Focus SLS printer

thingiverse

Focus is a 3D printer designed for Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) that can also be adapted for Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Stereolithography (3DP), and laser cutting/engraving. However, Focus has been discontinued due to its slow speed, unreliability, and jamming piston design. The<|im_start|>urrent creator is building a new printer that will be faster and more efficient. Originally designed in October the previous year, Focus had its full design completed, with the printer and electronics built, and firmware written from scratch. The printer uses a focused 1500mW 808nm laser on two axes, operated by a 64-step 1:64 geared stepper motor. It prints using an SD card and is standalone, with a 4x20 LCD screen and eight buttons for control. The printer can be built for less than €600 ($800) if parts are sourced correctly. However, no full printing instructions have been uploaded yet, as the project is still in progress. The creator has posted videos of engraving but not actual printing, and encourages questions from potential builders. Since then, there have been updates on materials tested for printing and issues encountered with pistons and motors. The creator plans to take a break from Focus to work on a side project but will return in April to make necessary changes and continue experiments. The project has since evolved to be fully RAMPS compatible, and the creator requests help from programmers to convert an existing firmware for use with Focus. A complete build package is available, including detailed files for assembly and drawings. However, due to schoolwork commitments, no new updates are expected in the coming month. The project uses high power invisible lasers, and the creator is not responsible for any harm or damage caused by their use.