Sinterit launches the Suzy 3D printer, a budget-friendly SLS solution offering 35% faster speeds and 60% lower powder costs, marking a strategic return to entry-level markets.
Sinterit Targets Entry-Level Market with Suzy 3D Printer: Faster, Cheaper, and Democratizing SLS Technology
Sinterit, a polish company specializing in additive manufacturing, has presented its newest LPBF printer dubbed Suzy. They have positioned it as a contender for ‘the most affordable industrial-grade SLS selective laser sintering system out there’. Formlabs and other companies in the competitive growing market of desktop SLS will now face challenges as the machine is set to retail for $19,490, claiming to increase efficiency and decrease costs for engineers and small workshops.
A Leap in Speed and Affordability
Suzy has a 30W fiber diode laser, and build volume of 130 x 180 x 330 mm, with a printing speed of 20 mm/h which is 35% faster than the predecessor. The machine can achieve layer heights of 0.075 mm and walls as thin as 0.5 mm. The Sinterit printer works only with Sinterit proprietary powders, which now cost 60% less than previous formulations. Currently only PA12 Nylon is accepted but Polypropylene (PP) is expected to be supported later this year.
This aggressive pricing strategy underscores Sinterit’s focus on total cost of ownership. “Each new generation must bring lower costs and higher performance. That’s what’s been missing in SLS—and what we’re determined to change,” said CEO Albert Klein, drawing parallels to the evolution of desktop laser printers.
Strategic Pivot Back to Entry-Level Markets
The change to ‘Suzy’ demonstrates the pivot Sinterit did during its short-lived attempt at mid-tier manufacturing. In 2021, the company shifted to trying to compete in the industrial printer sector with their Nils 75,000 dollar printer, hoping to compete with EOS’s P100 series. “The mid-tier SLS space is overcrowded. This isn’t where we want to be,” said Sales Director Maks Wikar. Their burned subs market share and slim margins are what drove this reevaluation.
The Suzy, weighing 195 kg and plugging into standard wall sockets, is designed for simplicity. It integrates with Sinterit’s Powder Handling Station and Sandblaster, features a 9-inch touchscreen, and requires no gas supply a stark contrast to bulkier industrial systems.
Challenging Form labs’ Dominance
At $5,000 cheaper than Formlabs’ Fuse printer, the Suzy aims to undercut its rival while matching performance. Though Formlabs retains a stronghold via marketing and an installed base, Sinterit believes affordability and ease of use will sway cost-conscious buyers. “Big ideas don’t need sprawling factories just passionate execution,” said CTO Petr Tuma, emphasizing the company’s workshop-centric ethos.
The printer’s four-zone heating system reaches 210°C, ensuring uniform sintering, while Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity streamline workflow. For advanced users, the Lisa X remains available with customizable settings, but Sinterit is betting on the Suzy to drive volume.
Lessons from a Costly Misstep
The discontinuation of the Nils highlights the risks of misaligned product-market fit. Sinterit’s mid-tier experiment revealed harsh realities: industrial clients prioritized scalability over innovation, and margins proved elusive. “It’s an expensive lesson,” acknowledged Wikar. The company now sees democratizing SLS as a more viable path, leveraging its expertise in compact systems.
Industry Implications
Sinterit’s pivot reflects broader trends in additive manufacturing. While material extrusion firms chase premium pricing, Sinterit is betting on affordability to expand SLS adoption. The Suzy’s launch coincides with maturing post-processing tools and industry-wide cost reductions, hinting at a tipping point for entry-level powder bed fusion.
“We’re not just selling a printer we’re enabling engineers to iterate faster and dream bigger,” said Klein. With the Suzy, Sinterit aims to replicate the desktop printer revolution, transforming niche technology into a mainstream manufacturing staple.
Read more : HP’s Eco-Friendly Flame-Retardant Polymer Enters 3D Printing Market
Looking Ahead
The Suzy’s success hinges on balancing performance with accessibility. Early adopters will test its durability and material versatility, particularly once PP support arrives. Meanwhile, Sinterit’s commitment to a three-year innovation cycle suggests more disruptive models could follow.
As the 3D printing landscape fractures into high-end industrial and desktop segments, Sinterit’s latest move proves that sometimes, thinking small is the boldest strategy of all.
