Similar to the Sintratec Kit and Sintratec S1 before it, the Sintratec S2 is a compact and affordable SLS 3D printer. However, unlike its predecessors, this new system is fully modular and includes automated processes that make it a true end-to-end solution. According to the manufacturer, the Sintratec S2 is engineered for functional prototypes and small-to-medium series production.

Sintratec believes that the S2 is a first for SLS 3D printing, as it includes all-in-one integrated and semi-automated processes that include laser sintering, de-powdering, material preparation, and surface treatment. Not only will this grant users with high-quality laser sintered parts, but it will also make the entire process more economically sound and eliminate the time-consuming cleaning process.

Starting at around $30,000, the stock offering of this modular system comes with the Laser Sintering Station (LSS), Material Handling Station (MHS), and Material Core Unit (MCU). Depending on the production needs, users can also tack on the Blasting Station, Polishing Station, and Vortex Unit to the ecosystem.

As you can tell, there’s a lot to unpack here, so let’s start with the heart and soul of this system: the SLS 3D printer itself.

The Laser Sintering Station features a cylindric printing area that includes a new heating and ventilation concept, optimizing the consistency and repeatability of the printing process. It also has a built-in 4K camera that allows the user to monitor each print job, and also evaluate the surface of every layer in real time.

In order to increase the print speed, Sintratec has integrated a precise laser scanning system into the machine. The Sintratec S2 is also equipped with an intuitive touchscreen that offers full control over the printer. The build chamber has a height of 400mm and diameter of 160mm, which is a major size increase over the S1 model.

There are some key specifications that the manufacturer has yet to release, particularly regarding the print speed and resolution. However, we will continue to monitor this printer and provide the details as they come to light. While all of these features are worth boasting about, the truly innovative aspect of the Sintratec S2 is the modularity of the entire system.

Inside of the Laser Sintering Station is a removable build chamber labeled as the Material Core Unit. This part of the Sintratec S2 includes a powder mixing function that automates the typically messy powder handling process. On top of that, users can add an additional Material Core Unit to process different materials without much manual effort.

Meanwhile, the Sintratec Material Handling Station is used to collect used printing material effectively and cleanly, automatically sieving the powder for reprocessing. You can also enhance the system by equipping the Sintratec S2 with a number of other modules, including the Sintratec Blasting Station, Sintratec Polishing Station, and even a Vortex Unit.

The Blasting Station can be utilized to improve the quality of the print surface, making the SLS parts more visually appealing. If you want to seal surface impurities and create a smooth, stainless steel-like finish, you can also equip the Polishing Station, which consists of a magnetic tumbler. Finally, the Vortex Unit acts as a single-motor wet and dry vacuum cleaner, helping users keep their workstation nice and tidy (and most importantly, powder free!).

Thanks to the modular and automated nature of the Sintratec S2, the manufacturer believes that its latest system is well-suited for nearly any type of engineering application. Sintratec boasts that its new SLS 3D printer is ideal for producing geometrically complex prototypes and end-use parts.