Unveiling the VIT: Natural Robotics’ Low-Cost SLS 3D Printer Set to Revolutionize Additive Manufacturing

Natural Robotics, an innovative company based in Barcelona, is poised to make a significant impact on the additive manufacturing industry. On October 24th, they will officially launch their groundbreaking VIT Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) printer on Kickstarter, marking a pivotal moment for businesses seeking high-quality 3D printing solutions. The core mission of Natural Robotics is to democratize access to advanced additive manufacturing technologies, ensuring that businesses of all sizes can leverage the power of industrial-grade 3D printing without prohibitive costs.

This ambitious Catalan start-up embarked on its journey several years ago, initially focusing on developing FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) printers. However, their team quickly recognized the immense potential and critical importance of SLS technology for professional applications. Understanding the limitations of existing SLS solutions—primarily their high cost and complexity—Natural Robotics dedicated itself to overcoming these barriers. This dedication culminated in the creation of the VIT, a printer designed to profoundly affect and empower businesses across the globe, offering unprecedented accessibility to high-performance manufacturing.

Hector Esteller, CEO of Natural Robotics, articulated the company’s vision and the transformative potential of their new product. “The VIT is not just another low-cost selective laser sintering printer; it’s a game-changer capable of matching the rigorous quality standards and advanced features typically found only in the most expensive options on the market,” Esteller stated. He emphasized the profound opportunity this launch presents: “With this launch, we provide an unparalleled opportunity for designers, engineers, research laboratories, and a wide array of professionals, as well as small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), to acquire a high-performance 3D printer. This technology will undoubtedly revolutionize their operational capabilities, accelerate their prototyping, and enhance their product development cycles in ways previously unimaginable for their budgets.” This statement highlights the strategic positioning of the VIT as a tool for innovation and efficiency across various sectors.

The VIT: A Detailed Look at Revolutionary SLS Technology

The journey to create the VIT printer was a testament to Natural Robotics’ perseverance and engineering prowess. After three years of intensive research, development, and the meticulous refinement of seven prototypes, the VIT 3D printer now stands ready to compete directly with the long-established giants of the additive manufacturing industry. Its competitive edge is rooted in a combination of impressive specifications and user-centric design, making high-end SLS printing accessible.

One of the standout features of the VIT is its remarkable printing speed, capable of reaching 20mm/h, coupled with an exceptional resolution of 0.05mm. This combination allows for the rapid production of highly detailed and precise parts, crucial for functional prototypes and end-use components. Furthermore, the VIT distinguishes itself by offering a build volume that is up to six times larger than other 3D printers available at similar price points. This expansive build area provides unparalleled flexibility, enabling users to produce larger single parts or batch print numerous smaller components efficiently, significantly boosting productivity.

A critical innovation designed into the Natural Robotics machine is its versatile material compatibility. Unlike many proprietary SLS systems that restrict users to specific, often expensive, branded powders, the VIT is engineered to print with any Powder PA (Polyamide) material. This freedom from vendor lock-in is a significant advantage, empowering users to source materials based on their specific application needs and budget, regardless of the supplier’s brand. This open material system not only reduces operational costs but also fosters innovation by allowing experimentation with a broader range of engineering-grade polymers, expanding the potential applications of the VIT.

For those eager to learn more directly from the source, the following video offers an exclusive introduction. In this segment, Héctor Esteller personally introduces the cutting-edge VIT printer to the esteemed team at 3Dnatives, providing insights into its development and capabilities:

The Catalan company proudly unveiled the VIT at the prestigious In3Dustry fair, a strategic move following extensive and successful field testing across diverse and demanding industries. Prior to its public debut, the VIT underwent rigorous evaluation in sectors such as automotive, where precision and material strength are paramount; industrial design, emphasizing aesthetic and functional prototyping; artistic restoration, requiring intricate detail and fidelity; and the medical industry, where biocompatibility and accuracy are critical. According to Natural Robotics, these comprehensive tests conclusively demonstrated the VIT’s capability to consistently create high-quality, functional models tailored to the specific demands and stringent requirements of each sector, solidifying its versatility and reliability.

The official launch of the VIT printer on Kickstarter on October 24th represents an incredible opportunity for early adopters. The campaign will kick off with an enticing starting price of €6,000, which constitutes a remarkable 50% discount off the anticipated full retail price. This aggressive pricing strategy is designed to make advanced SLS technology accessible to an even broader audience, fueling its widespread adoption. Early backers can anticipate the delivery of their printers by March 2018, allowing them to integrate this cutting-edge technology into their operations within a few months of supporting the campaign. Furthermore, Hector Esteller has hinted at exciting special surprise gifts for the very first individuals who pledge their support to the campaign, adding an extra incentive for prompt action.

For a further deep dive into the technology and the vision behind Natural Robotics, watch this insightful video:

The introduction of the VIT SLS printer marks a significant milestone in the evolution of additive manufacturing. By combining industrial-grade quality with an unprecedentedly affordable price point, Natural Robotics is set to dismantle the traditional barriers to entry for high-performance 3D printing. This move empowers a new generation of innovators, designers, engineers, and businesses to push the boundaries of what’s possible, fostering a future where advanced manufacturing tools are within reach for everyone, not just large corporations. The VIT is not merely a printer; it is a catalyst for widespread innovation and a testament to the power of accessible technology.

For more comprehensive information on the VIT 3D printer, its specifications, capabilities, and the overarching vision of Natural Robotics, we highly recommend visiting their official website. You can find detailed insights and stay updated on their progress by clicking here.

We invite you to share your thoughts, predictions, and enthusiasm for this exciting development! Let us know what you think about the VIT printer and its potential impact in the comments section below, or engage with our community on our Facebook and Twitter pages. To ensure you stay at the forefront of the additive manufacturing world and receive all the latest news directly to your inbox, don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter!