Engineering Design Centre


Rapid Manufacturing/Mass Customisation



Building upon nationally leading work to provide rapid response customised solutions to industrial problems.

What is it?

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is a Rapid Manufacturing process capable of delivering individual prototypes or low volume runs at reduced cost or timescales.

  • Prototypes can be built from a choice of materials, both metal and plastic;
  • The tank dimensions have been increased without sacrificing edge quality.
This means:
  • Metal parts or tools can be manufactured in a few days in a form that offers a similar weight and feel to the final product;
  • The prototypes are more robust and so can be used for functional testing;
  • Features as small as 0.5 mm can be manufactured;
  • The large tank can accommodate batch runs of hundreds (depending on the part size);
  • A maximum part size of 270mm x 315 mm x 350 mm is available.
Mass Customisation Research enables an exceptionally short turnaround on uniquely customised components applicable to a range of uses.

For instance, the CIC has developed a range of medical aids using Mass Customisation. A next day delivery process was used to create a unique customised orthosis insert. From data collected, in this case a foot scan, motion capture of the individual's walking pattern and anthropometrics, a personalised gait analysis and customised orthosis designed insole was produced overnight using rapid prototype technology.

What are the benefits?

There are significant commercial benefits to be gained from implementing the SLS technology. The versatility of the process and its range of materials opens up new innovative thinking on how to manufacture products.

The Engineering Design Centre, through the Keyworth Institute prides itself on delivering a high level of personalised service backed up by many years of SLS experience.

Keyworth has been involved with the Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) process since 1993 when it installed the first machine of its kind in the UK. Over the years it has become highly regarded for supplying high quality SLS plastic and metal models and components utilising the very latest platform from 3D Systems.

What does it cost?

The costs for producing plastic parts varies according to size and quantity. Typical prices start from £35-£50 for something the size of a mobile phone handset up to several thousand pounds for a full car bumper. Metal parts are costed on a case by case basis.

If you utilise our SLS facility we can offer you, thanks to funding support from the Regional Centre for Manufacturing Excellence, the following:
  • A free consultancy visit to discuss how you can best benefit from the use of the technology.
  • A 50% reduction for an order valued between £1000 and £5000 resulting from the visit.
Please note, however, that this applies to Yorkshire & Humber based manufacturing companies only.