SLS Lead Times

Priority vs Standard Printing

We provide two service levels for SLS printing so that customers can choose the balance of speed and cost that fits their project. Both options deliver the same part quality, accuracy, and finishing, but they differ in scheduling and turnaround time.

Priority Printing

Priority Printing gives you fast SLS 3D printing for PA12 nylon when you need parts quickly. Lead time starts at 2 working days for PA12 Nylon, with most orders shipping within that window. For larger builds or jobs that require extra care, we allow up to 4 working days. By selecting Priority, your order moves ahead of Standard jobs in the production queue.

Priority Printing is offered only for PA12 Nylon, our most regularly stocked material. Since PA12 is used daily, setup time is minimal, keeping the process efficient. Priority costs about 40 percent more than Standard, plus setup. You still get the same strength, finish, and repeatability as Standard Printing, just delivered faster.

Standard Printing

Standard Printing is our most cost-effective choice for SLS 3D printing when fast turnaround is not required. Lead time begins at 5 working days for all SLS materials, including PA12 Nylon, GF20, GF40, and specialty powders like TPC elastomer. Your order enters the regular production queue alongside other jobs. We aim to ship sooner when possible, but Standard orders are not guaranteed to finish early.

The quality of finished parts is identical to Priority Printing. Standard is priced at base rate for each material plus any setup charge. It is ideal for customers who want to reduce costs while still getting parts that meet the same high standards for accuracy, durability, and finish.

Choosing the Right Service

If your project is time-sensitive or you are working against a deadline, Priority Printing ensures your order is handled first. If you are planning ahead or looking for the lowest cost per part, Standard Printing offers the same quality with a longer turnaround. Both services are built on the same process controls and attention to detail that guide every job we run.

Finishing services add extra time to the production schedule because parts require separate steps after printing and cleaning. The exact lead time depends on the type of finish you select.

Standard Finish

Natural SLS parts are supplied with no added processing time. These orders ship on the same schedule as Priority or Standard Printing with no delay.

Dye Services

Dyeing requires preparation, color treatment, and drying, which adds at least one additional working day. This ensures even coverage and stable color across the full part surface.

Extended Finish Options

More advanced finishes such as multiple color dyes, shot peened surfaces, and vapor smoothing involve multi-step workflows. These treatments may add up to four working days to the lead time depending on part size, complexity, and volume. Each of these processes is performed to deliver a more refined surface and durable finish but requires careful handling and additional processing time.

By planning for these additional days, you can ensure your order arrives on time with the exact finish you need.

We always work to deliver your parts as quickly as possible. While our lead time estimates are reliable, they cannot be guaranteed because SLS is a complex process with many variables. Below are some important details about how we schedule builds and what can affect turnaround.

Daily Cut Off

• Orders placed and paid before 3:00 PM begin processing the same day.

• Orders placed after 3:00 PM begin processing the next working day.

Why lead times are estimates

• Printing is not instant. Build time varies depending on how many parts are packed into a run.

• Once printing is finished, the build must cool for the same amount of time it took to print. Cutting the cool down short can cause warping, so we let every build cool fully.

• Machine space, material type, and part size all factor into when your order can be scheduled.

Priority of orders

• Priority orders are always scheduled first.

• A large number of Priority orders can extend turnaround for Standard orders, since those are scheduled behind Priority in the production line.

Next day delivery

• Next day service is not possible. Even the smallest build requires a minimum of 48 hours to print and cool properly.

• For urgent needs, Priority Printing is the fastest option we offer.

Weekend production

• Our printers continue running through the weekend without staff on site.

• Orders placed on Friday before 3:00 PM can still be completed during the weekend and prepared for shipment the following Monday, provided there is space in the build.