Create Without Limits For $2500

We’re changing the game by building a desktop SLS 3D printer that anyone can use.

Formfortis Desktop SLS 3D Printer Example Print

Most SLS 3D Printers Are Overpriced. Our's Isn’t.

Most SLS printers start at $20,000+. And that’s just for the printer. A full package can cost $60,000+. We want more makers to have access to SLS, which is why we are building the Formfortis S1.

The First Prototype

Formfortis S1 Core Features

  • Printing

    Designed to print small and medium sized parts, the S1 will feature a 140mm diameter build area with a height of around 140mm maximum.

  • Materials

    No usage credits or RFID tags. Use any brand, and any material. The S1 has no restrictions on materials you can use.

  • Machine

    The S1 is desktop sized machine at 45W x 30D x 65H cm. It has an all steel/aluminium frame and 400W of heating with 2 halogen and 2 silicone heaters.

  • Software

    The S1 will run on standard Klipper firmware and have a free open source slicer. No licences or subscriptions. Ever.

  • Motion System & Optics

    The S1 has a blazing fast Core XY gantry system (Like many FFF printers), running a 10W (Optical power) 450nm laser.

  • Repairability

    Your right to repair is important. The S1 uses standard 3D printer hardware for most parts, making sourcing spares extremely easy.

Project Timeline

  • Jul 2026

    Prototype 1

    Prototype 1 tested the design for metal enclosure, gantry system, electronics, laser, slicing software and powder cylinders. It had low wattage heating for safe testing, and produced weak PA12 test parts since it was not operating at SLS temperatures for this testing. This prototype was a huge success, and readies us for a fully functional prototype next.

  • Nov 2026

    Prototype 2

    Prototype 2 is going to be a fully working version of the machine, now that all the subsystems have been tested in a basic prototype. It will be fully heated and insulated, with all the learnings from the first prototype applied to the design.

  • Q1 2027

    Kickstarter Launch

    Once prototype 2 has been built and tested, we will be able to demonstrate the Formfortis S1 in a configuration that will be close to the final release version. We will launch the Kickstarter and send testing units to 3D printing content creators for reviews.

  • Q2 2027

    Post Kickstarter Development and Manufacturing

    With the funds generated in the Kickstarter, the S1's design with be finalized, and manufacturing will begin.

  • Q3 & Q4 2027

    First Units Ship

    Backers receive the first production run of the S1.

Founders Note

I'm Gareth, a Mechanical Engineer based in New Zealand. My passion for 3D printing grew during my time at the University of Auckland, when I bought my first Ender 3. As an engineer, FFF 3D printing unlocked so many possibilities for my projects, but I repeatedly found myself wanting access to my own SLS printer rather than just the ones at work, to print stronger, end-use ready parts for product ideas that I had. When the Micron Kickstarter launched a couple of years ago, I was incredibly excited at the prospect of SLS printing finally being within my reach, only for them to be acquired by Formlabs in a move that suggested to me they didn't want an affordable printer on the market.

That brings me to where I am today. I started working on Formfortis shortly after because I realised just how useful an affordable desktop SLS would be to myself, but also to so many other hobbyists, designers, students and small businesses.

Get Involved Early

Join with our community to help shape this product. We are still early on in development, but we'd love feedback, advise, opinions and even criticism so that we can make our product awesome.

Join the Discord

FAQ's

Who is behind Formfortis?

At the moment, Formfortis is a team of 1. I'm Gareth and I'm the founder, the product development engineer, and everything else. However, once funded through Kickstarter, hiring talented people to make this project succeed will be critical.

Is there a working prototype?

Yes and no. The current prototype wasn't designed to print full strength SLS parts, but it will print. You can see a short clip of it in action on the main page and some photo's of it too.

When will the Formfortis S1 actually ship, what happens if there are delays?

You can see the plan on the home page, but we aim to run the Kickstarter in Q1/Q2 2027, with the first units shipping Q3/Q4 2027. Delays are extremely common in hardware Kickstarters, but we will avoid them by having our design close to complete before the Kickstarter, and manufacturing and shipping in small batches so that backers recieve their pledge as soon as possible.

Why should I trust a new, small company?

We don't expect you to trust any of our claims. We are taking a build in public approach. You can watch and see for yourself whether what we are building is going to succeed or fail.

Where is Formfortis based?

Formfortis is based in Auckland, New Zealand. Our product will be built in New Zealand by us, and shipped from New Zealand. Our suppliers however come from all over the world.

Will I need other equipment?

Part of our plan is to develop simple tools to help post process prints that can be made on any FDM printer for hobbyist and maker users.

For businesses, you will likely want to have an ATEX Vacuum Cleaner for fast clean-up, as well as a sandblasting cabinet with glass beads.

Where will I get SLS powder?

Don’t worry, we have you covered. We are working with suppliers to get great SLS powder at a reasonable price. Our goal is to have SLS powder available for around $80 per kg, and available in 1kg or more packs.