Sonda SYS has made arrangements to open up sales of their line of 3D printers in North America.

The Polish company has struck a deal with Toronto-based LeoSparq to manage sales of Sonda SYS equipment throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. 

Sonda SYS Overview

Sonda SYS has been producing advanced industrial 3D printers for several years and their product line currently includes equipment capable of SLS, SLM and SLA style 3D printing processes. All of their equipment is specifically designed for use in industrial settings; some models even have “in operation” lights and swing-out control panels as is typical for factory equipment.

The most interesting model in their lineup, at least from my point of view, is their flagship device, the SL02. This is their only SLS device, and its claim to fame is that it has two different build volumes. 

Most 3D printers have a known and fixed build volume based on the geometry of the machine’s motion system. This is not the case with the SL02, which has a swappable build volume. The smaller volume is 265 x 265 x 310 mm, while the larger size is 365 x 365 x 610 mm. 

Why have two different build volumes? In cases where a smaller object is to be 3D printed, the unused powder during a print job on the large volume will transform quite a bit of powder into “used” powder. That powder can be reused, but only in a certain proportion to fresh powder.

By using the smaller build volume for smaller objects and print jobs, less powder is used and the overall powder throughput cycle is optimized. This is a great idea that other SLS manufacturers should consider. But as far as I know, Sonda SYS is the only 3D printer manufacturer doing anything like this. 

LeoSparq

I had not heard of LeoSparq until the announcement from Sonda SYS. It seems the Canada-based reseller offers not only the full product line from Sonda SYS, but also a suite of industrial robotics and a self-driving vehicle for warehouses called “Otto”. 

Regarding their work with Sonda SYS, they say: 

“Our focus is on serving various industries with custom solutions in particular for manufacturing facilities that deal with production and research and development. These include companies in the automotive, packaging, glass, aviation, and defense sectors as we work closely with them to produce much-needed parts.  In working directly with Sonda SYS, LeoSparq has positioned itself as experts in the 3D-Printer market with the industrial quality needed for everything from prototyping to short-run productions.”

Sonda SYS says: 

“SondaSYS will now be present continuously on the North America markets. LeoSparq Ltd. will be now responsible for all sales, programming, service and maintenance activities for these markets.”

European 3D Printer Manufacturers

This move is similar to one I’ve seen previously from other 3D printer manufacturers based in Europe. Having attended many European events, I’ve become familiar with quite a few 3D printer manufacturers on that side of the Atlantic, but many of them have yet to offer their products in the Americas. 

There are two ways such companies can set up shop in foreign regions: launch a subsidiary company or work through a local reseller. It seems that Sonda SYS has chosen the latter option, which is less expensive and easier to accomplish. However, if their sales expand significantly over time they might consider opening a North American office of their own. 

Via Sonda SYS and LeoSparq