken plastic part that is no longer sold anywhere – upload it as STEP or STL, print it in PA12, fit it.
Hinges, chains, joints and snap fits come out of the powder already assembled, because no supports get in the way.
Undercuts, cavities, internal channels and lattice structures that no other process can print without supports.
With TPU 90A we print seals, bumpers, grips and sleeves – flexible, tear-resistant and abrasion-resistant.
From 10 to several hundred pieces SLS becomes economical with the quantity discount; the parts are packed densely into the same build volume.
Where SLS reaches its limits
So that you do not order the wrong process, we also say what SLS is not built for:
SLS parts are fine-grained matt, similar to fine sandpaper. If you need a smooth, paint-ready visible surface, SLA printing is the right place.
PA12 comes out of the printer natural white to light grey. We dye it black on request – there are no other colours in SLS; the wide choice of colours is reserved for FDM.
From 0.8 mm wall thickness. Delicate structures below that, miniatures and crisp lettering belong on the SLA printer with its 0.05 mm layers.
Unsealed PA12 is slightly porous. For containers and parts in contact with water we offer sealing with Dichtol.
SLS, SLA and FDM compared
The same key figures for all three processes we offer – the SLS column is highlighted. The other two are described in detail on their own pages: SLA printing service and FDM printing service.
| SLA | SLS | FDM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Layer height | 0.05 mm | 0.11 mm | 0.15 – 0.20 mm |
| Surface | very smooth, paint-ready | fine-grained matt | layer lines visible |
| Strength | depends on resin: brittle to tough | high, equal in every direction | high, lower across the layers |
| Support structures | always – removed | none | depending on the shape |
| Build volume | 200 × 125 × 210 mm | 159 × 159 × 295 mm | 360 × 360 × 360 mm |
| Materials | 8 resins | nylon PA12, TPU 90A | 53 filaments in 9 families |
| Colours | 4 standard colours, clear | natural white, black on request | more than 40 |
| Price level | medium | medium | the lowest |
| Typical for | figures, presentation models, casting patterns | functional parts, spare parts, moving assemblies | large parts, housings, brackets, small series |
The materials at a glance
| Material | Properties | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Nylon PA12 | Strong, tough and dimensionally stable, resistant to oils, greases and many chemicals. Almost isotropic: equally strong in every direction. | Functional parts, housings, spare parts, jigs, small series |
| TPU 90A | Flexible with Shore hardness 90A, tear-resistant and abrasion-resistant. Springs back instead of breaking. | Seals, bumpers, grips, sleeves, protective covers |
Not sure which material fits? The material finder asks about the intended use and suggests one. And the calculator on the home page compares the prices of all three processes as soon as you upload – with an AI recommendation on top.
Finishing after printing
(PA12 and TPU): dyed through, not painted – the colour goes into the material and does not wear off.
(PA12 and TPU): closes the pores, makes the part water- and dirt-repellent and easier to clean.
(PA12): for parts that live outdoors permanently.
You choose all three options directly in the calculator; the surcharge is included there.
How your order works
Either directly in the SLS calculator or via the instant price comparison on the home page, which puts SLS next to SLA and FDM. STEP and IGES are converted on our server; you do not need to export anything.
The calculator checks wall thickness and build volume and shows the price – per piece and for the quantity.
The price is binding. No quote, no follow-up question, no waiting.
After printing the build chamber cools in a controlled way, the parts are freed from residual powder and blasted. The delivery date is already shown in the cart.
What the print costs
The price is derived from material weight, the chosen material and the quantity – not from a flat rate. There are no set-up charges and no minimum order value; a single part costs what the calculator works out for a single part.
10 % from 50 pieces, 15 % from 100, 20 % from 200 – applied automatically in the calculator.
Germany and EU €4.99, free from an order value of €75. Express shipping €11.00 in Germany, €14.50 in the EU.
all payment methods offered in the shop, with a VAT invoice.
Frequently asked questions about SLS printing
STL, OBJ, 3MF, STEP, IGES and BREP up to 256 MB. CAD formats such as STEP are converted into a printable mesh on upload – you do not need to export anything from your CAD program.
The part is built in a powder bed. The loose powder around it carries every surface, every overhang and every cavity while printing. Afterwards it is vacuumed away – and leaves no marks.
PA12 is the standard polyamide of industrial manufacturing: strong, tough and almost equally strong in every direction. It suits parts under permanent mechanical load – brackets, joints, snap fits, housings.
PA12 comes out of the printer natural white to light grey and can be dyed black on request. SLS offers no further colours; for those, FDM with its wide range of filaments is the right process.
No, it is fine-grained matt and feels slightly rough – high-quality, but not glossy. Sealing with Dichtol closes it up; a smooth, paint-ready surface comes from SLA printing.
Yes. PA12 is weather-resistant by nature; for permanent exposure to sun we recommend the seal with UV protection, which you select in the calculator.
15 to 21 days from order to delivery. The exact delivery date is shown in the cart. If you are in a hurry, choose express shipping there.
To Germany and 26 further EU countries. Shipping costs €4.99 and is free from an order value of €75.
Alternatives to SLS printing
If surface finish and the finest detail matter most, the SLA printing service is the right choice: 0.05 mm layers, smooth visible surfaces, eight resins. For large parts, many colours and the lowest price, FDM printing remains the process of choice. The overview of the processes puts all three side by side.