{"id":3114,"date":"2025-12-03T14:43:58","date_gmt":"2025-12-03T14:43:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/additium3d.com\/?p=3114"},"modified":"2026-05-18T12:34:58","modified_gmt":"2026-05-18T12:34:58","slug":"sls-slm-technology","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/additium3d.com\/en\/blog\/tecnologia-sls-slm\/","title":{"rendered":"Differences between SLM technology and SLS technology: Why choose SLS for industrial manufacturing?"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the world of industrial 3D printing, SLM and SLS are two of the most advanced and widely used technologies. Although their acronyms are similar, their processes, materials and applications have key differences that are worth knowing if you want to make the best decision for your company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article I am going to explain to you, clearly and closely, what each technology consists of, what are their main differences, why Additium 3D opts for SLS technology and why we are using it. <\/strong>as the ideal choice for many industrial applications, and why the use of polyamides<\/strong> as the Nylon 12<\/strong> has made this technique one of the most demanded in industrial sectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want a more technical and detailed overview, you can also have a look at our specialised site on SLS technology<\/a>, d<\/strong>We explain the whole process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is SLM technology?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Differences<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

SLM (Selective Laser Melting) technology is an additive manufacturing process that uses a powerful laser to completely melt metal powder, creating solid parts with high precision and strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This technology works with materials such as stainless steel, titanium, aluminium or cobalt-chromium, ideal for sectors that demand high precision, such as aerospace or medical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is SLS technology?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"What<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The SLS technology<\/strong> (from English Selective Laser Sintering<\/em> or selective laser sintering) is an additive manufacturing process that uses a high-powered laser to fuse thermoplastic powder particles, primarily polyamides<\/strong> as the Nylon 12,<\/strong> layer by layer, until a solid piece is formed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlike other 3D printing technologies, the unfused powder acts as a natural support, allowing complex parts to be printed without the need for additional structures. This, on an industrial level, is a brutal advantage: more efficiency, less wasted material and more design freedom.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who invented SLS technology?<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

SLS technology was developed in the 1980s by Carl Deckard while he was a student at the University of Texas at Austin. In collaboration with his professor Joe Beaman, they created one of the first working versions of the SLS system and founded the DTM Corporation, which was later acquired by 3D Systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This invention marked a turning point in the history of additive manufacturing, and today it is still one of the most widely used technologies in industrial environments due to its reliability, precision and mechanical quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Differences between SLS technology and SLM technology<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the questions we get asked most often at Additium 3D is about the SLM and SLS technology<\/strong>. And although their acronyms are similar, they are different technologies in both process and application. Let's take a closer look at them:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Main differences between SLM and SLS<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Aspect<\/strong><\/td>SLM technology<\/strong><\/td>SLS technology<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Material<\/strong><\/td>Metal powder (steel, titanium...)<\/td>Thermoplastic powder (polyamide)<\/td><\/tr>
Process<\/strong><\/td>Total melting of the metal powder<\/td>Partial polymer sintering<\/td><\/tr>
Cost<\/strong><\/td>High (material and machinery)<\/td>More accessible and affordable<\/td><\/tr>
Accuracy<\/strong><\/td>Very high, micrometric tolerances<\/td>High, but oriented towards robust and functional parts<\/td><\/tr>
Security and environment<\/strong><\/td>Requires controlled atmosphere, inert gases<\/td>Easier and safer handling<\/td><\/tr>
Typical applications<\/strong><\/td>Medical implants, aerospace<\/td>Functional parts, prototypes and industrial plastic production<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

1. Type of material used<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

SLS<\/strong> works mainly with polymers<\/strong>, especially polyamides such as Nylon 12<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SLM<\/strong> is designed to work with metals<\/strong> such as stainless steel, titanium, aluminium or cobalt-chrome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This already makes a key difference: the end result is not only different in appearance and weight, but also in cost, strength and applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Physical process<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At SLS<\/strong>, the laser sinter<\/strong> (partially melts) the powder particles so that they adhere to each other layer by layer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At SLM<\/strong>, the laser melts completely<\/strong> the metal powder, creating a solid part in a similar way to how a metal part is forged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SLS sintering involves less energy than full metal melting in SLM, which means less expensive equipment and more accessible processes for many companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Cost of production<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

SLS<\/strong> is usually more accessible<\/strong> in terms of operating costs, materials and equipment maintenance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SLM<\/strong> implies higher costs<\/strong>, The price of the metal powder, the machinery and the environmental control required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, preparation and post-processing times for metal parts are longer in SLM, resulting in a much higher total cost per part.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Accuracy and tolerances<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

SLM<\/strong> offers very tight tolerances and surface finishes ideal for parts requiring high dimensional accuracy, such as medical implants or critical aerospace components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SLS<\/strong>, The new machine, although it also offers high precision, is more intended for functional plastic parts that require robustness, but not necessarily micrometric tolerances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Safety and working conditions<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The metallic powder used in SLM is more reactive and dangerous<\/strong> to handle. Controlled atmospheres with inert gases (such as argon or nitrogen), specific protective equipment and strict safety measures are required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At SLS<\/strong>, polymers such as Nylon 12 are safer to handle, making the process easier to implement in more flexible environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why choose SLS technology for industrial 3D printing?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Why<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

While SLM technology also offers impressive technical features, at Additium 3D we work closely with companies that need to produce robust, durable parts with complex geometries. And this is where the SLS technology<\/strong> shines with its own light:<\/p>\n\n\n\n