Selective laser sintering (SLS) is the process for parts that have to withstand real use. A laser fuses fine polyamide powder layer by layer into a solid part; the unfused powder around it supports the part during printing. That is why SLS needs no support structures – undercuts, internal channels and moving assemblies are produced in one piece. We print on the Formlabs Fuse 1 in Nylon PA12 and flexible TPU 90A and deliver to Germany and the EU. The price calculator works out the price instantly: just upload your file.
Key facts
When SLS is the right choice
SLS is the process industry relies on for functional parts and small production runs – and that is exactly what our customers use it for.
Brackets, adapters, gears, fixtures. PA12 is almost equally strong in every direction – unlike FDM, there is no weak layer direction.
The broken plastic part that is no longer available anywhere – upload it as STEP or STL, print it in PA12, fit it.
Hinges, chains, joints and snap-fit hooks come out of the powder fully assembled because there are no supports in the way.
Undercuts, cavities, internal channels and lattice structures that cannot be printed without supports in any other process.
With TPU 90A we print seals, bumpers, grips and sleeves – pliable, tear-resistant and abrasion-resistant.
From 10 to several hundred pieces, SLS becomes economical thanks to the volume discount; the parts sit densely packed in the same build volume.
Where SLS reaches its limits
So that you don’t order the wrong process, we also tell you 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 choice.
PA12 comes out of the printer natural white to light grey. We dye it black on request – other colours are not available in SLS; the wide colour range remains the domain of 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 the resin: brittle to tough | high, equal in all directions | high, lower along the layers |
| Support structures | always – removed afterwards | none | depends on the shape |
| Build volume | 200 × 125 × 210 mm | 159 × 159 × 295 mm | 360 × 360 × 360 mm |
| Materials | 8 resins | Nylon PA12, TPU 90A | 54 filaments in 9 families |
| Colours | 4 standard colours, transparent | natural white, black on request | over 40 |
| Price level | medium | medium | lowest |
| Typical for | figurines, presentation models, casting patterns | functional parts, spare parts, moving assemblies | large parts, housings, brackets, small production runs |
The materials at a glance
We print on the Formlabs Fuse 1 with Formlabs powders – machine and material come from the same manufacturer. More on this under Machines and materials.
| 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, fixtures, small production runs |
| 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 makes a suggestion. And the price calculator on the home page compares the prices of all three processes as soon as you upload – with an AI recommendation to go with it.
Finishing after printing
(PA12 and TPU): dyed through, not painted – the colour penetrates 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 are permanently outdoors.
You select all three options directly in the price calculator; the surcharge is included there.
How your order works
Either directly in the SLS price calculator or via the instant price comparison on the home page, which puts SLS alongside SLA and FDM. We convert STEP and IGES on the server; you don’t need to export anything.
The price calculator checks wall thickness and build volume and shows the price – per part and for the quantity.
The price is binding. No quotation, no follow-up questions, no waiting.
After printing, the build chamber cools down in a controlled manner, the parts are freed of residual powder and media-blasted. The delivery date is already shown in the cart.
What printing costs
The price is based on the material weight, the chosen material and the quantity – not on a flat rate. There are no set-up charges; a single part costs what the price calculator works out for a single part. A minimum order value of €3 applies to the order as a whole.
from €50 cart value 10 %, from €100 15 %, from €200 20 % – applied automatically in the cart.
Germany and EU €4.99, free on orders from €75. Express shipping €11.00 in Germany, €14.50 in the EU.
all payment methods offered in the shop, invoice with VAT shown.
Frequently asked questions about SLS printing
STL, OBJ, 3MF, STEP, IGES and BREP up to 256 MB. We convert CAD formats such as STEP into a printable mesh ourselves on upload – you don’t need to export anything from your CAD program.
The part is built in a powder bed. The loose powder around the part supports every surface, every overhang and every cavity during printing. Afterwards it is vacuumed away – and leaves no marks behind.
PA12 is the standard polyamide of industrial manufacturing: strong, tough and almost equally strong in every direction. It is suitable for parts under permanent mechanical load – brackets, joints, snap-fit hooks, 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 makes it more closed; a smooth, paint-ready surface is what SLA printing delivers.
Yes. PA12 is inherently weather-resistant; for permanent exposure to sunlight we recommend sealing with UV protection, which you select in the price 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 other EU countries. Shipping costs €4.99 and is free on orders from €75.
Alternatives to SLS printing
If surface finish and fine 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 processes puts all three side by side.