Affordable SLS 3D Printing! Is Micronics Machine for You?

SLS is the new 3D printing hype at the moment, and I had the chance to do an in-depth interview with Luke and Henry this year at @opensaucelive about their machine and what they will do after the Kickstarter is finished!

Other useful video around the Micronics SLS Printer:

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*Chapters*
00:00 Introduction
01:00 Selective Laser Sintering
05:19 Sponsor
07:01 Why is the powder black?
08:59 Powder Degradation
09:44 What does the powder cost?
10:04 Who strong are SLS parts?
10:55 Print quality
11:47 Post-Processing
13:14 Safety Concerns
14:48 What's unique about Micronics Machine?
15:54 Unreal Engine 5 Slicer
16:39 After the Kickstarter
17:24 Making it Production Ready

#3Dprinting #SLS #Micronics
DISCLAIMER: Part of this video was sponsored by Squarespace.
FTC Disclaimer: A percentage of sales is made through Affiliate links

[MattBruman]

Sold out to Formlabs, almost had a option for consumers to have a SLS printer without breaking the bank. Thanks formlab for killing that dream.

[swedneck]

the physics simulation to pack models into the printing volume made me think about how some chaos is often needed to avoid local minima, and actually find the most efficient/stable configuration

if they haven't already, they should make sure to add a function to vibrate the simulation, as that might help it pack models more efficiently into the volume.

[dkaponis]

While it’s true that you don’t need supports for SLS, you do have some design constraints to consider. For example, hollow objects need drain holes to allow the powder to escape. You also have process considerations, which doesn’t make it exactly enthusiast friendly. That said, I really want these guys to succeed and it’s amazing to finally see some more competition in this space.

[lorenzozapaton]

I like the enthusiasm of the young engineer during his presentation. I hope their kickstarter is successful and this becomes the new standard for 3d printing.

[JustCuzRobotics]

This video did not age well, given the Formlabs acquisition and announcement Micron will no longer be developing this machine further.

[UncleJessy]

Fantastic video breaking down exactly what they are doing. I have a unit on hand and should have a video up late next week on it. But this really is the perfect example of who exactly should be using Kickstarter as a platform to launch something new & innovative to the market

[TitanDAZ]

Finally someone else who agrees that this isn't for everyone. Love this video, love the SLS process, but not for everyone. I've been in weeks of trainings to get certifications with the HP MJF and various SLS processes. They also make no mention of the explosion proof vacuums and grounding of the machines properly.

[Standbackforscience]

If I was selling parts, I'd absolutely spring for this printer. And yes, this project is very much in the spirit of the original kickstarter, they're taking a huge risk themselves and need money to reach the finish line, for people who believe in SLS and them, this is a wonderful project to bet on.

[Flux-SME]

While I hope they succed, a few further concerns you havent pointed out from someone who has developed a SLS printer a few years back
and is working with industrial ones on a daily basis.

- Energy consumption: I think people really underestimate how much energy/costs it takes to heat a sls printer just below the melting point.
The machines typically have to be preheated for 1-2 hours to have a uniform heat distribution and
even for a small machine like this that would probably mean 2 - 3 kw/h, without even starting the print.
So this means printing just 3-4 parts as the home user typically does is kinda expensive.

- Maintenance: These machines have to be thoroughly cleaned before every print.
Not only does the powder spill everywhere, the fumes from
the process settle down everywhere and have to be constantly removed.

Warping/shrinkage: There is a reason you most of the time only see rather small parts on those exhibitions.
For lager parts you have to compensate for shinkage in all dimensions and
futhermore the shinkage/deformation may vary on every point in the chamber as
the parts cool down diffrently in regards to their position.

[Gitcher]

I bet future consumer SLS will print, sift, reclaim, and blast automatically. Doesn't feel unachievable even with current tech.

[dmax]

Your safety concerns are warranted, and I'm glad that you made such a strong point about it. SLS truly feels suitable only for those who have the appropriate space and equipment to manage volatile and aerosolizable materials

[yavins]

We bought a Formlabs fuse SLS machine at work. At first we were like OMG NO SUPPORTS NEEDED then you spend 1h cleaning the parts and understand that if it doesn't need support it's because the cake is really tought. Then you spend more time cleaning everything and if you don't have an antistatic vacuum cleaner be careful to not be jolted by static discharges.

But yes the parts are great!

Selling this machine at this price is a feat in itself, but selling it for "enthusiasts" is a bit optimistic. Once you dealt with the hassle of post-processing a SLS part, you do realise that many parts are best produced on a cheaper FDM machine that doesn't need a special vacuum cleaner and a sandblasting machine on top of that.
It will fit well for small companies, educational institutions, and some "heavy enthusiasts". Let's hope that it will force other actors to take a better look at their pricing, too!

[ryhym]

I love the statement about 3D printing that "complexity is free" its what the Production course in my Industrial Design Engineering study program taught me as well

[SnakebitSTI]

Well, there were about 15 minutes between me finding out about this printer and finding out that it has been canceled and all information in the video has been rendered obsolete :/

[hw]

What a very thorough set of questions you managed to ask! I am also impressed with the knowledge and openness of Luke when it comes to the functionality and features of these printers. I do not think this is the consumer level device yet but it is an important step into achieving something we can all own.

[AztekScooters]

I don’t think anybody was going to drop $4k on this without understanding that SLS isn’t something to do in your bedroom anyway. I backed it myself

[drmilkweed]

I think a more useful comparison than a kilogram of filament vs. a kilogram of powder would be "What's the minimum I need to spend to get a kilogram of parts" because I think that's not nearly as close as they present here.

[JeffBilkins]

Using Unreal Engine and a physics simulator as a slicer is pretty creative.

Also kinda funny we can just order pure microplastics.

[DanielLopez-upos]

Another blow to all the supporters of the product selling out to a Huge company and loosinbg any goodwill.

[RegularOldDan]

I have no need or plans to get one of these, but I really wish Micronics well. I love the idea of a company like this shaking up the industry and redefining what the price point can be for SLS.