The Fuse 1+ 30W is an upgrade for the SLS-based Fuse 1 3D printer from American manufacturer Formlabs. The Boston-based manufacturer, known for its Form 1, Form 1+ and Form 2 SLA machines, decided to enter the selective laser sintering niche. Although the first version was launched in early 2021, this new version was not released until mid-2022. SLS technology is usually associated with industrial 3D printers, whose retail prices run into the hundreds of thousands of euros. Formlabs, however, was eager to offer a high-quality solution at a low price. The Fuse 1+ 30W is available now at an entry-level price of €26,000.
Features of the Fuse 1+ 30W 3D printer.
With a hardware size of 1255 x 1495 x 1870 mm and a weight of 120 kg, the Fuse 1+ 30W belongs to the powder bed technology family. It has a maximum print volume of 165 x 165 x 300 mm and a layer thickness of 110 microns. Unlike its predecessor, this 3D printer has a much more powerful 30W laser, which shortens production times. The Fuse 1+ 30W can print up to 0.5 liters/hour, while the standard Fuse 1 can only print 0.3 liters/hour. The diameter of the laser focal spot has also been improved from 200 microns to 247 microns.
In terms of printing materials, the Formlabs machine can produce parts from polyamides (PA11, PA12) as well as other reinforced thermoplastics. The integration of this new 30-W laser also opens up the machine to high-performance materials. In addition, the material turnover rate is between 30 and 50%. Like other powder technologies, the Fuse 1+ 30W is characterized by the fact that it does not require support structures to produce unsupported parts.
To ensure a correct manufacturing process, the machine is equipped with a pressure-controlled two-stage filter system with replaceable HEPA and carbon filters. Focusing on other technical features of the 3D printer, we highlight the connectivity (Wifi, USB, Ethernet) and the integrated touch screen control. In addition to the machine itself, Formlabs has also developed a post-treatment station called Fuse Sift, which can be used to remove the remaining powder from the parts.
