What is SLS 3D printing used for?

SLS is used for functional prototypes, technical components, housings, brackets, production aids, spare parts, small batches and certain end-use products.

What is the difference between SLS, FDM and SLA 3D printing?

In SLS a laser fuses polymer powder into a solid polyamide part with good mechanical properties and high toughness. FDM builds parts by depositing molten filament and suits simpler, lower-cost models. SLA cures liquid resin and achieves a very smooth surface with fine detail, which makes it a common choice for visual models. SLS generally needs no support structures, so it particularly suits complex geometries and functional parts that carry mechanical load.

When is SLS a better choice than injection moulding or CNC machining?

SLS generally makes sense at lower quantities, for complex geometries, and while a design is still changing, because it needs no mould. Injection moulding becomes more economical at higher volumes, once the tooling investment is spread across many parts. CNC machining suits cases needing very tight tolerances or materials SLS cannot produce. We assess the crossover point against part size, geometry and quantity.

Can SLS also produce end-use parts?

Yes. With the right design, material and application requirements, SLS is also used for small batches and certain end-use functional parts, with no conventional production tooling.

What files do you need for a quote?

We need a suitable 3D model to produce a part. For a quote you can upload a supported CAD or mesh format, for example STEP or STL. For unusual formats, please check compatibility before submitting.

Where are you located and where do you deliver?

Our production is in Hrastnik, Slovenia, where parts are built, finished and prepared for dispatch. We deliver across Slovenia and to European Union countries. The delivery date is confirmed together with the quote.

Industrial SLS 3D printing of prototypes and small batches

Explore SLS technology

Trust in numbers

Completed projects

Products

Years of experience

Satisfied clients

Industries

Materials

Proven versatility across demanding sectors

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Automotive

Functional prototypes, housings and replacement parts resistant to heat and vibration.

Appliances & Devices

Aesthetic housings and internal parts with high repeatability and quality surface finish.

Automation

Grippers, guides and custom tools for production lines.

Tooling & Plastics

Inserts, auxiliary equipment and fixtures for faster tool development.

Medical

Ergonomic aids, anatomical models and parts for medical devices.

Architecture & Design

Precise scale models, product prototypes and visualizations.

Industrial SLS 3D printing with repeatability you can measure

Industrial SLS 3D printer EOS P 396

The EOS P 396 is our primary industrial system for selective laser sintering (SLS): a laser fuses polymer powder layer by layer, so support structures are generally unnecessary. Alongside it we run the EOSINT P 385, so work is scheduled across both machines and several orders run in parallel — from functional prototypes to small batches in PA 2200 and PA 3200 GF (PA12).

High dimensional accuracy

Tolerance of ±0.2 % on functional parts.

Repeatable production

A stable SLS process for repeat production.

No conventional tooling

Straight from a 3D CAD model, with no moulds or dedicated production tooling.

Complex geometries

Internal channels, lattice structures and thin-walled parts, without supports.

Industrial SLS technology

Controlled process parameters on EOS systems.

From prototype to small batch

One technology for development and small-batch production.

Two materials. Each with its own purpose.

Different projects call for different materials. Ours are based on polyamide 12 (PA12) — known for exceptional toughness, durability, high chemical resistance and low moisture absorption. That combination makes it the first choice for functional prototypes and end-use industrial parts that have to survive sustained loads.

From CAD model to finished SLS part in six steps

How does SLS 3D printing work? From CAD model and technical review through production on an EOS system, finishing and delivery.

Upload CAD model

Send a 3D file (STEP, STL, IGES) via a secure connection.

Upload CAD model +

Technical review

Engineers verify feasibility, material and tolerances.

Receive a quote

You receive a clear price and delivery date as quickly as possible.

SLS 3D printing

Manufacturing on industrial EOS systems with quality control.

Finishing

Cleaning, sandblasting, dyeing and post-processing of surfaces.

Delivery

Packaging and delivery to your address with tracking.

What our partners say

A reliable, precise and exceptionally responsive partner in 3D printing. RTCZ impresses with outstanding technical support, a professional approach to solving challenges, and fast, high-quality execution. A company we can rely on without hesitation for demanding projects.
— Amtec.pro
At DEUTZ ENGINEERING we have been working with RTCZ for more than 15 years. For our development process they produce 3D-printed engine spacers, including large ones of up to 900 mm. RTCZ has become our only and most trusted supplier in this area. What we value most is their expertise and reliability – the parts are always of top quality, and we particularly highlight their 100% accuracy on delivery dates. The cooperation is open, fair and collaborative.
— Deutz
RTCZ is part of our story – together we co-create solutions, and high-quality 3D prints give our ideas their shape.
— Hidria
RTCZ Hrastnik stands out for its expertise, responsiveness and the high quality of its SLS 3D printing. We are very satisfied with their services and recommend them as a reliable business partner.
— Hisense Gorenje
Rapid prototyping with 3D printing is a key element in the development of any hardware company. We have worked with the RTCZ team since the very beginnings of OLLO Audio. They are our reliable partner on every new product.
— OLLO audio
A reliable and responsive partner in 3D printing, with effective technical support and a professional approach.
— Ekliptik
We have been printing parts at RTCZ for years and are very satisfied with the quality of their SLS 3D printing service... strength, stability, accuracy, speed...
— TEKO-TM

A reliable, precise and exceptionally responsive partner in 3D printing. RTCZ impresses with outstanding technical support, a professional approach to solving challenges, and fast, high-quality execution. A company we can rely on without hesitation for demanding projects.
— Amtec.pro
At DEUTZ ENGINEERING we have been working with RTCZ for more than 15 years. For our development process they produce 3D-printed engine spacers, including large ones of up to 900 mm. RTCZ has become our only and most trusted supplier in this area. What we value most is their expertise and reliability – the parts are always of top quality, and we particularly highlight their 100% accuracy on delivery dates. The cooperation is open, fair and collaborative.
— Deutz
RTCZ is part of our story – together we co-create solutions, and high-quality 3D prints give our ideas their shape.
— Hidria
RTCZ Hrastnik stands out for its expertise, responsiveness and the high quality of its SLS 3D printing. We are very satisfied with their services and recommend them as a reliable business partner.
— Hisense Gorenje
Rapid prototyping with 3D printing is a key element in the development of any hardware company. We have worked with the RTCZ team since the very beginnings of OLLO Audio. They are our reliable partner on every new product.
— OLLO audio
A reliable and responsive partner in 3D printing, with effective technical support and a professional approach.
— Ekliptik
We have been printing parts at RTCZ for years and are very satisfied with the quality of their SLS 3D printing service... strength, stability, accuracy, speed...
— TEKO-TM

A reliable, precise and exceptionally responsive partner in 3D printing. RTCZ impresses with outstanding technical support, a professional approach to solving challenges, and fast, high-quality execution. A company we can rely on without hesitation for demanding projects.
— Amtec.pro
At DEUTZ ENGINEERING we have been working with RTCZ for more than 15 years. For our development process they produce 3D-printed engine spacers, including large ones of up to 900 mm. RTCZ has become our only and most trusted supplier in this area. What we value most is their expertise and reliability – the parts are always of top quality, and we particularly highlight their 100% accuracy on delivery dates. The cooperation is open, fair and collaborative.
— Deutz
RTCZ is part of our story – together we co-create solutions, and high-quality 3D prints give our ideas their shape.
— Hidria
RTCZ Hrastnik stands out for its expertise, responsiveness and the high quality of its SLS 3D printing. We are very satisfied with their services and recommend them as a reliable business partner.
— Hisense Gorenje
Rapid prototyping with 3D printing is a key element in the development of any hardware company. We have worked with the RTCZ team since the very beginnings of OLLO Audio. They are our reliable partner on every new product.
— OLLO audio
A reliable and responsive partner in 3D printing, with effective technical support and a professional approach.
— Ekliptik
We have been printing parts at RTCZ for years and are very satisfied with the quality of their SLS 3D printing service... strength, stability, accuracy, speed...
— TEKO-TM

A reliable, precise and exceptionally responsive partner in 3D printing. RTCZ impresses with outstanding technical support, a professional approach to solving challenges, and fast, high-quality execution. A company we can rely on without hesitation for demanding projects.
— Amtec.pro
At DEUTZ ENGINEERING we have been working with RTCZ for more than 15 years. For our development process they produce 3D-printed engine spacers, including large ones of up to 900 mm. RTCZ has become our only and most trusted supplier in this area. What we value most is their expertise and reliability – the parts are always of top quality, and we particularly highlight their 100% accuracy on delivery dates. The cooperation is open, fair and collaborative.
— Deutz
RTCZ is part of our story – together we co-create solutions, and high-quality 3D prints give our ideas their shape.
— Hidria
RTCZ Hrastnik stands out for its expertise, responsiveness and the high quality of its SLS 3D printing. We are very satisfied with their services and recommend them as a reliable business partner.
— Hisense Gorenje
Rapid prototyping with 3D printing is a key element in the development of any hardware company. We have worked with the RTCZ team since the very beginnings of OLLO Audio. They are our reliable partner on every new product.
— OLLO audio
A reliable and responsive partner in 3D printing, with effective technical support and a professional approach.
— Ekliptik
We have been printing parts at RTCZ for years and are very satisfied with the quality of their SLS 3D printing service... strength, stability, accuracy, speed...
— TEKO-TM

Frequently asked questions about SLS 3D printing

SLS, or selective laser sintering, is an additive manufacturing process in which a laser fuses polymer powder layer by layer into a three-dimensional part. The process generally requires no additional support structures, which makes complex geometries and functional components possible.

Have another question? Talk to our specialist Don't have a 3D model? Contact us

Send a CAD model and get a quote for SLS 3D printing

Need a functional prototype, a technical component or a small batch? Upload your 3D CAD model and describe the project requirements. Our engineers will check feasibility, advise on material selection and prepare a quote.

Fast turnaround

Short production lead times, with no conventional tooling to make.

Engineering support

Advice on material, geometry and whether your model suits SLS production.

From one piece to a small batch

Individual prototypes, functional components and small batches.

Repeatable industrial quality

A controlled production process on an industrial EOS SLS system.