Low cost ($3K) SLS printer announced

[mikeselectricstuff]

 

[coppercone2]

not to excited about dealing with powders. I feel like I will be trolled by that process.

[Jackster]

If they can deliver, that is a nice price for what you are getting even with only a build volume of "145 x 145 x 200 mm".

[Psi]

I wonder what the print time is like

[mikeselectricstuff]

I wonder what the print time is like

Probably quite slow for single parts, but can print a lot of parts in one go, so maybe better for small-run use than prototyping.
 

[Mechatrommer]

I wonder what the print time is like

Probably quite slow for single parts, but can print a lot of parts in one go, so maybe better for small-run use than prototyping.

for each layer lead time is filling new powder material, and then actual printing time. since its scanning type, like normal extruding 3d printer, it will depend on how large area need to be fused, the larger the longer. but how long depend on how fast the scanning is done. for msla, lead time is retracting print from the bed and putting it again slightly higher and then printing time is constant since exposure is lcd display at one go, the time is only how long needed to cure the resin, big or small area need the same constant amount of time, much more suitable imho for mass printing, but small area and limited material selection is its drawback, that if you can tolerate dealing with resin mess (for me its worth it to get smooth surface finish, soap and IPA cleaning, ultrasonic bath and final curing steps).. and for slow curing resin it will still need hours to complete. total time will depend on print height, regardless sls, plastic extrusion or msla.

otoh i wonder why surface finish in OP video are grainy, cant we make it more glossy and smooth out of printer? polishing will be challenging for curvy surfaces and if it involves complex internal surfaces like "organic spheres", it will be impossible without fancy chemical process i guess. and he showed printing/slicing with web or honeycomb fill? to save material? that will be nonsensical (similar to resin printing) since uncured powder will be trapped inside unless holes are provided to let them out. and $3K is still too much for my taste (since bigger msla like my elegoo saturn is about 5x cheaper), if it can print metal or provide other unique benefits compared to other existing printer tech, then maybe its not. ymmv.

[Kean]

That is pretty cool, but I wonder if they can really achieve that price point.  Maybe they are banking on continuing cashflow from accessories and materials, or some subscription model.

Personally, I've been getting lots of MJF Nylon parts from JLC and I've been really happy with the results.  I generally only need relatively small black parts, so MJF suits my needs.
The SLS parts I've dealt with previously have always had a powdery surface finish, whereas the MJF parts have a great solid finish (textured, not glossy - but also not powdery).