SLS materials
PA12 nylon for SLS: functional parts printed without supports
One SLS material: PA12 nylon, on a 165 × 165 × 300 mm bed, ±0.3% (minimum ±0.3 mm). Enquire about larger projects: we may be able to accommodate them. Loose powder supports the part, so complex geometry needs no supports.
SLS materials
PA12 nylon. Loose powder supports the part, so nested and interlocking geometry prints.
Build volume: 165 × 165 × 300 mmEnquire about larger projects: we may be able to accommodate them. We also offer technologies beyond the four processes listed. · Tolerance: ±0.3% (min ±0.3 mm) · Lead time: From 2 calendar days
SLS 3D printing service| Material | Best for | Cost | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|
 PA12 nylonPolyamide 12 powder | Housings, clips, snap fits, ducting, complex nested partsProperties and design notes
Matte, slightly grainy surface. Hollow parts need powder escape holes. | £££££Standard | |
| More SLS materials available. We can source most grades not listed here. Request a material | |||
Rules of thumb
- Complex geometry in one materialPA12 nylon handles nested, hollow and interlocking geometry.
- Hollow partsAdd 4 to 5 mm powder escape holes.
- FinishSand blasting evens the grainy surface into a uniform matte.
- BatchesSmall parts nest in the powder bed, which lowers cost per part.
Matte, slightly grainy surface. Sand blasting evens it out. Hollow parts take 4 to 5 mm powder escape holes. Lead time from 2 calendar days. PA12 is a stiff nylon: choose TPU in FDM or an SLA resin for flex and the finest detail.
Selection by requirement
| If the part needs | Start with |
|---|---|
| Snap fits, clips, living hinges | PA12 in SLS |
| Ducting and housings with internal channels | PA12 in SLS |
| Parts larger than 165 × 165 × 300 mm | Nylon or Markforged Onyx in FDM |
| Smoother surface or finer detail | Standard resin in SLA |
| Flexible or rubber-like | TPU in FDM, or flexible photopolymer in PolyJet |
Frequently asked questions
Why choose SLS over FDM?
SLS builds complex, nested and interlocking geometry because the unfused powder holds the part. Strength is also more uniform than in FDM parts.
Which material does SLS use?
PA12 nylon, an engineering thermoplastic for functional and end-use parts.
What is the SLS build volume?
165 × 165 × 300 mm. Larger parts can be split into sections or produced in FDM, which builds up to 1000 × 1000 × 1000 mm.
How accurate is SLS?
±0.3% with a minimum of ±0.3 mm.
What is the SLS lead time?
From 2 calendar days. The quote shows the date for your part.
What surface finish do SLS parts have?
SLS parts have a slightly grainy, matte surface straight from the machine. Sand blasting gives a more uniform finish, and parts can be coated or painted.
Related reading
Companies that use HenleyPrint3D
Uploads are secure and confidential.
Related guides
Next step
Quote an SLS nylon part
Upload a STEP or STL file. We confirm tolerance, finish and lead time before we build. Uploads are secure and confidential.
Companies that use HenleyPrint3D