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Micron, a desktop SLS 3D printer, brings industrial-grade precision and capabilities to individual workspaces. It features advanced technology that eliminates support structures and simplifies post-processing, while ensuring user safety and sustainability. Extensive testing and a robust design make it a reliable tool for professionals and hobbyists alike.
Discover the Micron Revolution
Micron, a new desktop Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 3D printer, is set to transform the 3D printing landscape. Created by Micronics, this printer aims to bring the precision and capabilities of industrial 3D printers to individual workspaces. Unlike other desktop 3D printers, Micron leverages SLS technology, which is typically reserved for industrial applications, making it a standout choice for professionals and hobbyists alike.
The Power of Industrial Manufacturing at Home
Micron replicates the precision and strength found in industrial 3D printers. It features a custom closed-loop galvo laser system that achieves <0.02mm repeatability and a spot size of 0.25mm. This level of precision allows users to produce intricate and highly detailed parts, meeting stringent requirements for various projects.
Creating complex geometries without the need for support structures is one of Micron’s key advantages. By using powdered material fused by a high-powered laser, the printer supports parts with unfused powder from previous layers, enabling the production of complex shapes that would be difficult or impossible with traditional filament or resin-based printers.
Unleashing Creativity Without Limits
Micron allows for the printing of interlocking parts and complex assemblies in-place. Users can create moving components such as hinges and bearings directly during the printing process, reducing the number of separate parts and simplifying the assembly process. This capability opens new possibilities for designers and engineers.
The printer can produce parts using high-performance materials like Nylon, TPU, and Carbon Fiber Composites. These materials offer exceptional durability and wear resistance, ensuring that printed parts can withstand significant stress and usage. Additionally, the parts can be easily drilled and machined, making them suitable for quick adjustments and refinements.
Maximizing Efficiency and Productivity
Micron’s SLS technology enables efficient use of the build volume by eliminating the need for support structures. Parts can be stacked directly on top of each other, maximizing the build space and allowing for the production of multiple components simultaneously. This is particularly beneficial for complex projects or large-scale production runs.
The custom-built slicer software, MicroSlicer, enhances productivity by providing an interactive physics-based packing algorithm. This tool optimizes the arrangement of parts within the build volume, ensuring maximum efficiency and precision. Users can achieve high levels of productivity with minimal effort, streamlining the transition from concept to finished product.
Simplifying the Printing Process
Micron’s post-processing is designed for simplicity. After printing, users can easily handle the “powder cake” by scooping it into a sift bin, shaking it to separate unfused powder, and using a media blast for surface finishing. This method not only speeds up post-processing but also allows for the reuse of unfused powder, making the entire process more efficient and cost-effective.
The fully enclosed powder handling system enables quick material switching without extensive cleaning. This feature ensures that users can move from one project to another seamlessly, maintaining focus on creation rather than maintenance.
Safety and Reliability at Its Core
User safety is a top priority for Micron. The printer uses non-toxic Nylon powder that settles quickly, avoiding airborne particles. Built-in 2-stage carbon-HEPA filters and a removable fume extractor enhance safety, providing a cleaner and safer working environment compared to traditional resin-based printers.
Micron’s reliability is underscored by its over 40 built-in sensors, which monitor the printing process and automatically halt operations if issues arise. This ensures consistent, dependable results, minimizing print failures and ensuring that complex geometries are handled with ease.
Commitment to Sustainability
Micron is committed to sustainability, utilizing locally sourced, recycled aluminum for its construction and employing environmentally friendly manufacturing practices. The compact design of the printer also reduces shipping carbon footprints by allowing standard package delivery instead of requiring pallets.
The printer’s design emphasizes longevity and repairability. Components such as the laser module and mainboard are user-replaceable, ensuring that the printer remains operational for an extended period. This focus on durability supports sustainable practices by reducing waste and promoting long-term use.
Proven Performance and Real-World Application
Micron has undergone extensive testing, with 9 iterations of prototypes and successful Alpha and Beta units demonstrating its robustness. The operational print service hosted on the Micronics website has delivered hundreds of parts to customers, confirming the printer’s readiness for continuous, professional-grade manufacturing.
The team behind Micron comprises experts in additive manufacturing, aerospace engineering, software development, and chemical engineering, ensuring that the printer is built on solid technical foundations. Local manufacturing and support in Madison, Wisconsin, further guarantee high standards of quality and reliability.
Your Next Step in 3D Printing Innovation
Micron democratizes advanced 3D printing technology, making industrial-grade capabilities accessible to engineers, designers, and creators. By offering unmatched precision, reliability, and efficiency, Micron enables users to push the boundaries of their creativity and bring complex projects to life from the comfort of their own workspaces. Join the Micron revolution and experience the future of desktop 3D printing.
