If we can describe what drives cost-efficiency of SLS 3D printing it could be done in two words: refresh and pack. Sinterit introduces today the lowest refresh ratio of its PA12 powder. The extreme 26% was achieved.
There are a lot of myths around SLS 3D printing. Some people still think that it is an expensive technology. But since Sinterit introduced small SLS 3D printers but with comparable quality and precision as the industrial machines, the expensiveness of the process is not a problem anymore.
The total cost of using the machine is the purchase of equipment, service, and material. We’ve just improved this third parameter, by lowering the amount of powder in the refreshing cycle. We’ve already revolutionized the cost of the system and service, now it’s time for reducing the cost of printing. – says Konrad Głowacki, co-founder of Sinterit responsible for powder development.
For those who are not familiar with SLS 3D printing technology, let’s explain the basics. SLS operation principle is powder sintering with the help of infrared laser in elevated temperature which helps the grains of the powder to consolidate before being bound with the laser beam. In the conventional SLS printer, there is a so-called “bed” on which the roller spreads a thin layer of powder followed by sintering according to the layers sliced from a 3D model file (e.g. a .stl file (derived from CAD-like designing software).
Why powder refreshing ratio is so important?
What is important: not all the powder is sintered during the process. Only the part which builds the object. The rest of it works as a natural support. The unsintered powder can be reused in other prints just after adding some fresh powder.
The needed amount of the additional refreshing powder is responsible for the final costs of 3D printing in this technology. As you can easily assume, the lowest ratio of refreshing powder means the best ROI. Sinterit was always a leader in this aspect, but now the company lowered it even more to 26 percent.
Print more at once
Another important factor of SLS 3D printing is that you can combine a lot of models during one print. One of the masters of model packing is Stefan Radau, owner of Scale Print Germany, company that 3D print parts for RC models. Small, very precise, and durable.
Huge amounts, so cost efficiency is key. Stefan invests time to optimizes the working area of his Sinterits LISA 3D printer. Which, combined with a low refresh ratio, allows him to get a low printing cost.
This is the best way for SLS usage, especially when it comes to production.
Our way is to make 3D printing technology more accessible. Lowering the cost of prints is just the next step. Not the last. – says Maxime Polesello – CEO of Sinterit.
Sinterit continues developing the market of small SLS 3D printers. After moving to the much bigger production facility, and with a new, 10mln PLN investor round, Sinterit is accelerating with R&D activities. Only in the last quarter company introduced three new accessories, adapted printers to the requirements of Industry 4.0, and aims high. Stay aware to expect more novelties from Sinterit this year.
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