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“The 11th Hour HiQ Sinterstation system can directly produce end-use plastic parts from your 3D CAD data files.”

The SLS process is widely used for producing functional prototypes; however, it can also be used for short run production components, which eliminates traditional tooling restrictions as virtually any geometry can be built.

By utilising SLS for prototyping you can test your first-off prototype without the fear of breakage.

SLS has many advantages, including:

• parts act like moulded components
• parts are strong and durable
• it is excellent for fit and function applications
• ideal for clip features, living hinges and snap-fit connections
• can build more complex structures than SLA because no supports are required
• ability to produce parts in almost any orientation
• can produce watertight components
• high chemical resistance
• high temperature resistance
• durable patterns for sand casting.

“What is SLS and how does it work?”

The SLS process is a method of additive manufacturing for producing components directly from 3D design data in hours.

This is achieved by digitally ‘slicing’ the 3D CAD model into 0.1mm (or less) layers. The machine then ‘prints’ or sinters each of these layers one at a time. The sintering process takes a heat laser and traces the layer shape from the 3D CAD model onto a bed of powdered material. Where the laser hits, it melts the powder particles and as it passes onto a different area the resultant region cools to a solid and bonds to the layer beneath. The powder bed is then lowered by one layer thickness and more powder deposited on top ready for the cycle to begin again. The layering continues from the bottom of the part until it has finished at the very top of the part.

Nylon: Innov’PA 1550  

• Superior surface finish, straight from the machine, compared with equivalent materials such as Duraform PA, GF, EX or EOS PA2200 or PA3200.
• You can use/test your first-off prototype without the fear of breakage.
• Acts like moulded components.
• Strong and durable.
• Excellent for fit and function applications.
• Ideal for clip features, living hinges and snap-fit connections.
• Can build more complex structures than SLA as no supports are required.
• Produces watertight components. (Parts are watertight for wall thicknesses of 1.6 mm and above; a surface sealant is required for thinner wall sections.)
• High chemical resistance.
• High Temperature resistance.
• Durable patterns for sand casting.

** NEW **  Nylon: Aluminium and Glass filled Innov’PA 2550  

• Increased rigidity/stiffness over 1550.
• Mechanically similar to moulded Talc-filled polypropylene, a widely used engineering plastic.
• Innov’PA 2550 GBAL offers a unique combination of stiffness and elongation to break — but is still suitable for clip features.