Fuse 1+ 30W SLS 3D Printer for Faster Printing, High-Performance Materials

Formlabs’ Fuse 1+ 30W is its most powerful industrial selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printer to date. It includes integrates upgraded components — including a more powerful laser — to enable new high-performance materials and deliver superior throughput so customers can produce parts in hands up to two times faster. With an upgraded galvanometer system, the printer is said to boast industry leading print speeds enabled by a powerful 30W laser and rapid scanning speed of up to 12.5 m/sec. 

The company has added Nylon 11 CF Powder to its SLS materials library for use with the Fuse 1+ 30W for end-use applications. This nylon-based, carbon fiber-reinforced powder is said to enable users to produce strong, yet lightweight parts in-house.

Designed for reliability and an efficient end-to-end workflow, the printer integrates new components to improve throughput and material performance while operating as a compact, contained ecosystem. From print setup to powder recovery and mixing, the Fuse Series hardware and Formlabs software are said to maximize efficiency at every step of the process. The result is a rapid SLS printer that produces high-performance parts in hours, not days, the company says.

To support the Fuse 1+ 30W print capabilities, Nylon 11 CF Powder is said to produce lightweight rigid parts that can withstand repeated impact, making it well suited for replacement and spare alternatives to metal parts, high-impact equipment and functional composite prototypes. With this new material, it is said Formlabs customers will get a nylon and carbon fiber with a highly stable, high-performance material that is well suited for end-use applications that require both high stiffness and superior strength. 

The company says the printer offers high throughput and fast turnaround with parts delivered in-house in under 24 hours. It handles new, industrial-grade materials enabled by active powder handling system. The printed material properties are competitive with other industry printers due to a nitrogen purge print option. It also offers low-waste printing due to high packing density and powder recyclability, enabling low cost per part and a fast ROI.

The Nylon 11 CF Powder is carbon fiber-filled, featuring high stiffness and dimensional stability. It also offers a high degree of vibration and impact resistance with a high strength-to-weight ratio, the company says, and is thermally stable.