More efficient production thanks to high-speed 3D printing with laser-sintering technology

The further development of additive manufacturing technologies is increasingly focusing on higher production speeds and improved material compatibility. A current development in the field of selective laser sintering (SLS) shows that a significant increase in printing speed can be achieved through optimized scanning systems.

The new SCANcube IV 7 from SCANLAB, which will be presented for the first time at Laser World of Photonics China 2025, addresses these requirements. With a writing speed of up to 1840 characters per second, the system offers a powerful solution for industrial applications where high precision and speed are required. A key feature is the increased power consumption, which now enables up to 300 W. This allows it to be used in areas with high thermal requirements, such as laser sintering of heat-resistant plastics or surface treatment using laser technology.

A significant advantage of the new scanning unit is its compact design and the ability to work without additional cooling. This facilitates integration into existing machine concepts and enables use even in confined production environments. The integrated read-back function allows status values to be monitored in real time, which increases process reliability. The new variant with a 7 mm aperture expands SCANLAB’s existing product portfolio, which previously included systems with 10 and 14 mm apertures.

The increasing demands for efficiency and precision in 3D printing are continuously driving the development of more powerful laser systems. Particularly in the industrial environment, where production times are crucial, optimized scanning technologies can help to further improve the throughput and quality of the manufactured components. The combination of higher speed and increased energy efficiency makes these new systems an interesting option for companies that use additive manufacturing on a large scale.