3D Printing Services

Industrial 3D printing is an additive manufacturing process that works best for rapid prototyping, complex designs, multipart assemblies and even functional, end-use parts. Choose from stereolithography (SL) for thermoplastic-like parts, selective laser sintering (SLS) for industrial-grade nylon components and direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) for fully dense metal production.

Stereolithography

Stereolithography (SL) is one of three additive processes available at Vikled Molding. SL uses an ultraviolet laser focused to a small point to draw on the surface of a liquid thermoset resin. Where it draws, the liquid turns to solid. This is repeated in thin, two-dimensional cross-sections that are layered to form complex three-dimensional parts. SL provides the widest selection of material, best feature resolution and smoothest surface finish. It works well for very small parts and complex geometries during early prototyping.

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Selective Laser Sintering

Selective laser sintering (SLS) is one of three additive processes available at Vikled Molding. During the SLS process, a CO2 laser draws onto a hot bed of thermoplastic powder, where it lightly sinters (fuses) the powder into a solid. After each layer, a roller lays a fresh layer of powder on top of the bed and the process repeats. SLS uses a nylon-based powder similar to actual engineering thermoplastics, so parts exhibit greater toughness and are accurate, but have rough surface and lack fine details. SLS offers a large build volume, can produce parts with highly complex geometries and create durable prototypes.

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Direct Metal Laser Sintering

Direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) is one of three additive processes available at Vikled Molding. DMLS uses a laser system that draws onto a surface of atomized metal powder. Where it draws, it welds the powder into a solid. After each layer, a blade adds a fresh layer of powder and repeats the process until a final metal part is formed.
DMLS can use a variety of alloys, allowing prototypes to be functional hardware made out of the same material as production components. Since the components are built layer by layer, it is possible to design internal features and passages that could not be cast or otherwise machined. DMLS produces full-strength, functional metal parts with the same ease and speed as plastic parts, with the potential to transition into metal injection molding when increased production is needed.

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