SLS - Design Tips

0
L
5

Good evening,

As part of a project for my Mechanical Engineering degree, I am working on the task of “Implementing 3D printed parts in production”. I have already gained some experience with FDM printing, but unfortunately not in the SLS area.
The component I am dealing with should be optimized for printing. Now the component is clamped with two M8 countersunk screws. Unlike metal, plastic can creep under continuous load (especially at increasing temperatures), so the tightening torque of the screw decreases. Is creep to be expected with common SLS powders (e.g. PA12/PA11/iglidur i6)? — So, would one have to insert a metal sleeve for relief?

Thanks in advance!

Automatically translated from: Deutsch
See original
Solved by Tilmann98

I think a general recommendation can be to test your SLS parts under the given conditions, as there are many physical factors that can influence these. But all in all, SLS PA12/PA11 under the conditions you specified is a really good alternative to, for example, FDM ABS/Nylon/PLA.

    • T

      How is the component clamped with the M8 countersunk screws? Through the threads, which are inserted into the component?

      0
      Reply
    • What are the approximate operating temperatures? In general, the temperature does not play a major role if it does not exceed, for example, 70 C (PA12). Creep can of course be taken into account, but it depends on the applied load.

      p.s. I found this video from Xometry. It’s not exactly your case, but it helps to get a sense of how different 3D printing technologies and materials (including PA12) behave under comparable conditions.

      0
      Reply
    • L

      All clear, thank you very much. The screws are screwed into a stainless steel plate below – the plastic part is clamped between the screw head and the plate (I would have a screenshot, but unfortunately I can’t insert it)
      The operating temperatures vary between 5° and 60°, although most of the time there is room temperature.

      0
      Reply
      • T
        Luca

        I think a general recommendation can be to test your SLS parts under the given conditions, as there are many physical factors that can influence these. But all in all, SLS PA12/PA11 under the conditions you specified is a really good alternative to, for example, FDM ABS/Nylon/PLA.

        0
        Reply
    • Xometry Engineer

      Hello Luca,

      I can only agree with Tilmann 98 here. SLS parts are generally of high quality and have a density of almost one in PA12, in MJF also above one. The difference is about 10%. Another possibility to minimize creep would be PA12GF (glass filled). This PA12 has a 30% glass content and is harder, but then tends to break more quickly if excessive forces are applied.

      0
      Reply
SLS – Design Tips
Your information:




Suggested Topics

Topic
Replies
Views
Activity
FEA of a welded tow hitch
Hi! Need help on a welded tow hitch for an off-road vehicle using S355 steel tubing and 8 mm plates. It needs to handle a 3,500 kg towing load with off-axis forces. In ANSYS,... read more
L
R
1
28
Apr 10
Best gear setup for a compact robotic arm gearbox
Hi,Working on a compact gearbox for a robotic arm and need advice on the best gear setup. The arm sees intermittent loads, max torque at the output is 15 Nm, and I need about... read more
R
M
2
39
Apr 16
How to call out helicoils or inserts on a drawing?
Hey,My aluminum part needs reinforced threads, so I’m looking at using Helicoils or possibly another type of insert if the machinist has a better suggestion (I’ll have my part produced by an external manufacturer).... read more
M
1
62
Mar 31
Deep C-channel in 2 mm stainless
Hi all, working on a sheet metal design and trying to form a C-channel in 2mm stainless (304). The depth is 50mm, and I’m wondering if I’m asking for trouble with bending—springback, cracking, or... read more
E
R
M
2
70
Mar 27
Will a 6mm dowel fit in this hole?
hello, I'm designing a part with an FDM 3D printed hole to hold a 6mm wooden dowel, but I’m unsure about the actual fit due to print tolerances and material shrinkage. The hole is... read more
b
1
78
Mar 14