Shanghai Xichuang Education Technology uses the Formlabs Fuse 1+ 30W SLS ecosystem to help teenagers prototype robotic arms faster and smarter.
From Concept to Robot Arm — in the Classroom
Shanghai Xichuang Education Technology Co., Ltd. is a professional R&D-focused institution dedicated to educational technology. In its robotics program, teenagers design, build, and test robotic arms — and the Formlabs Fuse 1+ 30W Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 3D printer sits at the heart of that hands-on learning journey.
Why SLS Over Traditional Machining?
Before adopting 3D printing, Xichuang relied on metal parts and conventional machining for prototype verification. This approach was costly, produced significant material waste, and failed to replicate the properties of the final injection-molded components. Switching to SLS allowed students to iterate rapidly with materials that better represent real-world performance.
A Complete Ecosystem Built for Education
Xichuang selected the full Formlabs SLS ecosystem — the Fuse 1+ 30W printer, Fuse Sift powder recovery station, Nylon 12 Powder, and PreForm software — prioritising safety, ease of use, and speed.
- Printing takes place in a closed environment, limiting direct student contact with powder materials.
- No support structures are needed with SLS, letting students focus on design rather than post-processing complexity.
- The printer's touchscreen guides users step by step with automated prompts, making the workflow accessible even for first-time users.
PreForm Makes Print Setup Effortless
Formlabs' free PreForm software handles automatic model placement, layout optimisation, and one-click slicing. Even students printing for the very first time can independently complete an entire print job, lowering the barrier to entry and keeping the focus on creativity and engineering thinking.
Learning Technology by Doing
The Xichuang case demonstrates how an industrial-grade SLS system can be adapted for a teenage classroom. By compressing the cycle from idea to physical prototype, students gain practical engineering skills and a deeper understanding of how technology works — exactly the outcome Xichuang set out to achieve.
Available at all 3 Print My Design stores and online with nationwide delivery.
