Sinterit Releases Three Accessories for its Low-Cost SLS Systems

Sinterit, a Polish manufacturer of low-cost selective laser sintering (SLS) systems, is releasing several accessories for managing SLS prints: a vacuum, a sandblaster, and a platform. These tools are meant to be used with Sinterit’s Lisa and Lisa PRO 3D printers.

The Sinterit ATEX Vacuum Cleaner with Cyclone Separator is a specially designed vacuum for removing unsintered powder from print chambers so that it can be reused for subsequent jobs. The E.U.’s ATEX certification is meant to validate the fact that the machine can be used safely with potentially dangerous materials, such as SLS powders. The Cyclone Separator divides reusable powder during the vacuuming process so that it can easily be poured back into the printer for follow-up prints.

The Sandblaster XL is a larger version of the original Sandblaster, designed for users of the larger Lisa PRO. In addition to featuring a workspace that is double the size of the original Sandblaster, the device includes two separate nozzles, lighting, a variety of nozzle diameters and more protective PE foils.

The Sinterit Platform is designed for greater comfort and easy-of-use for the Lisa and Lisa PRO systems in that it can be used to transport these petite, yet heavy systems. The height of the platform is meant to provide greater ergonomy to the user, so that they can more easily remove prints and maintain the printer. The leg height can be adjusted depending on whether it is being used for the Lisa or Lisa PRO.

Akin to watching the development of printing systems by manufacturers that are newer to the additive manufacturing space is observing the release of accessories, as these companies learn that 3D printing is not isolated to the printers themselves but all of the tools needed to maintain the machines and process the parts. Just as HP is working to develop more automated post-processing units for its multi jet fusion machines or Formlabs develops new rinsing and curing stations for stereolithography parts, companies like Sinterit are releasing their own necessary accessories, such as the Powder Sieve, and improving them as their printers are out in the field.

Also interesting to note is the fact that, while the Lisa and Lisa PRO are lower cost machines, compared to industrial SLS printers, the necessary accessories are likely going to add to the overall price of operating the printers. Nevertheless, Sinterit has lower costs in mind, so its own post-processing products may be less expensive than those associated with larger SLS machines. As a result, we may see some interesting innovations, such as the built-in Cyclone Separator unit, that can only be delivered by a scrappy, cost-conscious startup like this one.