Selective laser sintering (SLS) is a popular additive manufacturing process using polymer powder such as nylon, carbon fibre, glass-filled nylon and fine polyamide. Linde supplies customers with liquid gases and on-site nitrogen generation systems to assist with selective laser sintering processes.
The process
The SLS process commences with the polymer powder heated to just below melting point. A CO2 laser then sinters the powder in an inert gas atmosphere. Once the first layer has been completed, the build platform drops down before the levelling roller pushes fresh powder onto the platform. Nitrogen is frequently used to protect the heated powder and material from reacting with ambient air.
Selective laser sintering is popular with prototypers and product designers due to its ability to rapidly convert complex CAD geometries into working prototypes.
Linde (former AGA) solutions for SLS processes:
- Nitrogen gas supply – design, provision and installation
- On-site support – process and/or technical support
- On-stream gas system – design and maintenance services
- Gas safety – equipment, safety checks and training
