From prototyping to production: How Sinterit sees the future of SLS 3D printing – Interview with Albert Klein

Sinterit, based in Krakow, Poland, has been active in the additive manufacturing sector since 2014, specializing in making Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) technology more accessible to professional users. The company offers a range of compact and industrial SLS 3D printers, designed to meet the demands of research, prototyping, and small-batch production environments. In a recent interview with 3Druck.com, CEO Albert Klein provided additional insights into the company’s development strategy and product philosophy.

Their latest device, the Suzy 3D printer, expands Sinterit’s portfolio with a system aimed at efficiency and user-friendliness. Suzy offers 35% faster print speeds and is approximately 20% more affordable than the previous Lisa X model. The machine is specifically optimized for processing PA12 and targets users who require rapid results. By eliminating features like nitrogen chambers and extensive customization options, Sinterit was able to reduce costs without compromising print quality. Suzy features a build volume of 130 × 180 × 330 mm and achieves a layer resolution of 75 microns. The printer is operated via Sinterit Studio software, which allows users to adjust various printing parameters. With this combination of speed, precision, and ease of use, Suzy is well suited for rapid prototyping and small-scale production.

Sinterit currently sees the strongest demand for SLS technology in prototyping and the production of low-stress functional parts. The company is working on new printer concepts aimed at applications requiring high surface quality and dimensional precision. While SLS remains a niche compared to broader manufacturing methods, Sinterit is focusing on incremental innovation to address specialized use cases and meet the growing expectations for reliability and process control in polymer additive manufacturing.

Insights from CEO Albert Klein

In an interview with 3Druck.com, CEO Albert Klein discusses Sinterit’s approach to balancing user needs for accessibility, speed, and material versatility in SLS 3D printing. He also shares insights into current industry trends, growth areas for polymer additive manufacturing, and Sinterit’s focus on developing specialized solutions to meet evolving market demands.

With Suzy, you’re clearly targeting a segment focused on speed and affordability. How did customer feedback influence these design choices, particularly the decision to streamline features like nitrogen atmosphere or open material profiles?

Customer feedback was vital for these decisions. Lisa X appeals to users who need a machine for research, development, and training—those who need a versatile machine capable of handling a wide range of materials with quick and easy transitions. These users are often eager to experiment, and Lisa X offers them that flexibility at the best possible price. However, many users came to us and said they wanted an easy-to-use 3D printer that could make an object for whatever purpose without much fuss. So, we developed Suzy.

What were the key engineering improvements in Suzy that enabled a 35% faster print speed compared to the Lisa X?

Mainly, changes to the thermal management inside the machine and the recoater. The recoater design has been significantly improved, enabling powder preparation for the next layer while the current layer is still being printed. Additionally, enhanced temperature stability inside the chamber, achieved through a closed overflow bin, reduces both the preheating time and the time required for material temperature stabilization.

From your perspective, which industries and application areas do you currently see as having the greatest growth potential for polymer additive manufacturing using SLS technology?

Let’s face it—this is still a prototyping market. However, we are seeing customers move into what we call “applications,” i.e., making a part for a specific purpose. These are unlikely to be parts under high stress—more objects and the like. So, 3D printers are increasingly used in conjunction with post-processing equipment, which improves the surface in many ways, from smoothing to metal galvanizing. We meet customers aiming to use our printers to manufacture customized products or to replace injection molding when their design is too complex for traditional methods.

How do you see the future of polymer-based additive manufacturing over the next 5 to 10 years, and what areas is Sinterit focusing on to stay ahead in this evolving market?

We see a large market for parts manufacturing, albeit not primarily for SLS technology. In our view, this is a niche technology for making parts with special surface and dimensional accuracy requirements. However, this niche is big enough for us to thrive and prosper. We have some exciting ideas for entirely new constellations of SLS printers that we are working on. Sinterit will remain the innovator in this business.

Here you can find further information on Sinterit and their printers.