Frequently asked questions
FAQ on Sinterit SLS Technology
Is the powder recyclable?
Yes, you can reuse the once used powder by sifting it and mixing with the fresh powder. The software calculates the amount of Fresh Powder you need to add and mix with the used powder - it is about 30 % of Fresh Powder and 70 % of used powder. This applies only to PA12 powder, because the Flexa powder does not need to be refreshed and is 100% reusable directly after printing.
Is the material harmful?
The powder does not cause any risks. However, it is recommended to wear protective glasses and mask while working with the powder.
Can I print with white powder?
No, any kind of a white powder needs a laser with a wavelength dedicated to sinter a white powder. Lisa has a laser that provides black powder sintering.
How to store the powder?
Due to its hygroscopicity, the powder absorbs the moisture easily. It has a bad impact on the mechanical properties of the material. Thus, the powder should be not exposed to the environmental conditions for a long time. Keep it closed tightly in the provided containers.
What kind of maintenance should I provide?
Providing a regular maintenance will make the performance better. Clean the laser protective glass, pyrometer glasses, wipe the recoater rods and lubricate the recoater bearing before every printing process.
Do I need any external software to run the print?
No, the dedicated Sinterit Studio enables to design the printing process and run the machine. The Netfabb software also collaborate with the machine as well.
What is powder sieve?
It is a device having 2 main goals: 1. to help mixing used powder with fresh powder, to receive print-ready material, and 2. eliminating little clods and lumps appearing during printing process to give the used powder appropriate looseness again. You may view this device here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPBHL4OlUzw
Why we need a sandblaster?
In sand blaster you remove the remainings of powder elements sticking to the print after first cleaning with brushes. You can compare it to washing the print in water, however sandblasting is way more efficient. In practical terms, sandblaster is necessary to get the best results and make the postprocessing run smoothly. Sandblaster is a common tool so if you own one already, you do not need to order it. Abrasive is 0.2 mm glass balls, - nozzle is 4-6 mm diameter, - working pressure is 5-8 bar. Sand blaster comes without an air-compressor (saving on shipping costs for you), so you would need to get equipped with one unit as well (recommended capacity: 290 L/min).
Can Lisa print with metal?
Currently Lisa supports 2 materials: 1. PA12 - material suitable for printing very detailed objects 2. Flexa Black (TPU) - rubber-like for prototyping We do not support metal materials and currently we are not planning to change that in the nearest future.