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 is designed for customers who need parts as quickly as possible. Lead time begins at 2 working days for PA12 Nylon, with most jobs shipping within that window. We allow up to 4 working days for larger runs or if the build requires extra care. By choosing Priority, your order is placed at the front of our production line so that it is processed ahead of Standard orders.

Priority Printing is currently offered only for PA12 Nylon, our most widely used material. Because we run PA12 every day, the setup time is low, which keeps the service efficient. Priority is priced at approximately 40 percent above Standard, plus the setup charge. The result is the same strength, finish, and repeatability as Standard Printing, delivered faster for projects on tight timelines.

Standard Printing

Standard Printing is the most cost-effective choice when speed is not the top priority. Lead time begins at 5 working days for all SLS materials, including PA12 Nylon and specialty powders. Your order joins the regular production line and is scheduled alongside other builds. We aim to deliver faster than the stated lead time whenever possible, but Standard orders are not guaranteed to ship early.

The quality of the finished parts is identical to Priority Printing. Standard is priced at the base rate for each material plus the setup charge. It is the best option for customers who want to minimize cost while still receiving parts that meet the same high standards for accuracy and durability.

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.