Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) Nylon PA12 powder refers to a specific material used in the SLS 3D printing process. SLS is an additive manufacturing technique that uses a laser to sinter (or fuse) powdered materials layer by layer, building up a three-dimensional object. Nylon PA12, also known as polyamide 12, is a type of nylon that is commonly used in 3D printing due to its excellent mechanical properties and versatility.

Here are some key characteristics of SLS Nylon PA12 powder:

Material Properties: Nylon PA12 is known for its high strength, durability, and flexibility. It has good chemical resistance and is resistant to abrasion, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

Temperature Resistance: Nylon PA12 has a relatively high melting point, allowing printed parts to withstand higher temperatures compared to some other 3D printing materials.

Versatility: SLS technology allows for the creation of complex and intricate geometries without the need for support structures. This makes it suitable for producing functional prototypes and end-use parts across various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and consumer goods.

Powder Form: In the SLS process, the material is supplied in powder form. The powder bed serves as the build platform, and a laser selectively sinters the powder layer by layer to create the desired object. The unused powder can be recycled for future use.

Surface Finish: SLS Nylon PA12 parts typically have a slightly rough surface finish. Post-processing techniques such as sanding or bead blasting can be applied to improve the surface texture if a smoother finish is required.

Color Options: SLS Nylon PA12 is available in various color options, including natural, white, and black. Some manufacturers may offer custom color options as well.

When using SLS Nylon PA12 powder for 3D printing, it's essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for machine settings, processing temperatures, and post-processing steps to achieve optimal results.

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Stereolithography (SLA) falls under the Vat Photopolymerization family and is an additive manufacturing process. It utilizes a UV laser beam to selectively cure liquid photosensitive thermoset polymers layer-by-layer, resulting in the creation of three-dimensional objects. This process shares common characteristics with Direct Light Processing (DLP), another Vat Photopolymerization 3D printing technology.

In SLA, a laser beam moves in the X-Y axes across the resin surface based on the 3D data provided by the .stl file. The polymer resin hardens precisely at the laser's impact points. After completing a layer, the platform within the vat descends (Z axis), and the laser outlines the next layer. Unaffected resin in the vat remains available for reuse. This sequence repeats until the entire object is formed, allowing the platform to be raised for removal.

Support structures are essential in SLA and are fabricated using the same material as the main part. These supports need manual removal after printing. The orientation of the part during printing determines the placement and quantity of support structures. Optimal orientation is recommended to avoid critical surfaces coming into contact with the support structures.

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Fused deposition modelling (FDM), also referred to as the material extrusion additive manufacturing technique, employs polymers in the form of filaments as its primary raw material. Typically, the filament undergoes heating to attain a molten state before being extruded through the nozzle of the 3D printer. The nozzle head, equipped with three degrees of freedom (DoF), strategically deposits the molten polymer onto the build plate in accordance with the instructions encoded in the G-code. The continuous feeding of filament through the extruder and nozzle is facilitated by two rollers rotating in opposite directions.

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Design for Additive Manufacturing (DFAM) comprises a set of guidelines and best practices essential for designers and engineers to achieve optimal outcomes in printed part designs. Additive Manufacturing (AM), commonly referred to as 3D printing (3DP), encompasses various technologies such as stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), fused deposition modeling (FDM), direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), among others. DFAM encompasses considerations related to the chosen printing technology, part geometry, materials selection, and any necessary post-processing steps to enhance the strength or aesthetics of the parts. Additionally, cost considerations play a crucial role, as the design approach can significantly impact the overall expenses, making it either excessively expensive or cost-effective.

At the core of this discussion lies the importance of ensuring a design's printability. Despite the perception of 3DP as an unrestricted realm for manufacturing design, there are inherent limitations akin to traditional manufacturing processes such as molding, machining, or sheet metal fabrication. Neglecting these constraints can lead to part failures during the printing process or even in the end-use phase. However, it's worth noting that 3DP offers unparalleled flexibility in creating complex geometries, surpassing what traditional manufacturing methods can achieve. Moreover, it can streamline production by consolidating multiple processes into a single step, potentially saving both time and resources.

DFAM (CAD) 3D Printing

Selective laser sintering (SLS) and fused deposition modeling (FDM) represent two popular methods of additive manufacturing (AM), commonly referred to as 3D printing. These techniques are frequently utilized for swift prototyping and the manufacturing of small to medium-scale batches. In SLS, a laser precisely sinters particles of a polymer-based powder to construct objects layer by layer, while FDM machines melt polymer filaments through a nozzle, depositing material along predetermined paths to form layers.

Despite their similarities, SLS and FDM diverge significantly in operation. SLS devices selectively fuse layers within a bed of powder, eliminating the need for dedicated support structures. This inherent support system allows for the creation of intricate designs, internal features, and complex shapes with remarkable accuracy. Post-processing for SLS is relatively straightforward, typically involving a brief cleaning step after removal from the build chamber. Additionally, SLS-produced parts exhibit mechanical properties comparable to those of plastic-injected components.

However, the advantages of SLS come with a notable price tag, as even basic SLS machines require significant investment. In contrast, FDM presents a more cost-effective option, particularly for producing larger objects. Despite potential differences in resolution and detail, FDM can still achieve comparable production speeds.

The decision between SLS and FDM hinges on several factors, including the complexity of the desired parts, material characteristics, and budgetary constraints. While SLS excels in crafting intricate components with superior mechanical properties, FDM offers a more accessible entry point to additive manufacturing, especially for projects prioritizing affordability and scalability.

Why Choose SLS 3D Printing Over FDM 3D Printing?

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is an industrial 3D printing process that is ideal for manufacturing end-use parts. In SLS, a laser selectively sinters polymer powder particles, fusing them and building a part layer-by-layer. With some of the largest print beds, SLS machines can produce functional plastic parts with isotropic mechanical properties for detailed prototyping or low-volume production of end-use parts.  SLS is a cost-efficient production method, which our customers regularly choose for the most complex parts and those requiring extensive customization.

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is an additive manufacturing process that belongs to the powder bed fusion family. In SLS 3D printing, a laser selectively sinters the particles of a polymer powder, fusing them and building them apart, layer by layer. The materials used in SLS are thermoplastic polymers that come in a granular form.

Overall, SLS is a versatile solution, especially if you want to hold off on injection molding and its exorbitant startup costs. It's more cost-efficient to produce high-quality components in reasonable amounts (fewer than 1,000 units) to test how well your product or technology fares before making expensive molds and tools.

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FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) printers There is no hard and fast classification of the FDM 3D printers
Cartesian 3D Printers: These are the most common type, operating on a straightforward Cartesian coordinate system with linear rails guiding movement along the X, Y, and Z axes. They are recognized for their simplicity and reliability.


Delta 3D Printers: Delta printers employ a triangular configuration of three arms attached to moving carriages at the printer's apex. The print head hangs from these carriages, executing precise movements to craft the intended object. Delta printers excel in speed and consistency, particularly in producing tall items.


CoreXY 3D Printers: CoreXY printers utilize a distinctive belt-driven mechanism to maneuver the print head across the X and Y axes. This design separates the print head's motion from the build platform, resulting in swifter and more accurate prints. Enthusiasts favor CoreXY printers for their speed and precision.


Polar 3D Printers: Polar printers feature a circular build platform and a print head that moves both radially and vertically. This configuration facilitates continuous rotation of the print bed, enabling the creation of objects with intricate geometric shapes. Polar printers are commonly employed for crafting artistic and sculptural pieces.


SCARA 3D Printers: SCARA (Selective Compliance Articulated Robot Arm) printers utilize a robotic arm mechanism to navigate the print head in a two-dimensional plane. This design offers rapid and precise movement, making SCARA printers ideal for producing small, intricate objects with exceptional accuracy.

Each variant of FDM 3D printer has its strengths and is tailored to diverse applications, spanning from hobbyist endeavors to industrial-scale manufacturing.

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Different Types of FDM 3D Printers

Stereolithography (SLA) 3D Printer
Stereolithography Apparatus (SLA) is the first 3D print online technology ever patented. It was copyrighted in 1984 by Charles Hull, the 'Father of 3D Printing.' AN SLA 3D printer uses a laser to selectively harden the liquid resin in the VAT to create a layer-by-layer object.
Digital Light Processing (DLP) 3D Printer
The 3D Printing online technology - Digital Light Processing (DLP) is also part of the VAT photopolymerization technology. It is similar in many respects to SLA 3D Printing service in India with a small but significant improvement. A DLP 3D printer uses liquid photosensitive resins that are cured when UV light is applied. 
The critical distinction between these two 3D Print Online technologies is that the light source determines the product's consistency printed on these devices. DLP 3D Printing service in India uses a digital projector screen to flash a single-layer graphic. 
This means that a single sheet of printing is done with a single flash. Whereas in an SLA print, the laser traces the geometry by following the coordinates. 
As a result, the DLP 3D printer is faster than the SLA 3D printer.

Difference Between SLA and DLP 3D Printing

The binder jetting 3D printing process involves depositing an adhesive binder onto thin layers of powdered material. These materials can be ceramic-based, like glass or gypsum, or metal, such as stainless steel.

During the printing process, the 3D print head moves over the build platform, depositing droplets of binder, similar to how a 2D printer applies ink to paper. Once a layer is completed, the powder bed lowers, and a new layer of powder is spread over the build area. This layering continues until the entire object is printed.

After printing, the parts are in an unfinished, or "green," state and require further post-processing. To enhance the mechanical properties of the parts, an infiltrate substance, such as cyanoacrylate adhesive for ceramics or bronze for metals, is often added. Another method involves placing the green parts in an oven to sinter the material grains together.

Interestingly, the term "3D printing" originally described a process that used inkjet-like heads to deposit binder material onto a powder bed layer by layer.

What is Binder Jetting in 3D Printing

Directed Energy Deposition (DED) is a technology used in manufacturing that includes methods like powder spraying and wire welding. When DED is used to create 3D shapes, it is classified as an additive manufacturing process. This process typically produces a rougher surface compared to Powder Bed Fusion due to the larger beads and coarser powder, often requiring additional machining for a smooth finish.

DED systems can be categorized into two types: standalone deposition systems and hybrid systems that integrate a DED head with traditional machining tools. The primary benefits of DED are its faster deposition compared to powder bed fusion 3D printing and its ability to create structures with varying material properties, especially when using powder. Furthermore, because the feedstock and energy source move together, DED systems can produce very large structures, not by the size constraints of a build box. In some cases, DED is more efficient than traditional manufacturing or powder bed fusion.

Most DED systems include a deposition head that uses either wire or powder, mounted on a robotic or CNC system. Common energy sources for DED include Arc, Laser, or Electron Beam, with lasers being the most popular for powder feedstock. The process involves offline programming to create a tool path from a sliced CAD file, which the motion system then follows to deposit material layer by layer and build the desired shape. DED is compatible with a range of weldable alloys such as aluminum, steel, nickel, and titanium. Depending on the alloy and process used, shielding gas may be applied locally or within an enclosed environment to protect the material during deposition.

What is Directed Energy Deposition

Locanam is a company which provides 3d printing and prototyping services. We help our clients overcome the constraints of traditional manufacturing and get their products faster in the market by accelerating the prototyping process. 3d printing technology has several benefits over traditional manufacturing technologies like decrease in the prototyping cost and lead times. There are different applications of 3D printing Ranging from Prototyping, small batch production, Industry Specific Solutions and even mass manufacturing. We help you identify Where the technology can excel and overpower traditional manufacturing methods in terms of quality, production and tackle the problems associated with the supply chain as well. We at Locanam Help our clients Identify the areas where they can use 3d printing in their business workflow and completely unlock the potential of their business. 
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