Outsource Metal 3D Printing in Bangalore

The 3D printing technologies used by individuals and enterprises in Bangalore can be broadly divided into two categories – plastic/polymer and metal. Metal 3D printing technologies enable users to produce parts using high-performance metal alloys.

Many enterprises use metal 3D printing machines to produce strong, custom, and complex parts using aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, chrome, cobalt, or Inconel. But the metal 3D printing process is more complex and time-consuming than the plastic 3D printing process.

Also, Metal 3D printers are much more expensive than 3D printers driven by popular plastic 3D printing technologies like Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), and Stereolithography (SLA).

metal 3D printing Bangalore

Large enterprises in Bangalore facilitate metal 3D printing by investing in expensive metal 3D printers and deploying an in-house team of skilled technicians. But most enterprises outsource metal 3D printing in Bangalore to overcome constraints related to skill and resources.

Why Do Companies And Startups Outsource Metal 3d Printing In Bangalore?

Curtail Upfront and Ongoing Costs

The price of plastic 3D printing machines ranges from $600 to $4000. Enterprises can invest in different plastic 3D printing machines without escalating upfront investment. But the prices of metal 3D printing machines vary from $50000 to $1 million.

Also, enterprises have to incur recurring expenses to keep the metal 3D printer clean and boost their performance. Most companies and startups in Bangalore lack the funds to purchase expensive metal 3D printers. They outsource metal 3D printing to avoid upfront and ongoing expenses.

No Need to Build an In-House Team

As noted earlier, metal 3D printers are more complex than plastic 3D printers. Enterprises must deploy skilled technicians to operate metal 3D printing machines efficiently and safely. Also, they need dedicated staff to clean and maintain the printers after each 3D print job.

Outsourcing metal 3D printing helps businesses eliminate the need to hire and train staff. The leading metal 3D printing service providers in Bangalore deploy technicians with both experience and expertise. They use their expertise to improve part quality without increasing printing time and costs.

Mix and Match Metal 3D Printing Technologies

Metal 3D Printing in Bangalore

While printing a metal part, one has the option to choose from different metal 3D printing technologies, including Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), Electron Beam Melting (EBM), Direct Energy Deposition (DED), and Binder Jetting. Each of these metal 3D printing technologies has its pros and cons.

Hence, an enterprise can produce high-quality parts only using the right metal 3D printing technology. It needs to invest in multiple metal 3D printers to leverage the desired technology on demand. But an enterprise can produce parts using the desired technology by outsourcing metal 3D printing in Bangalore.

Experiment with Different Materials

While planning a metal 3D printing project, one has the option to choose from a wide range of materials – aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, chrome, and cobalt. Some metal 3D printing machines support multiple materials while others support a specific material. For instance, DMLS systems support most of the metal 3D printing materials available in the market.

But DMSL systems are more expensive than other metal 3D printers. Also, one needs to deploy skilled technicians to monitor the printing process and perform post-processing activities. Enterprises can easily experiment with many metal 3D printing materials by outsourcing metal 3D printing in Bangalore.

Expand Build Size

The small build size is often cited as a major shortcoming of metal 3D printers. Most metal 3D printing systems available in the market are designed with small print chambers. Hence, they are effective in producing small parts. Engineers produce multiple parts using metal 3D printers and integrate them after the printing process to meet the requirements of large projects.

An enterprise can accelerate the production of large parts only by investing in multiple metal 3D printers and deploying additional technicians. But it can reduce the time and cost significantly by outsourcing metal 3D printing in Bangalore. There are many companies that have set up large facilities with multiple material 3D printing machines. Also, they speed up printing and post-processing by deploying in-house technicians.

Overcome Metal 3D Printing Problems

Cracking and warpage are some of the major issues related to metal 3D printing. Engineers can prevent warpage only by ensuring that the metal 3D printing process starts accurately. Likewise, they can prevent cracking from occurring by monitoring the process as the melted metal solidifies.

The leading metal 3D printing service providers in Bangalore monitor the metal 3D printing process by deploying dedicated technicians. Also, they fix various types of defects by implementing a slew of metal 3D printing best practices. Hence, enterprises receive parts without any defects.

Improve Part Quality

Post-processing is an integral part of the metal 3D printing process. The post-processing activities differ depending on the nature and size of the 3D-printed part. But engineers often perform a variety of post-processing activities – sanding, water jetting, chemical rising, and air/heat drying – to improve the metal part.

Once the part is printed, engineers need to remove the support structure using the right products. Also, they need to achieve the predefined surface finish by smothering the surface. Enterprises outsource metal 3D printing in Bangalore to get parts optimized by performing the required post-processing activities.

Conclusion

There are many companies and startups that offer metal 3D printing services in Bangalore at competitive rates. Some of these providers have set up metal 3D printing facilities in Bangalore, while others offer online metal 3D printing services to companies and startups in Bangalore.

These metal 3D printing service providers allow customers to customize the metal 3D printing process by choosing from a wide range of machines and materials. Also, they focus on reducing metal 3D printing time and cost without affecting the part quality.

Hence, both individuals and enterprises can produce complex and custom parts on demand by outsourcing metal 3D printing in Bangalore. But the metal 3D printing service providers differ from each other in several aspects, including industry expertise and infrastructure.

Hence, decision-makers must compare these providers using a variety of parameters. The comparison will help them partner with a reliable and reputable company while outsourcing metal 3D printing in Bangalore.

What is FDM 3D Printing?

The widely-used 3D printing technologies can be broadly divided into two categories – consumer and industrials. Consumer 3D printers are found in homes, offices, and educational institutions. At the same time, enterprises from various sectors use industrial-grade 3D printers to switch from subtractive or conventional manufacturing to additive manufacturing.

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is a 3D printing technology that is used widely by individuals and enterprises. The usage statistics posted on Statista suggest that FDM is currently the most commonly used 3D printing technology.Also, FDM drives the steady and consistent growth of the global 3D printing market.

What is FDM 3D Printing?

FDM 3D Printing

Like other 3D printing technologies, FDM produces solid parts from digital files. Also, it creates the parts by depositing materials layer by layer. But FDM, unlike other 3D printing technologies, creates parts using the material extrusion method.

FDM 3D printers are designed with nozzles through which the thermoplastic filaments are extruded. The heated nozzle melts the filament and deposits the melted filament onto the build platform layer by layer. The material extrusion method makes FDM scores over other 3D printing technologies in several categories – ease of use and cost-efficiency.

How Do FDM 3D Printers Work?

While planning an FDM 3D printing project, engineers have the option to choose from a wide range of thermoplastic materials. They fed the thermoplastic filament into the 3D printing machines in the shape of plastic threads through a nozzle.

They melt the filament by heating the nozzle. The heated nozzle deposits the melted filament layer by layer over the build platform. The thermoplastic cools and solidifies gradually as the nozzle moves across the base. Also, they form a solid bond with the earlier layer.

Once a layer is printed, the build platform descents or ascents to facilitate the formation of the next layer. These steps are repeated till the printer created the part fully according to the digital 3D model.

Engineers always choose the FDM 3D printer according to the build size and layer height. Also, they customize the FDM 3D printing process by adjusting important parameters like build speed, nozzle temperature, cooling fan speed, and build platform temperature.

What are the Material Options for FDM 3D Printing?

FDM beats other 3D printing technologies in the category of material options. While planning the FDM 3D printing process, engineers have the option to choose from a wide range of feedstock materials or filaments. For instance, they can choose from widely-used polymers like PLA, PET, ABS, Nylon, TPU, and PC.

Also, they can improve the physical properties of the filament by opting for composite materials like Tough PLA which is produced by combining PLA and ABS. Likewise; they can make 3D-printed parts effective in resisting mechanical stress by opting for fiber-filled materials.

Leading manufacturers have been producing innovative FDM 3D printing filaments regularly. The affordability and availability of these polymer and composite filaments contribute hugely toward making FDM the most commonly used 3D printing technology.

What are the Common Applications of FDM 3D Printing?

Concept Modeling

Engineers use concept models to understand precise requirements or identify potential issues before starting production. FDM 3D printing machines and materials help them create concept models without putting in extra time and resources.

Rapid Prototyping

Engineers test a concept or evaluate a process by creating prototypes. They use FDM 3D printers to produce preliminary versions of a product in a short amount of time. Also, they leverage the printer to make several changes to the prototype during the testing process.

Low-Volume Manufacturing

FDM 3D printing helps manufacturers switch from subtractive manufacturing to additive manufacturing. A manufacturer can use industrial-grade FDM 3D printers to facilitate low-volume production of complex parts without using conventional tooling.

End Part Fabrication

Many companies these days prefer printing end parts to producing end parts. They leverage FDM 3D printing technology to reduce the time and costs required to fabricate end parts. Also, they can boost the part’s quality and durability using the appropriate FDM 3D printing material.

Manufacturing Tool Development

FDM 3D printing creates opportunities for engineers to produce next-generation manufacturing tools. Engineers can reduce the time and resources required to fabricate jigs, fixtures, and other manufacturing tools using industrial-grade FDM 3D printers.

Making Consumer Products

Access to FDM 3D printers creates opportunities for students and hobbyists to produce a variety of consumer products. Students showcase their creativity and skill by producing innovative toys, home decor, and gift items using FDM 3D printers. At the same time, hobbyists use FDM 3D printing technologies to create new use cases and meet emerging needs regularly.

What are the Pros and Cons of FDM 3D Printing Technology?

Pros

  • Less complex than other 3D printing technologies
  • Less expensive than other 3D printing technologies
  • Availability of a wide range of FDM 3D printing materials
  • Option to reuse FDM 3D printing materials
  • Perform post-processing activities without investing in specialized tools and expensive liquids.
  • FDM 3D printers are easy to store and move
  • New-age FDM 3D printers support cloud server printing

Cons

  • FDM printers need more time to produce a part as they print layer by layer.
  • Engineers have to opt for multidirectional printing to unidirectional printing to make stronger parts.
  • Often misalignment or weak adhesion of layers results in print failure.
  • Engineers must clean and maintain the FDM 3D printer regularly to prevent nozzle clogging.
  • Users can improve safety only by installing the FDM 3D printer in a well-ventilated environment.

Conclusion:

FDM is currently more popular than other 3D printing technologies. Enterprises invest in industrial-grade FDM 3D printers to produce product prototypes and functional parts. At the same time, desktop FDM 3D printers are used widely by students, engineers, and hobbyists. Also, many individuals and enterprises these days avail of FDM 3D printing services to produce physical objects by overcoming constraints related to time, resources, and skills.

DMLS 3D Printing: A Quick Guide

3D printing technologies enable enterprises from various industries to produce production parts and functional prototypes without investing in extra resources. But engineers have to use specific materials according to their choice of 3D printing technologies. Direct Metal Laser Sintering enables manufacturers to produce spare parts and prototypes using a variety of metals and metal alloys.

What is DMLS 3D Printing?

DMLS 3D Printing

According to ScienceDirect, “Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) is an AM technique for metal 3D printing. In this process, the metal powder (20 μm diameter), free of binder or fluxing agent, is completely melted by the scanning of a high-power laser beam. The resulting part has properties like the original material.

DMLS is an industrial 3D printing technology. It belongs to the category of power bed fusion category of additive manufacturing technologies. It produces parts by melting metal powders or metal alloy powders completely using a high-power laser beam.

DMLS creates opportunities for engineers to print strong and durable functional parts using a wide range of metal powders and metal alloy powders.The metal powders differentiate DMLS from other 3D printing technologies.

What Metal Powders are used in DMLS 3D Printing Process?

While planning a DMLS 3D printing project, engineers have the option to choose from a variety of metal and metal alloy powders. They can choose from aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, cobalt chrome, or managing steel.

The metal material options make it engineers to produce parts using the appropriate metal. For instance, an engineer can create parts effective in resisting acid and corrosion by choosing stainless steel. At the same time, she can opt for aluminum to produce metal parts effective in resisting stress.

How Does DMLS 3D Printing Work?

Like other 3D printing technologies, DMLS printers create parts layer by layer based on digital 3D files. Engineers refine the digital 3D model using appropriate software to generate code that can be understood by the metal 3D printer. After preparing the digital 3D file, engineers fill the DMLS printer hopper with a specific metal or metal alloy powder.

The printer uses heaters to bring the metal powder up to the sintering range of the metal allow. It subsequently starts dispensing thin layers of the metal powder onto the build platform. The high-power laser form solid structures by sintering the metal powder selectively. The DMLS 3D printer continues dispensing and sintering the metal powder till the part is produced completely.

Once the physical printing process is over, engineers allow the part to cool fully. They remove the loose metal powder from the DMLS printer as well as remove the support before starting post-processing activities. They refine and treat the 3D-printed part by performing activities like surface finishing, machining, and heat treatment. DMLS 3D printing technology delivers metal parts in about 7 to 10 days.

What are the Common Applications/Use Cases of DMLS 3D Printing Technology?

Replacing Conventional Metalworking Technologies

Conventional metalworking technologies are not effective in producing parts with complex geometries. Many manufacturers invest in DMLS 3D printers to print complex parts directly using high-performance metals and metal alloys.

Producing Strong and Lightweight Parts

DMLS 3D printing machines produce single-component metals by melting metal powders completely. The single-component metal is effective in producing parts and prototypes that are strong, durable, and lightweight. Engineers can easily reduce the strength or weight of a spare part using the appropriate metal powder.

Improving Part’s Functional Performance

While using subtractive manufacturing methods, engineers have to focus extensively on manufactur ability. The focus on manufactur ability impacts the spare part’s functional performance negatively. DMLS 3D printing enables engineers to focus on improving a part’s functional performance instead of manufactur ability.

Reducing Part Count

At present, DMLS is used widely by companies in the aerospace and automotive industries. These companies leverage this 3D printing technologies for a variety of purposes, including weight reduction, complex part production, and mass customization. At the same time, DMLS creates opportunities for them to reduce the number of parts through integration and optimization.

Facilitating Customization and Personalization

Companies in the medicine and healthcare industries use DMLS 3D printing to produce bridges, crowns, and prosthetics. DMLS 3D printers create opportunities for medical practitioners to create custom prosthetics for individual patients. At the same time, they can use high-strength metals to produce prosthetics that patients can use over a longer period of time.

Providing Freedom of Design

DMLS, like other powder bed 3D printing technologies, provides freedom of design to engineers. As engineers are not required to use multiple tools and fixtures, they can produce new parts by experimenting with complex designs and innovative design rules. Also, they can customize existing designs and models to boost the functional performance of various parts.

What are the Pros and Cons of DMLS 3D Printing?

Pros

  • Direct metal printing keeps the mechanical properties of the metal intact.
  • Engineers can choose from a wide range of metals and metal alloys.
  • Engineers can produce strong and durable metal parts without using additional tooling and fixture.
  • Metal powders help engineers produce parts with dimensional accuracy and complex geometries.
  • Options to produce parts with a smoother finish using finer metal powder.
  • Manufacturers can control 3D printing costs by reusing metal powders.

Cons

  • One of the complex industrial 3D printing technologies.
  • Not popular with students and hobbyists due to the high cost of DMLS 3D printing machines and materials.
  • Does not support large build volumes like other industrial 3D printing technologies.
  • Engineers can produce parts and prototypes in weeks using this slow additive manufacturing technology.

Please read our blog “DMLS Advantages and Disadvantages” to know the pros and cons of this industrial 3D printing technology in detail.

Conclusion

Unlike other 3D printing technologies, DMLS facilitates the production of metal parts and prototypes. At present, DMLS 3D printing technology is used widely by enterprises from various industries. But the industrial 3D printing technology has its pros and cons. Leading 3D printing service providers overcome the limitation of DMLS 3D printing by monitoring the printing process and adopting several best practices.

References

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/materials-science/direct-metal-laser-sintering

https://www.protolabs.co.uk/services/3d-printing/direct-metal-laser-sintering/

https://all3dp.com/2/direct-metal-laser-sintering-dmls-simply-explained/

What is DMLS: Process, Benefits & Applications

3D Printing Companies in Kolkata

The number of individuals and enterprises leveraging 3D printing technologies has been growing consistently. But 3D printing adaption is still a nascent stage in developing countries like India. 3D printing companies have been making various 3D printing technologies accessible and affordable to end-users in a variety of ways. Several market research and forecast studies suggest a consistent growth of the 3D printing market in India.

Many companies and startups have been popularizing 3D printing technologies in Kolkata. Most of these 3D printing companies in Kolkata offer customized 3D printing services. You can avail of customized 3D printing services to transform digital three-dimensional models into solid three-dimensional objects. At the same time, you can 3D-print a variety of items yourself buying 3D printers and 3D printing filaments from specific 3D printing companies in Kolkata.

While living in Kolkata, you have the option to choose from many local and remote 3D printing companies based on your project needs. But you should not shortlist the 3D printing companies only based on their corporate office addresses. It is always important to consider the reputation of 3D printing companies to avail the machines, services, or materials required to produce high-quality items.

Shortlisting Some of the Leading 3D Printing Companies in Kolkata

MELT

MELT is one of the leading 3D printing companies in Kolkata. It enables clients to 3D-print a variety of items by supplying AutoCAD software, 3D printers, 3D scanners, and 3D printing filaments. At the same time, it helps clients to overcome constraints related to skills and budgets by providing 3D designing, 3D printing, and 3D scanning services. You can share your project needs with MELT by uploading the digital 3D model. Also, you can customize the 3D printing services by choosing the appropriate 3D printing technology, material, and file unit.

Turtle Tech

Turtle Tech is a Kolkata-based 3D printing company. It offers SLS and FDM 3D printing services, along with a wide range of materials and filaments. You can customize the 3D printing services provided by Turtleye Tech by combining the appropriate material with an FDM/SLS 3D printer. The company helps you to compare the right material for your project by highlighting the pros and cons of every filament. You can receive a quote for Turtleye Tech by sharing your project needs in the form of a digital file.

FusionStream

FusionStream is one of the local3D printing companies in Kolkata. It has been providing both 3D printer manufacturing and 3D printing services to clients. But FusionStream delivers 3D printing services in offline mode. You can receive a quote by submitting your phone number and email address through its website. But you do not have the option to share your requirements by uploading a digital file. The company will contact you to understand your requirements.

Aurum3D

3D Printing Companies in Kolkata

The Bangalore-based 3D printing company has been providing 3D printing services and supplying 3D printing filaments to clients in Kolkata through its website. You should consider Aurum3D to avail of FDM, SLS, or SLA 3D printing services, along with 3D designing and 3D scanning services. Also, you can customize the 3D printing services by choosing the appropriate material type, support material, print resolution, infill percentage, and layer height while uploading the STL file. At the same time, you can order a variety of 3D printing materials – resin, powder, and plastics – according to your specific project needs.

Think3D

The Hyderabad-based 3D printing company supplies 3D printing materials as well as provides 3D designing, 3D scanning, and 3D printing services. Think3D uses its own facility to provide a variety of 3D printing services – FDM, SLS, SLA, DMLS, MJP, and PJP – to clients in Kolkata. It facilitates 3D printing service customization by allowing you to define important aspects of the 3D-printed item while uploading the digital file. Also, you have the option to order a variety of materials – plastic, metal, and elastomers – through its website.

WOL3D

This Mumbai-based 3D printing company has branch offices in several cities, including Kolkata. WOL3D allows you to buy 3D printers, 3D scanners, 3D models, filaments, accessories, and spare parts. In addition to manufacturing various 3D printers, WOL3D is the master distributor of leading international manufacturers. You should consider the 3D printing company to convert your ideas into solid 3D dimensional items by buying a slew of 3D printers and filaments. You can further create prototypes using FDM 3D printing technology by availing of the 3D prototyping services provided by WOL3D.

Srijan Creations

Srijan Creations is one of the 3D printing companies in Kolkata that supply 3D printers, offer 3D printing services, and conduct 3D printing workshops. You can attend the classes and workshops conducted by this company to learn various 3D printing technologies and 3D-print a variety of items. At the same time, you can avail of 3D printing services to convert your ideas into solid three-dimensional objects. However, you have to contact Srijan Creations by sending a message or making a phone call as the company delivers 3D printing services and solutions in offline mode.

Skubotics

Skubotics has been popularizing 3D printing technologies in Kolkata by providing training and organizing workshops. The training programs and workshops aim to make teachers, students, hobbyists, and working professionals familiar with widely used 3D printing technologies. You can attend the training program or workshop to learn how to express your ideas in the form of a digital 3D model and how to convert the digital model into a solid three-dimensional object. Also, you get an opportunity to access a custom-made 3D printer and use it to produce solid three-dimensional objects.

While comparing and shortlisting 3D printing companies in Kolkata, you must remember that most enterprises these days offer 3D printing services and supply 3D printers/filaments through their websites. Hence, you can buy high-end 3D printers and high-quality 3D printing services opting for a company whose corporate office is not located in Kolkata.

SLS 3D Printing Companies

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is one of the fast and cost-efficient 3D printing technologies that facilitate the construction of three-dimensional structures with high accuracy, strength, resolution, and stiffness. The absence of support structures makes it easier for engineers to print prototypes and functional parts with complex geometries and intricate patterns. The engineers have the option to choose from a wide range of SLS 3D printing materials.

You can avail of professional SLS 3D printing services to construct the desired part, prototype, model, or item without investing in either an SLS 3D printer or SLS 3D printing materials. Most SLS 3D printing companies offer customized 3D printing services. They allow you to choose from several SLS 3D printers and SLS 3D printing materials according to your precise project needs.

Some of these SLS 3D printing companies further offer 3D designing and 3D scanning services along with SLS 3D printing services. But you must remember that the quality of services varies across SLS 3D printing companies. Some companies offer SLS 3D printing services to individual clients, while others offer services to both individuals and enterprises. That is why; you should consider some of the reputable companies offering customized SLS 3D printing services.

Shortlisting Some of the Reputable SLS 3D Printing Companies

Aurum3D

SLS 3D Printing Companies

Aurum3D is one of the major 3D Printing companies in Bangalore. It has been providing SLS 3D printing services to both individual and enterprise clients. Aurum3D sends quotes to clients based on the project requirements shared by them in the form of an STL file. It further facilitates SLS 3D printing service customization by allowing clients to specify material type, layer height, resolution, and infill percentage. Aurum3D has built a reputation by providing SLS 3D printing services to enterprises from many sectors – manufacturing, engineering, automotive, aerospace, and education.

Think3D

The Telangana-based company has been delivering 3D-printed prototypes and functional parts to clients using in-house SLS 3D printers. Think3D prints and delivers high-quality items by deploying a technically qualified team. It further keeps the ideas or concepts shared by the client in the form of a digital file by storing them in secure private servers. Think3D has gained popularity by offering customized SLS 3D printing services at competitive rates. It facilitates SLS 3D printing customization by allowing clients to choose from multiple SLS printers and printing materials.

Makenica

The Bangaluru-based company has been providing online SLS 3D printing services to clients across India. Makenica aims to become the top manufacturing platform in India by focusing on quality control and precision. It has been providing 3D printing services to large enterprises like TATA, Siemens, and Qualcomm. You can avail of SLS 3D printing services from Makenica by uploading your ideas or requirements as a digital file. The company allows you to customize the SLS 3D printing process by specifying the dimension and choosing the appropriate material.

Imaginarium

The Mumbai-based company has been providing additive manufacturing services to enterprises from several sectors, including engineering, architecture, jewellery, automotive, and consumer products. Imaginarium facilitates rapid prototyping and rapid manufacturing by providing customized additive manufacturing services. You can avail of the customized additive manufacturing services to convert your idea into a three-dimensional product using SLS 3D printing technology. You can receive a quote from Imaginarium after uploading your design to its website.

Stratasys

The direct manufacturing service provided by Stratasys helps you produce functional prototypes and production parts using SLS 3D printing technology. The 3D printing company customizes SLS 3D printing services by allowing you to choose from a wide range of Nylon 1 and Nylon 2 materials. You can evaluate the pros and cons of individual SLS 3D printing materials by reading the information posted on the website. Also, you can generate an instant quote simply by sharing your requirements in the form of a CAD file.

3Ding

3Ding is one of the SLS 3D printing companies that allow clients to buy or rent 3D printers as well as avail of 3D printing services. The Chennai-based company has already provided 3D printing services to over 7500 clients. It helps you convert your idea into a three-dimensional item by choosing SLS 3D printing technology along with the appropriate materials. It allows you to choose from a wide range of materials according to your specific project needs. You can opt for the MaaS platform to produce any number of items using SLS 3D printers.

Karkhana

Karkhana provides SLS 3D printing services through access to the production capacity of over 150 manufacturers. It further ensures 3D printing quality by implementing quality standards as well as conducting factory audits and part inspections. You also have the option to customize the SLS 3D printing process choosing from two materials – glass-filled nylon and Nylon PA2. You can receive an instant quote from Karkhana after uploading your CAD file.

3DStreet

3DStreet has been providing SLS 3D printing services to clients across India in offline mode. It further ensures quality by supporting end-user functional testing. The company has already provided SLS 3D printing services to enterprises from the manufacturing, electronics, and R&D sectors. But it does not allow you to choose from multiple forms of materials or filaments. Also, you can receive a quote from 3DStreet only by submitting your mobile number.

EOS

EOS has over 27 years of experience in providing SLS 3D printing services to enterprises. It helps clients to boost the quality of 3D-printer parts and prototypes by choosing the right SLS 3D printer and SLS 3D printing material. The SLS 3D printing company allows you to choose from 12 SLS 3D printing materials according to your precise project requirements. It boosts the quality of the powdered materials through elaborate QA testing. Also, EOS is one of the SLS 3D printing companies that introduce new materials to meet changing industry trends.

Most SLS 3D printing companies these days offer services to clients through their websites. Hence, you can avail of customized 3D printing services without choosing a 3D printing company near your location. But you can boost the quality of the 3D-printed item only by choosing a company that provides customized 3D printing service.

Selective Laser Sintering Applications

You can use a 3D printer to construct a variety of three-dimensional objects physically from digital 3D models. But you can boost the quality and usability of the 3D-printed object only by choosing the appropriate 3D printing technologies. Engineers often opt for selective laser sintering (SLS) as a fast and cost-efficient 3D printing technology. You can further leverage this widely used 3D printing technology to construct items with higher dimensional accuracy and better chemical and mechanical properties.

While planning selective laser sintering applications, you have the option to choose from various production-grade nylon materials in powder form. You can further boost the SLS 3D printing process using 3D nesting software. Enterprises from various sectors use SLS 3D printing technology to print production parts, complex prototypes, innovative tools, and complex parts. They have been extending selective laser sintering applications by creating new use cases regularly.

Varying Selective Laser Sintering Applications and Use Cases

Minimize Material Wastage

Selective laser sintering is often described as a zero-waste 3D printing technology. Unlike other 3D printing technologies, SLS enables engineers to recycle-sintered powdered materials. The non-sintered powdered materials can be recycled after the 3D-printing process without investing in extra time and effort. The new-age SLS 3D printers are built with features to combine new powder and recycles powder seamlessly. That is why; enterprises from various industries opt for selective laser sintering to curtail overall printing costs by reducing both material consumption and material wastage.

Customization and Low-Volume Production

SLS 3d Printing

In addition to minimizing material wastage, selective laser sintering is one of the fast 3D printing technologies. Its effectiveness in reducing printing time and cost makes SLS one of the preferred additive manufacturing technologies for low-volume production. Engineers further use an SLS 3D printer to produce customized products and models quickly based on varying customer needs. Enterprises from many sectors facilitate low-volume production and product customization through selective laser sintering applications.

Increase Throughput

SLS enables enterprises to produce customized parts in low-volumes. It further constructs parts and models with no support structures. Hence, enterprises leverage this industrial additive manufacturing technology to deliver a higher number of parts in increasing throughput. The additive manufacturing technology allows engineers to increase throughput without impacting the part’s quality, resolution, accuracy, and surface finish. Many enterprises these days opt for new-age SLS 3D printers to increase throughput and accelerate high-volume production by applying 3D nesting techniques.

Replace Subtractive Manufacturing Methods

SLS is one of the fast and most cost-efficient 3D printing technologies. It enables manufacturers to build production parts, complex prototypes, and end-use components without escalating costs. The manufacturers can further create strong and durable products using a variety of materials. SLS makes it easier for engineers to eliminate the design restrictions associated with conventional production methods. That is why; manufacturing companies find it easier to replace subtractive manufacturing methods with selective laser sintering.

Facilitate Rapid Prototyping

As mentioned earlier, selective laser sintering forms structures by sauntering powder filaments using a high-power laser. The high-power laser beams sinter and blends small powdered grains more efficiently. Hence, it becomes easier for engineers to produce complex prototypes with high precision while experimenting with multiple materials. Also, the engineers can use and evaluate the 3D-printed prototypes immediately after the post-processing stage. Selective laser sintering is currently used widely by manufacturers to add accuracy and precision to the rapid prototyping process.

Produce Heat-Resistant and Chemical-Resistant Parts

SLS facilitates the construction of strong and durable parts using a variety of materials. Engineers also have the option to use 3D printing technology to produce functional parts and tools that can resist both heat and chemicals. They can further produce parts with complex geometries, mechanical joints, or living hinges without increasing printing costs. That is why; SLS is currently used widely by engineers to produce a wide variety of industrial products according to varying process needs.

Create Innovative Tooling

The filaments and materials used in the SLS 3D printing process are effective in enduring a higher amount of stress and absorbing moisture. Also, selective laser sintering helps enterprises to create tools and items that are both strong and durable. That is why; enterprises opt for selective laser sintering to produce a variety of tools, fixtures, and jigs with intricate patterns and complex geometries. Engineers evaluate and fine-tune these complex and innovative tools through rapid prototyping.

Simplify Jewelry Design and Production

While using selective laser sintering, engineers have the option to use metal-based materials like copper polyamide or rapid steel. The support for metal-based materials makes SLS one of the widely used 3D printing technologies in the jewelry industry. Jewelry designers collaborate with 3D artists and engineers to design new jewelry pieces through the direct fabrication of metal designs. Many jewelers further use SLS printers to design personalized and unique pieces of jewelry for their clients.

Keep Medical Treatments Safe

Selective laser sintering is one of the 3D printing technologies that are compatible with commonly used dental materials like thermoplastic, plastic, metal, and ceramic. Also, it produces dental prosthetics with a higher accuracy level. That is why; manufacturers from dental industries opt for this industrial 3D printing technology to fabricate personalized dental prosthetics using ceramic or metal. Dentists have been integrating SLS into their routine practice to perform dental treatments safely. Likewise, physicians use SLS 3D printers to conduct feasibility studies by producing components and prototypes on-demand.

You can opt for SLS 3D printing to construct strong and durable three-dimensional items with high-level accuracy. But you must focus on streamlining the SLS 3D printing process while comparing selective laser sintering applications. Also, you should focus on customizing the printing process by choosing the right SLS 3D printer and the right material.

References:

https://www.3dsystems.com/selective-laser-sintering

https://3digiprints.com/3D-Help/selective-laser-sintering-sls.php

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/materials-science/selective-laser-sintering

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1243/0954405991516912

http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~rapidproto/students.00/jhong/SLS/#materials

https://top3dshop.com/blog/sls-printing-overview#:~:text=The%20SLA%20technology%20is%20used,for%20dental%20and%20surgical%20purposes.

https://www.treatstock.com/guide/article/116-why-every-industy-needs-sls-3d-printing

https://www.hubs.com/knowledge-base/selecting-right-3d-printing-process/#by-use-case