SLA Rapid Prototyping Vs SLS Rapid Prototyping
3D printing involves a wide range of
prototyping techniques. Rapid prototyping is one of the main techniques used in
3D printing. It is a an effective budget friendly prototyping method. Rapid Prototyping is a tool in the costly changes because of the unprecedented issues
during full-scale production.
Stereolithography and selective laser
sintering has become popular. They use lasers but their application processes
are different. How are the two correlated and how do they work?
Stereolithography uses a special machine
called the stereolithography apparatus that converts molten polymer into a
solid 3D product. When coming up with structures with complicated geometries,
concept models, primary patterns in urethane castings and one-off models,
stereolithography machines are very useful. The stereolithography apparatus
have an ultraviolet laser, a perforated platform, plastic liquid and a computer
program which controls the platform. A layer of photopolymer covers the
perforated platform to trace the cross-section of the printed parts. The liquid
plastic is curable and hardens when exposed to UV, a new layer is formed. And
the platform is lowered and a new layer of liquid plastic is exposed when
hardening.
SLS is using thin layer of tiny particles
like ceramic, plastic or glass which is fused by a high powered laser to form a
solid part. SLS machines print 3D models of material like ceramics, plastics
and even metals. SLS starts with a CAD format design. Materials are dispersed
above the built platform inside the SLS machine. An infrared laser then laser
fuses the particles together to form layer by layer geometries.
When to choose SLA and SLS, you need to
consider some factors like resolution, appearance, abrasion resistant ability
and mechanical resistant ability.
SLA machines resolve better products than
SLS both vertically and horizontally. SLS part has microscopic air bubbles
which cannot be seen by naked eye but touched, the surface feels rough. SLS Rapid Prototyping behave under the circumstances of temperature,
humidity and chemicals. SLA material has poor abrasion resistant ability compared
to SLS material.
Every printing technique has its own
advantages and disadvantages. If you want functionality, SLS prototyping is the
way to go. If you want mechanical limitations, SLA is the ideal choice.
Contact us at sales@teamrapidtooling.com today to learn more about SLA Rapid Prototyping Vs SLS rapid prototyping!