Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)

Operating the largest SLS capability in the UK, we produce functional prototypes and aesthetic models with the best surface finish and mechanical properties that the technology can provide, in the shortest leadtimes possible.

Complexity of design and geometry is irrelevant when using SLS technology, therefore intricate details can be easily replicated and previously 'impossible' structures and forms created.

SLS Model of the Free University, Berlin built in one piece in Nylon by 3T for Foster + Partners

SLS is a rapid prototyping process of fusing together layers of powder (eg. Nylon, Glass Filled Nylon or Alumide) into a 3D model by a computer-directed heat laser.

Take a look at our SLS section to find out more about the technology.

Having recently taken delivery of our second EOS M270 machine, we have one of the UK's largest DMLS capabilities.

Our newly commissioned DMLS facility has some of the latest technology and an expert team of engineers and finishers to generate metal parts that are comparable to a good investment cast part, with mechanical properties comparable to those of a cast or machined component.

Many companies are dramatically reducing their time to market and more and more are adopting the DMLS process for low volume production of their components, ie. 'Rapid Manufacturing'.

Example of Rapid Manufacturing: Bed of aerospace parts in DMLS

DMLS is a fast, flexible and cost-effective manufacturing method giving you prototype or production parts direct from your CAD data, without the investment in time and money of conventional tooling. Complex geometries can be achieved such as holes, tunnels and voids, with the 'unsintered' or loose material simply being removed and recycled for future use, making it both economical and environmentally friendly.

SLS MACHINES

Uniquely able to offer prototypes built on both EOS and 3D Systems machines, our suite includes some of the world's largest SLS machines - three EOS P700's, two EOS P360's and a 3D Systems HiQ 2500 Plus - thus enabling us to provide the optimal machine to meet our customers' requirements.

Large parts can be built in a single piece up to a build volume of 700x380x580mm on the P700's; the reduced need for joints and post-assembly dramatically increases their functionality. The P360's allow parts to be built up to 620x340x340mm, and smaller parts with finer detail can be produced on the HiQ 2500 Plus.

Find full Machine Specifications here.

DMLS MACHINES

We have two EOSINT M270 Metal Sintering Machines, each with an effective build volume of 250x250x215mm.

We use a DMC 835V Vertical Machining Centre providing us with the in-house ability to remove the supports from the DMLS components once they have been built, using accurate CNC machining methods.

Find full Machine Specifications here.

SLS MATERIALS

We supply our SLS prototypes in Nylon, Glass-Filled Nylon, Polystyrene and Alumide, giving you a choice of materials dependent upon your prototyping requirements. Nylon and Glass-Filled Nylon provide good long term stability, strength and durability required for form, fit and functional testing. Building parts in Polystyrene provides a fast track route to metal castings. AlumideT gives a 'metallic' appearance which can be further enhanced by dressing or machining, ideal when replicating metal parts.

SLS part with high level of finishing

3T currently offer the following materials for SLS:-

Find full material specifications here.

DMLS MATERIALS

There are a number of different materials available for use with the EOS M270, varying from Bronze-based alloys to Tool Steel and Stainless Steel. Some materials are more suited to certain applications than others, ie. parts for aerospace and automotive environments would be produced using Cobalt Chrome or Stainless Steel, whereas tooling is generally made using Direct Metal or Maraging Steel.

DMLS part in Cobalt Chrome, shot-peened with metal and ceramics

3T currently offer the following materials for DMLS:-

Find full material specifications here.

FINISHING & COLOURING

Our Finishing & Colouring section explains how our skilled modelmakers ensure every last detail is taken care of, from the application of a single colour to a fully painted exhibition standard finish, and how our bespoke finishing services generate models that are comparable to the final manufactured item.

We have also pioneered a low cost method of improving the visual impact of our prototype components with a revolutionary colouring process. Requiring no surface dressing, functionality and lead time remain unaffected. An additional service we offer is fitting inserts into your prototype parts.

Examples of high levels of finishing carried out by 3T’s team of expert modelmakers and finishers

FINISHING

Metal parts can be supplied 'as-built' or finished using various post processing and finishing techniques by our team of expert finishers.

Dependent upon the material used, there are various forms of finishing available; shot-peening, a cold working process used to produce a compressive residual stress layer and modify mechanical properties of metals; polishing or buffing, a process of smoothing metals and alloys and polishing to a bright, smooth, mirror-like finish. This can enhance the aesthetic appearance of parts as well as preventing corrosion.

Highly polished finish on aerospace part made in Cobalt Chrome