Very reliable. Our SLS machines are closed thermal systems with controlled laser power, bed temperature and powder refresh. Print-to-print variation stays within ±5% on mechanical properties and ±0.1-0.3 mm on dimensions. For certified applications: Certificate of Analysis per batch with sample check. For large runs we often recommend PA 950 HD thanks to 80% powder reuse and stable cost.
Why SLS works for production
The process is standardised at machine level. Our EOS P500 dual-laser, P396 and P110 run with fixed process parameters per material: laser power, scan speed, bed temperature, layer thickness, atmospheric composition. We monitor and document those parameters per build.
Material quality is guaranteed through powder refresh (new powder mixed with recycled in fixed ratios) and material lot traceability.
Order a batch in week 3 and a batch in week 47? Mechanical properties within ±5% identical.
What we deliver per batch for your quality dossier
Standard orders – Quality control on visual conformity + sample measurements on critical dimensions.
Large or sensitive orders – Certificate of Analysis (COA) with material lot number, process parameters, print date, sample measurement results.
Regulated applications (FDA, EC1935/2004, ISO 13485) – Full material traceability, biocompatibility statements (PA12 Blue MD, TPU 1301), batch-bound documentation.
Your QMS integrates our documents. Your auditor can trace up to the powder charge.
When reliability needs extra attention
For the first production run of a new part: pilot batch of 20-100 pieces before you place a large order. Identifies orientation effects, tolerance stack-ups or unforeseen production variables.
For critical applications (medical devices, aerospace, ATEX): Design Validation programme with our engineers. Extensive test reports, ongoing material traceability, incident reporting on deviations.
Talk to an engineer to discuss your specific reliability requirements.