We covered the open-source SLS4All DIY SLS 3D printer a year or two ago when the project was still in its early stages. Version 1 is finally complete, the parts kit is ready to ship, and all the designs are available for download if you fancy a DIY build or spinoff. As we said, it's not cheap – the full parts kit is a steep $7,000 before tax – but it's possible for someone on a budget to build or source almost everything piecemeal.
Please note that you will need to create an account to access more information, which is a bit of an inconvenience for an open source design, but it is acceptable as all required components seem to be available. In terms of electronics, there are two custom PCBs for the GATE1 (GAlvo and temperature control) and ZERO1 (zero-cross dimming) controllers. All other electronics appear to be standard off-the-shelf components. Both of these PCBs were designed using EasyEDA.
Unfortunately I did not have access to the PCB Gerbers, nor could I find a link to the respective EasyEDA project, only a reference schematic. This is a bit of a drawback, but something that is easily reproducible with enough motivation. Control is done by a Radxa Rock Pi, there were “issues” with a Raspberry Pi. To complete the UI it is combined with a 7″ touchscreen. This runs a heavily modified version of Klipper, together with the proprietary control software which is still being tested before release.
The laser head is built around a Chinese-made 10W 450nm laser module and a set of high-performance galvanometers. Two 200W halogen tube heaters heat the print bed, and a 200W silicone heating pad heats both the powder bed and the print bed.
The top and bottom frames are basic boxes made from 2020 profile aluminium extrusions with aluminium sheeting used for the panels. No big surprises here. As expected there are a number of custom made aluminium parts involved and this is where the majority of the cost lies. This can be a big challenge for those without access to a CNC milling machine. The mechanics can be viewed in-browser via Fusion 360 Live or downloaded as a STEP model for later import.
The last time I checked in on this project was in 2022, and I'm happy to see it finally come to completion. Is this the first open source SLS printer? Of course not! But it's always good to see more options.