SUZY vs LISA X – Which Printer Will Be More Suitable For Your Project?

As the SLS 3D printing landscape continues to evolve, Sinterit’s latest release – Suzy – arrives to complement its renowned compact printer lineup. Now’s the perfect moment to explore how Suzy and its older sibling, Lisa X, serve different project requirements. While both printers share the same generous build volume (130 × 180 × 330 mm) and deliver high-quality prints, their underlying philosophies and feature sets cater to distinct user profiles and applications. This article dives into their strengths, ideal use cases, and the environments in which each printer shines.

Understanding the SLS Advantage

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) has long been celebrated for its ability to produce durable, precise parts without the need for support structures. Sinterit has built a reputation on this technology, offering solutions that span from rapid prototyping to low-to-medium batch production. Both Suzy and Lisa X leverage these benefits, yet their design focuses differentiate them.

Suzy – The New Definition of Productivity

A Focused and Streamlined Solution

Suzy is the fourth generation of Sinterit’s SLS printers, crafted as a powerful entry point into the world of powder-based 3D printing. By concentrating on a single, highly popular material – PA12 Industrial – Suzy simplifies the process for users who want an efficient, cost-effective machine without sacrificing print quality.

Key Highlights of Suzy:

• Optimized for PA12 Industrial:
  Suzy’s single-material approach means that it’s finely tuned to handle the high-strength, high-quality PA12 powder. This is especially beneficial when your project demands parts with exceptional mechanical properties or smooth surface finishes.
  
• Speed and Productivity:
  With a print speed improvement of up to 35%, Suzy allows larger builds to be completed within 24 hours. This efficiency is critical for applications that require rapid iteration – be it for functional prototypes or end-use parts.
  
• Consistent and High-Quality Prints:
  Suzy offers an industry-leading 75 μm layer height, ensuring that each printed component meets rigorous specifications. Its advanced temperature management and closed environment further contribute to outstanding repeatability.
  
• Affordability and Ease of Use:
  Launching at a starting price of €17,590, Suzy opens up SLS technology to small businesses, educational institutions, and service providers. Its user-friendly design – complete with step-by-step onscreen instructions – makes it accessible even for those new to SLS printing.

Lisa X – The Versatile, Open-Architecture Champion

Designed for the Advanced User

Lisa X, on the other hand, represents Sinterit’s commitment to providing an open, adaptable platform. Ideal for users who demand a high degree of control, Lisa X supports a broader spectrum of materials – including PA11 powders and third-party options – making it a favourite among advanced users and research facilities.

Key Highlights of Lisa X:

• Complete control and Professional Software:
  Lisa X’s open environment allows for full control over 32 printing parameters. This flexibility is perfect for material research, enabling users to fine-tune settings such as laser power, temperature, and model scale to suit unique project requirements. Sinterit Studio not only lets you adjust parameters globally but also on a per-model basis, making it an unmatched choice for accelerating research.
  
• Multi-Material Capabilities:
  With Lisa X, you can experiment with a wide range of powders – from durable PA11 CF, through chemically resistant Polypropylene to flexible elastomers – opening the door to innovations that require specific mechanical or thermal properties. This multi-material approach makes Lisa X ideal for R&D and prototyping applications where versatility is paramount, as switching materials takes only 30 minutes.
  
• Third-Party Material Compatibility with Pre-Configured Profiles:
  Lisa X is engineered to work seamlessly with third-party powders. This means you can easily test and integrate external materials into your workflow. Additionally, Sinterit provides a set of pre-configured material profiles that serve as excellent starting points. These profiles allow you to fine-tune parameters without having to build a custom setup from scratch, saving valuable time and ensuring consistent, high-quality results.
  
• Industry 4.0 Integration:
  Lisa X is the first compact SLS printer designed with Industry 4.0 compatibility. Its seamless API integration and connectivity options (WiFi, Ethernet, USB) make it an excellent choice for businesses looking to incorporate smart manufacturing solutions and automated production lines.

Application Scenarios: Matching Printer to Project

Both Suzy and Lisa X are exceptional machines, but their optimal use cases differ. Here’s how to choose the right tool based on your project’s unique demands:

When to Choose Suzy

• Cost-Sensitive Environments:
  If you’re working with tight budgets – whether in a small business, an educational institution, or a startup – Suzy’s affordable entry point and cost-effective materials make it an excellent choice.
  
• Streamlined Production:
  For projects that predominantly require the high-quality production of PA12 Industrial parts, Suzy’s optimized process translates into faster production cycles and lower operational costs. This makes it ideal for low-to-medium batch manufacturing and quick turnaround prototyping.
  
• Ease of Use:
  Suzy is designed to guide users through every step of the printing process. With built-in instructions and a simplified workflow, it’s particularly well suited for those new to SLS technology or those looking to minimize training time.
  
• Educational Settings:
  Its user-friendly interface and clear, consistent print quality make Suzy a great teaching tool in academic environments, where the focus is on learning and demonstrating core SLS principles without the complexities of material experimentation.

When to Choose Lisa X

• Advanced Prototyping and R&D:
  If your project demands innovation beyond standard materials – such as experimenting with new powders or fine-tuning print parameters – Lisa X’s open system provides the flexibility needed to explore uncharted territory.
  
• Material Versatility:
  For users who need to print with a variety of materials (including third-party powders), Lisa X offers a platform where material changeover is straightforward and fast. This is particularly useful in industries such as aerospace or automotive, where part performance can be highly material-dependent.
  
• Custom and Functional Prototypes:
  Projects that require high precision and tailored performance parameters will benefit from Lisa X’s granular control over the printing process. Quick material switching allows users to manufacture truly functional prototypes made with multiple materials that will reflect the end product.

Comparative Summary: Choosing Based on Your Needs

While both Suzy and Lisa X deliver exceptional performance in SLS printing, your choice should align with the following considerations:

• Material Strategy:
  Choose Suzy if your projects primarily utilize PA12 Industrial and you favour a simplified, efficient process. Opt for Lisa X if you require multi-material capabilities and the flexibility to adjust numerous print parameters for specialized applications.
  
• Budget and Investment:
  Suzy’s lower entry price and focused feature set make it an attractive option for cost-sensitive projects or organizations new to SLS technology. In contrast, Lisa X’s higher price is justified by its advanced features, versatility, and integration capabilities – ideal for projects where material research and customisation are critical.
  
• User Experience:
  For users who prioritize an intuitive, guided experience, Suzy offers ease of use with less technical overhead. Meanwhile, Lisa X caters to experienced users or research teams who want to leverage the full spectrum of SLS parameters to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
  
• Production Volume and Turnaround:
  Both printers share the same build volume, however, Susy has an edge in terms of printing speed making it a better choice for time-sensitive operations. Lisa X’s flexibility may allow for higher throughput in environments that require diverse print runs.

Making the Right Choice for Your Project

Ultimately, the decision between Suzy and Lisa X comes down to the specific needs of your project. If you’re looking for a robust, entry-level solution that delivers cost-effective and reliable results with minimal fuss, Suzy is a formidable contender. On the other hand, if your work involves extensive material experimentation, intricate prototyping, or integration with smart manufacturing systems, Lisa X offers the versatility and advanced control necessary for high-end applications.

Both printers exemplify Sinterit’s commitment to quality, efficiency, and innovation in the SLS domain. By carefully considering your project’s demands – whether they lean towards simplicity and speed or versatility and fine-tuning – you can select the printer that not only meets your current needs but also scales with your future ambitions.

Conclusion

In a market where innovation drives competitive advantage, Sinterit provides two distinct yet equally impressive options in Suzy and Lisa X. Suzy is engineered to democratize SLS printing with its focused approach on PA12 Industrial, ensuring high quality and fast production at an accessible price point. Conversely, Lisa X is designed for those who demand the freedom to experiment and adapt, offering an open, multi-material system perfect for advanced prototyping and research.

As you evaluate which printer is more suitable for your project, consider the balance between cost, ease of use, and the level of control you need. With either choice, you’re investing in a technology that empowers you to bring your ideas to life with precision and reliability.

Whether you’re a startup, an educational institution, or an established manufacturer, both Suzy and Lisa X represent a new era in 3D printing – one where innovation meets practicality, and every project finds its perfect match.

If you’re still unsure which device would work best for your project, please contact us at sales@sinterit.com.

 Author: Jakub Malec

Application Engineer with six years of experience working with SLS 3D printing. He specializes in helping businesses discover how SLS 3D printing can empower their productivity and optimize costs.