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Formlabs Fuse 1 SLS 3D printer – now available
Jun
Fuse 1 and Fuse Sift – Sales and service in Switzerland
We are pleased to be able to offer the Formlabs Fuse 1 SLS 3D printer in Switzerland with immediate effect.
After a long wait since the first announcements in 2017, you can now purchase the Formlabs Fuse 1 from us. Formlabs has completely redesigned the original Fuse 1 SLS 3D printer in the meantime. They also conducted rigorous beta testing at various companies over several months.
The Formlabs Fuse 1 delivers industrial grade nylon parts (PA11 and PA12). The Fuse 1 SLS printer offers very high quality and ease of use. It delivers production-ready polyamide parts at a low unit price. The Fuse 1 has a relatively large build chamber (165 x 165 x 300 mm). This means that components, assemblies or series of different sizes can be produced around the clock. The Formlabs Fuse 1 is operated in combination with the Formlabs Fuse Sift. This is an all-in-one complete solution for powder recovery. The Fuse Sift is designed for the simplest and cleanest possible SLS workflow. An extremely user-friendly condition and modular elements simplify post-processing and powder recovery with the Fuse Sift. In addition, the Fuse Sift also stores the SLS powder and fills and mixes the prepared powder for the next print job.
For a long time, SLS 3D printing was reserved for large and expensive industrial printers. These were not accessible to most SMEs, as they placed high demands on space on the one hand and required high investments on the other. With the Formlabs Fuse 1, we can now offer you the industrial performance of SLS 3D printers with an affordable, compact system.
More information about the Fuse 1 Request a quote
Affordable, efficient SLS 3D printer for your SME
The Formlabs Fuse 1 offers many features that are otherwise only found on significantly more expensive industrial SLS 3D printers:
- Low material costs Due to the unlimited reusability of Formlabs SLS powder with a refresh ratio of 30-50%, the Fuse 1 SLS 3D printer enables the production of industrial-quality parts at a low cost per part.
- High speed for high throughput Selective laser sintering (SLS) is currently the fastest additive manufacturing process for producing functional, durable prototypes and end-user parts. Many components can be arranged close together and nested in the build space. This allows maximum use to be made of the installation space. Accordingly, several to hundreds of components can be produced simultaneously per print job – depending on the size of the component. In addition, by adding a further modular construction chamber, the Formlabs Fuse 1 can be utilized to capacity with virtually no interruptions.
- Freedom of geometry The SLS 3D printing process does not require any support structures. This means that even complex geometries, interlocking assemblies, parts with internal channels or generative designs can be produced.
- Well-known materials for end applications Polyamides (PA) – also known as nylon – are tried and tested, high-performance thermoplastics. They are also used in injection molding. They also have a similar density and comparable mechanical properties to other conventionally manufactured products.
Simple SLS post-processing and powder recovery
The Formlabs Fuse Sift is an intelligently designed SLS post-processing machine that enables a simple and clean work process. The intuitive all-in-one Fuse Sift solution combines multiple functions: Part removal, powder recovery, and storage and mixing of used and new powder. All this is done by this one free-standing machine.
The compact and user-friendly Formlabs Fuse Sift integrates more functions than any other device in the SLS industry. After the printing process in the Fuse 1, the build chamber is removed from the machine. All further work processes then take place within the Fuse Sift. The build chamber can be placed in the Fuse Sift for final cooling. The components are then removed. The Fuse Sift collects and cleans the unsintered powder. The cleaned powder is then stored in the Fuse 1 Powder Cartridge in the Fuse Sift. This recycled powder is automatically enriched with fresh powder. The machine dispenses the fresh powder in precise doses. Afterwards, the refreshed powder is mixed on the machine before the next print.
This means that the Formlabs Fuse 1 can be used again immediately after the build chamber has been removed. On the other hand, the entire post-processing and preparation workflow takes place in one place and in one machine. In this way, the Fuse Sift system ensures that the SLS powder is handled as cleanly and contact-free as possible. In other words, the Fuse Sift helps to protect the workplace and health. The machine also supports powder management and recycling. This means that the workflow becomes more efficient and costs are saved.
Depending on the material, the Fuse 1 allows a refresh ration (material refeed rate) of 30-50%. As a result, you can always work with up to 70% prepared powder with the Formlabs Fuse 1. Automatic powder filling and mixing reduces waste and powder consumption – including stock – is measured and controlled.
More information about the Fuse Sift Request a quoteAn affordable, compact SLS 3D printer for PA12 and PA11
The Formlabs Fuse 1 currently processes two polyamides: nylon 12 (PA12) and nylon 11 (PA11). This makes it possible to produce durable components for end use. PA 12 powder combines strength, flexibility and attention to detail. This makes the material ideal for functional prototyping and the production of robust end-user components. Formlabs Nylon 12 and Nylon 11 powders were developed specifically for use in Fuse 1.
Formlabs Nylon 12 powder is suitable for a wide range of applications. However, if higher ductility and impact resistance is required, you should choose Formlabs Nylon 11. This material resists wear-induced brittle fracture and impact or drop-induced forces.
Furthermore – in contrast to almost all other SLS systems – the Fuse 1 does not require nitrogen purging for processing PA 11. In this respect, there are no mandatory requirements for the production site and no mandatory training of personnel specifically for handling nitrogen.
Areas of application for the Formlabs Fuse 1 SLS 3D printer
SLS 3D printing with PA12 and PA11 is suitable for many applications, such as in mechanical engineering or manufacturing. In product development, you can use it to produce functional prototypes. From the first iteration of the design through to the production of end-user products. This gives you greater control over your supply chain and allows you to react more quickly to changes.
This is because you can also use the SLS 3D printing process to manufacture end-user parts. Depending on the size of the component, small series production is also possible in addition to customized production. Applications for spare parts, robust, resilient devices or tools and many other consumer goods are feasible.
Both materials available to date are also suitable for healthcare applications such as prosthetics and orthotics. Nylon 12 is biocompatible and sterilizable and nylon 11 is approved for skin contact. Formlabs Fuse 1 can therefore also be used for the development and manufacture of general or patient-specific medical devices, for
prosthetics and orthotics or for
surgical models and tools.
Discover the Formlabs Fuse 1 SLS 3D printer
Formlabs has made a name for itself with the development of affordable SLA desktop 3D printers. This has made high-quality SLA 3D printing – including for large components with the Formlabs Form 3L – accessible even to small and medium-sized companies. With the Formlabs Fuse 1 and Fuse Sift, we enable companies of all sizes to use industrial SLS 3D printing. So that you can manufacture production-ready polyamide components in-house. This gives you industrial-grade SLS 3D printing while increasing your additive manufacturing throughput and productivity. Contact us to find out how SLS 3D printing can enhance your product development and manufacturing.
Contact us More information about the Fuse 1 Request a quote
