Nexa3D QLS 260

The Nexa3D QLS 260 is an SLS 3D printer from Nexa3D with a 230 x 230 x 250 mm build volume.

Specifications

Technical Specifications: Nexa3D QLS 260

Laser and Scanning System

The QLS 260 uses a 60 W CO2 laser operating at ~10.6 µm: the standard wavelength for polymer SLS. Double the power of the predecessor QLS 230 (30 W), it achieves build speeds up to 22 mm/h on the Z-axis, among the best single-laser figures in the class.

Build Volume and Platform

Usable volume is 230 × 230 × 250 mm. The platform descends via a precision servo-driven mechanism; layer thickness is adjustable between 80 and 180 µm depending on material.

Thermal Environment

Fully enclosed chamber with active temperature control up to ~200 °C, maintained by multiple heaters.

Calibration

Calibration: Nexa3D QLS 260

• Powder level check and loading: before each job, load the supply chamber via the vacuum system to ~80% capacity. Overfilling can cause powder overflow during thermal expansion. Expected: uniform coverage of the build platform on the first recoater pass with no gaps.
• Chamber heat-up and stabilization: set the target temperature for the material (e.g. 168–172 °C for PA12).

Common defects

Common Defects: Nexa3D QLS 260

Warping (edge curl)

Symptom: edges of flat parts curl upward. Cause: non-uniform thermal field in the chamber or excessively rapid cooling. Fix: extend preheat time, orient flat parts diagonally, check thermocouples.

Orange-peel surface

Symptom: rough, pitted texture instead of the typical matte SLS surface. Cause: insufficient laser energy dose (low scan speed or power) or degraded recycled powder.

What it is used for

Applications, Nexa3D QLS 260

Best-fit applications:

• Engineering polymer prototypes, PA12 and PA11 deliver isotropic mechanical properties suitable for functional testing of gears, brackets, and housing components without inserts.