The Laser Sintering (LS) process, in fact any of the RP processes, begins by exporting your 3D CAD design from your CAD package in STL format. 

The 3D design is then “sliced” in software and then built, layer by layer (or slice by slice) in the LS machine. The laser that traces each layer is more powerful than the SLA laser and melts a Nylon based powder as it forms each successive layer. Each layer is melted to the layer below to create a homogeneous plastic part. This is why the LS process produces the strongest protoype available.

After the entire part is built, the part is removed from the machine and is bead blasted to remove any loose powder. At this point the part is ready for shipment or for any secondary process that may be needed.