Sinterit introduces larger, more powerful Lisa 2 3D printer for desktop SLS market
Sinterit, the developer of the first desktop selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printer—Sinterit Lisa—is launching its next product, the suitably named Lisa 2. Priced at €11,990 ($14,900), the new Lisa 2 3D printer promises larger build volumes than its predecessor, as well as a slew of other improvements.
The SLS market has been largely dominated by high-end, industrial machines which, while promising a high standard, have also been accompanied by big price tags. In 2014, however, Polish startup Sinterit became one of the first companies to introduce a more affordable desktop solution for selective laser sintering.
Desktop SLS
SLS is one of the most advanced processes for polymer-based AM. Using a laser system to sinter a bed of powdered material, SLS enables users to additively manufacture parts that are not only highly accurate, but also durable and movable, making the technology ideal for producing functional prototypes in the automotive, electronics, robotics, medical, and plastics industries, to name a few.
Sinterit’s desktop SLS systems provide the benefits of SLS production but at a more accessible price point. The new Lisa 2 printer—dubbed the Lisa 1’s bigger sister—offers users a larger build volume, a wider range of material support, and enhanced hardware and software features.
“In 2014, Sinterit was the first company to introduce its desktop-size SLS printer, the most affordable SLS printer of its time,” said Konrad Glowacki, co-founder of Sinterit. “It sparked a completely new desktop SLS segment, where this technology is finally available to the full range of industries and gives unlimited creative possibilities for designers and engineers. For the last 3 years we have used 3 tones of powder, printed 20,000 prints and now with this experience our SLS expert team is going one step further—we are launching the second, even more powerful machine.”
What’s new
With print bed dimensions of 150 x 200 x 260 mm, the new Sinterit Lisa 2 boasts a significantly larger build volume than its predecessor. Depending on the material used, the Lisa 2 is capable of producing parts as large as 110 x 160 x 250 mm (with Flexa powders) or 90 x 120 x 230 mm (with PA). Other print specifications include a minimum wall thickness of 0.4 mm and a minimum detail size of 0.1 mm.
Perhaps one of the most exciting new features to be integrated into the Lisa 2 is an optional nitrogen chamber, which dramatically opens up the range of supported materials for the SLS system. “Customers are happy with our powders, but they are still asking for new ones,” explained Michal Grzymala-Moszczynski, Sinterit co-founder. “That is why we decided to give them an option to experiment. With a nitrogen chamber, we can create a special environment inside the printer and expand the list of potential materials.”
The company adds that hardware and software enhancements (in Sinterit Studio 2018) have led to increasingly reliable printing, maximized automation, and an overall more user-friendly experience.
New materials
In addition to introducing its latest SLS 3D printer, Sinterit has also announced two new 3D printing materials: Flexa Grey, a powder with improved flexibility properties; and PA 11, which offers superior chemical and temperature resistance. The two new materials join Sinterit’s growing range of SLS powders, which includes Nylon PA12, Flexa Black, and TPU. Of course, with the Lisa 2’s nitrogen tank, users are free to work and experiment with new materials.
3D printing expert Janne Kyttanen, who recently adopted Sinterit’s SLS technology, commented on the material benefits of Sinterit’s SLS systems emphasizing how the polymer powders can easily be reused. “As much as 100% of remaining powder can be reused and with Sinterit you need to add only 30% of fresh powder for a new print, which is the most economical option on the market,” he said.
Availability
Sinterit’s new Lisa 2 3D printer is currently available for pre-order on Sinterit’s website and first shipments of the product are expected to begin in September 2018. On its own, the desktop SLS system is priced at €11,990 ($14,900), though users also have the option of buying the full end-to-end system (comprising of the Lisa 2 printer, Sinterit Sandblaster, and Sieve) for €13,990 ($17,400).
