SLS4All Inova MK1

The SLS4All Inova MK1 is an SLS 3D printer from SLS4All with a 177 x 177 x 200 mm build volume.

Specifications

Laser: 10W blue diode laser at 450 nm; galvanometric scanning with ~350 µm spot. Unlike CO₂ lasers common in SLS, blue diode offers better absorption in coloured powders but weaker in white PA12.

Scanner: Galvanometric system driven by open-source firmware on Raspberry Pi 5; closed-loop temperature monitoring with hardware watchdog.

Platform: Build platform 177×177 mm; effective working zone ~150×150 mm; Z resolution 100–200 µm.

Chamber: Active thermal enclosure to ~200°C; programmable PID heater zones; slow-cool profile to limit warping.

Build Volume: Nominal 177×177×200 mm; effective ~150×150×180 mm.

Calibration

Laser focus: Adjust galvo mirrors for ~350 µm spot; clean optics before test series.

Temperature calibration: PID tuning for ±3°C stability at 168°C (PA12); minimum 20 min pre-heat.

Energy Density test: Grid artefact at 5–15 mm/s scan speed at 10W; avoid white PA12: blue 450 nm absorbs poorly.

Recoater check: Blade parallelism vs. build platform; DIY version: measure with calipers during assembly.

Common defects

Incomplete sintering (white spots): Insufficient power in light-coloured PA12 → reduce scan speed or switch to grey/black PA12.

Orange-peel: Cold chamber or thermal non-uniformity → check PID and extend pre-heat.

Warping: Rapid cool-down → activate slow-cool profile, add ≥15 mm powder around part.

XY inaccuracy: Uncalibrated galvo mirrors (DIY) → print 50×50 mm test square and correct scale factor.

What it is used for

Material hacking: Open firmware and hardware enable testing non-standard powders and process modifications.

Education: €6,490 is the only affordable SLS entry point for academic labs on a tight budget.

PA12/TPU prototypes: Support-free process within 150×150 mm effective zone.

New material development: Open to any powder with Tm < 200°C for materials science research.