Injection Mold-Quality SLS 3D Printing with Vapor Smoothing
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LaserMed Technologies continues to expand our advanced manufacturing capabilities with Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 3D printing using Nylon 12, now paired with vapor smoothing for enhanced surface finish and part performance. Our Fuse SLS printing platform produces durable, functional polymer parts with exceptional design freedom and fast turnaround — making it an ideal solution for prototypes, tooling, and low-to-medium-volume production without the cost and lead time of mold tooling.
Why SLS Nylon 12?
Nylon 12 is a proven workhorse for functional polymer parts. It delivers excellent chemical resistance, mechanical durability, and dimensional stability across a wide range of applications. Unlike processes that require dedicated mold tooling, SLS builds parts directly from CAD — compressing the path from design to finished part to days rather than weeks. For teams managing tight development cycles, that kind of speed matters. Our in-house tooling and prototype molding capabilities complement SLS when a project calls for multiple manufacturing approaches under one roof.
Enhanced with Vapor Smoothing
As-printed SLS surfaces carry a characteristic texture — functional, but not always appropriate for every application. Vapor smoothing changes that. The process creates a smooth, sealed surface finish that improves cleanability, reduces moisture absorption, and brings part appearance close to what you'd expect from injection molding. For applications requiring a refined finish, the performance gains are significant:
- Smooth, sealed surface that reduces porosity
- Improved cleanability and moisture resistance
- Potential for biocompatible applications (application-specific validation required)
See the difference in our product gallery — SLS Nylon 12 parts transformed from a textured as-printed surface to a polished, sealed finish that closely resembles injection molded components.
Production-Grade Output Without the Tooling Investment
The combination of Fuse SLS printing and vapor smoothing delivers injection mold-quality parts without the upfront tooling investment. Customers gain the flexibility to scale production while keeping development costs and lead times under control. From functional prototypes to medium-volume production runs, this workflow fits programs where traditional tooling timelines are a constraint.
LaserMed's full manufacturing footprint — including laser engraving, precision tube cutting, and device assembly and packaging — means parts can move through multiple production steps without leaving our facility. To see how SLS fits your next project, reach out to our team directly or call us at (612) 800-0784.
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