A key patent for Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) technology expired at the end of January 2014. The termination could prove another boost for generative manufacturing; following the breath of fresh air afforded by 3D print technologies (see also Plasteurope.com of 10.01.2014). The relevant patent was filed in 1994 and published in January 1997.

Under the technology, a laser is used to melt plastic in powder form into three-dimensional objects. Commercial laser sintering is predominantly the domain of the long-time rapid technologies market leader 3D Systems (Rock Hill, South Carolina / USA; www.3dsystems.com).

The cost of an SLS plant currently stands at a five-digit euro sum. However, the latest patent expiry means that new technology providers can now enter the field and possibly offer cheaper devices. The processing technique could thus receive a boost similar to that experienced by 3D printing a few years ago, when the patent for Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) expired.

Additional key patents for generative manufacturing are due to expire in the course of this year, including the stereolithography (SLA) technology developed by 3D Systems as well as several unique FDM production processes currently owned by market leader Stratasys (Eden Prairie, Minnesota / USA; www.stratasys.com).