Coated sand
I need sand molds and cores
- Resin-coated silica or ceramic sand, furan or phenolic systems
- Print pour-ready molds and cores in hours instead of weeks
- No pattern, no core boxes, no draft angles to design around
In-House SLS Technology Since 1994
Industrial SLS 3D Printers for Sand Molds and PSB Wax Patterns
Print resin-coated sand molds and cores, or PSB wax patterns for investment casting, on one industrial platform. ±0.1 mm accuracy, layers from 0.08 mm, and no support structures to design or remove. Proven in foundries for over 30 years. It is one of several platforms in our industrial 3D printing systems range.
30+ yrs SLS & Casting
500+ Machines Installed
0 Support Structures
0.08-0.35 mm Layer Thickness
One Machine, Two Material Systems
4-6 MPa Sand Mold Strength
<0.05% standard / <0.02% low-ash wax
±0.1 mm Print Accuracy
Two processes, one platform. Which one do you need?
Every AFS and LaserCore SLS platform prints both materials. You choose by changing the powder, not the machine, so the decision is about the parts you actually sell, not about hardware.
PSB wax
I need PSB wax patterns
- Investment-casting patterns printed directly from CAD, no injection die
- Hollow forms, thin walls and undercuts in one piece
- Clean burnout in standard ceramic shell systems
What Is Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)?
SLS is a powder-bed fusion technology that uses a high-powered CO₂ laser to selectively fuse powdered material layer by layer. Because the unsintered powder acts as a natural support, SLS requires no support structures, so you can print complex internal channels, thin walls and dense part nesting that would be impossible or costly with other processes.
3DPTEK builds two specialised SLS material systems on the same proven hardware platform. The coated-sand system produces strong, dimensionally accurate molds and cores for direct metal pouring. The PSB wax system creates detailed sacrificial patterns for investment casting. Both share the same precision CO₂ laser optics, automated powder handling and industrial motion control, which is why a LaserCore can switch between sand and wax on one machine: one capital investment, two production lines.
If your work is mostly patterns rather than molds, the wax route has its own deep-dive page covering pattern design, shell compatibility and burnout: wax 3D printers for investment casting.
±0.1 mm Print Accuracy
0.08-0.35 mm Layer Thickness
4-6 MPa Sand Mold Strength
<0.02% Low-ash Wax Burnout
Why foundries choose SLS 3D printing
Four reasons manufacturers select selective laser sintering over alternative additive processes, and why our customers run production on 3DPTEK SLS systems.
No Support Structures
The powder bed holds the part while it prints, so complex channels, undercuts and thin walls print freely. No support design, no support removal, no witness marks on the surface.
Maximum Nesting Density
Stack parts in three dimensions across the full build chamber. Pack dozens of molds, cores or patterns into a single run and get more out of every machine hour.
One Platform, Two Materials
Switch between coated sand and PSB wax on the same machine. Serve sand casting and investment casting customers from one capital investment instead of two.
Rapid, Accurate Production
Up to 80–300 cm³/h on the LaserCore-5300, layers from 0.08 mm and ±0.1 mm accuracy. Prototypes and serial production run on the same system.
The two material systems in detail
Same hardware, two processes. The section you need depends on whether you pour metal into a sand mold or build a ceramic shell around a wax pattern.
Coated sand
SLS coated sand technology
A CO₂ laser fuses resin-coated sand into strong molds and cores with internal channels and thin walls that pattern-based tooling cannot produce. Print pour-ready molds in hours rather than weeks.
Because the process needs no pattern, a design change costs one reprint instead of a new pattern and core boxes. Combine SLS-printed cores with 3DP-printed outer molds for hybrid sand-core production.
- Materials Resin-coated silica sand, ceramic sand
- Binder systems Furan and phenolic
- Mold strength 4-6 MPa
- Pour Aluminium, copper, iron and steel
PSB wax
SLS PSB wax technology
Precision laser sintering of PSB (polystyrene-based) wax powder produces investment-casting patterns with complex geometry, thin walls and undercuts, and no wax-injection tooling at all.
Ash content below 0.05% for standard PSB and below 0.02% for the low-ash grade used on titanium and nickel superalloys, so patterns burn out cleanly in the ceramic shell process.
- Wax grades Standard PSB <0.05% / low-ash PSB <0.02%
- Layer thickness 0.08-0.35 mm
- Alloys Aluminium through titanium and superalloys
- Shell system Standard ceramic shell and dewax cycles
3DP + SLS hybrid process, industry recognised
The combined process of 3DP-printed outer molds and SLS-printed cores was selected into the MIIT Additive Manufacturing Typical Application List. It is the production-proven answer for complex pipeline and oil-passage castings, where the outer form is large and simple but the internal passages need laser-sintered strength.
Our SLS 3D printer models
Three industrial SLS platforms spanning build volumes from 500 mm to large-format production. All three run CO₂ laser technology and print both coated sand and PSB wax.
Entry-Level
AFS-500
Compact SLS workhorse for job shops and mid-volume foundries. A 500 mm build volume and dual-material capability make it the fastest way to add SLS production.
500×500×500 mm CO₂ RF 55W/120W 80-200 cm³/h
View Details 
Best-Selling
LaserCore-5300
Production-grade platform with the highest throughput in its class. One machine for sand molds, cores and wax patterns, ideal for foundries running multiple shifts.
700×700×500 mm CO₂ RF 55W/120W 80–300 cm³/h
View Details 
Largest Format
LaserCore-6000
Our largest SLS system, engineered for 24/7 high-volume production. Print large molds and full build chambers of patterns in a single run.
1050×1050×650 mm CO₂ RF 120W 80-300 cm³/h
View Details Full specification comparison
| Specification | AFS-500 | LaserCore-5300 | LaserCore-6000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Build volume (L×W×H) | 500 × 500 × 500 mm | 700 × 700 × 500 mm | 1,050 × 1,050 × 650 mm |
| Build speed | 80-200 cm³/h | 80–300 cm³/h | 80-300 cm³/h |
| Layer thickness | 0.08-0.35 mm | 0.08-0.35 mm | 0.08-0.35 mm |
| Dimensional accuracy | ±0.1 mm (≤100 mm) / ±0.1% (>100 mm) | ±0.1 mm (≤100 mm) / ±0.1% (>100 mm) | ±0.1 mm (≤100 mm) / ±0.1% (>100 mm) |
| Laser | CO₂ RF, 55 W / 120 W | CO₂ RF, 55 W / 120 W | CO₂, 120 W |
| Materials | Coated sand · PSB wax · engineering plastics | Coated sand · PSB wax | Coated sand · PSB wax |
| Max scan speed | 6 m/s | 6 m/s | 6 m/s |
| Control software | AFSWin V8.4 | AFSWin V8.4 | AFSWin V8.4 |
| Machine size (L×W×H) | 1,960 × 1,200 × 2,200 mm | 1,960 × 1,460 × 2,690 mm | 2,310 × 1,710 × 3,320 mm |
| Machine weight | approx. 2 t | approx. 2.3 t | approx. 3.5 t |
| Power supply | 380 VAC / 50 Hz / 15 kW | 380 VAC / 50 Hz / 18 kW | 380 VAC / 50 Hz / 30 kW |
| Choose it when | Your largest mold or pattern fits 500 mm and this is your first SLS platform | Your parts fit 700 mm, or you need the highest throughput in the range | Your parts exceed 700 mm, or you run large molds and full chambers of patterns |
Not sure which envelope you need? Measure the bounding box of your largest mold, core or pattern and send it to us with your annual volume. We will recommend a machine and back it with an ROI projection. Request a machine quote →
SLS 3D printing applications
From sand casting molds to investment-casting wax patterns, SLS delivers across the foundry workflow.
Sand casting molds and cores
Direct-print complex sand molds and cores with 4-6 MPa strength. Eliminate patterns and cut lead times from weeks to hours.
See sand 3D printers
Wax patterns for investment casting
SLS-printed PSB patterns with clean burnout, ideal for thin-wall, complex and high-integrity castings where an injection die would be slow or impossible.
See wax 3D printers
Large-format production
The LaserCore-6000 handles the biggest jobs. Print multiple molds or patterns simultaneously for maximum throughput per shift.
See the LaserCore-6000Why manufacturers buy SLS printers from 3DPTEK
An SLS printer is a long-term production asset. Here is why more than 500 customers trust 3DPTEK to deliver machines that keep running.
30+ Years of SLS and Casting
3DPTEK has developed and refined SLS equipment and casting processes since 1994. Your production benefits from three decades of proven process know-how, not a first-generation product.
500+ Machines Installed
More than 500 3D printing systems are in daily production with manufacturers worldwide, a track record that de-risks your investment.
We Run Our Own Printers
3DPTEK operates 5 owned foundries running our own machines. Every system is refined in real production before it reaches your floor.
In-House Software, Global Components
AFSWin V8.4 control software is developed in-house, while optics, drives and core components come from global first-tier brands for stability you can schedule production around.
Trusted by leading manufacturers
AECC AVIC CASC NORINCO CETC YUCHAI GEELY CHERY CSSC SRIF
SLS 3D printer pricing and investment guide
Industrial SLS is a strategic investment. Understanding the cost drivers and the expected return helps you make a confident decision, so here are the three bands we quote most often. For the full cost picture, including consumables, per-part math and a worksheet you can fill in with your own local rates, see our full SLS cost breakdown.
Entry-Level
$200K-$400K
Compact systems for in-house prototyping & small-batch production
- Build volume: 500-800 mm
- Single laser configuration
- Ideal for pattern shops & small foundries
- Typical ROI: 12-18 months
Most Popular
Mid-Range
$400K-$700K
High-throughput workhorses for daily production demands
- Build volume: 800-1,200 mm
- Dual-material capable (sand + wax)
- Designed for mid-to-large foundries
- Typical ROI: 8-14 months
Large-Format
$700K-$1M+
Flagship systems for oversized castings & maximum throughput
- Build volume: 1,000-1,500+ mm
- High-power multi-laser options
- For heavy industry & serial production
- Typical ROI: 6-12 months
What determines your final price?
Build volume
Larger build chambers need more robust frames, longer linear rails and higher-capacity powder handling, which is the single biggest driver of system cost.
Laser configuration
Laser power (55 W to 120 W), scanning speed and optical precision directly affect throughput, layer thickness at production speed, and system cost.
Automation and accessories
Automated powder recycling, breakout stations and build-platform exchange systems add capability and cost, and change how many operators you need.
Scope included
On-site installation, operator training and the first-year service contract are included in every quotation, so two quotes at the same headline price can differ substantially.
Every foundry has different needs. Tell us about your parts, materials and volume targets and we will build a tailored proposal with a clear ROI projection. Request a custom quote →
Frequently asked questions
Fifteen answers covering the process, machine choice, cost, materials, site requirements and support.
Selective Laser Sintering is a powder-bed fusion process in which a CO₂ laser selectively fuses powdered material layer by layer. A recoater spreads a thin layer of powder across the build platform, the laser traces the cross-section, the platform lowers, and the process repeats. Because the unsintered powder supports the part, SLS needs no support structures.
Two material families on the same hardware: resin-coated sand for foundry molds and cores, and PSB polystyrene wax for investment casting patterns. The AFS-500 additionally runs engineering plastics for functional prototypes. All materials are formulated and tested against our CO₂ laser systems.
Coated-sand SLS molds reach approximately 4-6 MPa with high dimensional accuracy and good surface quality. They suit complex pipeline and oil-passage castings and are frequently used for high-strength sand cores, often combined with 3DP-printed outer molds.
Yes. The AFS-500, LaserCore-5300 and LaserCore-6000 all print coated sand and PSB wax. You switch materials between builds, and the changeover takes about 30 to 60 minutes, so many customers run sand on the day shift and wax overnight.
3DP binder jetting prints large outer molds quickly and economically, while SLS produces strong, high-precision cores and complex sand structures. The hybrid process of 3DP outer molds plus SLS cores has been selected into the MIIT Additive Manufacturing Typical Application List, and it is the proven answer for complex pipeline castings.
Industrial SLS systems range from roughly $200,000 to over $1,000,000 depending on build volume, laser power, automation and options. The pricing guide above shows the three bands and what drives each one. Send us your part sizes and annual volume and we will put a configuration and ROI projection against your numbers. The consumables, the per-part arithmetic and a worksheet for your own local rates are in our SLS cost and per-part math.
No support structures, so complex geometry and dense nesting come for free. Isotropic mechanical properties suitable for functional parts. Three-dimensional stacking across the powder bed for maximum throughput. For foundry work, mold-ready surfaces and burnout-ready patterns with no post-curing step.
Measure the bounding box of your largest mold, core or pattern. Up to 500 mm points to the AFS-500; up to 700 mm points to the LaserCore-5300; anything larger, or full chambers of parts, points to the LaserCore-6000. If you send us your part list we will recommend a machine and back it with an ROI analysis rather than leave you to compare tables.
Layer thickness is selectable from 0.08 mm to 0.35 mm, so surface finish and build speed can be traded per job. Minimum wall thickness depends on the geometry and the metal being poured. Send the model and we will tell you what the process holds for your specific part rather than quote a blanket figure.
Standard PSB wax leaves under 0.05% ash after burnout, which covers aluminium, copper, steel, iron and stainless work. For titanium, nickel-based superalloys and high-end steel we use low-ash PSB at under 0.02%. Both grades are compatible with standard ceramic shell materials and standard dewaxing and burnout cycles.
The platform is open. We publish the material specifications so you can qualify alternative suppliers yourself, and our engineers will evaluate a third-party powder or sand against your process with you. There is no consumable lock-in.
Three-phase five-wire power at 15 kW, 18 kW or 30 kW depending on model, plus clean dry compressed air at 0.6-0.8 MPa and at least 1.0 m³/min, an ambient of 20-30 °C and humidity at or below 60% RH. We provide a foundation plan and survey your site before delivery. Installation, commissioning and operator training take 3-5 days.
A 12-month parts and labour warranty, remote diagnostics for fast troubleshooting, preventive maintenance guidance, and a consumables and spare parts supply chain with global shipping. Support comes from engineers who run these machines in our own foundries.
Yes, and it is the step we recommend first. Send a CAD file and we print it on a production machine in our own facility, then ship it to you with the dimensional report and, for wax, the burnout data. NDA is available, turnaround is typically a few business days, and shipping is worldwide from Beijing.
We work with export financing options and staged payment terms. Tell your sales contact what structure your business needs and we will put a plan together rather than present a single take-it-or-leave-it figure.
Send us a part. We will prove the process on a production machine.
Send one mold, core or pattern. We print it on a machine in our own foundry and ship it to you with the dimensional report and, for wax, the burnout data. No obligation, and no sales pitch until you have measured the output yourself.
Or reach us directly: sales@lyafs.com · WhatsApp +86 134 0035 7593. We reply within one business day.