Possibility of colouring SLS prototypes using the ink‐jet method

The prospect of including colour in models using rapid prototyping systems significantly increases the range of potential applications. It is considered that prototypes displaying physical properties suitable for functional use that can also be coloured would lead to domestic use of the technology. The selective laser sintering (SLS) process, whilst not the easiest method for introduction of colour, provides those physical attributes. A mechanism developed for use inside an SLS machine is described along with some preliminary experiments and observations.