Formlabs reveals the Fuse 1 at our ADDITIV virtual event

Do you remember Formlabs’ announcement in June 2017? The 3D printing manufacturer, best known for its resin solutions, announced their intention to tackle the selective laser sintering (SLS) market with a desktop machine, the Fuse 1. After developing several prototypes, Formlabs finally launched the machine, now available from $18,499, at our virtual event ADDITIV médical France. Based on Surface Armor technology, the Fuse 1 allows the creation of industrial parts from nylon powder – PA12 to be precise – and displays a powder refresh rate of 70%.

SLS technology is without a doubt one of the key technologies currently on the additive manufacturing market. It offers the possibility to create functional and solid finished pieces without using printing supports and by optimizing each print. And yet, for a long time the high price of this technology limited it to industrial use. Formlabs intends to move the market by offering a more affordable solution, one that nonetheless does not compromise on quality. The project began in 2014 and the printer went through ten different prototypes before the manufacturer was completely satisfied. Max Lobovsky, CEO and co-founder of Formlabs, explains “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 3D printer (photo credits: Formlabs)

Formlabs’ first SLS machine, the Fuse 1

The Fuse 1 features a modular print chamber to reduce downtime and deliver continuous printing, with a maximum volume of 165 x 165 x 320mm . It is based on the Surface Armor technology, patent pending. According to Formlabs, this technology creates a semi-sintered shell around the part to protect it during printing. The user can thus expect to obtain a better surface quality, greater reliability and optimum properties. As for material, the machine is compatible with PA12, Nylon 12 Powder. This features a 30% refresh rate, the ability to print a part with 70% recycled powder and 11% elongation at break. The manufacturer says it is already working on the development of Nylon 11 and other materials.