I've been thinking about DIY SLS machine and doing some research, but couldn't find an answer to a seemingly simple question. Are wavelengths of ~800 nm of an infrared diode laser enough to heat clear/white thermoplastic powder such as PLA or ABS and, hence, can be used for sintering, or it needs to be considerably higher, like 10um of a CO2 laser?
More generically, is there any easily accessible table of transparencies of common rapid prototyping materials for various wavelengths?
More generically, is there any easily accessible table of transparencies of common rapid prototyping materials for various wavelengths?