Raptor 3-D printers are quick, cost-effective

Raptor Known collectively as the Raptor line, this new series of 3-D printers includes two sizes — the 22, the smallest, and the 84. Both sizes employ selective laser sintering (SLS) and can be upgraded to units that also use a technology that maker LSS Laser-Sinter-Service calls ThermoMelt. Using at least two lasers, printers with the ThermoMelt technology can sinter layers of plastic powder without a drastic increase in the temperature of the overall build area, as often occurs during conventional SLS. Commonly used materials in the SLS process are polyamide powders; working in conjunction with SLS, ThermoMelt makes possible print jobs with high-performance polymers such as PEEK and polyetherketoneketone. The machines can be used for rapid prototyping, and in the case of the largest ThermoMelt printer, production applications, such as mass customization. Both sizes are available in dual-laser versions; the 84 models also offer the option of four lasers, designated in the model name as X-Q.

What’s new? The Raptor series, which debuted at Formnext last year in Germany, when LSS showed a prototype of the 84X-Q ThermoMelt.

Benefits Quick and cost-effective printing of parts, including products with complicated geometries, in a wide range of materials. In addition, the ThermoMelt models offer a number of distinctive advantages. ThermoMelt lasers don’t heat up the entire build area, so unused material survives print jobs without thermal aging, allowing it to be reused. Leftover material also can act as a support structure during a print job. For ThermoMelt users, these benefits result in greater efficiency and reduced resin costs.

LSS Laser-Sinter-Service GmbH, Dortmund, Germany, 49-2301-91323-36, www.lss-europe.com/en