TPM3D S260

The TPM3D S260 is an SLS 3D printer from TPM3D with a 260 x 260 x 450 mm build volume.

Specifications

Technical Specifications: TPM3D S260

Laser System

30W CO₂ laser at 10.6 µm wavelength: standard for SLS. CO₂ lasers have a larger focus spot (~300–400 µm) compared to fiber lasers, but are proven and widely supported. Sealed-off tube life: 4,000–8,000 hours.

3-Axis Dynamic Focusing

TPM3D's patented innovation: a Z-correction system compensates for focal plane curvature across the full 260×260 mm area. Standard F-theta systems experience ~15–20% spot growth in corners: TPM3D corrects this to < 5% variation. Result: uniform ED and quality across the entire platform.

Build Volume.

Calibration

Calibration: TPM3D S260

3-Axis Focal Calibration

TPM3D's competitive advantage requires specific calibration. Procedure: burn test on thermal paper in a 9-point grid (center + 8 positions around the perimeter). Each position is analyzed for spot diameter. Non-uniformity > 5% → recalibration of Z-correction profile in TPM3D Build Processor.

CO₂ Laser Degradation

Unlike fiber lasers, the CO₂ tube degrades.

Common defects

Defects in SLS: TPM3D S260

Orange-Peel with Miscalibrated Z-Axis

If the 3-axis correction is miscalibrated, the focus spot grows in corners → reduced ED → orange-peel exactly there. Specific to 3-axis systems when calibration is skipped. Fix: burn test + recalibration.

Incomplete Sintering Due to CO₂ Degradation

The CO₂ tube loses power gradually: operators rarely notice until parts become porous. Fix: regular power meter measurement; at > 15% drop: replace tube.

What it is used for

Use Cases: TPM3D S260

Affordable Industrial SLS

At ~€85,000, the S260 is one of the few industrial SLS systems with 3-axis focal correction. For manufacturers needing better corner accuracy than standard CO₂ F-theta systems without paying the fiber laser premium: S260 is the rational choice.

Long PA12 Components.