{"id":165774,"date":"2022-09-25T10:23:43","date_gmt":"2022-09-25T02:23:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/?post_type=kb&p=165774"},"modified":"2022-10-13T11:03:01","modified_gmt":"2022-10-13T03:03:01","slug":"the-best-sls-3d-printers-of-2022","status":"publish","type":"kb","link":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/the-best-sls-3d-printers-of-2022","title":{"rendered":"The Best SLS 3D Printers of 2022"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The complete updated buyer’s guide to the best SLS 3D printers. Plus, learn about SLS technology, 3D printing services, applications, and SLS materials.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Prized for its ability to create engineering-grade parts with excellent mechanical properties and fine resolution incredibly fast, SLS (selective laser sintering) 3D printing is what engineers and industrial designers turn to for functional rapid prototypes and end-use parts.<\/p>\n

Advancements in technology have made SLS printers more affordable and compact. Not long ago, all SLS machines were bulky and expensive. There are now a good number of office-friendly benchtop SLS 3D printers on the market, and even industrial-size machines have become less costly compared to traditional fabrication techniques.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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SLS printed parts in nylon PA 12, left, and glass filled PA 12, right, are ideal for making fully functional prototypes and small-run customized production end-use parts (Source: Formlabs)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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If you\u2019re looking to buy your first SLS 3D printer or upgrade to a more powerful version, this updated buyer\u2019s guide takes a deep dive into the technology and the latest desktop and industrial-scale SLS printers on the market. We\u2019ll also explore what third-party SLS 3D printing services have to offer and why it may be a good idea to take SLS printing for a spin before investing in a machine.<\/p>\n

Why choose SLS?<\/h3>\n

SLS 3D printing uses high-powered lasers to fuse powdered plastic material together into 3D shapes. It can create parts that are finely detailed, strong, durable, heat resistant, and flexible (when needed) all at once.<\/p>\n

Printer manufacturers often boast that SLS prints rival injection molding products in terms of strength and precision. When compared to injection molding, 3D printing can create parts that have internal channels, lattice structures, and other features not possible with molding.<\/p>\n

SLS also offers a high degree of predictability in material and mechanical properties, so it\u2019s popular in aerospace, medical, and regulated industries. Furthermore, SLS printing is mostly support-free, which expands your ability to design and produce very complex geometries.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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SLS printed parts by printer and material maker Sinterit (Source: Sinterit)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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The technology is popular for functional prototypes, design evaluation models, small manufacturing runs, end-use consumer products, and product testing, among other uses. Industries that have taken a particular shine to SLS include:<\/p>\n