Công nghiệp Máy in 3D SLS for Sand Molds & Cores
Print coated-sand molds, cores and PSB wax patterns on one industrial platform — with zero support structures, ±0.1 mm accuracy and sand-mold strength up to 4–6 MPa. From prototype to serial production, 3DPTEK SLS systems have been proven in foundries for over 30 years.
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 specialized SLS material systems on the same proven hardware platform. Our coated-sand system produces strong, dimensionally accurate sand molds and cores for direct metal pouring. Our PSB wax system creates detailed sacrificial patterns for investment casting with ash content below 0.02%.
Both systems share precision CO2 laser optics, automated powder handling and industrial-grade motion control. On LaserCore platforms you can switch between sand and wax on the same machine — one capital investment, two production lines.
Explore Wax 3D Printers for Investment Casting
±0,1 mm
Print Accuracy
0.08–0.35 mm
Độ dày lớp
4–6 MPa
Sand Mold Strength
<0.02%
Wax Ash Content
Why Foundries Choose SLS 3D Printing
Four reasons manufacturers select Selective Laser Sintering over alternative additive processes — and why our customers run their production on 3DPTEK SLS systems.
No Support Structures
Powder holds the part during printing, so complex channels, undercuts and thin walls print freely — no support design, no support removal, cleaner surfaces.
Maximum Nesting Density
Stack parts in 3D across the full build chamber. Pack dozens of molds, cores or patterns into a single print run to maximize machine value.
One Platform, Two Materials
Switch between coated sand and PSB wax on the same machine. Serve both sand casting and investment casting customers with one capital investment.
Rapid, Accurate Production
Up to 150–400 cm³/h on LaserCore-5300, with layers from 0.08 mm and ±0.1 mm accuracy. Prototypes and production run on the same system.
Dual‑Process Compatible SLS Platform
Our SLS platform hardware supports both coated sand and PSB wax materials. Machines ship in single‑material factory configuration, enabling flexibility for sand casting or investment casting workflows.
SLS Coated Sand Technology
A high-powered CO2 laser fuses resin-coated sand into strong molds and cores (4–6 MPa) with internal channels and thin walls that pattern-based tooling cannot produce. Print pour-ready molds in hours, not weeks — and combine with 3DP-printed outer molds for hybrid sand-core production.
Explore Sand 3D Printers
SLS PSB Wax Technology
Precision laser sintering of PSB wax powder creates detailed investment-casting patterns with complex geometry, thin walls and undercuts — no wax-injection tooling. Ash content below 0.02% gives clean burnout in the ceramic shell process, making small-batch production cost-effective.
Explore Wax 3D Printers3DP + SLS Hybrid Process — Industry Recognized
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.
Our SLS 3D Printer Models
Three industrial SLS platforms spanning build volumes from 500 mm to large-format production. All models feature CO2 laser technology and support coated sand and PSB wax materials.
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.
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.
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.
SLS 3D Printing Applications
From sand casting molds to investment-casting wax patterns, SLS technology delivers results across the foundry workflow.
Sand Casting Molds & Cores
Direct-print complex sand molds and cores with 4–6 MPa strength. Eliminate patterns and cut lead times from weeks to hours.
Wax Patterns for Investment Casting
SLS-printed PSB patterns with <0.02% ash for clean burnout — ideal for thin-wall, complex, high-integrity castings.
Sản xuất khổ lớn
LaserCore 6000 handles the biggest jobs. Print multiple molds or patterns simultaneously for maximum throughput.
Why Manufacturers Buy SLS Printers from 3DPTEK
An SLS printer is a long-term production asset. Here is why 500+ customers trust 3DPTEK to deliver machines that keep running.
30+ Years of SLS & Casting
3DPTEK has developed and refined SLS equipment and casting processes since 1994. Your production benefits from three decades of proven process know-how.
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 Use Our Own Printers
3DPTEK operates 6 owned foundries running our own machines. Every system is refined in real production before it reaches your floor.
Self-Developed 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
SLS 3D Printer Pricing & Investment Guide
Industrial SLS is a strategic investment. Understanding the cost drivers and expected returns helps you make a confident decision.
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
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
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?
Thể tích xây dựng
Larger build chambers require more robust frames, longer linear rails, and higher-capacity powder handling systems.
Laser Configuration
Laser power (55W—120W), scanning speed and optical precision directly impact throughput and system cost.
Automation & Accessories
Automated powder recycling, breakout stations, and build platform exchange systems add capability and cost.
Installation & Training
On-site installation, operator training, and first-year service contracts are included in every quotation.
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.
Các câu hỏi thường gặp
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is a powder-bed fusion process where a CO2 laser selectively fuses powdered material layer by layer to create solid objects. A roller spreads a thin layer of powder across the build platform, the laser traces the cross-section, the platform lowers, and the process repeats. The unsintered powder acts as a natural support, eliminating the need for support structures.
Our SLS printers support two material families: coated sand (for foundry sand molds and cores) and PSB polystyrene wax (for investment casting patterns). Both materials are formulated and tested for optimal performance with our CO2 laser systems.
Coated-sand SLS molds reach a strength of approximately 4–6 MPa with high dimensional accuracy and good surface quality. They are ideal for complex pipeline and oil-passage castings and are frequently used for high-strength sand cores, often combined with 3DP-printed outer molds.
Yes. LaserCore-5300 and LaserCore-6000 are dual-purpose SLS platforms. Switch between coated sand for sand molds and cores and PSB wax powder for investment casting patterns on the same machine — two production lines from one capital investment.
3DP binder jetting prints large outer molds quickly, while SLS produces strong, high-precision cores and complex sand structures. The hybrid process of 3DP-printed outer molds plus SLS-printed cores has been selected into the MIIT Additive Manufacturing Typical Application List — the proven answer for complex pipeline castings.
Industrial SLS 3D printers range from approximately $200,000 to over $1,000,000 depending on build volume, laser power, automation features, and options. Contact our sales team at sales@lyafs.com for a customized quotation based on your requirements.
SLS requires no support structures, allowing complex geometries and dense part nesting. It produces parts with isotropic mechanical properties suitable for functional use. The powder bed enables stacking parts in 3D for maximum throughput. For foundry applications, SLS delivers mold-ready surfaces and burnout-ready patterns with no post-curing required.