Sinterit Lisa X - SLS 3D Printer

Sinterit revolutionised the world of 3D printing with the launch of Lisa, the first desktop 3D printer with SLS technology. Later, it released Lisa Pro, a machine with broad material compatibility and a larger build volume than Lisa. Recently, Sinterit introduced its first industrial SLS 3D printer, Sinterit NILS 480, and now it is once again shaking up the market with the Sinterit Lisa X.

Image 1: Lisa and Lisa Pro. Source: Sinterit.

Sinterit Lisa X is a desktop SLS 3D printer with a larger build volume than its predecessors. In addition to its enhanced features, this machine stands out for its high printing speed, which allows almost any model or set of parts to be produced in under 24 hours.

Enhanced Features

Like the other Sinterit desktop 3D printers, Lisa X uses SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) technology. This process builds parts by selectively sintering polymer microparticles layer by layer. Thanks to the high precision of the laser and the small size of the polymer particles, this 3D printer achieves a resolution far superior to that of other technologies such as FDM.

Lisa X improves upon the features of Lisa and Lisa Pro and adds new functions aimed at advanced users, while maintaining Sinterit’s philosophy of simplicity, quality, and accessibility:

• Build volume: Lisa X has a build volume of 180 x 130 x 300 mm, enabling the printing of large parts or multiple smaller parts simultaneously.
• Industrial laser: Unlike Lisa Pro, which uses a diode laser with a "Gantry" scanning system, Lisa X features an industrial Galvo laser system that allows for much higher printing speeds.
• Airblade system: Instead of manually cleaning the laser glass before each print, the airblade system automatically cleans it during printing. This means the laser glass only needs cleaning after three print cycles instead of after every print.

Video 1: Promotional video of Lisa X. Source: Sinterit.

High Printing Speed

The Sinterit Lisa X 3D printer reaches a printing speed of 10–14 mm/h, far exceeding that of other Sinterit machines such as Lisa or Lisa Pro. This, combined with its large build volume, allows most projects to be completed in under 24 hours, shortening production cycles.

This printing speed is achieved thanks to the Galvo system used in this printer. Unlike Lisa or Lisa Pro, the laser module in Lisa X does not move during printing; instead, the laser is directed using a system of mirrors to achieve the desired path.

Image 2: Part printed in 3D with Lisa X, demonstrating 20-hour production capacity. Source: Sinterit.

Thanks to these improvements, the Sinterit Lisa X offers near-industrial production capacity, enabling users to reduce manufacturing time and production costs without compromising the high quality of SLS technology.

Key Features of Sinterit Machines

With the development of Lisa X, the manufacturer has preserved the hallmark features of its previous SLS 3D printers.

1. Print quality: Lisa X produces parts with excellent dimensional accuracy. Additionally, printed parts feature a high-quality surface finish.
2. SLS 3D printing benefits: SLS printing allows for complex geometries without the need for supports and enables the direct production of parts with movable assemblies.
3. Open environment: Like other Lisa machines, Lisa X supports an open environment compatible with third-party materials. With 32 configurable parameters, it allows precise adjustment for any compatible material, making it highly useful in R&D.
4. Wide range of compatible materials: Lisa X works with rigid, high-durability, high-temperature resistant, and even flexible materials.

Image 3: 3D printed parts with Sinterit Lisa X. Source: Sinterit.

Sinterit currently offers various materials compatible with Lisa X: technical polyamides, elastomers, and polypropylene. In addition to PA12 Smooth, a general-purpose polyamide 12 formulated for good mechanical properties and excellent surface finish, Sinterit also offers PA11 Onyx, a polyamide 11 with 25% higher tensile strength and three times greater elongation at break.

ColdMetalFusion and Metal Additive Manufacturing with Sinterit Lisa X

Beyond polymer parts, the SLS technology used by Sinterit Lisa X can also be used in advanced metal additive manufacturing processes aimed at production, such as ColdMetalFusion (CMF), developed by Headmade Materials.

ColdMetalFusion is a process combining SLS 3D printing, binder removal (debinding), and sintering to produce high-performance metal parts. In this system, Lisa X is used to produce so-called green parts from composite powders of metal and polymer binder.

Video 2: Metal 3D printing with Lisa X using Cold Metal Fusion (CMF) to create high-quality metal parts with polymers and industrial sintering. Source: Sinterit

One key advantage of ColdMetalFusion over other metal additive manufacturing processes is its technical and economic scalability. The process allows printing without support structures, stacking of parts in the build volume, and up to 100% powder reuse, reducing production costs. After sintering, parts show uniform shrinkage, high dimensional accuracy (up to ±0.1 mm in series production), and a uniform surface finish, simplifying post-processing.

Thanks to its high printing speed, Galvo laser system, and production capacity, Sinterit Lisa X is particularly well-suited for efficient manufacturing using ColdMetalFusion, bringing metal additive manufacturing closer to real industrial environments.

Image 4: Metal parts printed with the ColdMetalFusion process. Source: Headmade Materials.

Metal Materials for ColdMetalFusion

Using the ColdMetalFusion process, it is possible to produce metal parts in a wide range of industrial materials while maintaining excellent mechanical properties and dimensional stability.

The properties listed were obtained according to DIN EN ISO 6892-1 tests and may vary depending on geometry, design, and process parameters.

Ergonomics and Ease of Use

Like Lisa and Lisa Pro, Lisa X is designed as a "Plug-and-Play" system, meaning it can start printing within minutes of being unpacked. This is possible due to its user-friendly interface and factory pre-calibration.

Sinterit provides end-to-end systems covering the full workflow, from software and materials to pre- and post-processing equipment.

With Lisa X, Sinterit significantly increases printing speed compared to other SLS machines while maintaining the high quality of the technology, making it a perfect solution for both functional prototypes and small-to-medium series production.