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This Made in the USA SLS 3D Printer Is Under $3000

Published on June 12, 2024 by Madeleine P.
Micronics Micron 3D Printer

As 3D printing technology matures, we have seen a sharp increase in demand for industrial technologies. However, price remains a significant obstacle for many, especially when it comes to technologies with lasers, unlike FDM which has more cheap solutions available. But that may no longer be the case. Madison, Wisconsin-based Micronics has announced the start of their kickstarter for a desktop SLS 3D printer that costs under $3000, lower than many potential competitors on the market.

Micronics first started making waves back in April with the release of a video showing the printer. The price point in particular was of interest as, though there has been a rise in more affordable selective laser sintering (SLS) solutions, for example the Fuse 1 from Formlabs or the Lisa X from Sinterit, generally it is only possible to get an effective machine for over $15,000. If the SLS 3D printer is indeed as it is promised and effective, it could be a huge step forward in making industrial 3D printing even more accessible.

A part made with the Micron 3D printer

A Closer Look at the Solution From Micronics

Named the Micron 3D printer, the solution has been touted by Micronics as “the power of industrial manufacturing at your desktop.” Not only that, but the first video to show the machine boasted that “it could print anything.” Whether that is the case remains to be seen, but what is clear is that the Micronics team hopes to fill a necessary need in the market, affordable industrial 3D printing.

For the 3D printer itself, the Micron boasts a build volume of 160 x 160 x 205 mm or about 5.2 L, although the usable build volume is slightly smaller at 145 x 145 x 200 mm. It is smaller than other compact SLS 3D printers on the market, but not significantly. Furthermore, the powder storage compatibility is 8.9L and the machine is currently compatible with PA12 and TPU 90A and expected to be compatible with PA12-GF, PA12-CF, PA11, PP, though Micronics does not specify when.

Beyond this, according to the manufacturers, the Micron 3D printer has a number of features that are often found in SLS machines. For example, support-free, precise 3D printing for the creation of intricate and interlocking geometries. The use of a custom closed-loop galvo laser system allows for the achievement of <0.02mm repeatability and a spot size of just 0.25mm. Not only that, but compatibility with materials like nylon ensures that the resulting parts will be high-quality and durable. Parts will also be fully dense isotropic properties and excellent chemical and abrasion resistance.

There is also the software to consider. MicroSlicer is a custom-built slicer software that will be available for free that Micronics notes features an interactive physics-based packing algorithm. Safety has also been considered. The Micron 3D printer includes a 2-stage carbon-HEPA filters and a removable fume extractor and a fully enclosed powder handling system.

The upcoming launch of the machine may calm some of the doubts that have been prevalent since Micronics’ video turned heads. Regardless, it will be interesting to see if it will really be possible to have a good, compact SLS 3D printer at such an affordable price. The kickstarter will open on June 13th at 12pm CDT. You can follow it HERE or learn more in the video below:

What do you think of the Micron 3D printer from Micronics? Do you think it will live up to the hype? Let us know in a comment below or on our LinkedInFacebook, and Twitter pages! Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly newsletter here for the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox! You can also find all our videos on our YouTube channel.

*All Photo Credits: Micronics

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