Modular Sintratec S2 SLS 3D printer debuts at Formnext

Sintratec, a Swiss manufacturer of SLS 3D printers, is debuting its new Sintratec S2 3D printer for the first time at Formnext 2018. The new selective laser sintering system is designed for prototyping as well as for small- and medium-sized series production.

The Sintratec S2 follows on the company’s previous SLS systems, the Sintratec Kit and Sintratec 1. The new machine builds on the same SLS technology and offers a number of new improvements and features which set it a cut above its predecessors.

For one, the compact machine is built with all-in-one integrated and semi-automated processes for laser sintering, de-powdering, material preparation and surface treatment. Specifically, the system consists of the Laser Sintering Station, the Material Core Unit and the Material Handling Station. The self-contained system can also be equipped with additional modules such as the Sintratec Blasting Station, the Sintratec Polishing Station and the Sintratec Vortex Unit.

Leveraging the expandable system, users can benefit from an end-to-end solution that results in high quality parts while simultaneously taking advantage of reduced down times and economic efficiency. Sintratec also highlights that its new system does away with need for cumbersome cleaning processes.

The Sintratec Laser Sintering Station is equipped with a cylindrical printing area that integrates a brand new heating and ventilation concept that the company says offers more consistency and repeatability. Further, the Sintratec S2 also has a 4K camera that gives users detailed visual insight into print jobs, enabling them to evaluate the surface of every print layer in real time. Adding to the user friendliness of the new system is an intuitive touch screen interface.

Built for modularity

The build chamber of the Sintratec S2 is located in the Material Core Unit which is constructed so that it can be easily removed from the Laser Sintering Station. The Material Core Unit also integrates a powder mixing function that makes powder handling easier. For instance, a user can process different materials in the 3D printer by simply installing another Material Core Unit.

The machine’s Material Handling Station, for its part, collects used and excess powders in a clean and efficient way and automatically sieves the powders for reprocessing. In terms of materials, the Sintratec S2 is compatible with a range of powders, including Sintratec PA12 and Sintratec TPE.

For improved surface quality of parts, customers can utilize the Blasting Station to achieve high surface finishes for 3D printed parts. Finally, the Sintratec Polishing Station, which consists of a magnetic tumbler, works to seal surface impurities and gives parts a smooth finish comparable to that of stainless steel.

Applications of tomorrow

Sintratec emphasizes that its new SLS 3D printer is ideal for producing professional prototypes that are geometrically complex and optimized in terms of design. “The smart system is especially suitable for developing and optimizing applications of tomorrow,” the company writes. “Based on Sintratec’s experience, for example, the development of complex components can be improved by making designs suitable for 3D printing processes. This leads to tangible benefits both from the creative and the economic perspective.”

Sintratec, which is presenting the new Sintratec S2 3D printer at Formnext this week, is now taking purchase reservation for the SLS system.