Laser sintering follows the same principle as stereo-lithography, only that a polyamide in powder form is fused in layers by means of a laser. The energy input from the laser is absorbed by the powder and makes the material fuse locally (sintering).
In the case of laser sintering, in contrast to stereo-lithography, no additional support structures for overhanging parts of the form are necessary since the form is sufficiently stabilized by the bed of polyamide. The sintered material is light-stable, extremely resilient, and impact resistant. It is, therefore, particularly suitable for filigree forms.
For the work “The Lock” by Urs Fischer, the pink-glazed cake with a permanent magnet inside, which floats between a travel bag and the subway seat, was produced using this process. The object was hollow sintered for weight reasons, with a minimal wall thickness of 0.6 millimeters. The rough, granular surface of the result is, however, not always desired.
The Kunstgiesserei regularly works with laser sintering in cooperation with regional and international partners.
Image 1: Urs Fischer "The Lock"
Images 2 – 4: Urs Fischer "Clays"