Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

Henry, Liam, and Charlotte are discussing 3D printers. They want to know the main difference between SLS printers and filament or resin 3D printers. Can you help them?

• SLS printers use a laser to heat and fuse powder, while filament and resin printers use different materials.

• SLS printers use a laser to heat and fuse powder, while filament and resin printers use a different printing process.

• SLS printers use a laser to heat and fuse filament, while filament and resin printers use different materials.

• SLS printers use a laser to heat and fuse filament, while filament and resin printers use a different printing process.

What is the raw material used in SLS printing?

• Filament

• Resin

• Powder

• Ink

Why is it important for the powder to be spread in a thin, dense layer in SLS printing?

• To make the printing process faster

• To prevent the part from warping

• To improve the mechanical properties of the printed part

• To reduce the cost of printing

Evelyn, Anika, and David are discussing the SLS 3D printing process. What happens to the powder during this process?

• It is cooled down to solidify the printed part

• It is melted by the laser to form the printed part

• It is removed and replaced with new powder after each layer

• It is recycled and reused for future prints

Abigail, Noah, and Henry are discussing SLS printing. Noah wonders why support material is not required for SLS printing. What could be the reason?

• Because the powder entirely encases the printed part

• Because the laser can create support structures within the powder

• Because the powder can be easily removed after printing

• Because the printed part is strong enough without support

What is the advantage of SLS prints having near isotropic mechanical properties?

• They are aesthetically pleasing

• They are stronger in all directions

• They are easier to scale up production

• They can be used directly as reliable products

Charlotte, Ava, and Mia are all passionate about 3D printing. They are considering SLS printing for their next project. What could be a major drawback of SLS printing that might make them reconsider?

• The high cost of the printers

• The messy process of removing printed parts from the powder

• The time-consuming assembly of the printers

• The difficulty in sourcing the necessary parts

Imagine Daniel, Evelyn, and Scarlett are in a 3D printing competition. They are considering using turnkey systems for SLS printing. What would be the advantage of this choice?

• They would save money because turnkey systems are more affordable than DIY kits

• They would save time and avoid confusion because turnkey systems are easier to assemble and use

• They would have an edge because turnkey systems come with integrated powder handling systems

• They would be able to print larger objects because turnkey systems have a larger build area

Avery, Michael, and James are discussing the cost of turnkey SLS printers. Which statement best describes the cost range of these printers?

• Less than a car

• Around the same as a car

• More than a car

• Varies depending on the brand

Jackson, Mason, and Nora are discussing ways to save money on SLS printing. What alternative option did they come up with?

• Take out a second mortgage

• Buy a DIY kit and assemble it

• Invest in open source designs

• Rent an SLS printer from a local maker space