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sinterx-gcode-profiles

Slicing profiles, G-code documentation, and optimized print parameters for the SinterX Pro SLS 3D printer.

License: MIT SinterX Pro Materials


Overview

This repository contains optimized slicing profiles, G-code reference documentation, and material-specific parameter sets for the SinterX Pro — India's first indigenous industrial SLS 3D printer by AutoAbode.

Whether you're running validated materials or experimenting with new powders on the SinterX Pro's open-material platform, these profiles provide a tested starting point.


Repository Structure

sinterx-gcode-profiles/
├── profiles/
│   ├── PA12/
│   │   ├── PA12_standard_quality.json
│   │   ├── PA12_high_speed.json
│   │   └── PA12_fine_detail.json
│   ├── PA11/
│   │   ├── PA11_standard_quality.json
│   │   └── PA11_impact_optimized.json
│   ├── TPU/
│   │   ├── TPU_shore80A.json
│   │   └── TPU_shore95A.json
│   └── experimental/
│       ├── PA12_GF_glass_filled.json
│       └── PA12_CF_carbon_filled.json
├── gcode-reference/
│   ├── command_reference.md
│   ├── startup_sequence.md
│   └── custom_commands.md
├── examples/
│   ├── calibration_cube.gcode
│   └── tensile_bar_ASTM_D638.gcode
└── docs/
    ├── parameter_guide.md
    └── troubleshooting.md

Material Compatibility Table

The SinterX Pro supports an open-material architecture. The following materials have been validated with optimized profiles included in this repository:

Material Grade Bed Temp (C) Laser Power (W) Scan Speed (m/s) Layer Height (um) Refresh Ratio Status
PA12 Standard 172-176 25-35 7-10 100 50:50 Validated
PA12 Fine Detail 173-176 22-30 5-7 80 50:50 Validated
PA12 High Speed 172-175 30-40 10-14 120 50:50 Validated
PA11 Standard 185-188 28-38 6-9 100 50:50 Validated
PA11 Impact Opt. 186-189 30-40 5-7 100 40:60 Validated
TPU Shore 80A 100-110 18-25 4-7 120 60:40 Validated
TPU Shore 95A 105-115 20-28 4-7 120 60:40 Validated
PA12-GF 30% Glass 174-178 30-40 5-8 100 50:50 Experimental
PA12-CF 15% Carbon 174-178 28-38 5-8 100 50:50 Experimental

Note: Experimental profiles are community-contributed and may require fine-tuning for your specific powder batch. Always run a small test build first.


Profile Format

Profiles are stored as JSON files. Example (PA12_standard_quality.json):

{
  "profile_name": "PA12 Standard Quality",
  "profile_version": "2.1",
  "material": "PA12",
  "printer": "SinterX Pro",
  "firmware_min": "3.0.0",

  "thermal": {
    "bed_temperature_c": 174,
    "feed_temperature_c": 145,
    "warmup_time_min": 45,
    "cooldown_rate_c_per_hr": 3.0,
    "thermal_camera_enabled": true,
    "auto_temp_compensation": true
  },

  "laser": {
    "power_w": 30,
    "scan_speed_mm_s": 8000,
    "scan_spacing_mm": 0.12,
    "border_power_w": 25,
    "border_speed_mm_s": 5000,
    "border_count": 1
  },

  "layer": {
    "height_um": 100,
    "recoater_speed_mm_s": 150,
    "recoater_mode": "forward",
    "inter_layer_delay_s": 8
  },

  "powder": {
    "refresh_ratio_fresh_pct": 50,
    "max_recycle_count": 6,
    "dosing_factor": 1.15,
    "overflow_collection": true
  },

  "build": {
    "inert_gas": "nitrogen",
    "o2_threshold_pct": 0.5,
    "preheat_layers": 10,
    "cooldown_layers": 5
  },

  "quality": {
    "expected_density_pct": 96,
    "expected_tensile_mpa": 48,
    "expected_elongation_pct": 18,
    "surface_roughness_ra_um": 12
  }
}

Recommended Parameters by Application

Functional Prototyping (PA12 Standard)

Best for engineering prototypes that need to approximate production-part properties.

  • Profile: PA12_standard_quality.json
  • Layer height: 100 um
  • Laser power: 30W at 8 m/s
  • Expected properties: 48 MPa tensile, 18% elongation, 96% density
  • Build time estimate: ~12mm/hr Z-axis build rate

Visual Prototyping (PA12 Fine Detail)

Best for models, presentation pieces, and parts with fine features.

  • Profile: PA12_fine_detail.json
  • Layer height: 80 um
  • Laser power: 25W at 6 m/s
  • Tradeoff: 25% slower build time, noticeably better surface finish and small-feature resolution
  • Minimum feature size: ~0.5mm wall thickness

Production Batches (PA12 High Speed)

Best for volume production where cycle time matters more than surface finish.

  • Profile: PA12_high_speed.json
  • Layer height: 120 um
  • Laser power: 35W at 12 m/s
  • Tradeoff: Slightly rougher surface (Ra ~18 um), 40% faster build time
  • Best for: Jigs, fixtures, non-cosmetic functional parts

Impact-Resistant Parts (PA11)

Best for parts that experience shock loading, snap-fit connections, or living hinges.

  • Profile: PA11_impact_optimized.json
  • Layer height: 100 um
  • Key advantage: PA11 has ~3x the elongation at break vs. PA12
  • Note: PA11 requires higher bed temperature (186-189C) — ensure adequate warmup

Flexible Parts (TPU)

Best for gaskets, seals, grips, vibration dampers, and wearable components.

  • Profile: TPU_shore80A.json or TPU_shore95A.json
  • Layer height: 120 um
  • Key note: TPU requires significantly lower bed temperature (100-115C) and slower scan speeds
  • Powder handling: TPU powder is more hygroscopic — store sealed with desiccant, use within 4 hours of opening

Quality Tips

Before You Print

  1. Warm up properly. Don't skip or shorten the preheat cycle. The bed temperature must be uniform before scanning starts. The thermal camera will show cold spots if warmup is insufficient.

  2. Check your powder. If recycled powder has been sitting open for more than 48 hours, it has absorbed moisture. Dry it (80C for 4 hours in a vacuum oven for PA12) or increase the fresh powder ratio.

  3. Calibrate the recoater. An uneven powder layer is the single most common cause of failed builds. Run the recoater calibration routine after any maintenance.

  4. Pack the build volume efficiently. SLS costs the same per layer regardless of how many parts are in that layer. Nest parts to maximize Z-axis utilization.

During the Build

  1. Monitor the thermal camera feed. The SinterX Pro's integrated thermal imaging shows you sintering quality in real-time. Cold spots indicate under-sintering. Hot spots indicate over-sintering or powder spreading issues.

  2. Watch the first 10 layers. Most build failures manifest in the first 10-20 layers. If the thermal profile looks good through layer 20, the build will likely complete successfully.

  3. Don't open the chamber. Temperature disruption from opening the build chamber mid-print causes thermal shock, warping, and layer delamination. If you must abort, use the software abort function and let the chamber cool controlled.

After the Build

  1. Cool slowly. The cooldown phase is as important as the build phase. Rapid cooling causes warping and internal stresses. Follow the profile's recommended cooldown rate (typically 3C/hour for PA12).

  2. Depowder carefully. Aggressive depowdering can damage thin features. Use compressed air at low pressure and work from the outside in.

  3. Track your powder. Note the build number on each batch of recycled powder. PA12 can typically be recycled 5-6 times before mechanical properties degrade noticeably. The SinterX Pro's powder tracking system helps automate this.


G-code Custom Commands

The SinterX Pro extends standard G-code with machine-specific commands. Full reference is in gcode-reference/command_reference.md. Key additions:

Command Description Example
M800 Set bed temperature M800 S174
M801 Set feed piston temperature M801 S145
M810 Set laser power (watts) M810 S30
M811 Set scan speed (mm/s) M811 S8000
M812 Set scan spacing (mm) M812 S0.12
M820 Recoater forward pass M820 F150
M821 Recoater reverse pass M821 F150
M830 Start nitrogen purge M830
M831 Query O2 level M831
M840 Thermal camera snapshot M840
M841 Enable thermal QC monitoring M841 S1

Contributing

We encourage the community to contribute profiles for new materials, especially:

  • Flame-retardant PA12 grades
  • PA6 / PA66 (higher temperature nylons)
  • PEEK (if you're brave enough)
  • Custom blends (carbon-filled, glass-filled, mineral-filled)

How to Contribute

  1. Fork this repository
  2. Create your profile in profiles/experimental/
  3. Include a brief description of the powder supplier and batch if possible
  4. Document your test results (tensile, density, surface finish)
  5. Submit a pull request

All experimental profiles will be tested by the AutoAbode team before promotion to validated status.


Related Resources


License

This repository is released under the MIT License. Profiles and documentation may be freely used, modified, and distributed.


Built by AutoAbode — New Delhi, India

India's first industrial SLS 3D printer.

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Slicing profiles, G-code documentation, and optimized print parameters for the SinterX Pro SLS 3D printer. PA12, PA11, TPU supported.

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