3D Systems Sinterstation Vanguard — Technical data

The Vanguard is the laser sintering system that DTM released in 2001 as a further development of the Sinterstation line; 3D Systems acquired the company the same year. According to 2001 trade press, it completed a 15-hour reference job of the older Sinterstation in under seven hours and held dimensions up to 20 % more accurately than the 2500, thanks to improved scanning and beam delivery. It processed plastic, metal and ceramic powders such as DuraForm PA and GF or CastForm PS. The process station measures 2.13 × 1.35 × 1.98 m and weighs about 1.7 t. The Vanguard HS was offered alongside it; both could later be upgraded to a Sinterstation HiQ.

When a Vanguard is offered, first establish whether it is still original or has already been converted to HS or HiQ, as laser, optics and controls depend on it. The site needs 240 V three-phase at 12.5 kVA, a separately supplied chiller and nitrogen at 99.998 % purity – around 120 m³ per week in continuous operation according to the site preparation guide. Clarify beforehand who still services laser, scanner and control PC; manuals and software belong with the machine.