Stratasys ALARIS 3D RAPID PRINTER User Manual Alaris30 User Guide

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Alaris30

3-D Printer System

DRAFT 4 - July 11, 2010

DOC-24000 Rev. A iii

ThisdocumentationcontainsproprietaryinformationofObjetGeometriesLtd.Thisinformationis

suppliedsolelytoassistauthorizedusersofAlaris303‐Dprintingsystems.Nopartofthisdocument

maybeusedforotherpurposes,anditmaynotbedisclosedtootherparties.

Thespecificationsonwhichthisdocumentisbasedaresubjecttochangewithoutnotice.

Nopartofthisbookmaybereproducedinanyformorbyanymeans,norstoredinadatabaseor

retrievalsystem,withoutpriorpermissioninwritingfromObjetGeometriesLtd.

IfthisdocumentisdistributedasaPDFfile,youmayprintitforinternaluse.

Trademarks

ThefollowingareregisteredtrademarksofObjetGeometriesLtd.:Objet®,FullCure®.

ThefollowingaretrademarksofObjetGeometriesLtd.:Eden,Eden500V,Eden350V,Eden350,

Eden330,Eden260,Eden260V,Eden250,Connex,Connex500,Connex350,Alaris,Alaris30,Alaris24,

PolyJet,PolyJetMatrix,PolyLog,ObjetStudio,JobManager,SHR,TangoBlack,TangoGray,TangoPlus,

VeroBlue,VeroGray,VeroWhite,VeroBlack,DurusWhite,RoseClear,Clear,DigitalMaterials.

MicrosoftandMicrosoftXParetrademarksofMicrosoftCorporation.

Allnamesofproductsandservicescitedinthisbookaretrademarksorregisteredtrademarksoftheir

respectivecompanies.

FCC Compliance

The3‐Dprintingsystemsreferredtointhisguidehavebeentestedandfoundtocomplywiththe

limitsforaClassAdevicepursuanttopart15oftheFCCrules.Theselimitsprovidereasonable

protectionagainstharmfulinterferencewhentheequipmentisoperatedinacommercial

environment.Objet3‐Dprintingsystemsgenerate,useandcanradiateradiofrequencyenergy.Ifnot

installedandusedinaccordancewithinstructionsintherelevaninstallationanduserguides,these

systemsmaycauseharmfulinterferencetoradiocommunications.

OperationofObjet3‐Dprintingsystemsinresidentialareasmaycauseunacceptableinterferenceto

radioandTVreception,requiringtheoperatortotakewhateverstepsarenecessarytocorrectthe

interference.

NOTE

:ObjetGeometriesisnotresponsibleforradioorTVinterferencecausedbyunauthorized

modificationtothisequipment.Suchmodificationscouldvoidtheuser’sauthoritytooperatethe

equipment.

Equipment Recycling

IntheEuropeanUnion,thissymbolindicatesthatwhenthelastuserwishestodiscardaproduct,it

mustbesenttoappropriatefacilitiesforrecoveryandrecycling.Forinformationaboutproper

disposal,checkyourpurchasecontract,orcontactthesupplieroftheequipment.





Limitation of Liability

Theproduct,softwareorservicesarebeingprovidedonan“asis”and“asavailable”basis.Exceptas

maybestatedspecificallyinyourcontract,ObjetGeometriesLtd.expresslydisclaimsallwarrantiesof

anykind,whetherexpressorimplied,including,butnotlimitedto,anyimpliedwarrantiesof

merchantability,fitnessforaparticularpurposeandnon‐infringement.

YouunderstandandagreethatObjetGeometriesLtd.shallnotbeliableforanydirect,indirect,

incidental,special,consequentialorexemplarydamages,includingbutnotlimitedto,damagesfor

lossofprofits,goodwill,use,dataorotherintangiblelosses(evenifObjethasbeenadvisedofthe

possibilityofsuchdamages),resultingfrom:(i)theuseortheinabilitytousetheproductorsoftware;

(ii)thecostofprocurementofsubstitutegoodsandservicesresultingfromanyproducts,goods,data,

software,informationorservicespurchased;(iii)unauthorizedaccesstooralterationofyour

products,softwareordata;(iv)statementsorconductofanythirdparty;(v)anyothermatterrelating

totheproduct,software,orservices.

Thetextanddrawingshereinareforillustrationandreferenceonly.Thespecificationsonwhichthey

arebasedaresubjecttochange.ObjetGeometriesLtd.may,atanytimeandwithoutnotice,make

changestothisdocument.ObjetGeometriesLtd.,foritselfandonbehalfofitssubsidiaries,assumes

noliabilityfortechnicaloreditorialerrorsoromissionsmadeherein,andshallnotbeliablefor

incidental,consequential,indirect,orspecialdamages,including,withoutlimitation,lossofuse,loss

oralterationofdata,delays,orlostprofitsorsavingsarisingfromtheuseofthisdocument.

DRAFT 4 - July 11, 2010

iv DOC-24000 Rev. A



Patents

ThisproductiscoveredbyoneormoreofthefollowingU.S.patents:

5,263,130

5,287,435

5,386,500

5,519,816

5,695,708

6,259,962

6,569,373

6,644,763

6,658,314

6,850,334

6,863,859

7,183,335

7,209,797

7,225,045

7,300,619

7,364,686

7,368,484

7,369,915

7,479,510

7,500,846

7,604,768

7,628,857

ObjetGeometriesLtd.

http://www.objet.com

DOC‐24000

RevisionA

July2010

DRAFT 4 - July 11, 2010

DOC-24000 Rev. A v

1AboutThisGuide

UsingThisGuide ............................................................................................................................... 1–2

ForMoreInformation........................................................................................................................ 1–2

TermsUsedinThisGuide................................................................................................................ 1–3

2 Safety

SafetyFeatures ................................................................................................................................... 2–2

SymbolsandWarningLabels .......................................................................................................... 2–3

SafetyGuidelines ............................................................................................................................... 2–4

PrinterInstallation .............................................................................................................................. 2–4

PrinterOperation ................................................................................................................................ 2–4

UVRadiation ....................................................................................................................................... 2–4

PrinterMaintenance ........................................................................................................................... 2–4

ModelandSupportMaterials ........................................................................................................... 2–5

FirstAidforWorkingwithPrintingMaterials.............................................................................. 2–6

ContactwithSkin................................................................................................................................ 2–6

ContactwithEyes ............................................................................................................................... 2–6

Ingestion............................................................................................................................................... 2–6

Inhalation ............................................................................................................................................. 2–6

WasteDisposal ................................................................................................................................... 2–7

3 IntroducingtheAlaris3‐DPrintingSystem

WorkConfigurations......................................................................................................................... 3–2

SourceFiles ......................................................................................................................................... 3–3

STLFiles ............................................................................................................................................... 3–3

SLCFiles............................................................................................................................................... 3–3

PrintingMaterials .............................................................................................................................. 3–4

AvailableMaterials............................................................................................................................. 3–4

Storage .................................................................................................................................................. 3–4

ShelfLife............................................................................................................................................... 3–5

ExposuretoLight................................................................................................................................ 3–5

SafetyConsiderations......................................................................................................................... 3–5

Disposal................................................................................................................................................ 3–5

WorkEnvironment............................................................................................................................ 3–6

WorkstationRequirements............................................................................................................... 3–6

PreparingFilesforUsewithAlaris3‐DPrintingSystems .......................................................... 3–7

ConvertingCADFilestoSTLFormat.............................................................................................. 3–7

ConvertingFilestoSLCFormat ....................................................................................................... 3–7

ObjetSoftware.................................................................................................................................... 3–8

4 InstallingObjetSoftware

HowtoInstallSoftwarefortheAlaris3‐DPrintingSystem ....................................................... 4–2

Contents

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vi DOC-24000 Rev. A

5UsingObjetStudio

OpeningObjetStudio........................................................................................................................ 5–2

Toolbars.................................................................................................................................................5–2

PreparingModelsforProduction.................................................................................................... 5–3

OpeningSTL&SLCFiles...................................................................................................................5–3

CopyingandPastingObjects.............................................................................................................5–5

SelectingObjects ..................................................................................................................................5–5

ArrangingtheObjetStudioScreen.................................................................................................. 5–6

PositioningObjectsontheBuildTray ............................................................................................ 5–8

AutomaticPositioning ........................................................................................................................5–8

ManualPositioning ............................................................................................................................. 5–9

ModelOrientation............................................................................................................................ 5–10

ManipulatingObjectsontheBuildTray ...................................................................................... 5–11

ObjectPositionontheZ‐Axis ..........................................................................................................5–11

RepositioningObjects .......................................................................................................................5–12

ValidObjectPlacement....................................................................................................................5–14

UsingaGridtoPositionObjects .....................................................................................................5–14

ChanginganObject’sOrientation...................................................................................................5–15

FreezinganObject’sOrientation.....................................................................................................5–16

SurfaceFinish.....................................................................................................................................5–16

DefaultObjectProperties .................................................................................................................5–17

DisplayOptions................................................................................................................................ 5–18

DisplayColors....................................................................................................................................5–19

DisplayingLargeFiles ......................................................................................................................5–20

TrayViewingOptions ......................................................................................................................5–21

HandlingCompletedTrays............................................................................................................ 5–23

TrayValidation ..................................................................................................................................5–23

ProductionEstimates ........................................................................................................................5–24

SavingtheTrayFile...........................................................................................................................5–24

PrintingtheTrayFile ........................................................................................................................5–24

AdditionalObjetStudioFeatures .................................................................................................. 5–26

DividingObjects ................................................................................................................................5–26

ChoosingtheSupportStrength .......................................................................................................5–26

“Smartcast”—FillingModelswithSupportMaterial...................................................................5–27

DisplayingtheCrossSectionofObjects.........................................................................................5–28

PrintingtheScreenDisplayonPaper.............................................................................................5–29

SavingtheScreenDisplayasanImage File ..................................................................................5–29

ExportingandImportingObjetBuildTrays .................................................................................5–29

Advanced‐ModeFeatures .............................................................................................................. 5–30

SaveTrayAs…...................................................................................................................................5–31

ConfiguringtheGLDriver...............................................................................................................5–32

6UsingJobManager

ClientJobManager ............................................................................................................................ 6–2

JobManagerScreen.............................................................................................................................6–3

JobManagerOperations.....................................................................................................................6–4

ConfiguringUserAlerts .....................................................................................................................6–5

ServerJobManager............................................................................................................................ 6–7

JobManagerScreen.............................................................................................................................6–8

JobManagerOperations.....................................................................................................................6–9

MakingchangestoaJob...................................................................................................................6–10

UserAlerts..........................................................................................................................................6–11

SendingtheTraytothe3‐DprinterforProduction .....................................................................6–12

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User Guide

DOC-24000 Rev. A vii

7 Operating&MaintainingtheAlaris303‐DPrinter

StartingtheAlaris30Printer............................................................................................................. 7–2

LoadingModelandSupportCartridges ........................................................................................ 7–3

ProducingModels.............................................................................................................................. 7–5

PrinterInterfaceColor Key................................................................................................................ 7–7

PrintingIndicators .............................................................................................................................. 7–8

ResumingProductionAfterPrintinghasStopped ....................................................................... 7–9

ChangingtheModelMaterial........................................................................................................ 7–10

KeepingtheAlarisPrinterinIdleMode ...................................................................................... 7–14

ShuttingDowntheAlarisPrinter.................................................................................................. 7–15

ShutdownWizard............................................................................................................................. 7–15

MaterialFlush/FillWizard .............................................................................................................. 7–17

MaintainingtheAlarisPrinter....................................................................................................... 7–20

RoutineMaintenanceSchedule....................................................................................................... 7–20

CleaningthePrintHeads................................................................................................................. 7–21

PatternTest ........................................................................................................................................ 7–23

ImprovingPrintQuality .................................................................................................................. 7–24

CleaningandReplacingtheWiper ................................................................................................ 7–24

CleaningandReplacingtheRollerWasteCollector.................................................................... 7–27

AligningthePrintHeads................................................................................................................. 7–30

ReplacingPrint Heads...................................................................................................................... 7–34

CalibratingtheLoadCells ............................................................................................................... 7–45

ReplacingtheOdorFilter ................................................................................................................ 7–47

ReplacingtheUVLamp................................................................................................................... 7–48

ReplacingtheWasteContainer....................................................................................................... 7–53

CleaningtheExteriorPanels ........................................................................................................... 7–55

Backing‐UpandRestoringPrinterSettings .................................................................................. 7–56

ReInitiateWizard .............................................................................................................................. 7–56

8 HandlingPrintedModels

RemovingModelsAfterPrinting .................................................................................................... 8–2

RemovingtheSupportMaterial ...................................................................................................... 8–2

StoringModels ................................................................................................................................... 8–3

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DOC-24000 Rev. A 1–1

About This Guide

UsingThisGuide................................................................................. 2

ForMoreInformation ......................................................................... 2

TermsUsedinThisGuide.................................................................. 3

DRAFT 4 - July 11, 2010

About This Guide

1–2

DOC-24000 Rev. A

Using This Guide

Thisuserguideprovidesinstructionsforinstalling,operatingand

maintainingAlaris3‐Dprintingsystems.Itexplainshowtousefeatures,

andprovidespracticalexamplestoguideyouasyouusethesystem.

ThisdocumentismeanttobeusedwiththeAlaris303‐Dprinter,running

softwareversion30.2.1,andwithObjetStudiosoftwareversion8.5.9.

Thisguideassumesthat:

•allthehardware,software,andnetworkcomponentsofyourAlaris

systemareinstalled,configured,andoperatingcorrectly.

•theoperatorhasaworkingknowledgeoftheWindows®PCplatform.

For More Information

Visithttp://www.objet.com/formoredetailsaboutObjet’stechnology,

productsandconsumables,andforserviceandsupportcontacts.

ForotherdocumentsthatrelatetoAlaris303‐Dprintingsystems,andfor

thisdocumentinotherlanguages,contactyourregionalObjetCustomer

Supportoffice.

Ifyouhaveanyquestionsabouttheinformationpresentedinthis

document,orifyouhaveanycommentsorsuggestionsforfutureeditions,

pleasesendamessagetosupport@objet.com.

DRAFT 4 - July 11, 2010

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Alaris30 User Guide

Terms Used in This Guide

buildtray InObjetStudio:Thesurfacedisplayedonthescreenthat

representstheactualbuildtrayintheAlarisprinter.

IntheAlarisprinter:Thesurfaceuponwhichmodelsare

produced.

cleaningfluid Cleanserforflushingmodelfeedtubesandtheprinting

block,usedtocompletelyremovemodelmaterialfromthe

systembeforeloadinganothertypeofmaterialintheprinter.

Thecleaningfluidissuppliedinmodel‐materialcartridges.

client/userworkstation TheworkstationonwhichObjetsoftwareisinstalled,used

forpreparingbuildtraysforproductiononAlarisprinters.

(Thereisnolimittothenumberofclientworkstationsinthe

localnetwork.)

Alaris™printer TheObjet3‐Dprinterreferredtointhisguide.

Alariscomputer ThecomputerinsidetheAlarisprinterthatoperatesit.(This

issometimesreferredtoasthe“embedded”computer.)

Alarisprinterinterface TheGUI(graphicaluserinterface)usedforcontrollingthe

Alarisprinter.

Alarissoftware SoftwarerunningonthecomputerinsidetheAlarisprinter

thatcontrolsallprinteroperations.

host/serverworkstation TheworkstationonwhichthefullversionofJobManageris

installed.ThisworkstationinterfacesdirectlywiththeAlaris

printerandistypicallypositionednexttoit.

JobManager™ Thesoftwarethatmanagesproductionjobsbeforetheyare

senttotheAlarisprinter.

modelmaterial Materialusedforbuildingmodels.

ObjetStudio™ Thesoftwarewithwhichuserspreparejobsforproducing

models.

OBJTF(ObjetTrayFormat) Theextensionofafilethatcontainsalloftheinformation

neededforamodel‐printingjobonObjet3‐Dprinters.An

objtffileisusedtosendaprintjobtoanObjet3‐Dprinter.

OBJZF(ObjetZFormat) Theextensionofacompressed“wrapper”filecontainingall

ofthefilesusedinanObjetStudiobuildtray.Usingobjzffiles,

aprintingjobcanbesavedasasinglefile,forconvenient

storageandtransfer.

resin Thebasesubstancefromwhichphotopolymerprinting

materialsaremadeforuseinAlarisprinters.InObjetStudio,

JobManagerandAlarissoftware,“resin”referstocartridges

ofmodelandsupportmaterials.

SLC AfiletypeusedwithObjetsoftware.(Thesefilesarebitmaps

ofindividualslicesoftheobject.Formoreinformation,see

page 3‐3.)

DRAFT 4 - July 11, 2010

About This Guide

1–4

DOC-24000 Rev. A

STL AfiletypeusedwithObjetsoftware.(Formoreinformation,

seepage 3‐3.)

supportmaterial Materialusedforsupportingthestructureofmodelsduring

production.

DRAFT 4 - July 11, 2010

DOC-24000 Rev. A 2–1

Safety

SafetyFeatures..................................................................................... 2

SymbolsandWarningLabels ............................................................ 3

SafetyGuidelines................................................................................. 4

PrinterInstallation ................................................................................ 4

PrinterOperation .................................................................................. 4

UVRadiation ......................................................................................... 4

PrinterMaintenance ............................................................................. 4

ModelandSupportMaterials ............................................................. 5

FirstAidforWorkingwithPrintingMaterials ............................... 6

WasteDisposal..................................................................................... 7

DRAFT 4 - July 11, 2010

Safety

2–2

DOC-24000 Rev. A

Safety Features

Alaris3‐DprintersaredesignedtocomplywithCEandFCCstandards.

Theyareequippedwiththefollowingsafetyfeatures:

Figure 2-1: Front and back views of the Alaris30 printer

Coverinterlock

switch ThepowersuppliedtotheUVlampandthe

motionmotorsisturnedoffwhenthecoveris

opened.

WARNING:Donotdefeat(override)the

interlockswitch.Doingsocouldresultin

seriouspersonalinjury.Iftheinterlockswitch

doesnotfunctioncorrectly,donotusethe

printer,andcontactyourserviceprovider.

Coverlock Thecoverislockedwhiletheprinteris

working.Itisreleasedwhentheprinterreverts

topauseorstopmode.

WARNING:Donotdefeat(override)the

safetylock.Doingsocouldresultinserious

personalinjury.Ifthesafetylockdoesnot

functioncorrectly,donotusetheprinter,and

contactyourserviceprovider.

UVscreenThetransparentsectionofthecoverblocks

harmfulUVradiation,allowingtheoperatorto

viewthemodelasitisbeingmade.

Circuitbreaker Thepowertotheprinteristurnedoffincaseof

electricalovercurrent.

Note: The circuit breaker is only accessible to

service personnel.

Groundedchassis Thechassisoftheprinterisgrounded,to

preventelectricalshock.

Note: The power outlet must be properly

grounded, in accordance with the local electric

code, to provide this protection.

UV screen

Cover interlock switch

Circuit breaker

If the Alaris 3-D printing system is not used as specified in this guide, the safety

features may not provide adequate protection.

DRAFT 4 - July 11, 2010

DOC-24000 Rev. A 2–3

Alaris30 User Guide

Symbols and Warning Labels

ThisfollowingtableliststhewarninglabelslocatedonorinAlarisprinters.

Warning

Symbol Meaning Location Comments

Hazard

(general) Onthenameplate

onthebackofthe

printer.

Readtheinstructions

inthisdocument

beforeoperatingthe

printer.

HotsurfaceOntheprint‐head

block. Riskofburns.Donot

touchthissurface

afterprinting.

HighvoltageNeartheUVlamp

connector.

Nearthepower‐

supplyenclosures.

Riskofelectricshock.

Ultraviolet

radiation NeartheUVlamp. Riskofinjuryfrom

ultravioletradiation.

Movingparts Ontopofthe

printingassembly. Riskofinjuryfrom

movingparts.

DRAFT 4 - July 11, 2010

Safety

2–4

DOC-24000 Rev. A

Safety Guidelines

Thefollowinggeneralguidelines,togetherwiththeinstructionsprovided

throughoutthisuserguide,ensureusersafetywhileoperatingand

maintainingtheAlarissystem.Ifthesystemisnotoperatedasspecified,

theuserʹssafetymaybecompromised!

Printer

Installation ¾InstallationandremovaloftheAlarisprintershouldonlybedoneby

qualifiedservicepersonnel.

¾Connecttheprintertotheelectricoutletusingapowercordthatis

safety‐certified.

¾Theelectricoutletshouldbeeasilyaccessible,neartheprinter.

¾Neverconnectthepowerplugtoanoutletthatdoesnothaveaground

(earth)wire,andneverdisconnecttheground.Doingsomayexpose

theoperatortoseriousdangerfromelectricshock.

¾Leaveaminimumof20centimetersbetweenventilationopeningsand

wallsorotherobjects.

Printer

Operation ¾TheAlarisprintershouldonlybeoperatedbypersonstrainedbyan

Objetcustomer‐supportrepresentative.

¾AllpersonneloperatingormaintainingtheAlarisprintershouldknow

thelocationoffirstaidandemergencyequipmentandhowtouseit.

Neverblockaccesstothisequipment!

¾Keepfingersandotherbodypartsclearoftheprintercoverwhen

closingit.

¾Neverattempttoopenthemaincoveroftheprinterwhileitisworking!

¾Neveroverridetheinterlocksafetyswitch!

¾Iftheinterlocksafetyswitcheverfails,donotusetheprinter.

¾Severalpartsoftheprinterremainextremelyhotevenafterithas

stoppedoperating.AvoidtouchingtheUVlampandtheprintblock.

UV Radiation ¾TheUVlampusedintheprinteremitsdangerousradiation.IftheUV

lampremainsonwhentheprintercoverisopen,donotstaredirectlyat

theUVlight.ShutdowntheprinterandcallyourObjetservice

provider.

Printer

Maintenance ¾Serviceoperationsshouldbeperformedonlybyqualifiedpersonnel

whohavebeeninstructedinrelevantsafetyprecautions.

¾Notifyco‐workersandthosewhohaveaccesstotheAlarissystem

beforebeginningnon‐routineandhazardouswork.

Report any potential dangers and safety-related accidents to your safety officer

or to other appropriate authorities.

DRAFT 4 - July 11, 2010

DOC-24000 Rev. A 2–5

Alaris30 User Guide

Model and

Support

Materials

Modelandsupportmaterialsaremadeofchemicalsubstances.Although

precautionsmustbetakenwhenhandlingthesematerialsdirectly,all

modelandsupportmaterialsusedbytheAlarissystemarehandledin

sealedcartridges.Normally,operatorsoftheAlarisprintershouldneverbe

directlyexposedtohazardousmaterials.Intheunlikelyeventofaleakor

spill,followtheinstructionsthatareincludedwiththeprinting‐material

cartridgeused.

¾Storecartridgesofmodelandsupportmaterialsindoors,inadryarea

withadequateventilation,between16‐27degreesCelsius(60‐81

degreesFahrenheit).Neverexposethemtoflames,heat,sparks,or

directsunlight.

¾Keepmodelandsupportmaterialsawayfromareaswherefoodand

drinkarestored,preparedandconsumed.

¾Uncuredprintingmaterialisconsideredahazardoussubstance,

requiringcertainprecautionswhendirectlyhandlingit.Topreventskin

irritation,wearneopreneornitrilegloves.Ifthereisanychancethat

modelandsupportmaterialsmightsplashintotheeyes,wearsafety

goggles.Prolongeddirectcontactwithprintingmaterialscancausean

allergicreaction.

¾WhenhandlingUV‐curedmodelsthatmaynotbecompletelycuredon

thesurface,commonlatexglovesareadequate.

¾Topreventrespiratoryirritation,ventilateareaswheremodeland

supportmaterialsareused.Theventilationsystemshouldtotally

replacetheairatleastfourtimesperhour.

¾Cleanupmodel‐materialandsupport‐materialspillswithdisposable

towelsorotherabsorbent,non‐reusablematerial,suchassawdustor

activatedcharcoal.Rinsethespillareawithdenaturedorisopropyl

alcohol(IPA),followedbysoapandwater.Disposeoftheabsorbent

materialinaccordancewithlocalregulations.

¾Donotwashcontaminatedclothingathome;clothingshouldbe

professionallylaundered.

¾Disposeofcontaminatedshoes,beltsandotherleatheritemsin

accordancewithanyapplicableregulations.Absorbedprinting

materialmayre‐exposetheuserwhentheseitemsareworn.

DRAFT 4 - July 11, 2010

Safety

2–6

DOC-24000 Rev. A

First Aid for Working with Printing Materials

Ingeneral,trytoavoiddirectcontactwithuncuredprintingmaterial.If

skinoreyescomeintocontactwithit,washtheareaimmediatelyand

thoroughlywithwater,andfollowthesefirst‐aidinstructions.

Contact with

Skin Ifuncuredprintingmaterialcomesincontactwithskin,washtheaffected

areaimmediatelyandthoroughlywithsoapandcoolwater,thenremove

contaminatedclothing.Payparticularattentiontoflushingthehair,ears,

noseandotherpartsofthebodythatarenoteasilycleaned.

¾Usecoolwatertopreventskinporesfromopening,sothattheliquid

materialdoesnoteasilypenetratetheskin.

¾Donotusesolventstocleanskin.

¾Iflargeareasofskinhavebeenexposed,orifprolongedcontactresults

inblisters,seekmedicalattention.Inanycase,ifirritationpersists,seek

medicalattention.

¾Avoidtheaccidentaltransferofprintingmaterialfromthehandsto

otherareasofthebody,especiallytotheeyes.

¾Ifprotectivecreamwasused,donotreapplyituntiltheskinhasbeen

completelycleansed.

Contact with

Eyes Ifuncuredprintingmaterialcomesincontactwiththeeyes,flush

immediatelywithlargeamountsofwaterfor15minutesandseekmedical

attention.

¾Avoidsunlight,fluorescentlight,andothersourcesofultraviolet

radiation.

Thewearingofcontactlenseswhenhandlingliquidprintingmaterialsis

notrecommended.Iftheliquidsplashesintotheeyeswhencontactlenses

areworn,immediatelyremovethelensesandflushtheeyeswithwater.

¾Cleananddisinfectthecontaminatedlenses.

¾Donotwearcontactlensesuntileyeirritationdisappears.

Ingestion Ifprintingmaterialisswallowed,refertotheinstructionsincludedwiththe

cartridge.Seekmedicalattentionimmediately.

Inhalation Vaporsfromprintingmaterialscanbeirritatingtotherespiratorysystem.

Ifrespiratoryirritationoccurs,exposethevictimtofreshairimmediately.

¾Ifthevictimhasstoppedbreathing,performartificialrespirationor

cardiopulmonaryresuscitation.

¾Seekmedicalattentionimmediately.

¾Keepthepatientwarmbutnothot.

¾Neverfeedanythingbymouthtoanunconsciousperson.

¾Oxygenshouldbeadministeredbyauthorizedpersonnelonly.

DRAFT 4 - July 11, 2010

DOC-24000 Rev. A 2–7

Alaris30 User Guide

Waste Disposal

Fullycuredprintedmodelscanbedisposedofasordinaryofficetrash.

However,specialcareisrequiredwhenhandlingprinterwaste.

¾WhenremovingthewastecontainerfromtheAlarisprinter,wear

neopreneornitrilegloves.

¾Topreventliquidwastefromsplashingintotheeyes,wearsafety

goggles.

¾LiquidwastefromtheAlarisprinterisclassifiedashazardous

industrialwaste.Therefore,printing‐materialwastemustbepackaged

anddisposedofinamannerthatpreventshumancontactwithitand

contaminationofwatersources.

¾Emptymodel‐materialandsupport‐materialcartridgescontainresidue

oftheircontents.Someleakageofthisresiduemayoccurthroughthe

brokencartridgeseal.Therefore,handleandstoreemptycartridges

withcare.

¾Donotattempttoreuseemptycartridges,anddonotpuncturethem.

¾Disposeofusedcartridgesandwastecontainersinaccordancewith

localregulations.

¾Discardcontaminatedclothing,shoes,emptycontainers,etc.,in

accordancewithanyapplicableregulations.

DRAFT 4 - July 11, 2010

Safety

2–8

DOC-24000 Rev. A

DRAFT 4 - July 11, 2010

DOC-24000 Rev. A 3–1

Introducing the Alaris 3-D

Printing System

WorkConfigurations .......................................................................... 2

SourceFiles........................................................................................... 3

STLFiles ................................................................................................. 3

SLCFiles ................................................................................................. 3

PrintingMaterials................................................................................ 4

AvailableMaterials ............................................................................... 4

Storage .................................................................................................... 4

ShelfLife................................................................................................. 5

ExposuretoLight.................................................................................. 5

SafetyConsiderations........................................................................... 5

Disposal .................................................................................................. 5

WorkEnvironment.............................................................................. 6

WorkstationRequirements ................................................................ 6

PreparingFilesforUsewithAlaris3‐DPrintingSystems............ 7

ConvertingCADFilestoSTLFormat ................................................ 7

ConvertingFilestoSLCFormat.......................................................... 7

ObjetSoftware...................................................................................... 8

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Figure 3-1: The Alaris30 3-D Printer

Work Configurations

TheAlaris303‐Dprintingsystemcanbesetupasasingle‐stationsystemor

asamulti‐stationsystem.Whenconnectedtoalocalcomputernetwork,the

systemcanservemultipleusers.Insuchconfigurations,eachuser

workstation(client)preparesfileswithObjetStudiosoftwarefor

production.Aserver(host),typicallynexttothe3‐Dprinter,actsasajob

managerthatsendsproductionjobstotheprinterforproduction.

Figure 3‐2showstheAlaris30printersetupinamulti‐clientconfiguration.

Figure 3-2: Multi-client network configuration

WheninstallingtheObjetsoftware,youchoosewhethertoinstallitasa

clientstationorasamasterstation(serverorstandalonestation).

Alaris server KVM switch

Client workstations

Printer

workstation

Alaris printer

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Alaris30 User Guide

TheObjetsoftwarearrangesthejobsitreceivesaccordingtotheirpriorities,

model‐materialtype,andotherfactors.Inmulti‐workstation

configurations,theoperatoroftheserver—typicallytheproduction

administrator—hastotalcontroloverthejobssenttothe3‐Dprinter,and

canprioritizeanddeletejobs,reviewjobhistoryandreprintajob,andso

on.

Source Files

Alaris3‐Dprintingsystemsproducethree‐dimensionalmodelsdesigned

withmost3‐DCADtoolsandwithotherjob‐specific3‐Dapplications.

Alarissystemsaccept:

•STLfiles

•SLCfiles

Alarissystemsfeaturethecapabilityofproducingbothtypesofmodelfiles

simultaneously.

STL Files STLisshortforStandardTriangulationLanguage.Thislanguageviewsany

objectasacollectionofsurfaces,anddescribeseachsurfaceoftheobjectas

acollectionoftriangles.

Forexample,asquarecanbedescribedastwotriangles;acube(six

squares)as12triangles.Curvedsurfacesneedmoretrianglestodescribe

them.Thehigherthetolerance(forsmoothsurfaces),themoretrianglesare

needed.Theresultisthathigh‐qualityobjectdescriptionsmeanveryheavy

files.

MostCADsoftwarecanexportSTLfiles.TheAlarissystemutilizesthese

filesforbuildingmodels(rapidprototyping),andalsofordirectlymaking

moldsformass‐producingitems.

STLfilesareASCII(text)files.Thecontentofeachfilebeginswith“solid”

andendswith“end‐solid”(bothlowercase).Betweenthesekeywordsisa

listofthetrianglesthatdescribesthefacesofthesolidmodel.Eachtriangle

definesasinglenormalvectordirectedawayfromthesolid’ssurface,

followedbyitsX‐Y‐Zcoordinates.TheseareexpressedasCartesian

coordinatesandarefloating‐pointvalues.Thecoordinatesofalltriangles

shouldbepositiveandshouldfallwithinthevolumeofthemodel.

SLC Files SLCisshortforStereo‐LithographyContour.SLCfilesdescribetwo‐

dimensionalcontoursofthethree‐dimensionalmodels.Thesecontourlines

arepolylines.

SLCfilesareASCII(text)filesthatsavemodelsasaseriesofslices.This

meansthatmodelsbasedonSLCfilescannotbeorientated;onlytheirscale

(size)andpositiononthebuildtraycanbecontrolled.Forthisreason,the

model’sorientationmustbesuitableforproductionbeforeitissavedasan

SLCfile.BecauseofthenatureofSLCfiles,theappearanceofmodelsin

ObjetStudiomaybedifferentthanthesolid‐objectimagesdisplayedfrom

STLfiles.

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Printing Materials

Alarisprintersproducemodelsbyjettingthinlayersofprintingmaterials

onthebuildtray,untilthecompletemodelisformed.Twotypesofmaterial

areusedinthisprocess:

•Modelmaterial—whichmakesupthefinishedmodel

•Supportmaterial—whichfillsgapsandspacesinthemodelduring

printing,andisremovedafterprinting

Available

Materials TwomaterialtypesareavailableforproducingmodelswiththeAlaris30

printer—

•Vero

Materialsinthisgrouparesuitableforgeneralmodelmaking,andcome

inachoiceofcolor(white,blue,gray,andblack).Theyofferthe

followingfeatures:

thermo‐plasticssimulation(appearanceandfeel)

highdimensionalstability(especiallywithVeroGray™)

excellentdetailandsurfacequality

•Durus

CurrentlyavailableasDurusWhite™withthefollowingfeatures:

polypropylenesimulation(appearanceandfeel)

enhancedtoughnessandflexibility—suitableforreusablecontainers

andothersnap‐fitapplications

Forup‐to‐dateinformationaboutObjetprintingmaterialsandtheir

properties,gotowww.objet.com/Materials.

Storage MaterialsusedforprintingmodelswithAlarisprintersaremadeofresins,

whicharecomposedofreactivemonomersandoligomers.Although

printingmaterialsaresuppliedinsealed,UV‐proofcartridges,caremustbe

takenwhenstoringandhandlingthem.Followtheseguidelinestoprotect

operatorsandtheenvironment,andtoensureoptimumresults.

•Toensureproductstability,donotallowthesematerialstocomeinto

contactwithmetal.Plasticsmadefrommonomer‐solublesubstances

(suchaspolystyreneorpolyvinylchloride)arenotsuitableforstoring

Objetprintingmaterials.

•Whennotinuse,keepmaterialcartridgestightlysealedtoprevent

contamination,theeffectsofexposuretoUVradiation,andaccidental

spillage.

•Storematerialcartridgesindoors,inadryareawithadequate

ventilation,between16–27degreesCelsius(60–81degreesFahrenheit).

Ifexposedtoheatorflames,cartridgesmayburstorignite.

•Signsofprematurepolymerizationinmaterialcartridgesmayinclude

bulging,leaking,theemissionofheat,andunusualodor.Exposureto

heatcancauseresintogelinthecartridge.

•Makesurethatmaterialcartridgesarestoredinaccordancewithall

localregulationsandotherapplicablerequirements.

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Alaris30 User Guide

Shelf Life Materialsusedforproducingmodelshavealimitedshelflife.Theexpiry

dateonthelabelisvalidwhenproperlystoredinanundamaged,

unopenedcartridge.Alwaysrotateyourstock,sothatthecartridgewith

theearliestdateisusedfirst.

Exposure to

Light Ifprintingmaterialsarenotintheirsealedcartridges,makesuretoshield

themfromsunlightandothersourcesofUVradiation,suchasfluorescent

andmercury‐vaporlights.ExposuretoUVradiationcausesanincreasein

viscosityand,eventually,solidification.

Safety

Considerations Beforebeingcured,resinsarehazardousmaterials.Topreventpossible

healthhazards,followtheseprecautionsregardingprintingmaterials:

•Donotexposetoflames,heatorsparks.

•Preventcontactwithskinandeyes.

•Ventilateareaswheretheyarehandled.

•Keepthemseparatefromfoodanddrink.

Curedplasticparts,however,aresafe.Theycanbehandledandstored

withoutprecautions.

Disposal DisposeofcartridgesofObjetmodelandsupportmaterialinaccordance

withallapplicablelawsandregulations.Ifnecessary,thecartridgescanbe

disassembledforrecycling.

You can find more safety information about resins in “Safety Guidelines” on

page 2-4, and “First Aid for Working with Printing Materials” on page 2-6.

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Work Environment

Extremeheatandhumidityconditionscanadverselyaffecttheoperationof

theAlaris3‐Dprinter.Therefore,itisrecommendedthatyouuse

ventilationorair‐conditioningsystems,ifnecessary,tokeeptheworkarea

withinthefollowingranges:

•18°–25°C(64°–77°F)

•30%–70%relativehumidity

Workstation Requirements

TheminimumrequirementsforcomputercomponentsusedwithObjet3‐D

printersoftwarearelistedinthefollowingtable.

Server/

Stand-alone Station Client Workstation

Processor Pentium4,3.0GHz,

512KBcachememory(min.) Pentium4,3.0GHz(min.)

Operating System MicrosoftWindowsXP MicrosoftWindowsXP

Graphics Card SupportingopenGL,

with256MBofmemory SupportingopenGL,

with256MBofmemory

RAM 4GB(min.) 2GB(min.)

CD Drive IDECDROM IDECDROM

Hard-Disk Drive 40GB(min.) 40GB(min.)

Network Adaptor

Cards

LANTCP/IP(2) LANTCP/IP(1)

Ethernet Cables •Straight‐throughcable(1)

•Crossovercable(1,supplied) Straight‐throughcable(1)

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Alaris30 User Guide

Preparing Files for Use with Alaris 3-D Printing Systems

BeforeusingfileswithAlaris3‐Dprintingsystems,youmustconvertthem

inyourCADprogramtoeitherSTLfilesorSLCfiles.(Foranexplanationof

thesefileformats,see“SourceFiles”onpage 3‐3.)

Afterconvertingthemodelfiles,itisrecommendedthatyoucheckthemfor

defectsinanSTL‐repairapplication(suchasMagics,byMaterialise)before

openingtheminObjetStudioandproducingthemodel.

Converting

CAD Files to

STL Format

Thisproceduremayvaryslightly,dependingontheCADsoftwareused,

butthefollowinginstructionsgenerallyapply.

To convert a file to STL format (in a CAD program):

1. FromtheFilemenu,selectSave As.

2. IntheSave Asdialogbox,opentheSave As Typepull‐downmenuand

select*.STL.

3. ClickOptionsandsetthefollowingparameters:

•TotalQuality—approximately0.1mm(deviationtolerance/linear‐

dimensiontolerance)

•DetailQuality—approximately4°(angletolerance)

Note: Lowering these values produces more accurate models, but

results in larger files and longer loading and processing times. For this

reason, it is generally not recommended that you use lower values.

4. Inthefileformatoption,choosebinaryorASCII.(Bothbinaryand

ASCIIformatscanbeusedinObjetStudio.However,binaryfilesare

smaller,sothisoptionisrecommended.)

5. ClickOKorSave.

Converting

Files to SLC

Format

WhenconvertingfilestoSLCformat,itisrecommendedthatyousetalayer

thicknessof15microns(0.015mm).SinceSLCfilescannotbeorientatedin

ObjetStudio,itisimportantthatmodelsareproperlyorientatedbefore

beingsavedasSLCfiles.Considerationsforsuitablemodelorientationare

explainedin“ModelOrientation”onpage 5‐10.

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Objet Software

ObjetsoftwarefortheAlaris3‐Dprintingsystemconsistsoftwo

applications:

•ObjetStudio

•JobManager

Objet Studio

WithObjetStudio,youpreparesourcefilesforproductioninAlaris3‐D

printers.ObjetStudiooffersyouawidevarietyoffile‐preparationoptions,

butalwaysconsistsofthefollowingbasicprocedure:

1. Insertingoneormoreobjectsonthebuildtray

2. Positioningtheobject(s)onthetray

3. Configuringobjectandtrayparameters

4. Savingthetrayconfigurationasanobjtf(ObjetTrayFormat)file

5. SendingtheobjtffiletotheAlaris3‐Dprinterforproduction

UsingObjetStudiotoperformthesetasksisdescribedindetailinchapter 5,

“UsingObjetStudio.”

Job Manager

TheJobManagerapplicationisdifferentforclientworkstationsandforthe

computerconnecteddirectlytotheAlaris3‐Dprinter.

•JobManagerinstalledonthedirectly‐connectedcomputer(server)

displaysthequeueandstatusforalljobssenttothe3‐Dprinterbythe

clientcomputersonthenetwork,andallowseditingandmanipulation

ofalljobs.

•JobManagerinstalledonclientcomputersdisplaysthequeueand

statusonlyforjobssenttothe3‐Dprinterserverfromthatcomputer,

andallowstheusertoeditonlythesejobs.

JobManagerisdescribedindetailinchapter6,“UsingJobManager.”

Client computers can be connected, via the local network, to different Alaris

3-D printers, but only to one at a time. The client Job Manager displays the

status of the 3-D printer to which the client is currently connected.

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Installing Objet Software

HowtoInstallSoftwarefortheAlaris3‐DPrintingSystem......... 2

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How to Install Software for the Alaris 3-D Printing System

TheObjetStudiosetupwizardguidesyouwheninstallingtheObjet

software.Duringinstallation,youmustchoosetoinstalleithertheserver

(“host”)applicationortheclientapplication.

To install Objet software:

1. InserttheObjetStudioCDintothediskdrive.

2. Right‐clicktheStartbuttonandselectExplore(oruseanyothermethod

fordisplayingfilesonthecomputer).

3. OpentheCD‐drivefolderandselectSetup.

Toruntheinstallationwizard,youmustaccepttheObjetStudiolicense

agreement.Afterreadingitsterms,clickYestocontinue,orNotoclose

thewizard.

IfyouclickYes,thefollowingscreenshouldappear.

Figure 4-1:Objet Setup—installation wizard Welcome screen

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4. ClickNexttobegininstallation.

Figure 4-2: Objet Setup—Select Components screen

5. WhentheSelectComponentsscreenappears,selectoneofthe

installationoptions,thenclickNext.

•SelectObjet Studio onlyforclientworkstations

•SelectObjet Studio and Job Managerfortheserver(host)stationand

forastandalonestation—thatis,thecomputerdirectlyconnectedto

theAlarisprinter.

Figure 4-3: Objet Setup—Choose Destination Location screen

6. IntheChooseDestinationLocationscreen,verifythedestinationfolder

andclickNext.

It is recommended that you do not change the default destination folder.

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Figure 4-4: Objet Setup—Select Program Folder screen

7. IntheSelectProgramFolderscreen,verifythepre‐selectedfolderin

whichtheObjetStudioiconswillbeinstalled.

•Toinstalltheiconsinanotherprogramfolder,selectit.

•Tocontinue,clickNext.

InstallationbeginsandtheSetupStatusscreenappears,showingthe

progressoftheinstallationprocess.

Figure 4-5: Objet Setup—Setup Status screen

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WhentheObjetprograminstallationiscomplete,thefinalInstallShield

Wizardscreenappears.

Figure 4-6: Objet Setup—final wizard screen

Tocompletethesoftwareinstallation,youmustrestartthecomputer.

Youcandosonoworatanothertime.

8. Selecteither“Yes…”or“No…”andclickFinish.

MakesuretoremovetheCDfromthediskdrivebeforerestartingthe

computer.

Theinstallationprocessendswhentheappropriateicon(s)appearonthe

computerdesktop:

•ObjetStudio

•JobManager(forserversandstandalonestations)

•StopJobManager(forserversandstandalonestations)

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Using Objet Studio

OpeningObjetStudio ......................................................................... 2

Toolbars .................................................................................................. 2

PreparingModelsforProduction ..................................................... 3

OpeningSTL&SLCFiles .................................................................... 3

CopyingandPastingObjects .............................................................. 5

SelectingObjects.................................................................................... 5

ArrangingtheObjetStudioScreen................................................... 6

PositioningObjectsontheBuildTray .............................................. 8

AutomaticPositioning.......................................................................... 8

ManualPositioning............................................................................... 9

ModelOrientation............................................................................. 10

ManipulatingObjectsontheBuildTray........................................ 11

ObjectPositionontheZ‐Axis............................................................ 11

RepositioningObjects......................................................................... 12

ValidObjectPlacement...................................................................... 14

UsingaGridtoPositionObjects ....................................................... 14

ChanginganObject’sOrientation..................................................... 15

FreezinganObject’sOrientation....................................................... 16

SurfaceFinish....................................................................................... 16

DefaultObjectProperties ................................................................... 17

DisplayOptions................................................................................. 18

DisplayColors ..................................................................................... 19

DisplayingLargeFiles........................................................................ 20

TrayViewingOptions ........................................................................ 21

HandlingCompletedTrays ............................................................. 23

TrayValidation .................................................................................... 23

ProductionEstimates.......................................................................... 24

SavingtheTrayFile............................................................................. 24

PrintingtheTrayFile .......................................................................... 24

AdditionalObjetStudioFeatures ................................................... 26

DividingObjects.................................................................................. 26

ChoosingtheSupportStrength......................................................... 26

“Smartcast”—FillingModelswithSupportMaterial .................... 27

DisplayingtheCrossSectionofObjects .......................................... 28

PrintingtheScreenDisplayonPaper .............................................. 29

SavingtheScreenDisplayasanImage File .................................... 29

ExportingandImportingObjetBuildTrays ................................... 29

Advanced‐ModeFeatures................................................................ 30

SaveTrayAs…..................................................................................... 31

ConfiguringtheGLDriver ................................................................ 32

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Opening Objet Studio

AfteryouinstallObjetStudio,alaunchiconappearsonthe

Windowsdesktop.Opentheapplicationbydouble‐clickingthisicon,orby

selectingObjetStudiofromtheStart>Programsmenu.

ObjetStudioopens,displayinganemptybuildtray.

Figure 5-1: Objet Studio opening screen

Toolbars Theiconsshowninthischapterareavailableonlywhenrelevanttoolbars

aredisplayed.Youcancontrolthetoolbarsdisplayedatanytime,andyou

canre‐arrangethemonthescreen.

To customize the toolbars displayed in Objet Studio:

1. FromtheViewmenu,selectToolbars.

2. IntheCustomizedialogbox,selectthetoolbarsyouwishtodisplay,and

clickOK.

Figure 5-2: Toolbar selection dialog box

3. ClickanddragthetoolbarstopositionthemasyouwishontheObjet

Studioscreen.

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Preparing Models for Production

Toproducemodels,youmustopenoneormorefilesinObjetStudioand

positiontheobjectsonthebuildtray.Youcanplaceobjectsonthebuildtray

intwoways:

•byinsertingindividualstlorslcfiles

•bypastingobjectsthatyoucopiedtotheWindowsclipboard

Ifyouknowwhattypeofmodelmaterialwillbeusedtoproducethe

models,makesureitisselectedfromthematerialdrop‐downmenu.

Figure 5-3: Model material selection toolbar

Note: It is not necessary to select the model material now, but it is

recommended—each type of material has unique characteristics

that may affect the valid positioning of objects on the build tray.

Opening STL

& SLC Files To place an object on the build tray:

1. OpentheInsertdialogbox—

•FromtheObjectmenu,selectInsert.

or—

•Onthetoolbar,clicktheInsertModelicon.

or—

•Right‐clickonthebuildtray,andselectInsert.

TheInsertdialogboxappears.

Figure 5-4: Insert dialog box

2. IntheLookinfield,displaytheappropriatefolder.

3. IntheFilesoftypefield,selectthefiletypestodisplay(stl,slc).

4. Selectthedesiredfile,andmakesurethatitappearsintheFilename

field.

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IfthePreviewcheckboxisselected,theobjectisdisplayedinthedialog

box,asshowninfigure 5‐4.

5. Selectanyofthefollowingoptions,asrequired:

•Units—Choosemillimetersorinchesfortheobject’sunitsofmeasure.

•Number of copies—Choosehowmanycopiesofthisobjecttoplace

onthebuildtray.

•Arrange models—Selectthischeckboxtoautomaticallyposition

objectsonthebuildtrayforefficientmodelbuilding.

Note: The 3-D file contains the object's proportions, but not its units of

measure. Therefore, make sure to correctly select either millimeters or

inches when inserting an object. Otherwise, the size of the object on the

build tray will be either much too large or much too small.

6. ClickOpen.

ObjetStudioplacestheobjectonthebuildtray,andinthelistinthe

hierarchypane.

Figure 5-5: Default screen layout

Youcanplaceadditionalobjectsonthebuildtraybyrepeatingthis

procedure.

The Extents values displayed at the bottom of the dialog box represent the

maximum dimensions of the object on each axis. These dimensions

correspond to the virtual “bounding box” surrounding the object (see

figure 5-24 on page 5-19).

Hierarchy

pane

Build tray

Object

properties

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Copying and

Pasting

Objects

Ifyouneedtoduplicateobjectsonthebuildtray,youcan,ofcourse,insert

thesameobjectfromitsfilemorethanonce.Aneasierway,however,isto

copyandpastetheobject.Youcancopyobjectsfromthebuildtrayorthe

hierarchypane.TheobjectscopiedremainintheWindowsclipboarduntil

youpastethemontothebuildtray.

Youcanalsocopyobjectsfromonetrayandpastethemontoanother,inthe

samewayasyoucopytextfromonedocumentandpasteitintoanother

one.However,ObjetStudioallowsonlyonetraytobeopenatatime.For

eachbuildtrayyouneedtoworkwith(atthesametime),youmustopena

separateObjetStudiowindow,byrunningtheapplicationagain(fromthe

WindowsStartmenu).

YouperformtheCopyandPastecommandsasinotherWindows

applications:

•fromtheEditmenu,onthemaintoolbar

•fromtheright‐clickcontextmenu

•byusingkeyboardshortcuts(Ctrl+CandCtrl+V,respectively)

ThePasteSpecialcommand(intheEditmenu)enablesyoutoplace

duplicateobjectsevenmoreefficiently:

•Youcanspecifythenumberofduplicatestoplaceonthebuildtrayat

once.

•Youcansetthedistance,oneachaxis,betweentheduplicateobjects.

•Youcanplacemirrorimagesoftheoriginalobject.

Figure 5-6: Paste Special dialog box

Selecting

Objects Tomanipulateanobjectonthebuildtrayorassigncharacteristicstoit

(surfacefinish,forexample),youmustfirstselecttheobject.Youselectan

objectbyclickingit,eitheronthetrayorinthetrayhierarchypane.Its

imageonthebuildtraychangescolor(tolightblue,bydefault)andits

nameishighlightedinthetrayhierarchypane.Youcanselectmultiple

objectsbypressingtheCtrlorShiftkeyswhileclickingadditionalobjects.

Having multiple Objet Studio windows open can be convenient when you

need to manipulate or configure objects before inserting them in your

production build tray. Copying and pasting also allows you to utilize objects

already configured on previously-used build trays for newer projects.

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Arranging the Objet Studio Screen

Thedefaultscreenlayoutdisplaystheperspectiveviewofthebuildtrayand

thetrayhierarchypane,whichliststheelementsplacedonthetray(see

figure 5‐5onpage 5‐4).Youcanviewmodelsfromdifferentanglesby

changingthescreenlayout.

To change the Objet Studio screen layout:

¾FromtheViewmenu,selectLayout,thenthedesirednumberofbuild‐

trayviews.

2 Viewsisthedefaultscreenlayout,alreadydisplayed(seefigure 5‐5

onpage 5‐4).

Bydefault,theobjectpropertiesdialogboxisalsodisplayed.

3 Viewsaddstopandfrontviewstothedefaultscreenlayout(see

figure 5‐8,below).

4 Viewsdisplaystop,frontandrightviews(seefigure 5‐9).

1 Viewexpandstheperspectiveviewtofillthescreen(seefigure 5‐10).

¾Youcanalsochangethescreenlayoutwithtoolbaricons.

Figure 5-7: Screen layout icons

Figure 5-8: 3-view screen layout

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Figure 5-9: 4-view screen layout

Figure 5-10: 1-view screen layout

Youcanchangetheperspectiveoftheactiveviewingpanebyclickingany

ofthenineviewingicons.

Figure 5-11: Viewing-pane perspective icons

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Positioning Objects on the Build Tray

Toproducemodelsefficientlyandwiththerequiredfinish,itisimportant

tocarefullypositionobjectsonthebuildtray.ObjetStudiofeaturesthe

automaticpositioningofobjects.However,youshouldchecktomakesure

thattheobjectsareorientatedlogicallyforyourneeds,accordingthe

considerationsexplainedin“ModelOrientation”onpage 5‐10.

Automatic

Positioning TherearetwowaystohaveObjetStudiopositiontheitemsonthebuild

tray.

•Anytimeyouinsertanobjectontothebuildtray,selectArrange models

intheInsertdialogbox.

Figure 5-12: Arrange models option in the Insert dialog box

WhenyouclickOpen,ObjetStudioinsertsthenewobjectandarranges

alloftheobjectsonthebuildtray.

•Afterplacingseveralobjectsonthebuildtray,selectTools > Automatic

Placement.

Theeffectsofautomaticplacementareshowninfigures5‐13and5‐14.

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Figure 5-13: Tray before objects are properly arranged

Figure 5-14: Tray after objects have been automatically arranged

Manual

Positioning Youcanmanuallypositionobjectsonthebuildtray—eveniftheywere

insertedusingautomaticplacement(withtheArrangemodelsoption

selectedintheInsertdialogbox).Considerationsforpositioningobjectsare

reviewedin“ModelOrientation”onpage 5‐10.Toolsforchangingthe

positionofobjectsaredescribedin“RepositioningObjects”onpage 5‐12.

Because of the unique characteristics of each type of modeling material, it

is recommended that you select the material before inserting objects on the

tray with automatic positioning or running Automatic Placement.

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Model Orientation

Theorientationofmodelsonthebuildtrayaffectshowquicklyand

efficientlytheywillbeproducedbythe3‐Dprinter,whereandhowmuch

supportmaterialisused,andwhetherornotmodelpartswillhaveagloss

finish.Therefore,youshouldconsideravarietyoffactorswhendeciding

howtoplacemodelsonthetray,usingthefollowingpositioningrules.

X-Y-Z Rule

Thisruleconsidersamodelʹsouterdimensions.

¾SincetheprintheadsmovebackandforthalongtheX‐axis,theprinting

timealongthisaxisisrelativelyshort,comparedtoprintingtimealong

theY‐axisandZ‐axis.Fromthispointofview,itisadvisabletoplacethe

objectʹslongestdimensionalongtheX‐axis.

¾Sincemodelsarebuiltup,ontheZ‐axis,in30‐micronlayers,itisvery

time‐consumingtoprintatallobject.Fromthispointofview,itis

advisabletoplacetheobjectʹssmallestdimensionalongtheZ‐axis.

¾Sincetheprintheadsmeasureabout2inches(5centimeters)ontheY‐

axis,modelsmeasuringlessthanthis(ontheY‐axis)areprintedinone

pass.Fromthispointofview,itisadvisabletoplacetheobjectʹs

intermediatedimensionalongtheY‐axis.

Tall-Left Rule

Thisruleconsidersmodelswhere,afterbeingorientatedonthebuildtray

accordingtootherconsiderations,onesideistallerthantheother.

¾SincetheprintheadsmovealongtheX‐axisfromlefttoright,taller

sectionsontherightrequiretheprintheadstoscanunnecessarilyfrom

theleftuntilreachingthem.If,ontheotherhand,thetallersectionsare

positionedontheleftofthetray,theprintheadsonlyhavetoscanthe

modeluntilprintingthesesections—oncethelowerpartshavebeen

completed.Therefore,youshouldpositionthetallersideofthemodel,

whenpossible,ontheleft.

Recess-Up Rule

Thisruleconsidersmodelscontainingsurfacerecesses.

¾Recessesinthesurface(likehollows,drillholes,etc.)should,when

possible,bepositionedface‐up.

Fine-Surface Rule

Thisruleconsidersmodelsthathaveonesideonwhichtherearefine

details(likethekeypadsideofatelephone).

¾Thesideofthemodelcontainingfinedetailsshould,whenpossible,be

positionedface‐up.Thisresultsinasmoothfinish.

Avoid Support-Material Rule

Thisruleconsidersmodelsthathavelargeholesorhollows,openonat

leastoneside(likeapipeoracontainer).

¾Itmaybeadvantageoustoprintamodelstandingup,sosupport

materialdoesnotfillthehollow,eventhoughprintingthemodellying

downwouldbemuchfaster.

The following rules are based on the fact that support material is not

required on the top of the printed model.

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Manipulating Objects on the Build Tray

Object Position

on the Z-Axis Whenyouuseautomaticpositioningtoarrangeobjectsonthebuildtray

(see“A u t o m a t i c Positioning”onpage 5‐8),theobjectsarepositioned

directlyonthetray.Ifyoudonotinsertobjectswithautomaticpositioning,

theyoftenappeareitheraboveorbelowthetray.

To position objects directly on the tray:

1. Selecttheobject.

2. ClicktheLayOnicon.

or—

FromtheObjectmenu,selectLay On.

To ensure that objects are always directly positioned on the tray:

1. FromtheToolsmenu,selectOptions,anddisplaytheSettingstab.

Figure 5-15:Options dialog box, Settings tab

2. IntheAutomaticLayOn(Gravity)section,selectAlways.(Thisisthe

defaultsetting.)

Other Z-axis options (in the Automatic Lay On section):

•When under the tray—Thedisplayofobjectsthatarebelowthebuild

trayisautomaticallychangedsothattheobjectisattraylevel.

•Never—Thedisplayofobjectsthatareaboveorbelowthebuildtrayis

notchanged.

In practice, the Alaris system prints all models on the build tray on a one-

millimeter bed of support material. The importance of positioning objects

directly on the build tray with Objet Studio is to correctly display the objects

on the screen.

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Repositioning

Objects Youcanselectandmanipulateobjectsonthebuildtrayafterselectingthe

followingiconsormenuoptions.

Afterusingtheserepositioningiconsonce,theyaredisabled,unlessyou

firstclicktheStickyModeicon.Afterclickingthisicon,therepositioning

iconusedremainsactiveuntilyouclicktheStickyModeiconagainto

releaseit.

Anotherwayofrepositioningobjectsonthebuildtrayisbyusingtheicons

ontheTransformtoolbarthatnudgetheselectedobjectindifferentways.

Viewing Object Properties

Afteryoumanuallymanipulateanobjectwiththemouse,itsnew

propertiesaredisplayedintheTransformtaboftheobjectpropertiesdialog

box.

Icon Menu

Option Purpose What to do

(none) Forselectinganobject. Clicktheobjectonthebuildtray.

Object>

Translate Forselectingandmoving

anobjectwiththemouse. Clicktheobjecttoselectit.

Dragtheobjecttoanewlocation

whileholdingdownthemouse

button.

Object>

Rotate Forselectingandrotating

anobjectontheZ‐axis. Clicktheobjecttoselectit.

Holddowntheleftmousebutton

andmovethemouseleft/right.

Object>

Scale Forselectingand

changingthesizean

object.

Clicktheobjecttoselectit.

Holddowntheleftmousebutton

andmovethemouseleft/right.

Clicktomovetheobject20mmalongtheX‐axis.

Clicktomovetheobject20mmalongtheY‐axis.

Clicktomovetheobject30degreesontheZ‐axis.

Clicktorotatetheobject30degreesontheX‐axis.

Clicktorotatetheobject30degreesontheY‐axis.

Clicktorotatetheobject30degreesontheZ‐axis.

The object-properties dialog box is displayed by default (see figure 5-5 on

page 5-4) and whenever the screen layout is changed or refreshed (see

“Arranging the Objet Studio Screen” on page 5-6).

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Figure 5-16: Object properties dialog box, Transform tab

Youcanmakeprecisechangestoanobjectonthebuildtraybyselectingthe

object(eitheronthetrayorinthetrayhierarchypane),changingitsvalues

inthedialogbox,andclickingChange Units.

Note: You can only change the height of the objects on the build tray if this

is allowed by the Objet Studio settings (see “Object Position on the

Z-Axis” on page 5-11.)

ThepropertiesdisplayedintheTransformtaboftheobjectpropertiesdialog

boxareabsolutevalues,representingtheactualpositionoftheobjectonthe

buildtray.Anotherwayofrepositioningobjectsonthetrayusingprecise

valuesisbyapplyingchangestoobjectpropertiesrelativetothecurrent

position.TherearetwoRelativeTransformdialogboxesavailable:

•TheR.Transtaboftheobjectpropertiesdialogbox.

Figure 5-17: Object properties dialog box, R. Trans tab

•TheRelativeTransformdialogbox,accessiblefromtheObjectmenu.

Figure 5-18: Relative Transform dialog box

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Valid Object

Placement Toensurethatmodelsdonotoverlapwhenyoupositionthemonthebuild

tray,youcanselecttheDynamicCheckingiconfromtheToolstoolbar.

Whenselected,ObjetStudioonlyallowsthepositioningofobjectsifthey

donotinterferewithotherobjectsonthetray.Notethatthespaceoccupied

byanobjectincludesthe“boundingbox”surroundingit(seefigure 5‐24on

page 5‐19).

Using a Grid to

Position

Objects

Displayingagridontheimageofthebuildtraycanbeusefulwhen

positioningobjects.Youcanmakeuseofthisfeaturebyclickingthegrid

toolbariconsorbyselectingmenuoptions.

Youcanreviewandconfiguregridsettings—andapplythem—fromthe

Optionsdialogbox.

To use the Options dialog box:

1. FromtheToolsmenu,selectOptions,anddisplaytheGridtab.

Figure 5-19:Options dialog box, Grid tab, showing the default settings

EvenifyoudonotuseDynamicCheckingwhenplacingobjectsonthebuild

tray,ObjetStudioautomaticallychecksifthereisaproblemwiththe

positioningofobjectsonthetraybeforesendingittotheprinter.Youcan

alsomanuallycheckforproblemsafterpositioningobjects(see“Tray

Validation”onpage 23).

Icon Menu Option Result

Tools>Grid Displaysagridoverallbuildtrayviews.

Tools>Snaptogrid Whenmovingtheobject,italignswiththe

nearestgridline.

Enablesyoutochangethegridorigin

(X‐andY‐axismeetingpoint)byclicking

onthebuildtray.

Cancelsthechangesmadetothegrid

originandrestoresthedefaultgrid.

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Thedialogboxdisplaysthecurrentgridsettings.

2. Asrequired,makechangestothesettings,andselectorclearthecheck

boxes.

3. ClickApplyorOK.

Changing an

Object’s

Orientation

Thereareseveralmethodsforchangingtheorientationofobjectsonthe

buildtray.

To rotate an object:

¾SelecttheobjectandusetheRotateiconorObjectmenuoptions(see

“RepositioningObjects”onpage 5‐12).

To select an object’s plane and re-align it with one of six basic directions:

•FromthePlaneAlignmenttoolbar:

1. ClicktheSelectPlaneicon.

2. Clickaplaneonanobjectdisplayedonthebuildtray.

3. Clicktheappropriatealignicon—

•FromtheToolsmenu:

1. SelectPlane Alignment > Select Plane.

2. Clickaplaneonanobjectdisplayedonthebuildtray.

3. SelectPlane Alignment > Align Bottom/Top/Front/Back/Left/Right(as

appropriate).

Note: When you are finished re-aligning the plane of objects on the build

tray, release the Select Plane icon or clear “Select Plane” from the

Tools > Plane Alignment menu.

To flip an object 180 degrees on any axis:

1. Selecttheobject.

2. FromtheObjectmenu,selectFlip > Flip X / Flip Y / Flip Z.

To make precise changes to the object’s orientation on any axis:

1. Selecttheobject.

2. DisplaytheTransformtabortheR.Trans.taboftheobjectproperties

dialogbox(seefigure 5‐16onpage 5‐13andfigure 5‐17onpage 5‐13).

or—

FromtheObjectmenu,selectRelative Transform (seefigure 5‐18on

page 5‐13).

3. ChangetheRotatevaluesforthedesiredaxis.

AlignBottom

AlignTop

AlignFront

AlignBack

AlignLeft

AlignRight

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Freezing an

Object’s

Orientation

Ifyoumanipulateanobjectonthebuildtray,youcanfreezeitsorientation

sothatitdoesnotchangewhenyouperformAutomaticPlacement(see

“A u t o m a t i c Positioning”onpage 5‐8).

To freeze an object’s orientation:

1. Selectamodelonthebuildtray.

2. IntheOptionstaboftheobjectpropertiesdialogbox,clickAdvanced.

TheAdvancedPropertiesdialogboxopens.

Figure 5-20:Advanced Properties dialog box

3. SelecttheLockOrientationcheckbox.

4. ClosetheAdvancedPropertiesdialogbox.

Surface Finish Modelscanbeproducedwithamatteorglossyfinish.Tocreateamatte

finish,theprintersurroundsmodelswithathinlayerofsupportmaterial.

To choose the finish type for a model:

1. Selectthemodel.

2. IntheOptionstaboftheobjectpropertiesdialogbox,selectMatteor

Glossy.

or—

1. Right‐clickthemodelonthebuildtray.

Atthebottomofthecontextmenu,thecurrentfinishtypeisnotenabled

(thatis,youcannotselectit).

2. Tochangethefinishtype,selecttheother(enabled)option.

Youcandistinguishbetweenthefinishofobjectsonthebuildtraybytheir

color.Whentheyarenotselected,objectsaredisplayedinadifferentshade

ofgreenforeachfinish.

You can set Lock Orientation as a default property for all models placed on

the build tray. See “Default Object Properties” on page 17.

You can set the surface finish as a default property for all models placed on

the build tray. See “Default Object Properties” on page 17.

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Default Object

Properties Youcansetseveraldefaultpropertiesforobjectsplacedonthebuildtray:

•lockingofobjectorientationonthetray

Foranexplanationofthisfeature,seeFreezinganObject’sOrientation

onpage 5‐16.

•surfacefinishforprintedmodels

Foranexplanationofthisfeature,seeSurfaceFinishonpage 5‐16.

•supportstrengthusedduringprinting

Foranexplanationofthisfeature,seeChoosingtheSupportStrengthon

page 5‐26.

•“smartcast”printing

Foranexplanationofthisfeature,see“Smartcast”—FillingModelswith

SupportMaterialonpage 5‐27.

To set any of these default properties:

¾FromtheFilemenu,selectDefault Properties.

Figure 5-21: Setting default properties for objects

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Display Options

FromtheViewmenu,youcanchangethewayobjectsaredisplayedonthe

screen.Thedefaultmethodfordisplayingmodelsonthebuildtrayisas

solid(“shaded”)objects.

Figure 5-22: Tray and model displayed in shaded view

Theotherdisplayoptionsarewireframeandpoints.

To display the build tray in wire frame view:

¾SelectView> WireFrameorclicktheWireFrameicon.

Figure 5-23: Tray and model displayed in Wire frame view

To revert to the shaded view:

¾SelectView > ShadedorclicktheShadedicon.

To display objects as boxes, showing their maximum dimensions

instead of the model geometry:

¾SelectView > Display Bounding Box.

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Figure 5-24: Model displayed with bounding box

To display the area around objects needed for support material (to

produce a matte finish):

¾SelectView > Display Thickening Box.



Figure 5-25: Model displayed with thickening box

Display Colors YoucancustomizesomeofthecolorsusedfordisplayingObjetStudio

screensandfordisplayingobjectsonthebuildtray.

To change the colors displayed in Objet Studio screens:

1. FromtheToolsmenu,selectDefine Colors.

2. IntheDefineColorsdialogbox,clickthecolorpatchyouwantto

change:

•TrayColor—tochangethecolorofthebuildtray

•BackgroundColor—tochangethebackgroundcolor

•SelectionColor—tochangethecolorofobjectsthatareselected

Figure 5-26:Define Colors dialog box

3. IntheColorsdialogbox,selectacolor,orclickDefine Custom Colorsto

createyourowncolorandshadefordisplayingthisitem.

4. ClickOK.

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To set the color indication of objects displayed on the build tray:

1. IntheDefineColorsdialogbox,selectoneoftheoptions.

•Showcoloraccordingtomaterial.

•Showcoloraccordingtobuildingstyle.

2. ClickOK.

Note: This selection has the same effect as toggling the object-color-

display switch.

Figure 5-27:Object-color-display switch

Displaying

Large Files Verylargestlfilescanbeslowtodisplayandmaybedifficulttomanipulate

easilyonthebuildtray.Ifthisisthecase,youcandisplayjustanimageof

theobjectonthebuildtraywithoutloadingtheentirefile.Thestlfileitself

isnotchanged,andthecompletefileissenttotheprinter.

To display an image of stl files when you place objects on the build tray:

1. FromtheToolsmenu,selectOptions,anddisplaytheSettingstab.

Figure 5-28:Options dialog box, Settings tab

2. IntheLargeFilessection,selectLoad Partial.(Load Fullisthedefault

setting.)

Before sending a build tray to the printer, or when you perform tray

validation, Objet Studio checks if there is a problem with the stl files or the

positioning of objects on the tray. If so, the affected objects are displayed

with special colors (see “Tray Validation” on page 5-23).

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Tray Viewing

Options TheObjetStudiotoolbarscontainseveraliconsforchangingthe

appearanceofthedisplayscreen,enablingyoutoviewthetrayandobjects

indifferentmagnificationsandfromvariousperspectives.

Note: You must display the relevant toolbar(s) to access many of the icons

described below (see “Toolbars” on page 5-2).

Icon Tool Tip Name Purpose

ZoomFull Revertstonormalviewafterusingvarious

zoomoptions.(Thesameas.)

ZoomObjectFillstheviewingpanewiththeselected

object(s).

ZoomWorkArea Revertstonormalviewafterusingvarious

zoomoptions.(Thesameas.)

AllWindows Ifenabled,andaffectallviewing

panes.

Perspective/Parallel Whenselected,thetrayisdisplayedwithdepth

perspective—closerobjectsappearbigger.

Whennotselected,thetrayisdisplayedintwo

dimensions—identicalobjectsappearthesame

size,regardlessoftheirpositiononthescreen.

ZoomByRectangle Fillstheactiveviewingpanewithanareaofthe

buildtrayafteryouselectitwiththemouse.

ZoomDynamic Continuouslyzoomsin/outofthepointat

whichyouclickandholddowntheleftmouse

button,whenyoumovethecursorupand

down.

PanByLine Movesthebuildtrayintheviewingpane

accordingtothelineyouextendonthescreen

withtheleftmousebutton.

PanDynamic Movesthebuildtrayintheviewingpaneas

youmovethecursoronthescreenwhile

holdingdowntheleftmousebutton.

WalkDynamic Zoomsandmovesthebuildtrayasyouhold

downtheleftmousebuttonandmovethe

cursoronthescreen.

StudyDynamic Enablesyoutoinspectthebuildtrayfrom

everyangleandperspective.Asyouhold

downtheleftmousebuttonandmovethe

cursoronthescreen,theviewofthebuildtray

changes.

SpinMode Whenusedwith,and,themovement

ofthebuildtraycontinuesafteryoureleasethe

mousebutton.Tostopthemovement,clickin

theactiveviewpaneorclickoneoftheseicons.

ZoomIn Eachmouseclickzoomsonesteptothecenter

oftheactiveviewingpane.

ZoomOut Eachmouseclickzooms‐outonestepfromthe

centeroftheactiveviewingpane.

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PanLeft Eachmouseclickmovesthebuildtraytothe

leftintheviewingpanebyonestep.

PanRight Eachmouseclickmovesthebuildtraytothe

rightintheactiveviewingpanebyonestep.

PanUp Eachmouseclickmovesthebuildtrayupin

theactiveviewingpanebyonestep.

PanDown Eachmouseclickmovesthebuildtraydownin

theactiveviewingpanebyonestep.

AdvanceForward Thesameas.Eachmouseclickzoomsinto

thetraydisplayedintheactiveviewingpane.

AdvanceBackward Thesameas.Eachmouseclickzoomsout

ofthetraydisplayedintheactiveviewing

pane.

RotateLeft Eachmouseclickrotatesthebuildtraytothe

leftintheactiveviewingpanebyonestep.

RotateRight Eachmouseclickrotatesthebuildtraytothe

rightintheactiveviewingpanebyonestep.

RotateUp Eachmouseclickrotatesthebuildtrayupin

theactiveviewingpanebyonestep.

RotateDown Eachmouseclickrotatesthebuildtraydownin

theactiveviewingpanebyonestep.

Camera Displaysavirtualcameraanditsviewingangle

ofthetray.

Icon Tool Tip Name Purpose

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Handling Completed Trays

Afteryouhaveproperlyplacedallobjectsonthebuildtray,yousavethe

trayasanobjtffile,whichissenttothe3‐Dprinterforproduction.But

beforesavingthetray,youcancheckthattherewouldbenoproblem

producingit.Youcanalsocalculatehowmuchmaterialwouldbe

consumedduringproductionandhowmuchtimethiswouldtake.

Tray Validation BeforesendingajobtotheAlarisprinterforproduction,youshouldcheck

thatthetrayis“valid”andcanbeprinted.

To validate that the tray can be printed:

¾FromtheToolsmenu,selectTray Validation.

or—

¾Click.

Ifthetrayisnotvalid,thecoloroftheproblematicmodelsonthetray

changesaccordingtoapre‐setcolorcode.Ifawarningmessageappears,

clickOKtocloseit.

Figure 5-29: Tray validation warning

To view the color code for objects displayed:

¾FromtheToolsmenu,selectConstraints Settings.

Figure 5-30: Constraints Settings dialog box, showing object color codes

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Production

Estimates ObjetStudioenablesyoutocalculatethetimeandmaterialresources

neededforproducingtraysbeforesendingthemtotheAlarisprinter.The

timeittakesObjetStudiotomakethiscalculationdependsonthenumber

ofobjectsonthetrayandtheircomplexity.Calculatingtheproduction

estimateforafulltraycouldtakeupto15minutes,dependingonyour

computer’sspecifications.Theresultsdisplayedareaccuratewithin10

percentoftheactualresourcesneeded.

To calculate the time and materials needed for producing the current

tray:

¾FromtheToolsmenu,selectEstimate Consumptions.

or—

¾Click.

WhenObjetStudiofinishescalculatingtheproductionresources,the

resultsaredisplayedatthebottomofthescreen.

Figure 5-31: Production resource calculation

Saving the

Tray File Traysaresavedasobjtffiles.Youcansaveatraybeforeitisreadyfor

production,andopenitatanothertimetocontinuepreparingit.Whenyou

sendthetraytotheAlarisprinter,itisfirstsaved.Ifthetraywaspreviously

saved,itsobjtffileisoverwrittenatthistime.

To save the tray file:

¾FromtheFilemenu,selectSave TrayorSave Tray As.

or—

¾Click.

Printing the

Tray File Whenatrayisreadytobeprinted,itissenttoJobManager,whereitis

placedintheprintqueue.Whenthejobreachestheheadofthequeue,Job

Managerpre‐processesthetrayfiletocreateslices,andfeedsthemtothe

3‐Dprinter.

To send the tray to the print queue:

¾FromtheFilemenu,selectBuild Tray.

or—

¾Click.

Ifthebuild‐trayfilehasnotbeensaved,theSaveAsdialogboxopensfor

youtosaveitnow.

ObjetStudiochecksifthereisaproblemwiththepositioningofobjects

onthetray.Ifso,theaffectedobjectsaredisplayedwithspecialcolors

(seefigure5‐30onpage 5‐23),andthefollowingwarningmessage

appears.

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Figure 5-32: Tray validation warning

TocanceltheBuildcommandsoyoucancorrecttheproblem,click

No.

Toprintthemodelsastheyarepositionedonthetray,clickYes.

Figure 5-33: Constraints Settings dialog box, with color codes for problematic

model positioning

The tray file is sent to Job Manager. Objet Studio closes and Job Manager

opens, so you can monitor the progress of your trays—before, during, and

after printing.

To return to Objet Studio from Job Manager, click New Job .

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Additional Objet Studio Features

Dividing

Objects YoucanusetheSplitObjectfeaturetoproduceobjectslargerthanthebuild

traybydividingthemodelintoseparateparts.Withthisfeature,you

produceonlyaspecificsectionofamodel.

To split an object:

1. Selecttheobject.

2. FromtheObjectmenu,selectSplit.

3. IntheSplitObjectdialogbox,enterthevaluestodeterminehowObjet

Studiowilldividetheobject.Youcandivideanobjectalonganyofits

axes,byenteringeitherexactmeasurementsorthenumberofparts.

Figure 5-34:Split Object dialog box

4. InSavetoFolder,enterthefoldername.

5. ClickOK.

Thecompositepartsaresavedasnewstlfileswith“Part1,”“Part2,”

etc.,addedtotheoriginalfilename.

Note: Before printing the newly created stl files, it is recommended that you

check them for defects in an STL-repair application, such as Magics,

by Materialise.

Choosing the

Support

Strength

Whenproducingmodels,supportmaterialfillssomehollowandempty

sections(see“ModelOrientation”onpage 5‐10).ObjetStudioallowsyouto

adjustthestrengthofthestructureformedwiththesupportmaterial.This

adjustmentisusefulwhenproducingeitherlarge/massivemodelsorsmall/

delicatemodels.Formostpurposes,thedefaultsettingprovidesadequate

supportstrength.

To change the strength of the support structure used when printing a

model:

1. Selectamodelonthebuildtray.

2. IntheOptionstaboftheobjectpropertiesdialogbox,clickAdvanced.

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TheAdvancedPropertiesdialogboxopens.

Figure 5-35:Advanced Properties dialog box—Grid Style selection

3. IntheGridStylesection,choosethesupportstrengthsuitableforthe

selectedmodel:

•Heavy—forlargemodelsneedingmuchsupport.

•Lite—fordelicatemodelsneedinglittlesupport.

•Default—formodelsneedingaveragesupport(mostmodels).

Note: You can select a different support strength for each model on the

build tray.

4. ClickApply.

“Smartcast”—

Filling Models

with Support

Material

Manyobjectsplacedonthebuildtrayfromstlfilesare“solid.”Thismeans

that,whenprinted,themodelwillbecompletelyfilledwithmodel

material.Often,especiallywithlargeobjects,thisisunnecessary.Instead,

themodelcanbefilledwithsupportmaterial,whichislesscostly.Itisalso

advisabletofillmodelswithsupportmaterialwhenpreparingthemfor

investmentcasting,sincethismaterialburnsoffmorequicklyduringthe

processofmakingthecast.

ObjetStudioenablesyoutoprintobjectsonthebuildtraywithanouter

shellofmodelmaterialandacenterfilledwithsupportmaterial.This

featureofObjetStudioiscalled“Smartcast/Hollow.”Youcansetthe

thicknessoftheshell—between0.015and3.825millimeters.

To use the Smartcast/Hollow feature:

1. Selectamodelonthebuildtray.

2. IntheOptionstaboftheobjectpropertiesdialogbox,clickAdvanced.

TheAdvancedPropertiesdialogboxopens(seefigure 5‐35).

3. SelecttheSmartcast/Hollowcheckbox.

4. Settheshellthickness,inmillimeters.

5. ClickApply.

Note: There is no change in the display of objects in Objet Studio when the

Smartcast/Hollow feature is used.

The Lock Orientation and Smartcast/Hollow options are not connected to

the Grid Style selection. Lock Orientation is described in “Freezing an

Object’s Orientation” on page 5-16. Smartcast/Hollow is described below.

You can set the support strength as a default property for all models placed

on the build tray. See “Default Object Properties” on page 17.

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To inspect, change or cancel the Smartcast/Hollow setting:

1. Selectamodelonthebuildtray.

2. AccesstheAdvancedPropertiesdialogbox,asabove.

3. IfyouchangeorcanceltheSmartcast/Hollowsetting,clickApply.

Displaying the

Cross Section

of Objects

TheSectionfeatureenablesyoutoviewtheinteriorofanobjectby“slicing”

itonanyaxis.Youcanthenmanipulatetheobjecttoinspecttheinterior

fromdifferentangles.Thismaybeimportantfordecidingonthetypeof

supportnecessarywhenproducingthemodel(see“ChoosingtheSupport

Strength”onpage 5‐26).Displayinganobject’scrosssectiononlyaffects

howthetrayisdisplayedonthescreen;itdoesnotchangetheobjectitself.

To display a cross section of the tray:

1. FromtheToolsmenu,selectSection.

or—

Clickonthetoolbar.

TheSectiondialogboxopens.

Figure 5-36:Section dialog box

2. SelecttheEnableClickingcheckbox.

3. UsetheslidercontrolsfortheX‐,Y‐,andZ‐axestocutthetraysothat

youseethecrosssectionyouwant.

You can set Smartcast/Hollow as a default property for all models placed on

the build tray. See “Default Object Properties” on page 17.

Figure 5-37: Whole view Figure 5-38: Cross-section view, after

using the Z-slider

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Printing the

Screen Display

on Paper

Youcanprinttheviewdisplayedintheactivepaneonaregular(paper)

printer.Beforeprinting,youcanconfigurehowthetraywillbeprintedon

thepage,andyoucandisplayascreenpreviewoftheprintedpage.

To access the paper printing controls:

¾FromtheFilemenu,select—

Page Setup…

Page Preview…

Print

YoucanalsoprintapapercopyofthetraybyusingthestandardWindows

keyboardshortcutforprinting:Ctrl+P.

Saving the

Screen Display

as an

Image File

Youcansavetheimagedisplayedintheactiveviewingscreenasagraphic

file.

To save the screen display as an image:

1. FromtheFilemenu,selectSave Bitmap…

TheSaveBitmapdialogboxopens.

Figure 5-39:Save Bitmap dialog box

2. Atthetopofthedialogbox,selecttheappropriatefolder.

3. Atthebottomofthedialogbox,enterafilename.

4. OpentheSaveastypepull‐downmenu,andselectthefileformat.

5. ClickSave.

Exporting and

Importing

Objet Build

Trays

WhenyousavebuildtraysinObjetStudio,theyaresavedasobjtffiles.

ThesefilescontaininstructionstoObjetStudioandtoAlarisprintersfor

displayingandproducingthestlfilesusedonthetray.Toconveniently

saveallofthefilesthatcomprisethebuildtray,forstoringthejob,orfor

transferringittoanotherlocation,ObjetStudiocompressesthemintoone

objzffile.Tolaterusetheobjzffile,thefilemustfirstbeexpandedinObjet

Studioanditscomponentfilessaved.

To create an objzf file:

1. FromtheFilemenu,selectExport Packed Job…

TheSaveAsdialogboxopens.

2. Selecttheappropriatefolderandchangethefilename(ifnecessary).

3. ClickSave.

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To open an objzf file:

1. FromtheFilemenu,selectImport Packed Job…

2. IntheOpendialogbox,displaytheappropriatefolderandselectthe

file.

3. IntheBrowseforFolderdialogbox,displaythefolderinwhichyou

wantObjetStudiotoexpandthecompressedfile,andclickOK.

Theobjtffileandassociatedstlfilesareexpandedandplacedinthe

selectedfolder,andthetrayisdisplayedinObjetStudio.

Advanced-Mode Features

TheObjetStudiofeaturesdescribedinthissectionareonlyaccessibleifthe

applicationissettoAdvancedmode.

To see the current Objet Studio setting:

¾OpentheToolsmenu.

Figure 5-40: Tools menu, showing Advanced mode selected

IfAdvancedischecked,theadvancedfeaturesareenabled.

To change the Advanced setting:

1. ClickAdvancedintheToolsmenu.

Thefollowingmessageisdisplayed,remindingyouthatthechange

willonlytakeeffectthenexttimeyouopenObjetStudio—eventhough

thecheckmarkintheToolsmenuappears/disappearsafteryoumake

thechange.

Figure 5-41: Configuration-change message

2. Closeandre‐openObjetStudiotoaccesstheAdvancedmodefeatures.

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Save Tray As… Inadditiontosavingthetrayasanobjtffile,forproducingitwithanAlaris

3‐Dprinter,youcansaveagroupofobjectspositionedonthetrayasanstl

file.Youcanthenusethisfileasanyotherstlfile,bothinObjetStudioand

inotherapplications.Youcanalsodisplaythisandotherstlfilesas

“floating”objects,withoutthebuildtray.Thisisusefulforinspecting

objectsfromeveryangle.

To save the build tray as an stl object:

1. FromtheFilemenu,selectSave Tray As…

Figure 5-42:Save As dialog box

2. Atthetopofthedialogbox,selecttheappropriatefolder.

3. Atthebottomofthedialogbox,enterafilename.

4. OpentheSaveastypepull‐downmenu,andselectSTL Files (*.stl).

5. ClickSave.

To display stl files without the build tray:

1. FromtheFilemenu,selectOpen Tray.

2. IntheOpendialogbox,opentheFilesoftypepull‐downmenu,and

selectSTL Files (*.stl).

3. ClickOpen.

Athree‐dimensionalimageofthefileisdisplayed.Youcanusemanyof

theObjetStudiotoolstomanipulatetheimageonthescreen.

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Configuring

the GL Driver TheOpenGLdriverdisplays3‐Dgraphicsonyourscreen.Thereis

normallynoreasontoadjustitssettings.Ifyoususpectaproblemwiththe

wayObjetStudiodisplaysobjects,youcanusetheOpenGLDriver

Configurationtooltocheckandconfigurethedriversettings.

To access the OpenGL Driver Configuration dialog box:

1. FromtheToolsmenu,selectOptions.

2. IntheOptionsdialogbox,displaytheAdvancedtabandclickOpenGL

Driver Configuration…

Figure 5-43:Accessing GL-driver configuration

Note: If the Advanced tab is not displayed, activate the Advanced option in

the Tools menu and re-open Objet Studio.

ThedialogboxthatopenscontainstabsthatdisplaythepixelformatID

(index)forthewindowandthememory.

Figure 5-44:OpenGL Driver Configuration dialog box

Youcandisplaythevaluesandmakechangestothembyclicking.

Alternately,youcanselectChoose Formatandchangethevaluesinthis

dialogbox.

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To perform a test of the driver configuration and enter the suggested

pixel format ID:

1. SelectChoose Format.

2. ClickTest.

ObjetStudioreturnstherecommendedpixelformatID.

Figure 5-45:Recommended pixel format ID

3. ClickOK.

4. IntheOpenGLDriverConfigurationdialogbox(figure 5‐44),select

Pixel Format IDandenterthisnumber.

5. ClickApply.

6. Displaytheotherpixelformattab,andrepeatthisprocedure.

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Using Job Manager

ClientJobManager.............................................................................. 2

JobManagerScreen .............................................................................. 3

JobManagerOperations ...................................................................... 4

ConfiguringUserAlerts....................................................................... 5

ServerJobManager............................................................................. 7

JobManagerScreen .............................................................................. 8

JobManagerOperations ...................................................................... 9

MakingchangestoaJob .................................................................... 10

UserAlerts............................................................................................ 11

SendingtheTraytothe3‐DprinterforProduction....................... 12

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TheJobManagerapplicationisdifferentforclientworkstationsandforthe

computerconnecteddirectlytothe3‐Dprinter.

•JobManagerinstalledonclientcomputersdisplaysthequeueand

statusonlyforjobssenttothe3‐Dprinterserverfromthatcomputer,

andallowstheusertoeditonlythesejobs.

•JobManagerinstalledonthecomputerdirectlyconnectedtoaspecific

3‐Dprinterdisplaysthequeueandstatusforalljobssenttothat3‐D

printerbyclientcomputersonthenetwork.Italsoallowseditingand

manipulationofalljobs,andenablesre‐sendingpreviously‐printed

jobstotheprinter.

Client Job Manager

WhenyouopentheclientObjetStudio/JobManagersoftwareforthefirst

time,adialogboxopenspromptingyoutoconnecttoanObjetserver

computer.Todothis,theservercomputermustbeoperatingandconnected

tothelocalnetwork.

¾ClickBrowsetofindandselectthenameoftherequiredserver

computerandthenclickOKtoclosethedialogbox.

Figure 6-1: Server connection dialog box

To change the server-computer connection (to connect to another

printer):

¾FromtheJobManagerscreen,clicktheConnecticononthetoolbar,

oropenthe3‐DPrintermenuandselectSet Printer.

If there are several Alaris printers on the local network, client computers can

connect to any of them, but only one at a time.

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Job Manager

Screen Onaclientcomputer,JobManagerdisplaysthequeueofjobssentbythat

computertotheprinterserver.

Figure 6-2: Client Job Manager screen

Informationforeachofthequeuedjobsisdisplayed,includingthejob

status:

Print Queue

Print History

Status Meaning

Waiting Printingofthisjobhasnotstarted.

Building Printingofthisjobisinprogress.

Paused Printingofthisjobbegan,butwasinterruptedbythe

administratorbeforebeingcompleted.

Stopped Printingofthisjobwasterminatedbytheadministrator,

andwasputintheprintqueueagain.

Error Errorsoccurredduringtheprintingofthisjob,anditwas

placedintheprintqueueagain.

Editing ThisjobisnowbeingeditedinObjetStudio.

Previewing Theoperatorattheservercomputerisinspectingthe

model’sslices.

Spooling Thejobfileisbeingspooledintheprinter.

Preprocessing The3‐Dprinterisreadyingitselfforprinting:thecover

locks,printheadswarmupandareputinstarting

position,UVlampsareturnedon,build‐traylevelis

adjusted.

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Job Manager

Operations Evenaftersendingabuildtraytothe3‐Dprinter,youcaninspectthetray—

andmakechangestoit,ifnecessary—aslongasitisstillintheprintqueue.

To inspect the build tray:

1. Selectthejob.

2. ClicktheEditJobiconoropentheJobmenuandselectEdit.

ObjetStudioopens,displayingthebuildtray.Tomakechangestoit,see

“MakingchangestoaJob”onpage 6‐10.

ThefollowingoperationsareavailablefromtheclientJobManager

interface:

The3‐DprinterStatusscreenenablesclientstomonitortheprogressof

printingjobs.Todisplaythescreen,clicktheMachineStatusicon.

Icon Menu Option Purpose

3‐DPrinter>

NewJob LaunchesObjetStudio;topreparenewtrays.

3‐DPrinter>

SetPrinter Displaysanetwork‐browsingdialogbox,to

connecttoanObjetservercomputer.Tospecify

acomputer,itmustbeoperatingand

connectedtothelocalnetwork.

—— Displaysthestatusofthe3‐Dprinter(see

figure 6‐3).

3‐DPrinter>Report Displaysoptionsforusermessagesandalerts

(paperprinter,e‐mail,SMS—see“Configuring

UserAlerts”onpage 6‐5).

Job>Delete... Removestheselectedjobfromthequeue.

Job>View… Opensawindowdisplayingtheselectedtray.

Inthiswindow,youcanviewthetrayfrom

differentangles.

Job>Properties Opensawindowdisplayingthepropertiesof

theselectedmodel.

Job>Edit LaunchesObjetStudioandloadsthecurrent

tray,toenablemakingchangestothetrayafter

itissenttotheserverbutbeforeitisprinted.

Help>About... DisplaystheJobManagerversion.

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Figure 6-3: Printer status screen

Configuring

User Alerts JobManagercanalertyouandotherstothestatusofthejobssenttothe

serverforprinting.Thefollowingeventscanbereported:

•Thelevelofmodelorsupportmaterialislow.

•Thejobwasinterrupted.

•Thejobwascompletedsuccessfully.

Tosende‐mailandSMSmessages,makesurethate‐mailsoftware

supportingMAPIisinstalledontheprinter’sservercomputer.TosendSMS

messages,thecellularphoneservicemustsupportthetransmissionofe‐

mailmessagesbySMS.WithSMSalerts,onlythesubjectlineofthee‐mail

messageistransmitted.

Note: In the e-mail program, make sure the security settings are set to

“low” and add the server Job Manager to the “trusted” list (select

Tools > Options, Security tab).

To configure Job Manager to send notifications and alerts for your jobs:

1. ClickorselectNotificationsfromthe3‐DPrintermenu.

TheNotificationsdialogboxopens.

Figure 6-4: User alerts settings

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2. Fore‐mailandSMSalerts,clickAdd Recipientintherespective

sections.

3. TochoosetheeventsreportedtoyoubyJobManager,clickDetailsin

therelevantsections.

Figure 6-5: Event selection for alerts

4. SelectthedesiredeventsforsendingalertsandclickOK.

The parameters for “Low level of material” alerts are set on the printer’s

server computer.

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Server Job Manager

WhenyouopentheserverObjetStudio/JobManagerprogramforthefirst

time,oriftheprogramisnotconnectedtoanObjet3‐Dprinter,youare

promptedtoconnecttoaprinter.IfyouclickYesinthedialogbox,the

SettingNetworkConnectiondialogboxopens(seefigure 6‐6).

Youcanswitchtheserverconnectiontoanotherprinteratanytime.

To set (or change) the printer connection:

1. Fromthe3DPrintermenu,selectSet Printer.

2. IntheSetPrinterdialogbox,clickConnect...

Figure 6-6: Printer connection dialog box

3. Typethenameofthecomputerinsidetheprinter,orclickBrowseto

findandselectit.ClickOKtoclosethedialogbox.

To connect to a printer, the printer must be on and connected to the local

network.

DRAFT 4 - July 11, 2010

Using Job Manager

6–8

DOC-24000 Rev. A

Job Manager

Screen Onaservercomputer,JobManagerdisplaysthequeueofjobssenttoitby

allclientcomputers.Inaddition,itlistsdetailsofthelast15jobssenttothe

printer,andinformationaboutthejobcurrentlybeingprinted.

Figure 6-7: Server Job Manager screen

PrintQueue

Informationforeachofthequeuedjobsisdisplayed,includingthejob

status:

Print Queue

Print History

Current Job

Info

Status Meaning

Waiting Printingofthisjobhasnotstarted.

Building Printingofthisjobisinprogress.

Paused Printingofthisjobbegan,butwasinterruptedbythe

administratorbeforebeingcompleted.

Stopped Printingofthisjobwaspreviouslyterminatedbythe

administrator,andlaterputintheprintqueueagain.

Error Errorspreviouslyoccurredduringtheprintingofthisjob,

anditwasplacedintheprintqueueagain.

Editing Thisjobisnowbeingedited(withObjetStudio)onthe

Alarisservercomputer.

Previewing Theslicesofthisjobarebeingdisplayedinaseparate

window.

(Todisplaythejobtray,opentheJobmenuandselect

Preview Slices.)

Spooling ThejobfileisbeingspooledintheAlarisprinter.

Preprocessing TheAlarisprinterisreadyingitselfforprinting:thecover

locks,printheadswarmupandareputinstartingposition,

theUVlampisturnedon,build‐traylevelisadjusted.

DRAFT 4 - July 11, 2010

DOC-24000 Rev. A 6–9

Alaris30 User Guide

JobHistory

TheHistorysectionoftheJobManagerscreenlistsdetailsofthelast15jobs

sentforprinting,showingthejob’sfinalstatus.Ajobcanbereturnedfrom

theHistorysectiontotheprintqueueinordertoprintthetrayagain.

To move a job from History to the print queue:

1. SelectthejobintheHistorysection.

2. ClicktheResumeicon.

ThejobmovesfromtheHistorysectiontotheendoftheprintqueue.

Note: Alternatively, you can drag the job fromtheHistorysectiontothe

printqueue.

Job Manager

Operations Thefollowingtablesummarizesthemainoperationsavailablefromthe

serverJobManagerinterface.Manyoftheiconsareactiveonlyifajobis

selected.

To manipulate jobs in other ways, see “Job Manager Operations,” below.

Icon Menu Option Purpose

3‐DPrinter>

NewJob LaunchesObjetStudioforpreparingnewtrays.

3‐DPrinter>

SetPrinter Displaysanetwork‐browsingdialogbox,to

connecttoanObjetservercomputer.Tospecify

acomputer,itmustbeoperatingand

connectedtothelocalnetwork.

3‐DPrinter>

AddJob... Enablesyoutoloadpreviously‐savedjobs(objtf

files).

3‐DPrinter>Report Displaysoptionsforusermessagesandalerts

(paperprinter,e‐mail,SMS—see“Configuring

UserAlerts”onpage 6‐5).

——— Movestheselectedjobtotheheadoftheprint

queue.

——— Movesuptheselectedjobbyonestepinthe

printqueue.

Note:Itisrecommendedthatyougroup

togetherjobstobeprintedwiththesametype

ofmodelmaterial.Thisway,theneedfor

changingmodelmaterialbetweenjobsis

reduced.

——— Movesdowntheselectedjobbyonestepinthe

printqueue.

——— Movestheselectedjobtotheendoftheprint

queue.

DRAFT 4 - July 11, 2010

Using Job Manager

6–10

DOC-24000 Rev. A

Making

changes to a

Job

Fromthejob(“print”)queueofJobManager,youcanopenjobstomake

changestothembeforeprinting.

To make changes to a job:

1. Selectthejobintheprintqueue.

2. ClicktheEditJobiconoropentheJobmenuandselectEdit.

ObjetStudioopens,displayingthebuildtray.(Thestatusofthejobin

JobManagerchangesfrom“Waiting”to“Editing.”)

3. MakechangestothebuildtrayinObjetStudio(seechapter 5,“Using

ObjetStudio”).

4. InObjetStudio,savethechangesbyselectingFile > Save Tray(orby

pressingCtrl+S).

5. CloseObjetStudio.

ThestatusofthejobinJobManagerchangesbackto“Waiting.”

Job>RestartJob Forastoppedjobintheprintqueue:Starts

printingtheselectedjobfromthebeginning.

ForaselectedjobintheHistorysection:Moves

thejobtotheprintqueueandchangesitsstatus

toWaiting.

Job>Stop... Instructsthe3‐Dprintertostopprintingafter

curingthecurrentlyprintedslice.(Youcan

continueprintingwiththeResumeiconor

menuoption,butforshortinterruptions,use

thePauseiconormenuoption.)

Job>Pause... Instructsthe3‐Dprintertostopprintingafter

curingthecurrentlyprintedslice.(This

commanddoesnotflushtheprintingbuffer.

Therefore,useitinsteadofStopwhenyou

intendtocontinueprintingthejobshortly.)

Job>Resume Continuesprintingthecurrentjobafter

printingwasstoppedwiththeStoporPause

iconormenuoption.

Job>DeleteJob... Removestheselectedjobfromthequeue.

Job>ReviewJob… Opensawindowdisplayingtheselectedtray.

Inthiswindow,youcanviewthetrayfrom

differentangles.

Job>JobInfo… Opensawindowdisplayingthepropertiesof

theselectedmodel.

Job>EditJob… LaunchesObjetStudioandloadstheselected

tray,toenablemakingchangestoitbefore

beingprinted.(See“MakingchangestoaJob,”

below.)

Help>About... DisplaystheJobManagerversion.

Icon Menu Option Purpose

DRAFT 4 - July 11, 2010

DOC-24000 Rev. A 6–11

Alaris30 User Guide

User Alerts JobManagercanalertyouandotherstothestatusofthejobssenttothe

serverforprinting.Thisisespeciallyusefulduringlongprintingjobs,when

theoperatorisawayfromthe3‐Dprinter.Thefollowingeventscanbe

reported:

•Thelevelofmodelorsupportmaterialislow.

•Thejobwasinterrupted.

•Thejobwascompletedsuccessfully.

Fordetailsonhowtoconfigurealertmessages,see“ConfiguringUser

Alerts”onpage 6‐5.

To set parameters for “Low level of material” alerts:

1. Fromthe3‐DPrintermenu,selectMaterial Consumption….

2. Inthedialogboxthatopens,setthetimeorthematerialweight

remainingthattriggersthealertmessage.

Figure 6-8: Material alert message dialog box

ThedialogboxshownabovealsopopsupovertheJobManagerscreento

alerttheoperatorthatthereisnotenoughmaterialloadedintheprinterto

completethecurrentjob.Aslongasthisconditionexists,awarningicon

appearsinthelower‐rightcorneroftheJobManagerscreen(whenthe

statusbarisvisible).

Note: If the status bar is not visible, select it from the View menu.

DRAFT 4 - July 11, 2010

Using Job Manager

6–12

DOC-24000 Rev. A

Figure 6-9: Insufficient material warning

Whenthetimesetinthedialogboxtriggerstheremotealertmessage,the

warningiconchangescolor—fromayellowtoaredbackground.

Sending the

Tray to the 3-D

printer for

Production

Ifthereisajobintheprintqueue,itissentautomaticallytotheAlaris

printer—aslongasitison,thereisaconnectiontotheprinter,andthe

printerisonline.Chapter7describesstartingandoperatingtheAlaris

printer.

Material

warning

icon

DRAFT 4 - July 11, 2010

DOC-24000 Rev. A 7–1

Operating & Maintaining the

Alaris30 3-D Printer

StartingtheAlaris30Printer .............................................................. 2

LoadingModelandSupportCartridges.......................................... 3

ProducingModels ............................................................................... 5

PrinterInterfaceColor Key.................................................................. 7

PrintingIndicators ................................................................................ 8

ResumingProductionAfterPrintinghasStopped......................... 9

ChangingtheModelMaterial ......................................................... 10

KeepingtheAlarisPrinterinIdleMode........................................ 14

ShuttingDowntheAlarisPrinter ................................................... 15

ShutdownWizard ............................................................................... 15

MaterialFlush/FillWizard................................................................. 17

MaintainingtheAlarisPrinter ........................................................ 20

RoutineMaintenanceSchedule......................................................... 20

CleaningthePrintHeads................................................................... 21

PatternTest........................................................................................... 23

ImprovingPrintQuality .................................................................... 24

CleaningandReplacingtheWiper................................................... 24

CleaningandReplacingtheRollerWasteCollector ...................... 27

AligningthePrintHeads ................................................................... 30

ReplacingPrint Heads........................................................................ 34

CalibratingtheLoadCells ................................................................. 45

ReplacingtheOdorFilter................................................................... 47

ReplacingtheUVLamp ..................................................................... 48

ReplacingtheWasteContainer ......................................................... 53

CleaningtheExteriorPanels ............................................................. 55

Backing‐UpandRestoringPrinterSettings .................................... 56

ReInitiateWizard ................................................................................ 56

DRAFT 4 - July 11, 2010

Operating & Maintaining the Alaris30 3-D Printer

7–2

DOC-24000 Rev. A

Figure 7-1: The Alaris30 3-D Printer

Starting the Alaris30 Printer

1. Turnonthemainpowerswitch,locatedatthebackoftheAlarisprinter.

Figure 7-2: Main power cable and switch

ThemainpowerswitchturnsontheAlarisprinter,whichincludesthe

built‐inAlariscomputer.

2. Afterthecomputerboots,logintoWindowsandlaunchtheAlaris

controlapplication:

•Onthecomputerdesktop,double‐clicktheAlarisprintericon.

or—

•FromtheStartmenu,selectObjet > Desktop.

Printer cover

Printing-materials &

waste compartment

CAUTION!

•Do not attempt to operate the Alaris printer before being trained by an

Objet customer-support representative.

•Observe all safety warnings and follow the safety guidelines described

in chapter 2.

A valid HASP key is required on the printer computer for the application to

open. This key should be installed during printer installation. If the

application does not open and a HASP message appears, contact your

dealer or Objet Customer Support.

DRAFT 4 - July 11, 2010

DOC-24000 Rev. A 7–3

Alaris30 User Guide

TheAlarisprinterinterfacescreenopens(seefigure 7‐3).Allmonitoring

andcontrollingoftheAlarisprinterisdonefromthisinterface.

Figure 7-3: Alaris30 interface

Loading Model and Support Cartridges

Alarisprintersusetwocartridgesofmodelmaterialandtwocartridgesof

supportmaterial,eachweighingonekilogramwhenfull.Agraphical

representationofthecartridgesandtheircurrentweightappearsinthe

printerinterface(seefigure 7‐3).

Note: The printer-control interface displays the type and weight of the

material cartridges loaded only if the printing-materials drawer is

closed.

To load model and support cartridges:

1. OnthefrontoftheAlarisprinter(seefigure 7‐1),pushtheprinting‐

materialsdrawertoreleaseitandpullitopen.

2. Ifyouarereplacingacartridge,removetheoldonebypullingit

straightup.

3. Loadmodelandsupportcartridgesintotheirrespectivecompartments

(seefigure 7‐4).

Printer mode

Support material

cartridges

Display

toggle button

Pause button

Stop button

Model material

cartridges

Current activity

Online/offline button

Alaris installations utilize one monitor for displaying both the computer

running Objet Studio / Job Manager and the computer installed inside the

printer. Make sure that the KVM (keyboard-video-mouse) switch is in the

correct position so that the Alaris printer interface is displayed.

If you need to replace the model material currently installed with another

type, see “Changing the Model Material” on page 7-10. Otherwise, make

sure to replace the model cartridge with one containing the same type of

material.

DRAFT 4 - July 11, 2010

Operating & Maintaining the Alaris30 3-D Printer

7–4

DOC-24000 Rev. A

Figure 7-4: Printing-materials drawer

Youshouldfeelsomeresistance,asaneedlepiercesthecartridge.

4. ChecktheAlarisprinterinterfacetomakesurethatthenewcartridge

isdetectedandthatitsweightisdisplayed(seefigure 7‐3).

5. Closetheprinting‐materialsdrawer.

Tips about replacing cartridges:

•You can replace material cartridges either before or during printing. If

you do so while printing, make sure to load the new cartridge and close

the cartridge drawer within three minutes. This ensures that the print job

is not interrupted. (When the drawer is open, the cartridges are not

displayed in the printer interface.)

•You can replace partially used cartridges to avoid the need for replacing

them during printing. However, repeated removal and installation of a

cartridge can cause the material in it to leak. Therefore, it is

recommended that you re-install a used cartridge only once.

•You can load partially used cartridges, as long as they contain more

than 100 grams of material.

DRAFT 4 - July 11, 2010

DOC-24000 Rev. A 7–5

Alaris30 User Guide

Producing Models

Beforebeginningtoproducemodels,itisrecommendedthatyoucleanthe

printheads(see“CleaningthePrintHeads”onpage 7‐21).

To prepare the Alaris printer for producing models:

1. MakesurethatthebuildtrayintheAlarisprinterisemptyandclean.If

not,removeoldmaterialwiththescraper,andcleanthetray

thoroughlywithcleaningfluid.

2. Makesurethatthereissufficientmodelandsupportmaterialloaded

intheprinter,asindicatedintheAlarisprinterinterface(see

figure 7‐3).Youmaywanttoreplacethecartridgesofmodeland

supportmaterialcurrentlyloadedintheprintertoavoidtheneedfor

replacingthemduringprinting.

3. AtthebottomoftheAlarisprinterinterface,clicktheredbuttonto

switchtheprintertoonlinemode.

Thecolorofthebuttonchangesfromredtogreen(seefigure 7‐7).If

thereisajobintheJobManagerqueue,itissenttotheprinter.

CAUTION: Use protective gloves when cleaning the build tray, and be

careful of the sharp edges of the scraper blade.

Forinstallingmaterialcartridgesandreplacingemptyones,see

“LoadingModelandSupportCartridges”onpage 7‐3.

DRAFT 4 - July 11, 2010

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OntheAlarisprinterinterface,theprintermodechangesfromIdletoPre‐

print,astheprinter’scomponentspreparethemselvesforproduction:

•Theprintblockisheated.

•Ifmorethan48hourshavepassedsincethelastprintjob,theprinting

materialsintheprintheadsareflushedandreplaced,toensurequality

printing.(Thisstepadds7to14minutestothePre‐printcycle,anditis

displayedintheprinterinterface.)

Figure 7-5: ReInitiate process during the Pre-Print cycle

•TheUVlampispoweredanditwarmsup.

Whenprintingbegins,JobManagersendssevenslicestotheAlarisprinter.

ThisisthestandardbufferbetweentheJobManagerandtheprinter.As

eachsliceisprinted,theJobManagersendsanotherslicetotheprinter.

Dependingonthesizeofthemodel(s)tobeproduced,printingcantake

betweenseveralhourstoseveraldays.Aslongasthereisenoughmodel

andsupportmaterialinthesupplycartridges,printingproceeds

automaticallyuntilthejobisfinished.

TheAlarisprinterusesonemodel‐materialcartridgeandonesupport‐

materialcartridgetoproducemodels.Whenfourcartridgesareloadedin

theprinter,twoofthemarereserve,orstandby,cartridges.Bydefault,the

printerfirstusesthecartridgeswiththeleastmaterialinthem.

¾Theactivecartridgesareblueintheprinterinterface.

Whentheweightofacartridgedropsbelow100grams,theremaining

materialdisplayedintheprinterinterfaceisred.Theprinterthenalternates

thepumpingofmaterialbetweentheheavierandthealmost‐empty

cartridge.Thisisindicatedintheprinterinterfacebyanhour‐glassicon.

(SeeFigure 7‐8onpage 8.)

Whenacartridgeiscompletelyempty,atrashiconisdisplayed.

Figure 7-6: Empty cartridge indicator

Youcanmonitorprinterstatusindicatorsbyswitchingtheprinterinterface

display.Todothis,clickthedisplaytogglebuttonintheprinterinterface

screen.

During printing, the server computer must remain on and it must

communicate with the Alaris printer. Do not log-off Windows until printing is

finished.

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Figure 7-7: Alaris printer indicators

Printer

Interface

Color Key

Thebackgroundcolorsintheprinterindicatorfieldstellyouataglance

whetherornotthevalueoritemissuitableorreadyforprinting.

•Green—suitable/readyforprinting

Forexample,infigure 7‐7:

Ambient—Theambienttemperatureoftheprintingchamberis

withintheacceptablerange.

HeadsLiquid—Thelevelofmodelandsupportmaterialintheprint‐

blockreservoirisOK.

Vacuum—Thevacuumlevelinthesystemiswithintheacceptable

range.

•Red—notsuitableforprinting(orindicatesawarning)

Forexample,infigure 7‐7:

Waste—Theweightofthewastecontaineris1520grams,morethan

allowedwhenbeginningaprintjob.(See“ReplacingtheWaste

Container”onpage 7‐53.)

•Blue—notready

Forexample,infigure 7‐7:

UVlamp—TheUVlampisnoton.

Heads(°C)—Theheadshavenotreachedthetemperaturerequired

forprintingmodels(inprintingmode).

Thecolorofthematerialcartridgesdisplayedintheprinterinterface

indicateswhichcartridgesareactiveforthecurrent(ornext)printjob.

•Blue—activecartridges

•Gray—reservecartridges

Block temp.

in front of

print heads

Block temp.

behind

print heads

Display

toggle button

Temp. of

support head

Printer set to

online mode

(green)

System

vacuum level

Chamber temp.

Model/Support

material in print-

block reservoir

Temp. of

model head

Waste weight

UV lamp state

Active material

cartridges (blue)

Reserve material

cartridges (gray)

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Printing

Indicators TheprinterinterfacescreenchangeswhenyousendaprintjobfromJob

Managertotheprinter,andtheprinterisonline(seefigure 7‐8):

•ThemodechangesfromPre‐printtoPrinting.

•Thespecificactivitybeingperformedisshowninthe“currentactivity”

field.

•Currentjob‐printinginformationisdisplayed.

•Theprintingprogressbarisdisplayed.

•TheStopandPausebuttonsareenabled.

Figure 7-8: Alaris printer interface during printing

Progress bar

Stop button

Printer mode

Job information

Current Activity

Job information

Distributed

pumping

Almost empty

Pause button

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Resuming Production After Printing has Stopped

Iftheprintingprocessisinterruptedforanyreason,JobManagerstops

sendingslicestotheAlarisprinter.

To continue printing the model:

1. Switchtheprintertoonlinemodebyclickingtheredbuttonatthe

bottomoftheAlarisprinterinterface(seefigure 7‐3onpage 7‐3).

Thebuttonchangesfromredtogreen(seefigure 7‐7onpage 7‐7).

2. MakesurethatthecomputernetworkconnectingtheprinterandJob

Managerserverisactive.

3. IntheJobManagerinterface,clicktheResumeicon.

4. IntheContinuefromSlicedialogboxthatappears,confirmtheslice

number,aftercheckingtheAlarisprinterinterface.

Figure 7-9: Alaris printer interface after interrupted printing

Figure 7-10: Continue from Slice confirmation dialog box in server

(Job Manager) interface

5. If,foranyreason,thecorrectnumberdoesnotappearinthedialog

box,enterthenumberandclickOK.

Youcannotcontinueprintingthemodelif:

•ThenumberofthelastsliceprinteddoesnotappearintheAlaris

printerinterface,eveniftheservercomputerdisplaystheContinuefrom

Sliceconfirmationdialogbox.

•Therewasarelativelylonginterruptioninprinting,evenifthe“last

slice”and“continuefromslice”indicatorsarecorrect.Thepartofthe

modelalreadyprintedmaydeformorshrink,andtheremightbea

visibledifferencebetweenitandthenewlyprintedpart.Theeffectsofa

printingstoppageonamodeldependonthemodelsizeandstructure,

modelmaterialused,ambienttemperatureandthelengthofthe

stoppage.

Printer mode

Last slice

printed

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If you cannot continue printing:

1. CanceltheprintjobinJobManager.

2. Removethepartiallyprintedmodelfromthebuildtray.

3. SendthejobtotheAlarisprinteragain.

Changing the Model Material

Beforeproducingmodelsusingadifferenttypeofmodelmaterialthanis

currentlyinstalled,runtheMaterialReplacementwizardtoflushtheprint

blockandfeedtubes.

To replace the model material:

1. StarttheMaterialReplacementwizardfromtheOptionsmenu.

2. Intheopeningscreen,clickNext.

3. Iftheprintercoverisnotclosed,ascreenappearsinstructingyouto

closethecover.ConfirmthatitisclosedandclickNext.

You can stop and later resume printing from either the Alaris printer

interface or the Job Manager interface, since both applications are updated

when you use these commands. However, after clicking the Pause button in

the printer interface, you can only resume printing from the printer interface.

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4. IntheCompartmentSelectionscreen,selectthecartridge(s)youwantto

replace,andclickNext.

Figure 7-11: Compartment Selection screen

5. Fromthedrop‐downmenu,choosethematerialyouwanttoinstall,

andclickNext.

Figure 7-12: Material Selection screen

Note: This selection automatically affects the default material setting in

Objet Studio.

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6. IntheFlushingOptionsscreen,choosetheappropriatecycleforthe

modelmaterialyouwanttoinstall.

Figure 7-13: Flushing Options screen

•Economy.Duringthiscycle,whichtakesabout25minutes,the

pumppurgesthemodelmaterialfromtheprintblock,thenflushes

thesystemwiththenewmaterial.

Sincetracesofthepreviousmaterialmaybepresentinthefirst

modelsprintedwiththenewmaterial,thiscycleisusually

acceptablewhenreplacingalight‐coloredmodelmaterialwitha

darkermaterial(suchasVeroBlack™),oriftheexactcolorofthe

printedmodelsisunimportant.However,thiscycleensuresthat

modelswillhavethemechanicalpropertiesofthenewmaterial.

•High‐performance.Duringthiscycle,whichtakesabout60minutes,

thewizardcleansthefeedtubesandprintblockmorethoroughly

byflushingthesystemwithmorematerial.

Thiscycleensuresthatmodelswillhavethecolor(andthe

mechanicalproperties)ofthenewmaterial,whenreplacingadark‐

coloredmaterial(suchasVeroBlack)withalighter‐coloredmaterial.

7. ClickNext,andtakenoteofthewarningscreen.

Figure 7-14: Material Replacement warning screen

Once you start this procedure, you must complete it before you can produce

models with the Alaris printer. To perform the procedure at another time,

click Cancel. If you continue (by clicking Next) and you do not complete the

procedure, you must start the Material Replacement wizard again before

producing models.

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8. Tocontinue,clickNext.

9. Whenpromptedbythewizardscreen,removethematerialcartridges.

Selectthecheckboxtoconfirmthatyouhavedoneso,andclickNext.

Figure 7-15: Remove Cartridge confirmation screen

10. Whenprompted,loadthenewcartridge(s)andclosethedrawer.

ConfirmthisinthewizardscreenandclickNext.

Afteridentifyingthenewcartridge(s),theAlarisprinterbeginsfilling

theprintheadswiththenew

material.

Figure 7-16: Material replacement: filling heads with new material

11. Whenthefinalwizardscreenappears,makesurethatthescreen

displaysthenewly‐loadedmaterial(s).ClickDonetoclosethewizard.

Theprinter‐controlinterfaceisautomaticallyupdated,andshould

displaythenewmaterials.TheObjetStudiointerface(ontheprinter‐

serverworkstation)isalsoupdated,anddisplaysthenewmaterials.

CAUTION: Dispose of all material cartridges in accordance with all

applicable laws and regulations. If necessary, the cartridges can be

disassembled for recycling. If this is done, protect the person handling the

cartridges from direct exposure to uncured resins.

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Keeping the Alaris Printer in Idle Mode

Betweenprintingjobs,theAlaris30printercanbekeptonforuptoone

week.Iftheprinterwillnotbeusedformorethanaweek,usethe

shutdownwizardtoautomaticallyperformtheproceduresthatmustbe

donebeforeturningofftheprinter(see“ShuttingDowntheAlarisPrinter,”

below).

WhentheAlaris30printerstopsproducingmodels,theprintersoftware

automaticallyreducesthetemperatureoftheprintheadsasfollows:

Note: The printer mode is indicated in the green field on the left of the

interface (see figures 7-3, 7-7 and 7-8 on pages 3, 7 and 8).

If,afterprintingajob,youknowthattheprinterwillnotbeusedfor10

hoursormore,youcanimmediatelyturnofftheheatingoftheprintheads

byputtingtheprinterintoIdlemode.

To put the printer into Idle mode:

¾FromtheFilemenu(intheprinterinterface)clickExit.

Note: The printer remains in Idle mode until you open the Alaris printer

application and begin printing again.

Time after printing Mode Change in heating of print heads

first15minutes Standby1none

next5minutes Standby2heatingreduced(toroomtemp.)

after10hours Idle heatingstopped

When the printer is in Idle mode, do not turn it off. It can remain in this

mode—with the cover closed—for up to a week. For longer periods, shut

down the printer by running the Shutdown wizard (see below).

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Shutting Down the Alaris Printer

YouonlyneedtoshutdowntheAlarisprinterifitwillnotbeusedfora

weekormore.Otherwise,theprintercanremainon,inIdlemode.To

properlyshutdown,theprinterneedstoperformseveralprocesses.Donot

attempttoshutdowntheprinterbysimplyclosingthecomputer

interface(theprinter‐controlapplication),andneverdisconnectpowerto

theprinterbeforecompletingthiswizard.Instead,usethewizardsthat

preparetheprinterforshutdown.

•ShutdownWizard.Thiswizardclearstheprintheadsofprinting

materialsbeforeshutdown.

Usethiswizardifyouneedtoshutdowntheprintercomputer(or

disconnectthepowersuppliedtotheprinter)forlessthanoneweek,

andtocompletetheshutdownprocessafterrunningtheMaterial

Flush/FillWizard.

•MaterialFlush/FillWizard.Thiswizardreplacesprintingmaterialsin

theprintheadswithcleaningfluid.

Usethiswizardifyouneedtoshutdowntheprinterformorethanone

week.(Afterusingthiswizard,youmustrunitagainbeforeprinting

models,thistimetoreplacethecleaningfluidintheprintheadswith

printingmaterials.)TheMaterialFlush/FillWizardisdescribedon

page 7‐17.

Shutdown

Wizard Note: If you expect the printer to be shut down for more than one week, first

run the Material Flush/Fill Wizard (see page 7-17).

To run the Alaris Shutdown Wizard:

1. SelectShutdown Wizard fromtheOptionsmenu,orpressF8.

Figure 7-17: Shutdown wizard, opening dialog box

2. Intheopeningwizardscreen,clickNext.

Note: Run wizard manually is selected by default. It is recommended that

you do not change this selection, to have more control over the shutdown

process. If you select Run wizard unattended, the shutdown process may

take longer, and the wizard will automatically shut down the printer

computer.

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3. Inthenextscreen,indicatewhetherornotthetrayisemptyandclick

Next.

Figure 7-18: Tray status screen

Theshutdownprocedurebegins.

Figure 7-19: Shutdown progress screen

Theshutdownproceduremaytakeupto10minuteswhilethe

followingtasksareperformed:

a. Theprintblockreturnstoitsstartingpointonallaxes.

b. Theprintheadsareheated.

c. Theprintheadsareclearedofanyremainingmaterial.

Afterthesetasksarecompleted,thefinalwizarddialogboxappears,in

whichyouchoosewhetherornottoshutdownthecomputerinthe

Alarisprinteratthistime.

Figure 7-20: Computer Shutdown confirmation dialog box

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4. WhencompletelyshuttingdowntheAlarisprinterandturningthe

poweroff,selectYesandclickNext.

5. Aftertheprintercomputershutsdown,turnoffthemainpowerswitch

(atthebackoftheprinter)(seefigure 7‐2onpage 7‐2).

Material

Flush/Fill

Wizard

Youusethiswizardtopreparetheprinterforashutdownofmorethanone

week,andtorestoretheprintertoworkingcondition.

•Topreparetheprinterforanextendedshutdown,thewizarddrains

printingmaterialsfromtheprintheads,thenflushesthesystemwith

cleaningfluid.Thisprocesstakesabout60minutes.

Forthisprocedure,youneedtoloadfour(4)cleaning‐fluidcartridgesin

thecartridgedrawer.

•Torestoretheprintertoworkingcondition,thewizardfillsthesystem

withprintingmaterials.Thisprocesstakesabout30minutes.

Forthisprocedure,youneedtoloadtwo(2)cartridgesofmodel

materialandtwo(2)cartridgesofsupportmaterial.

To run the Material Flush/Fill Wizard:

1. SelectMaterial Flush/Fill Wizard fromtheOptionsmenu.

2. Intheopeningscreen,clickNext.

Figure 7-21: Wizard procedure selection

3. Selecttherequiredprocedure,andclickNext.

Note: Before continuing, make sure the required cartridges of material are

available for the procedure selected.

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4. Loadtherequiredcartridges,closethecartridgedrawer,andconfirm

thisinthewizardscreen.

Figure 7-22: Cartridge confirmation screen—before shutdown

Figure 7-23: Cartridge confirmation screen—before printing

5. Inthenextwizardscreen,confirmthattheprintercoverisclosed,and

clickNext.

Thewizardrunsthematerial‐flushingcycles.

Figure 7-24: Flushing cycles in progress

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6. Ifcleaning‐fluidcartridgesareloadedintheprinter,thewizard

promptsyoutoremovethem.Confirmthisinthewizardscreen,and

clickNext.

Figure 7-25: Final wizard screen

Note: After preparing the printer for an extended shutdown period with this

wizard, run the Shutdown Wizard to complete the shutdown process.

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Maintaining the Alaris Printer

Theperformanceofroutinemaintenancetasksisessentialforgetting

satisfactoryresultsfromAlaris3‐Dprinters.Performthetasksatspecified

intervalsforoptimumperformance.

Routine

Maintenance

Schedule



Frequency Task For More Information

Aftereveryprintjob Cleantheprintheads.

Cleanthebuildtrayand

thesurroundingarea.

See“CleaningthePrint

Heads”onpage 7‐21.

Weekly PerformthePatterntest. See“PatternTest”on

page 7‐23.

Weekly Cleanandinspectthe

wiper. See“Cleaningand

ReplacingtheWiper”

onpage 7‐24.

Weekly RestarttheAlarisprinter

computerandtheserver

computer.

Monthly Cleantherollerwaste

collector. See“Cleaningand

ReplacingtheRoller

WasteCollector”on

page 7‐27.

Monthly,andafter

replacingprintheads Checkthealignmentof

theprintheads. See“AligningthePrint

Heads”onpage 7‐30.

Everysixmonths Replacetherollerwaste

collector. See“Cleaningand

ReplacingtheRoller

WasteCollector”on

page 7‐27.

Every500hoursof

printing,oronceevery

sixmonths

Calibratetheloadcells. See“Calibratingthe

LoadCells”on

page 7‐45.

Every2000hoursof

printing,oronceayear

Preventivemaintenance

visitbyauthorized

serviceengineer.

ContactyourObjet

supportcenter.

Onceayear Inspecttheactivated‐

carbonodorfilter,and

replaceifnecessary.

See“Replacingthe

OdorFilter”on

page 7‐47.

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Cleaning the

Print Heads Periodicinspectionandcleaningoftheorificeplatesonthebottomofthe

printblockensuresthattheprintnozzlesarenotclogged.Awizardguides

youthroughtheprocedure,andadjustscomponentsoftheAlarisprinterto

enableyoutoperformit.TomaintainyourAlarisprinterinoptimum

condition,cleantheprintheadsaftereveryprintjob,whenyouremovethe

modelfromthebuildtray.Thisproceduretakesabout20minutes.

To clean the print heads:

1. Prepare—

•isopropanol(IPA—isopropylalcohol)orethanol(ethylalcohol)

•disposablecleaninggloves

•anObjet‐suppliedcleaningclothorequivalent

•amirror

2. StarttheHeadsCleaningwizardfromtheOptionsmenu(see

figure 7‐33onpage 7‐25).

3. Followtheinstructionsonthewizardscreens,andselectthecheck

boxestoconfirmthat:

•youhavecheckedthatthetrayisempty.

•youhaveclosedthecover.

Figure 7-26: Head cleaning procedure—wizard screen

4. ClickNext.

Theprinterpreparesforyoutocleantheprintheads.

5. Whenthefollowingscreenappears,openthecover.

Figure 7-27: Head cleaning wizard—steps 5–10

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6. Placethemirroronthebuildtray.

7. Putonthegloves.

8. Soakthecleaningclothwiththecleaningfluid.

9. Cleantheorificeplates,withaback‐and‐forthmotion(seefigure 7‐28).

Usethemirrortomakesurethatyouhaveremovedalloftheresidue

material.

Figure 7-28: Cleaning the heads

10. Whenyouhavefinishedcleaning,selecttheconfirmationcheckboxin

thewizardscreen(seefigure 7‐27)andclickNext.

11. Removethecleaningmaterialsfromtheprinterandclosethecover.

12. Selecttheconfirmationcheckboxesinthewizardscreenandclick

Next.

Thehead‐purgecyclebegins.Whenthisiscomplete,thefinalwizard

screenappears.

Figure 7-29: Head cleaning wizard—final screen

13. ClickDonetoclosethewizard.

WARNING: The print head orifice plates (bottom surface) may be hot.

Do not touch them with your bare hands, and proceed with caution.

It is recommended that you use this opportunity to also clean the roller and

the UV-lamp lens (to the right of the print heads).

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Pattern Test Thepatterntestisthebasicverificationoftheprinter’sabilitytoproduce

qualitymodels,sinceitdemonstratestheconditionofthenozzlesinthe

printheads.Makesure,therefore,thatyouperformthistestweekly,and

wheneveryoususpectaprintingproblem.

To perform the pattern test:

1. Makesurethatthebuildtrayisempty.

2. Prepareasheetofpinkpaper,approximately21×14centimetersin

size(8.5×5.5inches)—halfofthestandardA‐4orLettersize.

3. IntheAlarisprinter,tapethepinkpapertothecenterofthebuildtray.

4. PressF3,oropentheOptionsmenuandselectPattern Test.

Figure 7-30: Pattern Test confirmation

5. Inthefollowingdialogbox,clickNo.

Figure 7-31: Build tray (Z) level adjustment

TheAlarisprinterprintsaseriesoflinesonthetestpaper.

Figure 7-32: Sample Pattern Test

6. Carefullyinspectthetestpapertoseeiftherearemissinglines.

Lines printed by

model-material

print head

Lines printed by

support-material

print head

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Toomanymissinglines,especiallyiftheyareinthesamearea,

indicatesthatthequalityofprintingwhenproducingmodelswillbe

poor.Ifthisisthecase,see“ImprovingPrintQuality,”below.

Note: Acceptable model quality is subjective, and depends on the type

and scale (size) of the models produced. As a rule, however, if two

consecutive lines are missing, or if there are more than 10 lines missing in

either column, the model quality is usually unacceptable.

Improving

Print Quality Ifyoususpectthatprintqualityispoor,performthepatterntest(see

“PatternTest”).Iftheresultsarepoor,usethefollowingprocedureto

improveprintquality.

If the results of the last pattern test are poor:

1. FromtheOptionsmenu,selectExecute Purge Sequence,orpressF4.

2. Intheconfirmationdialogbox,clickYes.

Theprintheadsarepurgedofmodelandsupportmaterial,andthe

wiperremovesexcessmaterialfromthem.

3. Repeatthepurgesequence.

4. Performthepatterntest.

If the results of the pattern test are still poor:

1. Manuallycleantheprintheads(see“CleaningthePrintHeads”on

page 7‐21).

2. Performthepurgesequence.

3. Performthepatterntest.

If the results of the pattern test are still poor:

1. Carefullycleantheprintheadsagain,makingsurethereisnoresidue

leftonthem.

2. Performthepurgesequence.

3. Performthepatterntest.

If the results of the pattern test are still poor:

¾Replacefaultyprintheads(see“ReplacingPrint Heads”onpage 7‐34).

Cleaning and

Replacing the

Wiper

Arubberwiperremovesexcessmaterialfromtheprintheadsafterthe

purgesequence.Thisisdoneautomaticallybeforeeachprintjob,and

performedmanuallyduringmaintenancetasks.Youshouldcleanthe

wiperandsurroundingareaatleastonceaweek.Ifthewiperisdamaged

orworn,replaceit.

To inspect and clean the wiper:

1. Prepare—

•isopropanol(IPA—isopropylalcohol)orethanol(ethylalcohol)

•disposablecleaninggloves

•anObjet‐suppliedcleaningclothorequivalent

•asparewiper

•anM2.5Allenkey

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2. StarttheWiperCleaningwizardfromtheOptionsmenuoftheprinter

interface.

Figure 7-33: Starting the Wiper Cleaning wizard

3. Closetheprintercover,andclickNextinthewizardscreen.

4. Makesurethatthebuildtrayisempty,andclosetheprintercover.

Confirmthisinthewizardscreen.

Figure 7-34: Wiper Cleaning procedure—step 4

5. ClickNext.

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6. Whenthefollowingscreenappears,openthecover.

Figure 7-35: Wiper Cleaning wizard during steps 7–10

7. Putonthecleaninggloves.

8. Usingagenerousamountofcleaningfluidandthecleaningcloth,

removeanymaterialremainingonthewiperandthesurrounding

area.

9. Inspectthewiper.

Ifthewiperisscratched,tornorworn,orifyoucannotcleanit

completely,replaceit.Toensurethatmodelqualityisnotreducedover

time,youshouldreplacethewiperatleastonceamonth,evenifyoudo

notnoticeanywear.

a. WiththeM2.5Allenkey,loosen(butdonotremove)thescrew

securingthewiper.

Figure 7-36: Wiper and excess-material drain

b. Graspthewiperunitandremoveit.

c. Insertthenewwiper,makingsurethatitislevel,andtightenthe

securingscrew.

10. Inthewizardscreen(seefigure 7‐35),confirmthatthewiperbladeis

clean,andclickNext.

11. Makesurethatyouhaveremovedalltoolsandcleaningmaterials

fromtheprinter,andclosethecover.

Wiper

Securing

screw

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12. Selecttheconfirmationcheckboxesinthewizardscreenandclick

Next.

Figure 7-37: Wiper Cleaning procedure—final confirmation screen

13. ClickDonetoclosethewizard.

Cleaning and

Replacing the

Roller Waste

Collector

Youshouldremovetherollerwastecollectoronceamonthtocleanitand

toinspecttheconditionofthescraper.Theunitshouldbereplacedevery

sixmonths,orwhentherollerknifeiswornordamaged.

To remove the roller waste collector:

1. FromtheOptionsmenu,selectWizards>Heads Cleaning.

Thiswizardpreparestheprinterforremovingtherollerwaste

collector.

2. Whenthefollowingscreenappears,confirmthatthetrayisemptyand

thattheprintercoverisclosed,thenclickNext.

Figure 7-38: Wizard confirmation screen

Theprintblockmovestothecenterofbuildtray,andthetraylowers.

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3. Whenthefollowingscreenappears,openthecover.

Figure 7-39: Wizard screen that appears when you can begin the procedure

4. LoosenthetwosidescrewssecuringtheUVlampassembly,and

removetheassembly.

Figure 7-40: UV-lamp-assembly securing screws

5. Movetheprintblockallthewaytothefrontoftheprinter,exposing

theroller‐waste‐collectorlockingpin.

Figure 7-41: Roller-waste-collector locking pin

WARNING: The print head orifice plates (bottom surface) may be hot.

Do not touch them with your bare hands, and proceed with caution.

Securing

screws

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6. Pullthebottomofthelockingpin,andturnitcounter‐clockwise,to

raisethedrain‐tubebracketfromtherollerwastecollector.

Figure 7-42: Raising the drain-tube bracket

7. Supporttherollerwastecollectorwithyourhandunderit,andusea

3mmAllenkeytoloosenthescrews.

8. Pullouttherollerwastecollector,takingcarenottotouchordamage

thescraper.

Figure 7-43: Roller waste collector

9. Inspecttherollerwastecollector.

•Ifthescraperisdamaged,oraftersixmonthsofuse,replacethe

entireroller‐waste‐collectorunit.

Savetheusedunit.Atthenextmaintenancevisit,thecustomer‐

supportengineerwillreplacethescraper,forfutureuse.

•Ifthescraperisnotdamaged,carefullycleanthewastechannel

withisopropanolandacleaningcloth.

Topreventdamagetothescraper,wipeitfromitsmiddleoutward,

toeachside.

To install the roller waste collector:

1. Carefullyinserttheroller‐waste‐collectorunit.

2. Securetheunitevenly,byalternatelytighteningthescrews.

3. Turnthelockingpinclockwise,tolowerthedrain‐tubebracketonto

therollerwastecollector,andsecurethepininitssocket(see

figure 7‐41onpage 7‐28).

4. Movetheprintblockbacktothemiddleoftheprinter.

5. ReplacetheUVlampassemblyandsecureit.

6. Inthewizardscreen,clickCanceltoreturnthebuildtraytoitsformer

position.

Drain-tube

bracket

Roller waste

collector

Roller-waste-collector screws

Scraper

Waste channel

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Aligning the

Print Heads Youshouldcheckthealignmentoftheprintheads—

•onceamonth

•ifmodelqualityisnotacceptableevenaftercleaningtheorificeplateon

thebottomoftheprintblock(see“CleaningthePrintHeads”on

page 7‐21)

Thehead‐alignmentproceduretakesabout20minutes.

To check the alignment of the print heads:

1. Prepare—

•atransparencysheet,atleast10×16centimetersinsize(4.5 ×6.5

inches)—aboutone‐quarterofthestandardA‐4orLettersize

•anytypeofstickytape,tofastenthetransparencysheettothebuild

tray

2. StarttheHeadAlignmentwizard,fromtheAlarisOptionsmenu(see

figure 7‐33onpage 7‐25).

3. ClickNexttobegin,andclosethecover.

4. Inthewizardscreen,selectthecheckboxtoconfirmthatthecoveris

closed,andclickNext.

Figure 7-44: Door is closed confirmation screen

5. Wheninstructedtodoso,placethetransparencyonthebuildtray—

neartheleftandrearedgesofthetray,asshowninthefollowing

figure.

Figure 7-45: Positioning the transparency on the build tray

6. Makesurethatthetransparencysheetislyingflat,andtapeittothe

tray.

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7. Inthewizardscreen,selectthecheckboxtoconfirmthatthe

transparencysheetisonthebuildtray,andclickNext.

TheAlarisprinterprintstheheadalignmenttestonthetransparency.

8. Whenthefollowingscreenappears,removethetransparency.

Figure 7-46: Head Alignment wizard—steps 8–10

Thetransparencysheetisprintedwithsetsofverticallinesintworows,

eachshowingtheresultsfromadifferentprinthead.

Figure 7-47: Sample head-alignment test

•Thetoprowwasprintedbytheheadusedforapplyingmodel

materialwhenproducingmodels.

•Thebottomrowwasprintedbytheheadusedforapplyingsupport

material.

9. Useamagnifyingglassorloupetoinspectthetransparency.

Optimumheadalignmentisshownwhenthetwo#8lines,intheupper

andlowerrows,arealigned,asinfigure 7‐47.Intheexampleshown,no

changetotheheadalignmentisnecessary.Ifotherlinesinthesetare

aligned,youneedtochangethealignment—inthenextwizardscreen.

10. Inthewizardscreenshowninfigure 7‐46,selecttheTransparency

removedcheckbox,andclickNext.

Model head

Support head

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Thefirstinaseriesofalignmentscreensappears.

Figure 7-48: Head alignment screen

11. Inthehead‐alignmentscreen,selectthenumberthatindicateswhich

linesalignintheupperandlowerrows.

Note: Because the alignment of the middle lines is optimum, the number

“8” is selected, by default, in the wizard screen. This does not change the

head alignment. If you select other numbers, the wizard adjusts the head

alignment, accordingly.

12. ClickNext.

Thefollowingscreenisdisplayed.

Figure 7-49: Updating System Parameters confirmation screen

13. Continueasfollows:

•Tomakethealignmentchangesintheprinter,makesurethatYes is

selected,andclickNext.

•Torecheckthealignmenttestresultsbeforemakingthealignment

changesintheprinter,clickPrevious.

•Ifyoudonotwanttomakealignmentchangesintheprinteratthis

time,selectNoandclickNext.

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14. Inthefinalwizardscreen,choosetoeitherrepeattheheadalignment

procedureorclosethewizard.

•Ifthemostcloselyalignedverticallinesforaprintheadwereat

eitherextreme,chooseYes torunthehead‐alignmentwizardagain,

thenclickNext.

Thetransparencytestwillshowiftheheadsarenowproperly

aligned,and—ifnot—thewizardwillallowyouto“finetune”the

alignment.

•Iftheverticallinesfortheprintheadswerenotalignedateither

extreme,chooseNotoclosethewizard,thenclickNext.

Figure 7-50: Final wizard screen

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Replacing

Print Heads Theconditionoftheprintheadsdirectlyaffectsthequalityofprinted

models.Youneedtoreplaceaprintheadifoneormoreofthefollowing

symptomsoccurs:

•Therearenoticeablegroovesinthesurfaceofprintedmodels.

•Thepatterntestrevealsthatmorethanfourconsecutivenozzles—ora

totalofmorethan12nozzles—arenotfunctioning.

•Visualinspectionoftheheadrevealsthatitssurfaceisdamaged—

peelingorbubblesinthenozzlearea.

•TheAlarisinterfacedisplaysawarningormalfunctionmessage

relatingtoaprinthead—

HeadHeatertemperaturetimeout

HeadHeaterthermistoropen

HeadHeaterthermistorshort

•Testsrevealthatthematerialprintedbyaprintheadisunderweight

(thatis,notenoughmaterialisbeingoutputted).

Note: Weight tests are performed only by an authorized service engineer.

Awizardguidesyouthroughtheprocedureofreplacingaprinthead,and

adjustscomponentsoftheAlarisprintertoenableyoutoperformit.Only

replaceaprintheadwiththeaidofthewizard.Theproceduretakesabout

75minutes,andconsistsofthefollowingphases:

A. Identifyingthehead(s)needingreplacement.

Thisisusuallydonebyexaminingtheresultsofthepatterntest,after

attemptingallothermeansforimprovingprintquality(see

“ImprovingPrintQuality”onpage 7‐24).Otherwise,evidenceof

physicaldamagetotheheadsurfaceoramalfunctionmessage

indicateswhichheadneedsreplacing.

B. Preparingtheprintblockforheadreplacement.

ThisisdoneautomaticallywhenyouruntheHeadReplacement

wizard.

C. Removingthedefectiveprinthead.

D. Installinganewprinthead.

E. Performingweightcalibration.

Thewizardprintsasample.Afterweighingitonascale,youenterthe

weightinthewizarddialogbox.

F. Performingheadalignment.

Replacing print heads is expensive. Replace them only after attempting all

other means for improving print quality (see “Improving Print Quality” on

page 7-24) and after consulting with an Objet-authorized customer-support

engineer.

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To replace a print head:

1. Prepare—

•replacementprinthead(s)

•isopropanol(IPA—isopropylalcohol)orethanol(ethylalcohol)

•disposablesafetygloves(includedintheheadreplacementkit)

•anObjet‐suppliedcleaningclothorequivalent

•thescalesuppliedbyObjetforuseintheWeightTest

Note: Make sure that you have these items before running the Head

Replacement wizard.

2. StarttheHeadReplacementwizardfromtheOptionsmenuofthe

printerinterface(seefigure 7‐33onpage 7‐25).

3. Intheopeningwizardscreen,clickNexttobegin.

TheHeadReplacementConditionsscreenappears.

4. Readtheconditions,selectIAgreeandclickNext.

Preparing the

print block 5. Selecttheprinthead(s)needingreplacement,andclickNext.

Figure 7-51: Head selection screen

TheAlarisprinterheatsandemptiestheprintblock,andpreparesthe

printer.(Thisshouldtakeabout10minutes.)

Figure 7-52: Emptying Block progress screen

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Whentheprintblockiscompletelydrained,thewizardwipesthe

heads.Then,thefollowingwarningscreenappears.

Figure 7-53: Head Replacement warning screen

6. ClickNextifyouarereadytocontinue.

7. OpentheSingleHeadReplacementkit,andremovethesafetygloves

andtheinstructions.

8. Putonthesafetygloves.

9. Whenthefollowingscreenisdisplayed,opentheAlarisprintercover.

Note: The Alaris printer disconnects power to the heads for your safety.

Figure 7-54: Replace the defective head when this screen appears

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Removing the

Defective Head

SupportPrintHead

¾Ifyoudonotneedtoreplacethemodelprinthead,continuewith

“SupportPrintHead”onpage 39.

To replace the model print head, you must first remove the support print

head.

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ModelPrintHead

Installing the

New Head ModelPrintHead

Important:Removetheprotectivetapefromthesurfaceofthe

newprinthead.

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SupportPrintHead

Important:Removetheprotectivetapefromthesurfaceofthe

newprinthead.

10. IntheHead(s)Replacementscreen(seefigure 7‐54onpage 7‐36),select

thecheckboxtoconfirmthatyouhavereplacedthehead(s),andclick

Next.

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11. Confirmthattheheadsarelevelandevenbyselectingthecheckboxin

thefollowingwizardscreen,andclickNext.

Figure 7-55: Installation-check screen

12. Inthenextwizardscreen,selectthecheckboxtoconfirmthatyouhave

removedalltoolsandobjectsfromtheprinter.

Figure 7-56: Cleared-tray confirmation screen

13. Closetheprintercover.

Thewizardcontinuesbyfillingtheheads,thenheatingandpurgingthem.

Iftherearenoinstallationproblems,theweightcalibrationprocedure

begins(see“WeightCalibration”onpage 7‐43).

Ifavacuumleakageisdetected,orifthereareotherproblems,thewizard

alertsyouandinstructsyouhowtocontinue(see“InstallationProblems,”

below).

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Installation

Problems

Iftheprinterdetectsthatthereisaproblemafteryouinstallprintheads,

relevantwarningscreensappear.

•Iftheprintheadyouinstalledisnotnew—thatis,itwaspreviously

removedfromaprinter—amessageappears.

Figure 7-57: Used print head message

Tocontinuewiththeinstallationofthisprinthead,clickYes.

Toremovethisprintheadandinstallanewone,clickNo.

•Iftheprintersoftwaredoesnotsensethereplacedhead,thefollowing

warningscreenappears.

Figure 7-58: Incorrect-installation screen, showing which head(s) to re-insert

Ifthishappens:

a. Re‐inserttheprint‐headdrivercardintoitssocket.

b. Inthewizardscreen,selectthecheckboxtoconfirmthatyouhave

re‐insertedthecard,andclickNext.

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•Ifthereplacementheadwasnotfactory‐calibrated,thefollowing

warningscreenappears.

Figure 7-59: Invalid-data warning screen

Ifthishappens:

a. Removetheheadandreplaceitwithanotherone.

b. Inthewizardscreen,selectthecheckboxtoconfirmthatyouhave

installedanotherprinthead,andclickNext.

c. ContactyourauthorizedObjetCustomerSupportcenteraboutthe

unformattedhead.

•Ifthevacuumtestisnotsuccessful,thereplacementheadwasnot

sealedproperlyduringinstallation,andthefollowingwarningscreen

appears.

Figure 7-60: Vacuum Leakage warning screen

Ifthishappens:

a. ClickNext.

b. Followtheinstructionsonthewizardscreenstore‐installthehead.

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Weight Calibration Afterthesuccessfulinstallationofprintheads,thewizardbeginsthe

weighttest,inwhicheachheadprintsasample.Thistesttakes15–25

minutes.

Figure 7-61: Weight test progress screen

14. Carefullyremovethesamplesforeachhead,keepingtrackofthehead

thatprintedthem.

Figure 7-62: Samples printed on the Alaris printer build tray

15. Usingthescale,weigheachsampleandentertheweight(ingrams)for

thecorrespondingheadinthewizardscreen.

16. Closetheprintercover,thenclickNext.

Figure 7-63: Weight Test data entry screen

Support Print Head Model Print Head

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AftertheAlarisprintercalibratesitself,thelastwizardscreenappears.

Figure 7-64: Final Head Replacement screen

17. Afterreplacingprintheads,youshouldchecktheheadalignment

beforeusingtheAlarisprintertoproducemodels.

•SelectYesandclickDonetoopentheHeadAlignmentwizard(see

“AligningthePrintHeads”onpage 30).

•SelectNoandclickDonetoaligntheheadsatanothertime.

18. Inthefinalwizardscreen,clickDone.

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Calibrating the

Load Cells Loadcellsaresensorsthatmeasuretheweightoftheprintingcartridges

andthewastecontainerintheprinter.Itisimportantthatyouperiodically

checkthattheweightmeasurementsareaccurate,bothforconvenienceand

topreventunnecessarywasteofprintingmaterials.Itisrecommendedthat

youcalibratetheloadcellsonceamonth,withtheLoadCellCalibration

wizard.

To calibrate load cells:

1. StarttheLoadCellCalibrationwizard.

•FromtheOptionsmenuoftheprinterinterface(seefigure 7‐33on

page 7‐25),selectWizards > Load Cell Calibration.

2. Selectoneormoreloadcellsthatyouwanttocalibrate,andclickNext.

Figure 7-65: Load cell selection

Note: It is recommended that you routinely calibrate all of the load cells,

after 500 hours of printing or once every six months.

3. Removethecartridgeorcontainer,asinstructedbythewizard,

confirmthisinthewizardscreen,andclickNext.

Figure 7-66: Confirmation of cartridge removal

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4. Inthenextwizardscreen,observethenumbersandwaituntilthelevel

isrelativelystable—twounitsaboveorbelowtheaveragelevelshown.

Figure 7-67: Load cell calibration screen

5. SelecttheWeightisstablecheckbox,andclickNext.

Ifyouneedtocalibratemorethanoneloadcell,thenextcalibration

screenappears.Repeatsteps4and5untilalloftheloadcellsare

calibrated.

6. ClickDoneinthefinalwizardscreen.

Figure 7-68: Final wizard screen

If you removed the waste container, make sure to replace it with its metal

cover, and make sure that the drain tube is not bent. Operating the printer

without the waste-container cover results in an inaccurate measurement of

the waste weight, which will cause waste to overflow into the printer.

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Replacing the

Odor Filter TheAlaris30printerhasanactivated‐carbonfilterforremovingodorsfrom

printingmaterials.Thefiltershouldbereplacedregularly(aboutoncea

year,asnecessary)tokeepyourworkingenvironmentpleasant.Thisis

normallydoneduringtheyearlypreventive‐maintenanceservicevisit.

To replace the odor filter:

1. Locatethefilterdrawerattherearoftheprinterandpullitopen.

Figure 7-69: Rear of the Alaris30 printer

2. Removetheusedfilter.(Youcanpushitoutfromunderneaththe

drawer.)

Figure 7-70: Odor filter in drawer

3. Insertanewfilterandclosethedrawer.

Odor filter drawer

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Replacing the

UV Lamp TheUVlampusedforcuringmodelshasalong,butlimited,workinglife.

TheObjetserviceengineertestsitseffectivenessduringregular

maintenancechecks,andreplacesit,ifnecessary.If,foranyreason,you

needtoreplacetheUVlamp,followtheseinstructions:

1. MakesuretheAlarisprinterisinofflinemode.

Figure 7-71: Offline mode indicator (red)

Theonline/offlinebuttontheprinterinterfaceshouldbered.Ifnot,click

ittoswitchtheprintertoofflinemode.

2. StarttheUVLampReplacementwizard.

FromtheOptionsmenuoftheprinterinterface(seefigure 7‐33on

page 7‐25),selectWizards > UV Lamp Replacement.

3. Makesurethatthebuildtrayisempty,andconfirmthisinthewizard

screen.Then,closetheprintercoverandclickNext.

Figure 7-72: “Empty tray” confirmation screen

Theaxesmovetothe“home”position.

WARNING: Before continuing, make sure that the safety interlock in the

printer cover is not defeated, and that the lamp is not hot.

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4. DisconnecttheUVlampcableandthefancable.

Figure 7-73: Disconnecting the UV lamp assembly

5. LoosenthetwosidescrewssecuringtheUVlampassemblytothe

printer.

Figure 7-74: UV-lamp-assembly

6. Removetheassembly,andplaceitonaflatsurface.

UV-lamp connector

UV-fan connector

Securing

screws

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7. LoosenthescrewssecuringtheUVlampcoverandremovethecover.

Figure 7-75: UV-lamp-cover screws

8. LoosenthetwoscrewssecuringtheUVreflector.

Figure 7‐76:UV‐reflectorscrews

9. RemovetheUVreflectorbyraisingitslightly,thenpullingitoutofthe

housingatanangle,fromthebottom.

Figure 7-77: Removing the UV reflector from the UV assembly

Cover screws

Reflector

screws

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10. Inspectthenewlampreflector,andmakesurethatablackstripis

attachedtotheinsideofit.Ifnot,installone—onthesideofthe

reflectoropposite(notnextto)theprintblock.

Note: Extra black strips are included in the printer Start-up Kit. If

necessary, you can remove the black strip from the old reflector and install

it in the new reflector (as long as the black paint has not faded).

11. Discardtheoldreflectorandlamp.

12. InsertthenewUVlamp/reflectorunitintothehousing.

13. MakesurethattheUV‐lampcableisinplace,insidethehousing,and

thentightenthesecuringscrews.

Figure 7-78: Cable position when installing the UV lamp

14. Replacethelampcover,andtightenthesecuringscrews.

15. ReplacetheUVlampassemblyintheprinter,makingsurethatthe

cablefitsintotheslottogetherwiththesidesecuringscrew.

Figure 7-79: UV-lamp cable after replacing the assembly

16. Tightenthetwosidesecuringscrews.

17. Reconnectthepowerconnections(seefigure 7‐73).

Dispose of the used UV lamp in accordance with environmental and safety

requirements.

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18. Inthewizardscreen,confirmthatyouhavereplacedthelampandthat

theblackstripisattached,thenclickNext.

Figure 7-80: Installation confirmation screen

Thewizardoperatesthelamptotestifitisinstalledcorrectly.Ifthe

lampdoesnotlight,thewizardpromptsyoutocheckthepower

connectionsandtore‐installthelamp.

Figure 7-81: Final wizard screen

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Replacing the

Waste

Container

Thewastecontainercontainspartiallycuredpolymericmaterialproduced

duringnormaloperationandmaintenanceoftheAlarisprinter.Forsafety

andenvironmentalreasons,thismaterialiskeptinaspecialleak‐proof,

disposablecontainer.

Thecontainerhasacapacityoftwokilogramsofwastematerial—usually

enoughforseveralweeksofprinteruse.Theprintersoftwaredisplaysa

warningmessagewhenthecontainerweighs1.3kilograms,andstopsthe

printerwhenitweighs2.0kilograms.Above1.8kilograms,thesoftware

doesnotallowyoutostartaprintjobuntilyoureplacethewastecontainer.

YoucanmonitortheweightofthewastecontainerintheMaintenance

screenoftheprinterinterface.

To monitor the waste weight (and other indicators) in the Alaris printer:

¾Inthemainprinterinterfacescreen,clickthedisplaytoggletoviewthe

Alarisprinterindicators.

Figure 7-82: Alaris printer interface, showing waste weight (red background

indicates operator alert)

Thewastecontainerconsistsofasealedbaginsideacardboardbox.You

typicallydisposeoftheentirewastecontainer—includingthebox.

Therefore,youmustassembleanewboxandinsertanewwastebagbefore

youcaninstallitintheprinter.

To prepare a new waste container:

1. Assemblethecardboardbox,makingsuretopunchouttheperforated

sections.

2. Foldanewwastebag—soitfitsinthebox—andinsertthebag’sscrew‐

connectorintotheholeinthetopofthebox.

Note: Do not close the box until you connect the waste drain tube from the

printer (see below).

Display

toggle button

Waste weight

Replacement boxes, waste bags, and sealing caps are supplied in the

Alaris printer start-up kit and in the preventive-maintenance kit.

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To replace the waste container:

1. Openthematerialsdrawer.

2. Removethefireproofcoverfromthewastecontainer.

Figure 7-83: Removing the waste-container cover

3. Unscrewthecapsecuringthewastedraintube.

4. Carefullyliftoutthewastecontainertoremoveitfromtheprinter.

5. Closethefullcontainerwithasealingcap.

6. Placethenewwastecontainerinthematerialsdrawer,andattachthe

draintubetoit.

Whileattachingthecapwiththewastedraintube,holdthewastebag

stationary.

7. Closethenewwaste‐containerbox.

Figure 7-84: Waste container with drain tube attached

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8. Placethefireproofcoveroverthewastecontainer,makingsurethatthe

draintubeisfreeandnotbent.

Figure 7-85: Fireproof cover installed over the waste container

Note: Operating the printer without the waste-container cover results in an

inaccurate measurement of the waste weight, which will cause waste to

overflow into the printer.

9. Closethematerialsdrawer.

Cleaning the

Exterior Panels ThepaintedexteriorplasticpanelsofAlaris3‐Dprintershaveadurable

finish,offeringexcellentchemicalresistancetocommoncleaningagents.

However,followtherecommendationsbelowwhencleaningtheseareasof

theprinter.

AcceptableCleaningAgents

•mildsoapsolution

•commonhouseholdcleanersandwindowcleaners

•commoncommercialandindustrialdetergents,5%solutioninwater

•alcohol(ethanol,isopropanol),10%to40%solutioninwater

Wipetheexterioroftheprinter,usingasoftclothmoistenedwiththe

cleaningsolution.

UnacceptableMaterials

•industrialsolvents

•cleaningagentscontaininghydrocarbons,ketones,estersandlacquer

thinners

•spraydisinfectants

•abrasivesandagentswhichcouldwearawaythepanelfinish

Dispose of the full waste container in accordance with environmental and

safety requirements.

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Backing-Up

and Restoring

Printer

Settings

Printermodesandconfigurationsettingsarestoredinfilesontheprinter

computer.Youcanbackupthesefiles,andrestorethem,ifnecessary,using

desktopicons.

Figure 7-86: Backup and restore desktop icons

ReInitiate

Wizard OneofthewizardslistedintheOptionsmenuisReInitiate.Younormallydo

nothavetorunthiswizard.Theprocessthatthiswizardcontrolsruns

automatically,whenneeded,aspartofthePre‐printmode(beforeprinting

begins).RunthiswizardonlyifanObjetCustomerSupportengineer

instructsyoutodoso.

DRAFT 4 - July 11, 2010

DOC-24000 Rev. A 8–1

Handling Printed Models

RemovingModelsAfterPrinting...................................................... 2

RemovingtheSupportMaterial........................................................ 2

StoringModels..................................................................................... 3

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DOC-24000 Rev. A

Removing Models After Printing

Afterprintingmodels,youshouldallowthemtocoolasmuchaspossible

beforehandlingthem.Ifadditionalmodelsdonothavetobeproducedon

theAlarisprinter,itisbesttolettheprintedmodelscoolintheprinter,with

thecoverclosed,aslongaspossible.

If the Alaris printer must be used to produce additional models as soon

as possible:

1. Lettheprintedmodelscoolonthebuildtrayforatleast10minutes.

2. Verycarefully,removethemodelsfromthetraywithascraperor

spatula(suppliedinthetoolkit),takingcarenottopryorbendthe

model.

3. Placethemodelsonaflatsurface,andcoverthemwithacardboard

boxorpaperhood.

Thisallowsthemodelstocoolslowlyandevenly.

4. Letthemodelscoolforseveralhours.

Removing the Support Material

Afterprintedmodelshavecooled,thesupportmaterialmustberemoved.

Thiscanbedonebydifferentmethods,dependingonthesizeofthemodel,

howdelicateitis,theamountandlocationofthesupportmaterial,and

otherfactors.Usethefollowingmethodsasaguide,andadaptthem(ora

combinationofthem)forfinishingthemodelsyouarehandling.

Removing Excess Support Material by Hand

Whilewearingprotectivegloves,breakawayexcesssupportmaterialon

theoutsideofthemodel.Fordelicatemodels,useatoothpick,pinorsmall

brushafterdippingthemodelinwater.

Removing Support Material with Water Pressure

Formostmodels,themostefficientwaytoremovesupportmaterialisby

usingahigh‐pressurewaterjet.OnesuitablesystemistheObjetWaterJet

cleaningunit,showninfigure 8‐1onpage 8‐3.

WARNING: Wear protective gloves when handling printed models

before they are washed.

DRAFT 4 - July 11, 2010

DOC-24000 Rev. A 8–3

Alaris30 User Guide

Figure 8-1: Objet WaterJet Cleaning Unit

Tocleanamodelusingthisdevice,youplaceitinthechamber,andyou

manipulateitandthejetusingthebuilt‐in,waterproofsleeves.Apump

turnsordinarytapwaterintoahigh‐pressurejet,andawiperkeepsthe

windowclear.

Removing Support Material with Caustic Soda

Soakmodelsina2‐percentsolutionofcausticsoda(sodiumhydroxide)to

removesupportmaterialfromdifficult‐to‐reachareasandtogivethe

modelasmooth,cleanfinish.Theamountoftimeyousoakthemodelinthe

solutiondependsonhowdelicateitisandhowmuchsupportmaterial

needstoberemoved,butitistypicallybetweenhalf‐an‐hourandseveral

hours.Inanycase,youshouldremoveasmuchsupportmaterialas

possiblebeforethecausticsodatreatment,andrinsethemodelthoroughly

(withawaterjet)afterwards.

Storing Models

Modelsarecuredastheyareprinted,makingthemsafeandstablefora

longtime.However,properstorageconditionsarenecessarytoprevent

deforming.

•Keepprintedmodelsatroomtemperatureandinalow‐humidity

environment.

•Donotexposemodelstodirectsunlightandotherheatsources.

Use caution when cleaning delicate models with high-pressure water

systems.

WARNING: Caustic soda may cause chemical burns, scarring and

blindness. Mixing it with water generates heat that could ignite other

materials.Take adequate safety precautions; always use nitrile gloves

when handling caustic soda and models soaked in it.

DRAFT 4 - July 11, 2010

Handling Printed Models

8–4

DOC-24000 Rev. A

DRAFT 4 - July 11, 2010

Stratasys ALARIS 3D RAPID PRINTER User Manual Alaris30 User Guide

Stratasys Ltd 3D RAPID PRINTER Alaris30 User Guide

Users Manual

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