SLS prototyping services

SLS printing service in Canada

Functional nylon prototypes and production parts using selective laser sintering. Complex geometries, no support structures, engineering-grade PA12 nylon — from single prototypes to batches of 500+.

SLS prototyping services

Our SLS 3D printing service in Montreal produces functional nylon prototypes and production parts using selective laser sintering. Unlike SLA or FDM, SLS requires no support structures — meaning complex geometries, interlocking assemblies, and lattice structures print without compromise.

When to choose SLS prototyping

High-strength functional prototypes

Functional prototypes that withstand mechanical stress, snap-fits, and repeated use

Complex one-piece geometry

Complex geometries with internal channels, thin walls, and moving parts in a single build

Low-volume batch production

Small batch production of 10-500 identical parts with consistent properties

Durable end-use nylon parts

End-use nylon parts for industrial applications requiring chemical and heat resistance

Integrated multi-part assemblies

Multi-part assemblies printed as one piece, eliminating assembly time

Labeled AllPrototype sample bags comparing PA11, PA12 nylon, flexible resin and FDM insole prints

SLS materials available

Material Tensile Strength Heat Resistance Best For
PA12 Nylon 48 MPa 187°C General prototyping, functional parts
PA12 Glass-Filled 51 MPa 186°C Stiff, dimensionally stable parts
PA11 (Bio-Based) 46 MPa 176°C Ductile, impact-resistant parts
PA12 Biocompatible 48 MPa 187°C Medical / skin-contact applications

SLS vs SLA vs FDM comparison

Understanding the strengths and limitations of each 3D printing technology helps you choose the right solution for your project.

Feature SLS SLA FDM
Support Structures ✅ None Required ⚠️ Required ⚠️ Required
Batch Production 🟢 Excellent 🟡 Limited 🔴 Poor
Surface Finish 🟡 Good 🟢 Excellent 🔴 Poor
Part Strength 🟢 Excellent 🟡 Good ⚪ Variable
Complex Geometry 🟢 Excellent 🟡 Good 🟠 Limited
Material Variety 🟠 Limited 🟡 Good 🟢 Excellent

Choose SLS when:

Choose SLA when:

Choose FDM when:

Not sure which technology is right?

Our technical experts can analyze your project requirements and recommend the best 3D printing technology for your specific needs. Ready to start? Get an instant 3D printing quote.

SLS printing in Montreal & across Canada

AllPrototype operates SLS printing equipment in-house in Montreal. Your nylon parts never leave Canada. Local clients get same-week turnaround with in-person pickup. We ship SLS parts across Canada with tracked delivery in 2-3 business days.

Downtown Montreal

Central Montreal location serving the business district, universities, and tech startups.

Highlights

Same-day pickup
Walk-in consultations
Metro accessible

Areas served

Old Montreal • Griffintown • Mile End • Plateau

Laval

Serving Laval's manufacturing sector and North Shore businesses.

Highlights

Industrial park access
Large format printing
Free parking

Areas served

Sainte-Rose • Chomedey • Vimont • Duvernay

Longueuil

South Shore hub for aerospace, tech, and research institutions.

Highlights

Aerospace expertise
Research partnerships
Express delivery

Areas served

Brossard • Saint-Lambert • Boucherville • Saint-Hubert

Toronto

Greater Toronto Area hub for Ontario's largest market.

Highlights

Next-day shipping
GTA coverage
Enterprise solutions

Areas served

Downtown • North York • Mississauga • Scarborough

Vancouver

West Coast operations serving BC's film, tech, and marine industries.

Highlights

Film industry expertise
2-day delivery
Cleantech focus

Areas served

Downtown • Burnaby • Richmond • North Vancouver

Calgary

Alberta hub serving energy, agriculture, and construction sectors.

Highlights

Industrial materials
Extreme testing
Alberta-wide shipping

Areas served

Downtown • NE Industrial • Airdrie • Cochrane
Express shipping

Next-day delivery available to major Canadian cities

Free shipping

Complimentary shipping on orders over $500

Local pickup

Same-day pickup available at Montreal locations

SLS applications showcase

See how SLS technology delivers industrial-strength results across critical applications where performance and precision matter most.

Aircraft Ducting System

Aircraft Ducting System

  • Complex internal channels
  • 40% weight reduction

Complex internal channels and mounting features impossible with traditional manufacturing.

Materials Used

  • PA12 Nylon
  • Glass-Filled Nylon

Project Specs
150 parts per build, ±0.3mm accuracy

Bracket Assemblies

Bracket Assemblies

  • Lightweight structure
  • Integrated mounting

Lightweight structural components with integrated mounting features.

Materials Used

  • Glass-Filled Nylon

Project Specs
High-strength, FAA-compliant certified materials

Prototype Components

Prototype Components

  • Rapid prototyping
  • Functional testing

Rapid prototyping of cockpit controls and interior components.

Materials Used

  • PA12 Nylon
  • PA11 Nylon

Project Specs
5-day turnaround for complex parts

End-Use Production Parts

End-Use Production Parts

  • Low-volume production
  • Specialty components

Direct production of low-volume specialty components. Perfect for custom vehicle modifications and limited runs.

Materials Used

  • Glass-Filled Nylon

Project Specs
50,000+ cycle durability testing

Manufacturing Jigs & Fixtures

Manufacturing Jigs & Fixtures

  • Custom tooling
  • Assembly guidance

Custom tooling for assembly line processes. Complex shapes that guide installation and ensure consistent quality.

Materials Used

  • PA12 Nylon

Project Specs
Factory floor durability

Under-Hood Components

Under-Hood Components

  • Heat resistant
  • Chemical resistant

Heat-resistant parts for engine bay applications. Chemical resistance to automotive fluids and temperature cycling.

Materials Used

  • High-Temp Nylon

Project Specs
120°C continuous operation

Patient-Specific Surgical Guides

Patient-Specific Surgical Guides

  • CT/MRI based design
  • High surgical accuracy

Custom guides created from CT/MRI scans for precise implant placement. Reduces surgery time and improves outcomes.

Materials Used

  • Biocompatible PA12

Project Specs
Sterilizable, patient-matched

Prosthetic Components

Prosthetic Components

  • Lightweight design
  • High durability

Lightweight, durable components for custom prosthetics. Complex internal structures for optimal strength-to-weight ratio.

Materials Used

  • PA11 Nylon
  • PA12 Nylon

Project Specs
Long-term biocompatibility

Medical Device Prototypes

Medical Device Prototypes

  • FDA submission ready
  • Clinical testing support

Functional prototypes for FDA submission and clinical testing. Precise mechanical properties match production intent.

Materials Used

  • Medical Grade PA12

Project Specs
USP Class VI certified

Ready to explore SLS for your industry?

Our application engineers understand the unique requirements of your industry and can
recommend the best SLS approach for your specific needs.

Batch production advantage

SLS technology shines when you need multiple parts. The more you print, the more you save – with no compromise on quality or speed.

Why SLS excels at batch production

Cost decreases with quantity

Unlike traditional manufacturing, setup costs are spread across all parts in the build chamber.

Same build, multiple parts

Fill the entire build volume with identical or different parts - no additional time cost.

Predictable pricing

Know your exact per-part cost upfront with our transparent batch pricing structure.

Faster than machining

Complete complex parts in days, not weeks, regardless of geometric complexity.

Batch pricing

SLS gets dramatically cheaper per part as quantity rises — a 50-part run costs a fraction of the single-part rate, because the setup cost spreads across the batch. Exact per-part pricing depends on your part’s size and geometry. Use the calculator below for an instant estimate, or see our 3D printing cost guide for how pricing works across technologies.

Print 1 or 100 parts in the same build

Same build time

Whether you print 1 part or fill the entire chamber, build time remains the same.

Predictable costs

No hidden setup fees or tooling costs. Price is based purely on material usage.

Consistent quality

Every part in the build maintains the same high quality and dimensional accuracy.

Technical specifications

Detailed technical specifications and design guidelines to help engineers optimize their parts for SLS 3D printing.

Build volume

Maximum build size

Large enough for most industrial components

380 x 285 x 380mm
Effective build volume

Actual usable space for parts

~30l powder capacity
Multiple part capability

No limit on number of parts per build

Unlimited within volume

Resolution & accuracy

Layer thickness

Adjustable based on part requirements

0.1 - 0.15mm
Dimensional accuracy

Typical tolerance for most features

±0.3% (min ±0.3mm)
Surface roughness

Smooth finish suitable for functional parts

Ra 6-10 μm
Minimum feature size

Smallest reliably printable feature

0.4mm

Wall thickness & features

Wall thickness & features

Recommended for structural integrity

0.7mm
Thin wall capability

For non-structural features only

0.4mm possible
Hole diameter (vertical)

Holes printed vertically in build

0.5mm minimum
Hole diameter (horizontal)

Holes parallel to build platform

1.0mm minimum

Material properties

Operating temperature

Varies by material selection

Up to 120°C
Powder particle size

Optimized for smooth surfaces

20-80 microns
Material reuse rate

Unused powder can be recycled

Up to 95%
Powder refresh rate

Per build for optimal quality

30-50% new powder

Design guidelines for SLS success

📏 Wall Thickness Guidelines
Maintain minimum 0.7mm wall thickness for structural parts. Thinner walls (0.4mm) are possible for non-load bearing features but may be fragile.
Include 2mm minimum diameter holes to allow unused powder removal from hollow sections. Position holes where they won’t affect part function.
Take advantage of SLS’s support-free capability. Design complex internal channels, overhangs, and interlocking parts that would be impossible with other technologies.
Design with ±0.3mm tolerance in mind. Critical dimensions may require post-machining. Consider powder sintering shrinkage in your design.
SLS parts have a slightly grainy texture from powder fusion. Plan for post-processing if smooth surfaces are critical for your application.

Need help optimizing your design?

Our engineers can review your design files and provide recommendations to optimize for SLS
printing, ensuring the best possible results.

SLS pricing calculator

Get an instant price estimate for your SLS 3D printing project. Upload your STL file or enter dimensions manually.

Part Dimensions

Project Details

Total Project Cost
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Price Per Part
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Volume
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Lead Time
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Discount Applied
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Available Materials

PA12 (Nylon)

  • High strength
  • Chemical resistant
  • Great surface finish

PA11 (Bio Nylon)

  • Renewable source
  • Impact resistant
  • Flexible

PA12-GF (Glass Filled)

  • Extreme strength
  • Heat resistant
  • Dimensional stability

Need a more accurate quote?

For complex geometries or special requirements, upload your 3D file for a detailed analysis and accurate pricing.

Related projects

See how SLS printing was used to produce patient-specific orthotic parts.

SLS
Medical

Custom orthotic insoles and ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) shells produced in nylon by SLS for an orthotics clinic, from design files to finished parts.

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to common questions about SLS 3D printing, materials, pricing, and our services.

How long does SLS printing take?
SLS printing typically takes 12-48 hours depending on build height and complexity. Unlike other 3D printing methods, the number of parts doesn’t significantly affect build time since the entire powder bed is processed layer by layer. Post-processing and cooling add another 12-24 hours to the total turnaround time.
Yes, SLS parts are generally stronger than FDM parts. SLS creates more isotropic (uniform) strength in all directions because powder particles are fused together uniformly. FDM parts can be weak between layer lines, while SLS parts maintain consistent strength throughout. SLS nylon materials also have superior chemical resistance and temperature tolerance.
We accept STL, OBJ, and 3MF file formats. STL is most common and preferred. Files should be manifold (watertight) with no holes or non-manifold edges. We recommend exporting STL files with high resolution (0.1mm chord tolerance) to capture fine details accurately.
Yes, SLS nylon parts can be painted, dyed, or chemically smoothed. The slightly porous surface of SLS parts actually helps paint adhesion. Parts can be dyed in various colors using fabric dyes, or painted with standard primers and paints. Chemical smoothing with acetone vapor can create very smooth surfaces when needed.
There’s no minimum order quantity – we can print single prototypes or production runs of hundreds of parts. However, SLS becomes more cost-effective at higher quantities due to the batch production nature. Even single parts benefit from SLS’s support-free printing and strong material properties.
SLS parts typically achieve ±0.3% dimensional accuracy with a lower limit of ±0.3mm. This means a 100mm dimension would be accurate to ±0.3mm, while smaller features may have up to ±0.3mm variation. Critical dimensions can be post-machined for tighter tolerances if required.
Standard post-processing includes depowdering (removing excess powder), basic surface cleaning, and quality inspection. Additional services like bead blasting for smoother finish, dyeing, or machining of critical features are available at extra cost. Most functional parts work well with standard finishing.
Yes! SLS’s support-free printing allows for printing assemblies with moving parts, interlocked components, and complex internal mechanisms in a single build. Clearances of 0.4-0.5mm are typically needed between moving parts to ensure they separate properly after printing.
Every build is monitored with temperature sensors and laser power controls. Parts undergo dimensional inspection using calibrated measuring tools. We maintain detailed build records and can provide material certificates and dimensional reports upon request. Critical parts can receive additional inspection services.
We ship via Canada Post and courier services across all provinces and territories. Standard shipping (3-5 business days) is included for orders over $500. Express shipping (1-2 business days) is available at additional cost. Parts are carefully packaged to prevent damage during transport.