Formlabs, a leading 3D printing company, announced the launch and general availability of its benchtop industrial selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printer, the Fuse 1, to enable engineers, designers, and manufacturers at all levels to rethink product development, hybrid manufacturing, and end-use production. Additionally, the company launched Fuse Sift, a post-processing system for the Fuse 1, and Nylon 12 Powder, Formlabs’ first powder material for Fuse 1.

SLS technology produces strong, functional prototypes and end-use parts. Its high cost, however, has often confined it to large company use. The Fuse 1 and Fuse Sift bring SLS technology to companies of all sizes and types.

“The Form 1 redefined stereolithography (SLA) printing for the additive manufacturing industry 10 years ago, and now the Fuse 1 is bringing the same reliability and accessibility,” said Max Lobovsky, CEO and co-founder of Formlabs. “SLS 3D printing shouldn’t be solely for those with big budgets, it needs to be accessible so all companies — from startup to big manufacturer — can benefit from the design freedom and high productivity SLS 3D printing provides.”

The Fuse 1 system takes the guesswork and challenges out of creating strong, functional parts while minimizing costs.

“We previously used an outsourced injection-molding workflow to deliver prosthetic fingers to patients young and old, helping them improve mobility and increase functionality; but this process was slow and did not allow for the personalization needed for each patient,” said Matthew Mikosz, founder of Partial Hand Solutions and Fuse 1 beta user. “Fuse 1 gives us the ability to customize our prosthetics and the throughput necessary to quickly get this solution to our patients.”

After seven years of development, Formlabs is delivering on its promise to bring this technology to market at an affordable price point without compromising quality. Fuse 1 features include:
–A modular build chamber that enables continuous printing and reduces downtime
–Patent-pending Surface Armor technology that creates a semi-sintered shell to protect the surface of the part as it prints
–The capability to print with up to 70% recycled powder
–A material refresh rate, the minimum ratio of fresh powder required to print, of 30% for minimal material waste.

Fuse 1 is available today starting at $18,499.

Formlabs
formlabs.com