TPM3D debuts compact SLS printer at Formnext

TPM3D, a veteran in selective laser sintering (SLS), launched its new C Series hardware solution at Formnext 2025. The solution comprises the CF200, a professional SLS 3D printer with a compact profile, intelligent monitoring system, and the PPS200, a powder processing station for automated depowdering and powder management. The C Series expands TPM3D’s SLS portfolio with a compact, user-friendly solution for the emerging market.

Based in Shanghai, TPM3D has been an active player in the SLS market for over 25 years and was one of China’s first SLS developers, having begun its work in 1999. After several years of research and development, and following the introduction of printing services, the company officially entered the SLS hardware market in 2007 with its first 3D printing system. Since then, the company has made deeper inroads in industrial manufacturing with its S Series, a line of advanced market solutions bearing TÜV CE Certification, and the P Series, comprising large-format and high-performance systems renowned for their high cost efficiency.

Expanding a user base through a compact footprint

Now, the company is breaking into new terrain with its compact, user-friendly C Series, which can comfortably and safely be used in offices and non-industrial environments. The CF200 3D printer, which will be on show this week at Formnext 2025 (Hall 11, Booth C18), has an overall footprint of 700 x 625 x 1350 mm, while the accompanying powder handling system (creating a closed loop solution) has just slightly larger dimensions of 700 x 800 x1685 mm.

Not only do these dimensions facilitate the solution’s installation in smaller spaces—like design studios or offices—they are also designed with ergonomics in mind, with the height in particular optimized for comfortable operation. User friendliness is reinforced with a simple user interface (which includes an intuitive display and simple button and knob operation), as well as quick import and quick start functions that enable one-click printing.

These user-focused features help to lessen the learning curve of SLS 3D printing and encourage adoption by a range of end users, from design studios, to classrooms, to product development offices.

The CF200 3D printer

Now let’s turn to look at the CF200 3D printer’s specifications in closer detail. The new printer has a build chamber of 200 x 200 x 320 mm and requires standard 220V power for operation. The machine itself sinters powders using a 30W fiber laser with a speed in the range of 0.5-0.8 L/h. This translates to a full-height print job that can be completed in just 16-24 hours (depending on part density and structure). For even more context, a full-height print job could consist of 42 pairs of eyewear frames, 240 coil windings, or 12 electrical tool handle housings.

In terms of materials, the CF200 can still be used with a range of professional thermoplastic powders, including PA11, PA12, PA12 GF, PA12 CF, and TPU. In the printer, powder is contained within a 15 liter vat, which can be automatically refilled using the PPS200’s dedicated feeding pipe.

The PPS200 powder handling solution

The PPS200 integrates seamlessly with the CF200 (and can even be used with multiple units of the printer), offering users a safe and closed-loop powder management workflow. The powder processing solution has multiple functions, including depowdering, which is achieved by manually placing the SLS print cake (enclosed in a cardboard box) into the PPS200’s opening.

From there, powder is efficiently removed from the sintered prints using a rotating basket. Recovered powder is then automatically sieved, refreshed with 20-40% virgin powder, and then fed back into the 3D printer, creating a closed-loop system and minimizing user contact with SLS powders.

Both 3D printer and powder handling systems also integrate filtration solutions: the CF200 is equipped with a filtration system that eliminates odors caused by the sintering process and maintains a healthy environment for operators. At the same time, the PPS200 has a negative-pressure dust collection system that protects powders from contamination. The C Series solution is notably compliant with CE certification.

An intelligent solution for all

For enhanced process control and efficient monitoring, both hardware systems feature an intelligent control and monitoring system powered by a series of sensors and IR cameras. These tools monitor various printing elements, including powder levels, build chamber and powder bed temperatures, and the layer-by-layer build process.

Overall, TPM3D’s new C Series solution will expand its SLS technology to a broader user base. Whereas it has previously focused mainly on industrial markets and large service bureaus, the compact CF200 and PPS200 will facilitate adoption by schools, small research institutes, design studios, consumer product developers, and small-to-medium-sized printing bureaus. All these end users and more can now leverage the company’s SLS technology compactly and economically, unlocking innovation at all scales.

You can learn more about TPM3D’s new SLS platform, as well as its other industrial SLS solutions, at Formnext this week. Visit the company at Hall 11, Booth C18.