FIRST LOW COST SLS 3D PRINTERS LAUNCH ON KICKSTARTER

Norge Systems Ice9 and Ice1 Launch on Kickstarter

There are new developments in the 3D printing/additive manufacturing field, as patents governing selective laser sintering (SLS) begin to expire, notably Deckard’s key patent which expired in January of this year. Now other companies are seeking to fill the space with newer and cheaper SLS printers. Uk-based Norge Systems has launched a Kickstarter campaign to get its lower priced SLC printers called Ice9 and Ice1 onto the marketplace.

The Ice9 is the larger of the two machines, and uses a 40W tube laser to sinter nylon/polyamide powder to create objects up to 30x30x45cm with print speeds of 10 to 30 mm/hr. Additionally, the Ice9 has the ability to engrave and cut using its sintering laser. It has an expected retail price of £19,000 GBP + VAT (approximately $34,000 USD + tax) which is 10-15 percent of the cost of the next cheapest SLS machines currently on the marketplace.

The Ice1 is a smaller, cheaper and less powerful version of the Ice9, that still packs a punch with a 10W solid state laser to create objects of up to 20x20x25cm in size at speeds of 8 to 25 mm/hour. This smaller desktop sized machine is expected to cost £7,500 GBP + VAT ($13,000 + tax) which is significantly less than current machines (which can cost a much as $250,000). These machines should be far more affordable to small businesses and educational institutes and are just the first of many to come. The real value of the new and affordable printers will only be known when they become available through Kickstarter this week. No doubt there are many 3D printing enthusiasts who are eager to get their hands on them!