3D printing SLS - Nylon PA12

SLS technology uses a laser to fuse nylon powder layer by layer. The unfused powder naturally supports the part, enabling complex geometries without supports and robust parts made of Nylon PA12. At 3DVertical, this service is available for orders of 10 to 500 parts.

SLS 3D printing – hero visual
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Service offered for 10 to 500 pieces. We optimize orientation and packing to reduce unit cost — ideal for cases, clips and assemblies made of Nylon PA12.

Comment fonctionne l'impression SLS ?

A laser selectively fuses the Nylon PA12 powder. The surrounding powder acts as a natural support, eliminating the need for supports and facilitating complex shapes.

Avantages

Robust parts, complex geometries without supports, good repeatability, efficient in small/medium production runs

Limites

Natural matte surface, dust removal required (access to cavities must be provided), accuracy depends on size and geometry

Quand choisir la SLS ?

  • Orders from 10 to 500 pieces
  • Functional parts (housings, supports, mechanical parts)
  • Mounting parts & mechanical interfaces
  • Complex geometries without supports
  • Cost optimization through part nesting

Matériau disponible

We offer SLS in Nylon PA12: a versatile and durable technical material, suitable for functional parts and short production runs (10–500 pieces).

Nylon PA12 (SLS)

Nylon PA12

SLS in Nylon PA12 is ideal for functional parts and small series: robust, stable and repeatable, with complex geometries without supports.

  • Housings, supports, mechanical parts
  • Fixtures, connections and assembly parts
  • + Good strength
  • + Effective in series
PA12 Functional Production

Applications

Pour des pièces fonctionnelles en nylon : robustes, isotropes, sans supports et optimisées pour la production en série.

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Functional parts

Functional parts

Excellent choice for robust mechanical parts ready for assembly (series of 10 to 500).

  • Housings, supports, mechanical parts
  • Robotics, functional prototypes
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Assemblies

Assemblies

Complex geometries without supports: clips, snap-fits, hinges and internal channels (production 10–500).

  • Snap-fits, clips, hinges
  • Complex shapes without supports
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Series of 10 to 500 pieces

Series of 10 to 500 pieces

SLS is optimized for small/medium series: several parts are grouped in the same batch to reduce the unit cost.

  • Pre-production run
  • Short, optimized production run

SLS vs SLA vs FDM

Un comparatif rapide pour choisir la meilleure techno selon résistance, surface, détails et volumes.

CritèreSLS (Nylon)SLA (Résine)FDM
Solidité / isotropieVery good (Nylon PA12)Variable; often more brittle (depending on the resin)Very good depending on the material
FinitionMatte black, technical lookVery smooth & premiumVisible layers
DétailsGood detail (less refined than SLA)Excellent micro-detailsLimited fine details
SupportsNone (powder base)Yes (supports + post-processing)Often (depending on geometry)
Coût / sérieCompetitive in seriesHigher / post-processingVery good in small, simple batches
UsagesFunctional, clips, cases, seriesPremium visuals, transparencies, micro-detailsFunctional, templates, large parts

Tolérances & finitions

Recommandations pratiques pour obtenir des pièces fonctionnelles, assemblables et propres.

Tolérances

  • Typical tolerance: ±0.3 mm (small parts)
  • Typical tolerance: ±0.5 mm (medium parts)
  • Typical tolerance: ±0.6 mm (larger parts / sensitive geometries)
  • Recommended clearance (assembly after printing): 0.3–0.5 mm
  • Printed "movable" assembly (integrated hinge/clip): 0.6–1.0 mm
  • Tip: For a tight fit, plan for rework (boring/sanding) rather than aiming for excessively tight tolerances

Conseils de conception

  • Provide dust removal holes for enclosed volumes
  • Avoid completely sealed cavities (trapped powder)
  • Provide 0.3–0.5 mm clearance for interlocking parts
  • For moving parts printed together: 0.6–1.0 mm clearance
  • Provide radii/fillets to limit stress concentrations

Service available throughout Quebec

3DVertical provides remote services to businesses and engineering firms across Quebec. Online quotes and fast shipping.

Montreal

Quebec

Sherbrooke

Laval

Levis

Longueuil

Trois-Rivieres

Drummondville

Granby

Saguenay

Gatineau

Start your SLS print job

Service offered for 10 to 500 pieces. Send your file to get a quote: we validate the assembly clearances, critical areas and series optimization in Nylon PA12.