ADDITIVE

SLS

SLS uses a polymer powder bed and supports complex geometry without dedicated support structures.

ENGINEERING DOSSIER

Resolve powder access, packing, thermal behavior and cleanup before SLS release

Powder access and enclosed spaces

Design openings and internal paths so unsintered powder can be removed and verified.

Packing and geometry context

Part orientation and packing affect surfaces and should be reviewed with critical interfaces in mind.

Material and functional intent

Specify the polymer and the load, fit, heat or flexibility priorities relevant to the part.

Cleaning, dye and fit evidence

State post-processing and define checks for critical dimensions, mating features and visible surfaces.

MANUFACTURING ROUTE

Route logic for SLS

Design openings and internal paths so unsintered powder can be removed and verified. Specify the polymer and the load, fit, heat or flexibility priorities relevant to the part.

Part orientation and packing affect surfaces and should be reviewed with critical interfaces in mind. Best input: CAD plus powder-access review.

DECISION CONTROLS

Release controls specific to SLS

Best input

CAD plus powder-access review

Key risk

Trapped powder and interface condition

Release evidence

Cleanliness, fit and surface reference

PROJECT-SPECIFIC DECISION DATA

Decision record before SLS release

Use this table to connect the process decision to the CAD, drawing and inspection evidence. Values remain project-specific until reviewed.

Decision item	What must be resolved	Evidence at release
Powder access and enclosed spaces	Design openings and internal paths so unsintered powder can be removed and verified.	CAD plus powder-access review
Packing and geometry context	Part orientation and packing affect surfaces and should be reviewed with critical interfaces in mind.	Trapped powder and interface condition
Material and functional intent	Specify the polymer and the load, fit, heat or flexibility priorities relevant to the part.	Cleanliness, fit and surface reference
Cleaning, dye and fit evidence	State post-processing and define checks for critical dimensions, mating features and visible surfaces.	Cleanliness, fit and surface reference

PART AND PROCESS EVIDENCE

SLS process, interface and inspection evidence

Polymer sample showing a circular profile, central opening and recessed pockets. Material condition, fit and final dimensions require project-specific review.

Post-processing and inspection diagram for 3D printed prototypes showing support removal, sanding, coating and dimensional checks

Decision tree for selecting a 3D printing process based on visual, functional, fixture, small batch and metal prototype needs

DECISION QUESTIONS

SLS route and release questions

What must be defined before reviewing SLS?

Design openings and internal paths so unsintered powder can be removed and verified. Part orientation and packing affect surfaces and should be reviewed with critical interfaces in mind.

Which interfaces need project-specific confirmation?

Specify the polymer and the load, fit, heat or flexibility priorities relevant to the part. Escalate Trapped powder and interface condition and any geometry, access, material or interface requirement that the drawing does not resolve.

What should accompany release?

State post-processing and define checks for critical dimensions, mating features and visible surfaces. Cleanliness, fit and surface reference

PROJECT BRIEF

SLS project brief and release checklist

Use these page-specific checks to turn the SLS route into reviewable CAD, drawing and inspection inputs.

Geometry and route input — Powder access and enclosed spaces

Design openings and internal paths so unsintered powder can be removed and verified. Include the relevant CAD orientation, interfaces and quantity in the review brief.

Release evidence — Packing and geometry context

Part orientation and packing affect surfaces and should be reviewed with critical interfaces in mind. Name the drawing dimensions and inspection evidence required at release.

RFQ handoff — Material and functional intent

Specify the polymer and the load, fit, heat or flexibility priorities relevant to the part. Upload controlled CAD/drawing inputs and state the unresolved route decision.

CONTINUE THE ENGINEERING REVIEW

Continue the engineering review for SLS

Connect this decision to the related manufacturing route, material, finish and file-review workflow.

SLS