1, Surface quality rough
A significant drawback of SLS 3D printing is that the surface quality of the printed parts is relatively rough. This is because SLS technology uses powder materials to sinter layer by layer, and the size of the powder particles and the limitations of the laser spot make it difficult to achieve a smooth and delicate forming surface. In addition, the bonding between powder particles during the sintering process is not completely tight, which can also affect the surface flatness to a certain extent. This rough surface quality is undoubtedly a significant challenge for applications that require high precision and smooth surfaces.
2, Long processing time
The processing time of SLS 3D printing is relatively long, which is also a disadvantage that cannot be ignored. Before printing, the equipment needs to be preheated to ensure that the powder material reaches the appropriate sintering temperature. After printing is completed, the parts need to be cooled in the equipment for a period of time to ensure their stability and dimensional accuracy. The combined preheating and cooling time often makes the entire processing cycle longer. For application scenarios that require rapid response and efficient production, this drawback of SLS 3D printing may become a limiting factor.
3, High cost
The cost of SLS 3D printing is relatively high, mainly reflected in equipment cost, material cost, and maintenance cost. Firstly, the price of SLS 3D printers is usually quite expensive, which is difficult for ordinary users to afford. Secondly, the powder materials used in SLS technology are also expensive, and due to the large amount of unsintered powder generated during the sintering process, the recovery and processing of these powders also require additional cost investment. Finally, the maintenance cost of SLS 3D printers is relatively high, requiring professional technicians to perform regular maintenance and upkeep.
4, Insufficient mechanical performance
SLS 3D printed parts often have certain limitations in mechanical performance. Due to the use of powder material sintering in SLS technology, there will be certain pores and defects inside the parts, which will reduce the strength and toughness of the parts. In addition, SLS technology also poses certain difficulties in printing parts with complex shapes and structures, which may lead to stress concentration and fracture of the parts under stress. Therefore, in application scenarios that require bearing large loads and complex working conditions, SLS 3D printed parts may be difficult to meet the requirements.
5, Significant environmental impact
There may be certain environmental pollution issues during the SLS 3D printing process. Firstly, SLS technology requires the use of laser as a heat source for sintering, and the operation of the laser generates a certain amount of heat and radiation, posing a potential threat to the environment and human health. Secondly, the SLS printing process generates a large amount of dust and harmful gases, which, if not handled properly, can have adverse effects on the workshop environment and employee health. Therefore, effective environmental measures need to be taken to reduce environmental pollution when using SLS 3D printing technology.
6, High technical difficulty
SLS 3D printing technology is relatively complex and requires high technical proficiency from operators. Operators need to master the operation and maintenance skills of lasers, understand the characteristics of powder materials and the setting methods of sintering process parameters, and have the ability to solve possible problems during the printing process. In addition, SLS 3D printing technology also needs to be combined with other technologies such as CAD/CAM technology, reverse engineering technology, etc. to achieve digitalization and automation of the entire process from design to manufacturing. The complexity of this technology also increases the difficulty of promoting and applying SLS 3D printing technology.
