Two processes, one decision
SLA for fine detail and biocompatible work, SLS nylon for tough end use parts. We tell you which one your part wants, and why.
Home / Additive Manufacturing
SLA and SLS in engineering materialsAdditive manufacturing in engineering materials, not display plastic.
Two processes, chosen for the part rather than for the printer that happens to be free. Stereolithography for detail, surface finish and biocompatible work. Selective laser sintering for tough, support free nylon parts that go straight into service.
2 processes: SLA and SLS7 engineering materials1 part to hundredsPublished data sheets
Why additive here
Production parts, with the paperwork to match.
Published material data sheets
Every material is a Formlabs material with a published technical data sheet, sent with the quote for your quality group.
Metal replacement options
Carbon filled Nylon 11 CF and Rigid 10K replace many metal brackets and guards at a fraction of the weight and lead time.
Repeatable reorders
One part or several hundred, all from the same file at the same settings, so dimensions repeat batch after batch.
CETS offers additive manufacturing services and 3D printing services in Puerto Rico on Formlabs Form 4B and Fuse systems. We print in engineering materials for functional applications: line tooling, end use components, replacement parts, housings, gauges and biocompatible medical parts. Production runs from a single piece to several hundred, with a written dimensional record on every job. For plants that need industrial 3D printing services rather than a desktop hobby machine, the difference is the material data sheet, the lot record and the inspection that travel with each part.
If you searched for 3D printing services in Puerto Rico, this is the page: industrial 3D printing for end use parts and short runs, with a written quote in one business day and the material data sheet on every job.
SLA · Form 4B
Stereolithography
A laser cures liquid resin layer by layer. Smooth, dimensionally sharp parts that hold threads, text and thin walls, down to 25 micron layers. Biocompatible options on the Form 4B.
SLA 3D printing
SLS · Formlabs Fuse
Selective laser sintering
A laser fuses nylon powder. Tough, isotropic parts with no support marks, so living hinges, snap fits and interlocking assemblies print in one piece.
SLS 3D printingMaterials
The engineering materials, and what each one is for.
Every material is a Formlabs material with a published technical data sheet. We send the data sheet with the quote so your quality group sees the numbers, not our description of them.
| Material | Process | Choose it when | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tough 2000 | SLA | You need a stiff part that still takes a snap fit | Not for sustained heat |
| Rigid 10K | SLA | The part is loaded, or it is a gauge that must not flex | Stiff means brittle on impact |
| High Temp | SLA | The part sits near heat or sees short autoclave cycles | Lower toughness than Tough 2000 |
| Clear | SLA | You need to see flow, fill or an internal feature | Needs polishing for true optical clarity |
| BioMed Clear / Durable | SLA | The part contacts skin or tissue and needs biocompatible documentation | Printed on the Form 4B, longer lead time |
| Nylon 12 | SLS | The part goes into service and must survive handling | Matte, slightly porous surface |
| Nylon 11 CF | SLS | You are replacing a metal bracket and want stiffness without weight | Directional stiffness, orientation matters |
Representative list. The full family set is on the materials page; if your application needs something not shown here, ask and we will source it or point you to the right process.
Repeat runs
The second batch matches the first.
Low volume manufacturing only works if batch ten measures like batch one. Every reorder runs from the same file, at the same settings, on the same material, and each batch leaves with its own record.
- Same file, same settings: the part number and revision lock the build, so nothing drifts between orders
- Record per batch: material lot, machine and a written dimensional record for each run
- Scan verification available: sample parts measured against the model on the MetroY Ultra, with a deviation report
CETS serves Puerto Rico and the US mainland, with international service available.
Puerto Rico
US mainland
International
FAQ
Common questions
What is the difference between SLA and SLS?
SLA cures liquid resin with a laser and gives smooth, dimensionally sharp parts that hold threads, text and thin walls. SLS fuses nylon powder and gives tough, isotropic parts with no support marks, suited to end use. We recommend the one that fits your part.
Can additive manufacturing replace a metal part?
Often yes. Carbon filled Nylon 11 CF and Rigid 10K replace many metal brackets, guards and fixtures at a fraction of the weight and lead time. We review the loads with you before recommending it.
How many parts can you produce?
From one piece to production batches in the hundreds. Every part in a batch runs from the same file at the same settings, so dimensions repeat across reorders.
Do the materials come with documentation?
Yes. Every material is a Formlabs material with a published technical data sheet, and we send the data sheet with the quote so your quality group can review the numbers directly.
Related pages
Not sure which process your part wants?
That is the normal starting point. Send the file or the photo and we will tell you which one, and why.
Inquire now
Send us a plan. We’ll 3D print it for you.
A drawing, a CAD file or a photo of the part is enough to start. We reply with a written quote in one business day.
Prefer to talk? (787) 000-0000 · hola@cetsllcpr.com