Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)—Paramount PDS Leads the Way in Advanced Applications

Paramount PDS is widely recognized as a leader in innovative applications of Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) also known as Laser Sintering (LS) in the product development and rapid manufacturing process.

Beginning with rapid prototyping, then progressing to rapid tooling, Paramount’s team of experts is now setting the standard in rapid manufacturing, a leading-edge application that is generating finished parts direct from 3D CAD solid models, thus saving companies enormous time and expense, and providing unprecedented flexibility in bringing new products to commercialization.

In particular, Paramount’s expertise in rapid manufacturing has assisted manufacturers of advanced-technology products for military applications, where precision and durability as well as speed and flexibility are of critical importance. Symbolizing this leadership, Paramount was recently honored by Raytheon for its work in producing key components for an advanced mine-hunting sonar system and unprecedented supplier performance.

The Anatomy of the SLS Process

SLS is a free form fabrication process applying additive rapid manufacturing technology. The laser sintering technology was developed at the University of Texas, originally licensed to DTM Corporation. University of Louisville and Kodak were the first beta sites in 1991. In 2001 3D Systems acquired DTM. Today there are two manufacturers of laser sintering systems--3D Systems, Inc. and EOS GmbH. Paramount purchased its first system in 1995. Today we utilize 3D Systems’ Vanguard HS technology and EOS’ P700. The EOS P700 is a large platform system. Its capacity can build parts, or a total volume of parts, up to 27.6” x 15.0” x 23.6” (700x380x600 mm).

Laser sintering uses high power CO2 lasers (carbon dioxide laser) to fuse plastic, metal or ceramic particles. Powder particle-size ranges from 20m to 70m. As an additive rapid manufacturing technology, it builds one layer cross-section at a time from a 3D CAD digital solid model. This is accomplished by tracing a beam of laser energy in the X and Y axis on the surface of the powder. With each successive layer scan the bed is incrementally lowered .002” to .008” (Z vector). This process is repeated one slice at a time until the part build height is completed. Z vector is set by the SLS machine technician based on material processing parameters and/or desired increase or decrease in part accuracy and surface resolution.

Part support is accomplished by the un-sintered powder that surrounds the parts during processing. Complete mechanical assemblies can be made mechanically functional simply by removing the un-sintered powder. Trapped volumes are possible as a result of this phenomenon. Powder can be removed by creating small windows or drain holes. This unique attribute is only possible with laser sintering and is enabling design freedoms never before realized in traditional manufacturing paradigms. e.g. lightweight airfoil (wings) requiring no fabrication to assemble discrete components (benefit: no manufacturing fabrication costs) or having no molding witness lines to interrupt aero dynamics (benefit: no loss in design performance and efficiency).

Cost vs Quality:

SLS is unique in that this rapid technology permits multiple parts to be stacked in the Z height and nested inside other parts in the build to optimize the build production efficiency.

Paramount is committed to achieving the highest quality SLS parts for our customers. We strive to be competitive but not at the risk of producing poor quality product. This technology has many variables, which invoke the risk of producing lower-cost poor quality parts. Variables that can affect quality include: poor quality powders, lack of materials quality management systems, careless inventory controls, inadequate laser power resulting in poor part density and inferior part strength, poor equipment maintenance, inexperienced operators and inappropriate business practices.
Orientation of the part is another factor that can affect the part quality and accuracy. At Paramount we encourage consultation with our RP specialists so they can thoroughly evaluate your application and critical design features. As an example: If true diameters are important, accuracy is best achieved by orienting the diameter in the XY horizontal plane. Another example: If thin walls .020” (.5mm) are in your design the best results are achieved orienting in the Z axis.

Adapting SLS to Fit Your Needs – Materials and Process Versatility:

SLS materials are suited for direct functional applications where robust performance characteristics are required:

• Chemical resistance to alkalines, hydrocarbonates, fuels and solvents,
• High temperature applications (~184°C Tg),
• Wear and abrasion,
• Flexibility (living hinges and snap features),
• Thin walls .020” (.5mm)
• Internal/external surface pressures.

Parts made using PA or PAGF can be machined to precise tolerances+/- .001”/” (.025mm). Parts can be bonded, apply threaded inserts, plated, coated, infiltrated, and over-molded.
Paramount processes several different base materials that can be enhanced by our proprietary suite of eRMS™ improvements.

• LS Hybrid PA – Fine Polyamide
• LS Hybrid PAGF – Fine Polymaide, Glass-filled
• LS PAFR – Fine Polyamide Fire Rated
• CastForm™
• Somos™ 201

Selection depends on your application. CastForm™ is a polystyrene base material and is principally used to produce investment casting patterns.

Somos™ 201 is a elastomeric material. It has broad appeal for rapid prototyping applications requiring gaskets, seals, face masks, etc. Somos™ 201 can be colored by infiltration or dip coated increasing its applicability.

Polyamide is the most common material used for rapid prototyping and rapid manufacturing. Variants or hybrids are commercially available with different fillers: Glass-filled, carbon-fiber filled, carbon (black) filled, aluminum filled. Polyamide is the base material for all hybrids and variants available today. Paramount is committed to materials R&D and process improvement through independent initiatives as well as partnerships and collaborations with universities and suppliers.

Paramount PDS – What do we do differently to optimize RoCT? The characteristics that define us?

At Paramount we are committed to quality and superior customer service. We have established several systems to insure our clients the highest value and Return On Customer Trust (RoCT).

Paramount’s value is defined by the quality of our product, repeatability from part to part, attention to detail, problem solving, researching new materials and processes, investment in technology, experienced technicians and sales associates, rapid quotes, rapid delivery and a superior second-to-none customer service.

We are committed to in-process testing, inspection and measuring our performance. Customer feedback is encouraged and solicited to insure that we are constantly improving our processes and business practices.

Materials are tested at each phase, beginning with incoming materials. All incoming materials are traceable with supplier lot numbers. Materials are tested and characterized using a proprietary process before each build to insure the polyamide powder blend and performance is consistent with each build. Glass-filled polyamide is custom blended in-house to our exact requirements. Every part shipped is inspected to Paramount’s minimum standard Level 4 inspection procedure. Material certifications and Certificates of Compliance (COC) are available upon request and in many instances are automatic depending upon application and industry.

Products & Services:

• SLS Rapid Prototypes
• SLS Rapid Manufacturing
• SLS eRMS™
• SLS eASF™
• SLS ePAC™
• SLS CastForm™ Investment Casting Patterns
• Secondary Machining
• Custom Surface Finishes and Coatings (see below)

Applications:

• Rapid Manufacturing
• Aerospace Hardware
• UAS, UAV, UUV, UGV Hardware
• Medical and Healthcare
• Electronics; Packaging, Connectors
• Homeland Security
• Military Hardware
• Rapid Prototypes:
• Functional Proof of Concept Prototypes
• Design Evaluation Models (Form, Fit & Function)
• Product Performance & Testing
• Engineering Design Verification
• Wind-Tunnel Test Models
• Tooling and Patterns:
• Rapid Tooling (concept development & bridge tools)
• Injection Mold Inserts
• Tooling and Manufacturing Estimating Visual Aid
• Investment Casting Patterns
• Jigs and Fixtures
• Foundry Patterns - Sand Casting

Secondary Operations & Customized Finishing Processes:

• Precision Machining
• Threaded Inserts
• Custom Machined Inserts
• Surface coatings:
• Lacquer
• Water based Urethane
• Two-part Urethane
• Epoxy
• Dip Coatings
• EMI/RF Shielding
• Fire Rated Spray Coating
• UV Rated Spray Coating
• Plating
• Nickel plating
• Vapor Deposition
• Vacuum Metalizing

Contact Paramount PDS - Your SLS Experts

Click Here to Contact Paramount PDS for further assistance with your SLS needs.