Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is a laser-based additive manufacturing
technique capable of printing both metallic and non-metallic three-dimensional
physical parts rapidly in the layer-by-layer fashion directly from the CAD models. It is
an effective method in rapid prototyping, which forms the layer of material by directing
a high-density laser into the bed of metallic or non-metallic powders. SLS can be
classified based on the laser medium used and the mechanism of printing. Based on the
mechanism, it is classified into direct SLS and indirect SLS. The quality of parts in
terms of surface finish, mechanical properties, metallurgical properties, and so on
depends on SLS's operating parameters, such as laser parameters, feedstock properties,
and geometrical parameters. The SLS printed parts can have properties similar to the
wrought material.
Keywords: Additive manufacturing, Alloys, Ceramics, Direct SLS, Fusion, Hatch
space, Indirect SLS, Layer formation, Layered manufacturing, Laser power,
Metals, Optical scanning, Particle sintering, Polymers, Post-processing, Powder
bed fusion, Rapid prototyping, Selective laser sintering, Scanning speed, Types of
laser.
