The Rise of Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 3D Printers in China
The world of 3D printing has seen a significant transformation over the past few decades. One technology that has gained considerable attention is Selective Laser Sintering (SLS). This technology, invented by Carl Deckard in 19881, uses a laser to trace and solidify layers of powder polymers to create a finished part1. Initially, SLS 3D printers were industrial machines costing tens of thousands of dollars1. However, with recent patents expiring and a renewed interest in 3D printing, several more affordable SLS 3D printers have been developed.Get more news about china sls 3d printer,you can vist our website!
China, known for its technological advancements and manufacturing prowess, has emerged as a significant player in the SLS 3D printer market. Chinese manufacturers have been producing high-quality SLS 3D printers that are gaining recognition worldwide.
One such manufacturer is Xiamen Sinuowei Automated Science and Technology Co., Ltd. They offer a range of industrial printers with double nozzle numbers and metal printer materials. These printers are large-sized and are priced between US$30,000 to US$150,000. They cater to various sectors including dental, research and development, and non-standard machine manufacturing.
Another notable player in the Chinese market is the Polish manufacturer Sinterit. Their product, the Sinterit Lisa, is an affordable desktop SLS printer priced at around €9,995. It offers a printing volume of 150 x 200 x 150 mm, making it suitable for most single-part projects. Despite being a desktop printer, it weighs 41kg, making it less portable1. The Sinterit Lisa is compatible with PA12 Nylon and Flexa black materials and offers a layer thickness of between 0.075-0.175mm.
SLS printers have a more restricted material range than technologies like Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), mostly restricted to Nylon Polyamide powders1. Some are restricted to just black PA12, whereas some can also print powders including PA11 and PA61. Increasingly, powder mixes are compatible with industrial and desktop SLS 3D printers. These include glass mixes, carbon fiber mixes, and even food-grade powders for niche applications1.
The rise of SLS 3D printers in China is not just limited to manufacturing. Companies like Protofab offer industrial 3D printer rental services3, catering to businesses that need high-quality printing but cannot afford to purchase their own machines. These rental services offer fast printing speed, high printing accuracy, high surface finish, and high printing success rate.
In conclusion, the growth of SLS 3D printers in China is a testament to the country’s technological advancements and its ability to adapt to global trends. With manufacturers producing high-quality machines at competitive prices and companies offering rental services for businesses of all sizes, China is poised to become a global leader in the SLS 3D printer market.