Summary
- Rapid in-house prototyping
- High-volume batch production
- Significant cost and time savings
- Adoption of Lisa PRO and Lisa X SLS 3D printers
Somfy, the global leader in automated solutions for home and building openings (windows, doors, shutters), has fully embraced additive manufacturing to enhance its R&D and production capabilities. What began as a prototyping initiative has evolved into a scalable, high-productivity 3D printing lab powered by Sinterit’s Lisa PRO and Lisa X—two compact but powerful Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) printers.
A Culture of Innovation in Cluses, France
Nestled in the Arve Valley between Geneva and Chamonix, the town of Cluses is home to Somfy’s global headquarters and its advanced Research & Development Center. With over 2,280 patents and 17 innovation centers worldwide, Somfy has a strong legacy of blending tradition with cutting-edge technology.
In its Cluses R&D facility, nearly all 3D printing technologies are represented—reflecting the company’s agile, forward-thinking approach to engineering. And among them, SLS stands out.
From Outsourcing to In-House Innovation
Initially, Somfy outsourced 3D printed prototypes. Later, it brought FFF (FDM) printers in-house to support early-stage product development. SLA soon followed, and the evolution toward SLS was inevitable, driven by the need for greater speed, design freedom, and material performance.
“Prototyping was the first step. But the long-term vision includes printing production aids, spare parts, and even end-use components.”
— Jonathan Caillat, Additive Manufacturing & Mechanical Workshop Manager, Somfy
Why SLS and Why Sinterit?
“The main reason we chose Sinterit’s SLS was productivity. Being able to print many pieces in a single batch was a game-changer.”
— Philippe Bendel, Additive Manufacturing Development Leader
With no need for support structures, SLS allows Somfy engineers to design more freely—creating complex geometries, functional moving parts, and smooth surface finishes with minimal post-processing.
Key Benefits of SLS for Somfy:
- Print multiple parts at once, maximizing machine uptime
- Durable, high-performance materials for real-world testing and functional use
- Reduced waste and material reuse, making it a cost-effective choice
- No proprietary material lock-in, thanks to Sinterit’s open-material platform
Real Results: From Prototypes to Production Tools
Somfy uses the Lisa PRO and Lisa X not only for R&D prototyping but increasingly for factory parts and assembly tools.
A support bracket that was once machined at high cost is now 3D printed at a fraction of the price
A grease distributor for motor reductors—spinning at high speeds—is now printed with precision and repeatability, saving up to 100x in manufacturing costs
Some parts combine printed housings and machined internals, showing hybrid manufacturing in action
Unlocking the Full Potential of SLS
While Sinterit’s printers are designed to be intuitive and plug-and-play, Somfy understands that true success in additive manufacturing lies in knowledge—knowing how to:
- Design for SLS
- Optimize print orientation
- Select materials based on mechanical properties
- Fine-tune parameters for consistent output
With 500+ engineers on board, Somfy’s multi-disciplinary team is maximizing Sinterit’s technology across both product and electronics design.
“Starting with a compact printer like Lisa PRO was a smart choice—it offered a cost-effective entry point and room to grow.”
— Jonathan Caillat
Conclusion: Scaling Smart with Sinterit
Somfy’s experience proves that SLS 3D printing isn’t just for prototyping—it’s a powerful tool for boosting productivity, lowering costs, and accelerating development. By integrating Sinterit’s Lisa PRO and Lisa X into their innovation workflow, Somfy has positioned itself at the forefront of smart manufacturing.
From concept to component, from lab to factory—SLS technology is shaping the future of production at Somfy.
