Fuse 1 Review Roundup

The experts at 3D Printing Industry traveled to Formlabs’ partner in the UK, SolidPrint3D, to put the Fuse 1 and Fuse Sift through their paces. At every step of the workflow, they commented on the efficiency of the complete system. Beginning with the virtues of the machines’ compact size and limited infrastructure requirements, 3D Printing Industry then commented on the intuitive interface on both the Fuse 1 printer and the Fuse Sift. 

When explaining the print preparation process, 3D Printing Industry again noted the overall efficiency, saying, “the PreForm slicer is fast, bug-free, and responsive, just how we like it.”

The bulk of the review was a quantitative and qualitative analysis of twelve different parts. The first set of three parts were circular trajectories, designed to test the repeatability and dimensional accuracy of the printer. Using precise measurement tools, they found that “the average standard deviation also came in at only 0.0395mm, which is a fantastic result.” Standard industrial systems used in automotive and aerospace industries frequently have up to 0.1mm standard deviations. 

They then printed three rugged automotive part prototypes, and three end-use parts, commenting, “Unsurprisingly, the Fuse 1 delivered once again–both the electronics casing and the joining component were printed virtually flawlessly. The parts proved ready to use straight out of the build chamber, with minimal post-processing required and excellent surface finishes all around.” 

Finally, the last three parts were dynamic parts, all with multiple moving components. Each part was printed-in-place, meaning they were fabricated as one overall file. This tested the printer’s accuracy in creating the tiny spaces in between joints that allow for functional movement. 

The review was incredibly thorough, and made sure to mention standard maintenance scenarios, like replacing the optical cassette, and cleaning the HEPA filters. Formlabs was incredibly proud to hear their recognition of our Customer Support team and their tireless dedication to the customer experience. 
 

Overall, the 3D Printing Industry review provided a comprehensive overview of every step in the Fuse 1 and Fuse Sift workflow, and we’re happy to hear their conclusions were overwhelmingly positive. 

“The streamlined printing workflow coupled with the reliable and refined processing parameters of the PreForm slicer make the Fuse 1 an ideal system for short-run functional applications…In the end, the Fuse 1 and Fuse Sift are a formidable duo and any criticisms are dwarfed by the sheer value offered by these systems.”

3DNatives’ review was a comprehensive walkthrough of the entire Fuse 1 experience, from unboxing to post-processing. At each step they emphasized the simplicity and intuitiveness of the Fuse 1 system, mentioning the quick set-up process, the straightforward powder management system, and how little infrastructure is required to power and ventilate the machines.

During the hands-on portion of the review, 3D Natives put the Fuse 1 to the test, printing a 3DBenchy, a torture test, and a lattice cube in Nylon 12 Powder. Each test showcased the dimensional accuracy of the Fuse 1. On the 3DBenchy specifically, the reviewers noted the precision necessary to create clear text on the bottom of the model. Though their torture test had a feature below the design guidelines’ recommendations for wall thickness, the reviewing team was pleased with the overall result, saying, “the bridges, cylinders and the text were built nicely.”

3D Natives took time to go through the entire customer experience with the Fuse 1 and Fuse Sift, concluding that the Fuse 1 and Fuse Sift have been designed with ease-of-use, part quality, and economy of cost in mind. 

The man behind the social media sensation 3DPrintingNerd, Joel Telling, visited Formlabs partner Engitype to test the Fuse 1 and Fuse Sift. The video is more of a how-to guide than a formal review, but Telling does a really wonderful job of explaining and showing each step in the Fuse 1 workflow. 

Designed for an audience that might not be familiar with the SLS workflow, Telling first takes time to walk through the differences between fused deposition modeling (FDM) and SLS printing, noting that the ‘staging,’ or set-up of the parts is very important. Using helpful graphics, Telling comments on the efficiency and ease-of-use of PreForm. 

“The software is going to help you figure out where to put the parts and how far apart to space the parts, and the orientation of the parts, to give you the greatest chance of success and also have the shortest amount of print time.” 

While noting the Remote Print option, Telling sends a print to the Fuse 1 from one room away, much like a typical workflow in an industrial manufacturing environment. 

Telling mentions that the printer creates part-labeling text sintered onto the top of the powder cake, a feature created in PreForm for ease of identification of different builds.

He then walks the viewer through a full workflow, cut into footage under seven minutes in duration, making sure to show up-close shots of him completing each step, from inserting the build chamber into the Sift for post-processing, to removing excess material underneath the fume hood. 

Accompanied by zoomed-in footage of Telling using the Fuse Sift, his voice-over details the advantages of carefully post-processing each build, and the virtues of a powder reclamation and powder-recycling station, with his recommendations for use, saying “It’s very important to get as much unused material over the Fuse Sift plate because it can all be reused.”

He was also pleased to note the efficiency of the Fuse Sift vacuum and accompanying tools for removing extra powder from the surface of the parts. After using a sand blaster to further clean the parts with silica, Telling presents his finished parts, the 3DBenchy and a mini version of himself! His takeaways were all positive, commenting on the professional feel of the finished parts.