Comparing the Plastic 3D Printing Technologies: SLA Vs. SLS
When you’re in the process of searching for a 3D printing service, you’ll inevitably encounter various technologies, with prominent options being selective laser sintering and stereolithography. These two methods possess distinct characteristics that can profoundly influence the trajectory of your project, regardless of whether it’s intended for prototyping or producing a final functional part. Eventually, you’ll need to decide between opting for stereolithography (SLA) or selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printing service. Here’s a comprehensive guide that compares these technologies to help you determine the optimal choice for your specific project requirements.
The basics
Stereolithography (SLA) involves a liquid resin for printing custom parts, and the material is cured until it solidifies. It’s a widely used online 3D printing service for building aesthetic models or parts for showing during sales pitches, marketing studies, and other similar applications. This 3D printing technology requires support structures while printing, but these are manually removed during post-processing.
On the other hand, selective laser sintering is a powder bed fusion process that uses a high-power laser to sinter every layer of a part with a bed of powdered nylon. After sintering one layer, a roller provides the next layer of powder, and the process repeats until the part is complete. No support structures are involved in an SLS 3D printing service, and the process makes it possible to make complex parts with overhangs. Additionally, it can achieve strong and functional parts that can do well in high-stress applications.
What are your requirements?
When choosing between SLA and SLS 3D printing, always think about the application. SLA is best for making cosmetic prototypes requiring intricate details, outstanding dimensional accuracy, and a smooth surface finish. It can also achieve large parts. However, if durability is a critical factor, SLS can be a more suitable option.
It also helps to identify the materials necessary for the project. SLA can build parts from plastics with similar properties to ABS, polycarbonate, and polypropylene. Meanwhile, SLS uses powdered nylon (PA12) or glass-filled nylon.
Get advice from professionals.
Still unsure about using SLA or an SLS 3D printing service? Consult our experts here at HLH Prototypes for a free project review. We also offer other 3D printing technologies and other manufacturing solutions like CNC machining and vacuum casting.