Question

sls: powder removal
use the information below to answer the question.
in selective laser sintering (sls) 3d printing, support structures are unnecessary, but hollow prints often retain unsintered powder inside. to address this unsintered powder, designers incorporate strategically placed escape holes, allowing easy removal of excess powder. this not only streamlines the cleaning process but also reduces the print’s weight, leading to cost savings.
print strength
designers have flexibility in choosing the location of escape holes. they can integrate them seamlessly into the design or hide them strategically. opting not to use escape holes may compromise the strength of the sls print due to added weight. increasing the wall thickness of an sls print, coupled with the incorporation of escape holes, ensures it will have optimal strength.
in terms of sls, what are escape holes used for?

• to remove unsintered powder
• to remove excess resin
• to give additional support to the print
• to offset pressures differences in the print

Explanation:

The passage states that in SLS 3D printing, hollow prints have unsintered powder inside. Escape holes are strategically placed to allow easy removal of this excess unsintered powder, streamlining cleaning, reducing weight, and saving costs. The other options are incorrect: SLS uses powder (not resin), support structures are unnecessary so escape holes aren't for support, and pressure differences aren't mentioned as a reason.

Answer:

to remove unsintered powder