Bastech, Inc. Rapid Prototyping • Rapid Manufacturing

SLS Selective Laser Sintering Material Selection Guide

Material Description Advantages Considerations Applications
DuraForm Polyamide (PA)
(SLS 2500)

Used to build durable, functional models, this white nylon-like material provides an accurate part with good detail.

  • Durable, higher strength than SLA
  • Requires less post-processing than SLA
  • Can be primed and painted
  • Can be machined
  • Less detail than SLA
  • Slightly less accurate than SLA
  • Tolerances +/- 0.010 (Dependant upon part geometry)
  • Concept models
  • Fit and function
  • Excellent for show display models that receive excessive handling
DuraForm Glass-filled (GF) Used to produce rugged, engineering thermoplastic parts that withstand aggressive functional testing
  • Increased stiffness, heat resistance and mechanical integrity (relative to PA)
  • Perfect material for extreme testing
 
  • Durable parts without tooling
  • Heat and chemical resistant
  • Excellent surface finish
DuraForm Aluminum-filled (AF) Plastic An engineered composite with the durability of an injection molded part and the appearance of cast aluminum
  • Rapidly produce parts with the look and feel of cast aluminum
  • Address broad applications requiring high stiffness and heat resistance
  • Minimal finishing required
  • Excellent dimensional accuracy
  • Consistent, repeatable part quality
  • Reduced cost per part
  • Aluminum-filled engineered composite
  • Cast aluminum appearance
  • High stiffness
  • High heat deflection temperature
  • Excellent surface finish and feature detail
  • Low shrinkage
  • Functional pro types or end-use parts that require high stiffness and/or heat resistance
  • Accurate, durable master patterns
  • Parts that require the look and feel of cast aluminum
LaserForm A6 Parts
(SLS 2500 Plus)

Used to create metal prototype parts, this A6 tool steel-based powder infiltrated with bronze creates a part with characteristics similar to steel.

  • Metal part without casting or machining
  • Characteristics similar to steel
  • Can be plated, polished, textured, machined, or EDM’d for complex geometries or critical tolerances
  • High heat resistance
  • Can build non-machinable geometries
  • Tolerances +/- 0.010
  • Quick turn-around metal parts
  • Durable metal prototypes
  • Prototypes with complex geometries