Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is one of the most powerful and industrial-grade 3D printing technologies used today. It is widely used in engineering, aerospace, automotive, product design, medical modelling, and manufacturing thanks to its exceptional durability, strength, and ability to print complex geometries without support structures.
Choosing the right SLS 3D printing materials is essential for achieving the desired strength, flexibility, chemical resistance, heat tolerance, and long-term performance of the part. In this complete guide, we explore all major SLS printing materials, their properties, applications, and best-use cases. Whether you’re developing prototypes, functional components, jigs, medical devices, or end-use production parts, this breakdown will help you select the right SLS material.
What is SLS 3D Printing Material?
In SLS 3D printing, powdered thermoplastic materials commonly nylon-based polymers are fused together layer-by-layer using a high-power laser. These powders are often referred to as SLS 3D printing materials or material SLS, and they offer remarkable mechanical performance similar to injection-moulded plastics.
Compared to FDM 3D printing materials like PLA, SLS 3D printing materials offers:
-
Superior mechanical strength
-
Higher durability and impact resistance
-
No support structures required
-
Excellent chemical and thermal resistance
-
Industrial-grade end-use part performance
The most commonly SLS 3D printing materials include Nylon 12, Nylon 11, PA12 blends, PA11 composites, TPU, carbon-filled nylon, and glass-filled nylon.
If you’ve ever asked what makes SLS 3D printing materials special among 3D printing materials, the answer lies in their unmatched balance of strength, lightweight durability, isotropic properties, and freedom to print complex shapes.
Complete SLS 3D Printing Materials List
Below is a detailed, researched overview of the most widely used SLS 3D printer materials, including those used in 3D Systems SLS machines, and industrial carbon SLS material options.
Nylon 12 (PA12) – The Most Common SLS Material
Nylon 12 also known as PA12 is the most widely used SLS 3D printing material due to its excellent balance of strength, durability, and detail. It is extremely versatile for both prototyping and end-use production.
Nylon 12 (PA12) Properties
-
High tensile strength
-
Strong chemical and moisture resistance
-
Excellent dimensional accuracy
-
Stable under heat
-
Smooth surface finish
-
Great for functional engineering parts
Best For
Functional prototypes, engineering components, brackets, enclosures, automotive parts, and consumer products.
Nylon 12 GF (Glass-Filled PA12)
Glass-filled PA12 improves stiffness, rigidity, and heat resistance, making it ideal for industrial applications requiring structural performance.
Properties
-
Very high stiffness
-
High heat resistance
-
Low warping
-
Strong load-bearing capability
-
More rigid than standard PA12
Best For
Fixtures, jigs, tooling, automotive housings, industrial components.
Nylon 12 CF (Carbon-Filled PA12)
Carbon-filled PA12 is reinforced with carbon fibers, giving it extremely high strength-to-weight ratio, stiffness, and mechanical performance.
Properties
-
Very high tensile strength
-
Lightweight yet strong
-
Carbon fiber reinforcement
-
Superior heat resistance
-
High dimensional stability
Best For
Aerospace components, high-performance mechanical parts, lightweight brackets, automotive applications.
Nylon 11 (PA11)
Nylon 11 is a more flexible and impact-resistant SLS material compared to PA12. It is suitable for parts that require repeated bending, durability, and deformation resistance.
Properties
-
High impact resistance
-
More flexible than PA12
-
Strong chemical resistance
-
Bio-based (derived from castor oil)
-
Great for thin-walled parts
Best For
Snap-fit parts, sports equipment, medical prototypes, durable hinges, impact-resistant parts.
Nylon 11 CF (Carbon-Filled PA11)
Carbon-filled PA11 combines flexibility with ultra-high stiffness and performance, making it ideal for advanced engineering applications.
Properties
-
High stiffness with slight elasticity
-
Carbon fiber reinforcement
-
Excellent fatigue resistance
-
Strong impact durability
Best For
Drone parts, automotive clips, sports equipment, lightweight structural components.
TPU 90A – Flexible SLS Material
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is a flexible, rubber-like SLS printing material used for elasticity, cushioning, and wear-resistant components.
Properties
-
High flexibility
-
Rubber-like behaviour
-
Strong abrasion resistance
-
Excellent shock absorption
-
Durable under repeated stress
Best For
Gaskets, seals, wearable parts, insoles, vibration-absorbing components.
PP (Polypropylene) – Lightweight & Chemical Resistant
Polypropylene is a lightweight SLS material known for chemical resistance and fatigue durability.
Properties
-
Very lightweight
-
Excellent chemical resistance
-
Good flexibility
-
High durability
-
Low density
Best For
Fluid containers, automotive reservoirs, hinges, chemical-related components.
Alumide (Aluminum-Filled Nylon)
Alumide is a unique blend of nylon powder mixed with aluminum particles, offering a metallic look and improved stiffness.
Properties
-
Metallic appearance
-
Higher stiffness than PA12
-
Excellent dimensional stability
-
Good heat resistance
Best For
Design prototypes, artistic pieces, customized housings, semi-functional components.
ESD-Safe SLS 3D Printing Materials
ESD-safe materials are engineered to prevent electrostatic discharge, crucial for electronics manufacturing.
Properties
-
Static-dissipative
-
High durability
-
Good heat resistance
Best For
Electronics housings, sensor components, PCB handling fixtures.
SLS Nylon Material Properties
SLS Nylon 12 Material Properties
-
Tensile Strength: High
-
Heat Resistance: Moderate
-
Flexibility: Medium
-
Chemical Resistance: High
-
Dimensional Stability: Excellent
SLS Nylon Material Properties
-
High durability
-
Great fatigue resistance
-
Lightweight yet strong
-
Suitable for end-use parts
-
Excellent for mechanical loads
Comparison Table – SLS Material Strength, Flexibility & Performance
| SLS Material Type | Strength | Flexibility | Heat Resistance | Detail Level | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nylon 12 (PA12) | High | Med | Med | High | High |
| PA12 GF | Very High | Low | High | High | Very High |
| PA12 CF | Very High | Low | High | High | Very High |
| Nylon 11 (PA11) | Med-High | High | Med | High | High |
| PA11 CF | Very High | Med | High | High | Very High |
| TPU 90A | Low | Very High | Low | Medium | Medium |
| PP | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | High |
| Alumide | High | Low | High | Medium | High |
FAQs
What are the common SLS 3D printing materials?
The most used SLS printer materials include Nylon 12, Nylon 11, TPU, Polypropylene, Alumide, carbon-filled nylons, and glass-filled nylons.
What is the best SLS 3D printer material for strong functional parts?
Carbon-filled PA12 and PA11 are the strongest, offering superior stiffness and lightweight performance.
Which materials are used in SLS 3D printing for heat resistance?
Glass-filled PA12 (PA12 GF) and carbon-filled nylons are excellent for high-temperature industrial environments.
Is SLS better than 3D print materials like PLA?
Yes. Compared to 3D print materials PLA SLS offers far stronger mechanical performance, durability, and functional capability.
Which SLS material is used for flexible parts?
TPU 90A is the best option for flexible, elastic SLS components.
For 3D printing projects, quotes and more information visit KAD 3D