Stratasys MATCAB Assembly of RFID reader and antenna boards User Manual user

Stratasys Ltd Assembly of RFID reader and antenna boards user

user manual

User GuideEnglishObjet500 - Connex 33-D Printer System
DOC-07000 Rev. ACopyright Copyright©2012ObjetLtd.Allrightsreserved.ThisdocumentationcontainsproprietaryinformationofObjetLtd.ThisinformationissuppliedsolelytoassistauthorizedusersofObjet500‐Connex3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Ltd.IfthisdocumentisdistributedasaPDFfile,youmayprintitforinternaluse.TrademarksThefollowingareregisteredtrademarksofObjetLtd.:Objet®,FullCure®.ThefollowingaretrademarksofObjetLtd.:Eden,Eden500V,Eden350V,Eden350,Eden330,Eden260,Eden260V,Eden250,Connex,Connex500,Connex350,Objet30,Objet30‐Pro,Objet30‐Scholar,Objet24,Alaris,Alaris30,PolyJet,PolyJetMatrix,CADMatrix,PolyLog,ObjetStudio,JobManager,SHR,TangoBlack,TangoBlackPlus,TangoGray,TangoPlus,VeroBlue,VeroGray,VeroWhite,VeroWhitePlus,VeroBlack,Durus,DurusWhite,RoseClear,Clear,ObjetGreen,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equipmentreferredtointhisguidehas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and,ifnotinstalledandusedinaccordancewiththeinstructionmanual,maycauseharmfulinterferencetoradiocommunications.Operationofthisequipmentinaresidentialareaislikelytocauseharmfulinterference,inwhichcasetheuserwillberequiredtocorrecttheinterferenceathisownexpense.The3‐Dprinterreferredtointhisguidecontainsatransmittermodule,FCCIDYH6‐MATCAB.NOTE:ObjetisnotresponsibleforradioorTVinterferencecausedbyunauthorizedmodificationtothisequipment.Suchmodificationcouldvoidtheuser’sauthoritytooperatetheequipment.Equipment RecyclingIn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 LiabilityThe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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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Ltd.may,atanytimeandwithoutnotice,makechangestothisdocument.Objet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.
iv Patents ThisproductiscoveredbyoneormoreofthefollowingU.S.patents:5,386,5006,259,9626,569,3736,658,3146,850,3347,183,3357,209,7977,225,0457,364,6867,369,9157,479,5107,500,8467,604,7687,628,8577,658,9767,725,209ObjetLtd.http://www.objet.comDOC‐07000RevisionRev.AOctober2012
DOC-07000 Rev. A1AboutThisGuideUsingThisGuide ............................................................................................................................... 1–2ForMoreInformation........................................................................................................................ 1–2TermsUsedinThisGuide................................................................................................................ 1–32 SafetySafetyFeatures ................................................................................................................................... 2–2SymbolsandWarningLabels .......................................................................................................... 2–3SafetyGuidelines ............................................................................................................................... 2–4PrinterInstallation .............................................................................................................................. 2–4PrinterOperation ................................................................................................................................ 2–4UVRadiation ....................................................................................................................................... 2–4PrinterMaintenance ........................................................................................................................... 2–4ModelandSupportMaterials ........................................................................................................... 2–5FirstAidforWorkingwithPrintingMaterials.............................................................................. 2–6ContactwithSkin................................................................................................................................ 2–6ContactwithEyes ............................................................................................................................... 2–6Ingestion............................................................................................................................................... 2–6Inhalation ............................................................................................................................................. 2–6WasteDisposal ................................................................................................................................... 2–73 IntroducingtheObjet 3‐D PrintingSystemWorkConfigurations......................................................................................................................... 3–2SourceFiles ......................................................................................................................................... 3–4STLFiles ............................................................................................................................................... 3–4SLCFiles............................................................................................................................................... 3–4PrintingMaterials .............................................................................................................................. 3–4AvailableMaterials............................................................................................................................. 3–5Storage .................................................................................................................................................. 3–6ShelfLife............................................................................................................................................... 3–6ExposuretoLight................................................................................................................................ 3–6SafetyConsiderations......................................................................................................................... 3–6Disposal................................................................................................................................................ 3–6WorkEnvironment............................................................................................................................ 3–7WorkstationRequirements............................................................................................................... 3–8PreparingFilesforUsewithObjet3‐DPrintingSystems............................................................ 3–9ConvertingCADFilestoSTLFormat.............................................................................................. 3–9ConvertingFilestoSLCFormat ....................................................................................................... 3–9ObjetStudioSoftware ..................................................................................................................... 3–104 InstallingObjetSoftwareHowtoInstallSoftwarefortheObjet 3‐D Printing System ........................................................ 4–2Contents
Objet500 - Connex 3 User Guide vi5UsingObjetStudioObjetStudioInterface........................................................................................................................ 5–3RibbonCommands..............................................................................................................................5–5ObjetStudioCommandsMenu.........................................................................................................5–7ModelTreePane..................................................................................................................................5–7PreparingModelsforProduction.................................................................................................... 5–8OBJDFFiles:Overview.......................................................................................................................5–8Model Files ...........................................................................................................................................5–8PlacingObjectsontheBuildTray .....................................................................................................5–8OpeningObjetTrayFiles..................................................................................................................5–12Quick‐AccessModelCommands....................................................................................................5–14CopyingandPastingObjects...........................................................................................................5–15SelectingObjects ................................................................................................................................5–16SurfaceFinish.....................................................................................................................................5–16PositioningObjectsontheBuildTray .......................................................................................... 5–17AutomaticOrientation......................................................................................................................5–17AutomaticPlacement........................................................................................................................5–18ManualPositioning ...........................................................................................................................5–19ModelOrientation............................................................................................................................ 5–20ManipulatingObjectsontheBuildTray ...................................................................................... 5–21PositioningObjectsontheZ‐Axis...................................................................................................5–21ValidObjectPlacement.....................................................................................................................5–22UsingaGridtoPositionObjects .....................................................................................................5–23MeasurementUnits...........................................................................................................................5–24SettingModelDimensions ...............................................................................................................5–25RepositioningObjects .......................................................................................................................5–25ChanginganObject’sOrientation...................................................................................................5–27FreezingModelOrientation.............................................................................................................5–28DisplayOptions................................................................................................................................ 5–29ViewingObjects.................................................................................................................................5–29ScreenLayout.....................................................................................................................................5–31TrayPerspective ................................................................................................................................5–32SettingObjectColors.........................................................................................................................5–33LoadingLargeFiles...........................................................................................................................5–34LargeFileManipulation ...................................................................................................................5–34ZoomOptions ....................................................................................................................................5–36HandlingCompletedTrays............................................................................................................ 5–37TrayValidation ..................................................................................................................................5–37ProductionEstimates ........................................................................................................................ 5–38E‐mailingObjetDigitalFiles............................................................................................................5–38PrintingtheTrayFile ........................................................................................................................5–38ApplyingAdditionalObjetStudioFeatures................................................................................ 5–40DividingObjects ................................................................................................................................5–40ChoosingtheSupportStrength .......................................................................................................5–41“Hollow”—FillingModelswithSupportMaterial......................................................................5–42DisplayingtheCrossSectionofObjects.........................................................................................5–43SavingtheScreenDisplayasanImage File ..................................................................................5–44ExportingandImportingObjetBuildTrays .................................................................................5–45CustomizingObjetStudio............................................................................................................... 5–46CreatingaQuickAccessToolbar ....................................................................................................5–46HidingtheRibbon............................................................................................................................. 5–47DisplayColors....................................................................................................................................5–48KeyboardShortcuts...........................................................................................................................5–49SettingUserPreferences...................................................................................................................5–50ProfessionalModeFeatures ........................................................................................................... 5–51DefaultSettings..................................................................................................................................5–52OpenGLDriverConfiguration .......................................................................................................5–53
User GuideDOC-07000 Rev. A viiGettingAdditionalObjetStudioAssistance................................................................................ 5–55MonitoringandManagingPrintJobs........................................................................................... 5–56JobManagerScreen .......................................................................................................................... 5–56SettingthePrinterConnection........................................................................................................ 5–58Off‐lineMode .................................................................................................................................... 5–59SettingtheRemotePrinterConnection(ClientMode)................................................................ 5–61JobManagerCommands ................................................................................................................. 5–61ConfiguringUserAlerts................................................................................................................... 5–64PrintingtheTray ............................................................................................................................... 5–65AdditionalServerFeatures.............................................................................................................. 5–656 Operating&MaintainingtheObjet303D PrinterStartingtheObjet30Printer.............................................................................................................. 6–2LoadingModelandSupportCartridges ........................................................................................ 6–4ProducingModels.............................................................................................................................. 6–6PrinterInterfaceColor Key................................................................................................................ 6–8PrintingIndicators .............................................................................................................................. 6–9ResumingProductionAfterPrintinghasStopped ..................................................................... 6–10ChangingtheModelMaterial........................................................................................................ 6–12KeepingthePrinterinIdleMode.................................................................................................. 6–16ShuttingDownthePrinter ............................................................................................................. 6–17ShutdownWizard............................................................................................................................. 6–17MaterialFlush/FillWizard .............................................................................................................. 6–19MaintainingthePrinter................................................................................................................... 6–22RoutineMaintenanceSchedule....................................................................................................... 6–22CleaningthePrintHeads................................................................................................................. 6–23PatternTest ........................................................................................................................................ 6–25ImprovingPrintQuality .................................................................................................................. 6–26CleaningandReplacingtheWiper ................................................................................................ 6–26CleaningandReplacingtheRollerWasteCollector.................................................................... 6–30AligningthePrintHeads................................................................................................................. 6–32CalibratingtheLoadCells ............................................................................................................... 6–36ReplacingtheOdorFilter ................................................................................................................ 6–38ReplacingtheUVLamp................................................................................................................... 6–39ReplacingtheWasteContainer....................................................................................................... 6–44CleaningtheExteriorPanels ........................................................................................................... 6–46Backing‐UpandRestoringPrinterSettings .................................................................................. 6–47ReInitiateWizard .............................................................................................................................. 6–477 HandlingPrintedModelsRemovingModelsAfterPrinting .................................................................................................... 7–2RemovingtheSupportMaterial ...................................................................................................... 7–2Post‐PrintingTreatmentforModelsPrintedwithObjetVeroClear .......................................... 7–4Photo‐BleachingInstructions ............................................................................................................ 7–4StoringModels ................................................................................................................................... 7–5
Objet500 - Connex 3 User Guide viii
DOC-07000 Rev. A 1–1About This GuideUsingThisGuide................................................................................. 2ForMoreInformation ......................................................................... 2TermsUsedinThisGuide.................................................................. 3
About This Guide1–2 DOC-07000 Rev. AUsing This GuideThisuserguideprovidesinstructionsforinstalling,operatingandmaintainingObjet3‐Dprintingsystems.Itexplainshowtousefeatures,andprovidespracticalexamplestoguideyouasyouusethesystem.ThetextandfiguresinthisguidearebasedontheObjet500‐Connex33‐Dprinter,printersoftwareversion58.1.0andObjetStudiosoftwareversion9.2.Thisguideassumesthat:•allthehardware,software,andnetworkcomponentsofyourObjetsystemareinstalled,configured,andoperatingcorrectly.•theoperatorhasaworkingknowledgeoftheWindows®PCplatform.For More InformationVisit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Objet500‐Connex3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.
DOC-07000 Rev. A 1–3Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideTerms Used in This Guidebuildtray InObjetStudio:Thesurfacedisplayedonthescreenthatrepresentstheactualbuildtrayintheprinter.Inthe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Objetprinters.(Thereisnolimittothenumberofclientworkstationsinthelocalnetwork.)Objet™printer TheObjet3‐Dprinterreferredtointhisguide.Printercomputer ThecomputerinsidetheObjetprinterthatoperatesit.(Thisissometimesreferredtoasthe“embedded”computer.)Printerinterface TheGUI(graphicaluserinterface)usedforcontrollingtheObjetprinter.Printersoftware SoftwarerunningonthecomputerinsidetheObjetprinter,thatcontrolsallprinteroperations.DigitalMaterial™ Combinationsofmodelmaterialsfabricatedintheprinterfromthetwobasicmodelmaterialsinstalled.DigitalMaterialMode Theprintermodeusedtoprintajobusingtwodifferentmodelmaterials.(ThismodecanalsobeusedtoeliminatetheneedforperformingtheMaterialReplacementprocedurewhenprintingwithasinglemodelmaterial.)host/serverworkstation TheworkstationthatinterfacesdirectlywiththeObjetprinterandistypicallypositionednexttoit.JobManager™ ThepartofObjetStudiosoftwarethatmanagesproductionjobsbeforetheyaresenttotheObjetprinter.mixedpart Modelswhosepartsareprintedusingmorethanonemodelmaterial.mixedtray Abuildtraycontainingobjects,eachofwhichisdesignedtobeprintedusingadifferentmodelmaterial.Modelmaterial Materialusedforbuildingmodels.ObjetStudio™ Thesoftwarewithwhichuserspreparejobsforproducingmodels.OBJDF(ObjetDigitalFormat) Theextensionofafilethatcontainsinformationaboutthegeometryofanobjectandthematerialsrequiredtoprintit.objdffilesarecreatedinObjetStudio.
About This Guide1–4 DOC-07000 Rev. AOBJTF(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.PolyJetMatrix™ Thetechnologyofprintingmodelsbyjettingmultiplematerialssimultaneouslyfromtheprintheads.ThistechnologyenablesObjet500‐Connex3printerstoprintinDigitalMaterialmode.resin ThebasesubstancefromwhichphotopolymerprintingmaterialsaremadeforuseinObjetprinters.InObjetStudioandprinter‐applicationscreens,“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 3‐4.)STL AfiletypeusedwithObjetsoftware.(Formoreinformation,seepage 3‐4.)Supportmaterial Materialusedforsupportingthestructureofmodelsduringproduction.
DOC-07000 Rev. A 2–1SafetySafetyFeatures..................................................................................... 2SymbolsandWarningLabels ............................................................ 3SafetyGuidelines................................................................................. 4PrinterInstallation ................................................................................ 4PrinterOperation .................................................................................. 4UVRadiation ......................................................................................... 4PrinterMaintenance ............................................................................. 4ModelandSupportMaterials ............................................................. 5FirstAidforWorkingwithPrintingMaterials ............................... 6WasteDisposal..................................................................................... 7
Safety2–2 DOC-07000 Rev. ASafety FeaturesObjet3‐DprintersaredesignedtocomplywithCEandFCCstandards.Theyareequippedwiththefollowingsafetyfeatures: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 screenCover interlock switchIf the Objet 3-D printing system is not used as specified in this guide, the safety features may not provide adequate protection.
DOC-07000 Rev. A 2–3Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideSymbols and Warning LabelsThisfollowingtableliststhewarninglabelslocatedonorinObjetprinters.Warning Symbol Meaning Location CommentsHazard(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connectors.Nearthepower‐supplyenclosures.Riskofelectricshock.Ultravioletradiation NeartheUVlamps. Riskofinjuryfromultravioletradiation.Movingparts Onthepanelvisiblewhenyouopenthefrontdoorsoftheprinter.Riskofinjuryfrommovingparts.
Safety2–4 DOC-07000 Rev. ASafety GuidelinesThefollowinggeneralguidelines,togetherwiththeinstructionsprovidedthroughoutthisuserguide,ensureusersafetywhileoperatingandmaintainingtheObjetsystem.Ifthesystemisnotoperatedasspecified,theuserʹssafetymaybecompromised!Printer Installation ¾Installationandremovalofthe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mightexposetheoperatortoseriousdangerfromelectricshock.¾Leaveaminimumofcentimetersbetweenventilationopeningsandwallsorotherobjects.Printer Operation ¾TheprintershouldonlybeoperatedbypersonstrainedbyanObjetcustomer‐supportrepresentative.¾Allpersonneloperatingormaintainingthe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lampsandtheprintblock.UV Radiation TheUVlampsusedintheprinteremitdangerousradiation.¾IftheUVlampsremain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Objet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.
DOC-07000 Rev. A 2–5Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideModel and Support MaterialsModel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Objetsystemarehandledinsealedcartridges.Normally,operatorsofthe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20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.
Safety2–6 DOC-07000 Rev. AFirst Aid for Working with Printing MaterialsIn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.
DOC-07000 Rev. A 2–7Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideWaste 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Objetprinter,wearneopreneornitrilegloves.¾Topreventliquidwastefromsplashingintotheeyes,wearsafetygoggles.¾LiquidwastefromtheObjet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.
Safety2–8 DOC-07000 Rev. A
DOC-07000 Rev. A 3–1Introducing the Objet 3-D Printing SystemWorkConfigurations .......................................................................... 3SourceFiles........................................................................................... 4STLFiles ................................................................................................. 4SLCFiles ................................................................................................. 4PrintingMaterials................................................................................ 4Storage .................................................................................................... 5ShelfLife................................................................................................. 5ExposuretoLight.................................................................................. 5SafetyConsiderations........................................................................... 5Disposal .................................................................................................. 5WorkEnvironment.............................................................................. 6WorkstationRequirements ................................................................ 7PreparingFilesforUsewithObjet3‐DPrintingSystems ............. 8ConvertingCADFilestoSTLFormat ................................................ 8ConvertingFilestoSLCFormat.......................................................... 8ObjetStudioSoftware ......................................................................... 9
Introducing the Objet 3-D Printing System3–2 DOC-07000 Rev. AWelcome to ConnexTheadvancedcapabilitiesoftheObjet3‐DprintingsystemaremadepossiblebyPolyJetMatrix™technology,speciallydevelopedbyObjetforprintingmodelssimultaneouslywithdifferentmodelmaterials.Forthefirsttime,youcanachievethefollowingresultswhenprinting3‐Dmodels:•Youcanpreparemodelsforprintingwithdesignatedmodelmaterialsandthenprintthem—usingtwoorthreebasicmodelmaterialsloadedintheprinter,orcombinationsofthesematerials(digitalmaterials).•Partsofthesamemodelcanbemade—simultaneously—fromdifferentmaterials.•Modelsmadefromdigitalmaterialscanhaveuniquephysicalproperties,dependingonthematerialsused.•Youcanprintobjectsthathavea“coating”madefromadifferentmaterialthanthemainpartoftheobject.Inaddition,becauseObjetprinterscanbeloadedwithtwodifferentmaterials,andcanprintsimultaneouslywithcombinationsofthem,youcanstreamlineandeconomizetheprocessofproducingmodels:•Youcanprintmodelsmadefromdifferent(single)materialsonthesamebuildtray(“mixedtray”),inthesameprintjob.Thiseliminatesthetime‐consumingneedandexpenseofloadinganothermaterial,flushingthesystem,andsendingaseparatejobtobeprinted.•Youcanquicklyalternateprintingjobswithanyofthemodelmaterialsloaded—orwithmaterialcombinations—again,withouttheneedandexpenseofreplacingmaterials.TheObjetsystemalsoenablesyoutosplitmodelsintocomponentparts(“shells”)soyoucanisolate,manipulateandprintpartsofamodel.However,youhaveultimatecontrolwhenseparatingmodelsintoshellsbypreparingstlfileswithyourCADsoftware.Then,withObjetsoftware,youcanassignmodelmaterialsandothercharacteristicstotheshells.Figure 3-1: The 3-D Printer
DOC-07000 Rev. A 3–3Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideWork ConfigurationsThe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printersetupinamulti‐clientconfiguration.Figure 3-2: Multi-client network configurationWheninstallingtheObjetsoftware,youchoosewhethertoinstallitasaclientstationorasamasterstation(serverorstandalonestation).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.Objet serverObjet printerKVM switchClient workstationsPrinter workstation
Introducing the Objet 3-D Printing System3–4 DOC-07000 Rev. ASource Files Objet3‐Dprintingsystemsproducethree‐dimensionalmodelsdesignedwithmost3‐DCADtoolsandwithotherjob‐specific3‐Dapplications.Objetsystemsaccept:•STLFiles•SLCFilesObjet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Objet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.Printing MaterialsObjet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
DOC-07000 Rev. A 3–5Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideStorage MaterialsusedforprintingmodelswithObjet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.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.
Introducing the Objet 3-D Printing System3–6 DOC-07000 Rev. AWork EnvironmentExtremeheatandhumidityconditionscanadverselyaffecttheoperationoftheObjet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°–°C(64°–°F)•30%–70%relativehumidity
DOC-07000 Rev. A 3–7Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideWorkstation Requirements ThefollowingtableslisttherequirementsforcomputercomponentsusedwithObjet3‐Dprintersoftware.RequirementComputer Type Server workstation: Standard desktop computer (not a portable computer)Mouse/Keyboard Connection Server workstation: USB, PS/2, or RS-232 (wireless components unacceptable)Processor Intel® Core™ i3 or betterOperating SystemWindows® 7 64-bit1Professional, Ultimate, Enterprise, Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium editionsGraphics Card2Open GL® with 1 GB of memory or moreFor dental applications:• ATI™ Radeon™ HD 5970, with 2 GB of memory, or• NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 285, with 2 GB of memoryRAM 8 GB or more1CD Drive IDE CD ROMHard-Disk Drive 80 GB or largerNetwork Card LAN TCP/IP (2 for server workstation; 1 for client workstation)Video Card Server workstation: VGA connector3Monitor Resolution: optimum for screen usedColor quality: 32 bitMonitor Cable VGA connector31. On64‐bitoperatingsystems,ObjetStudiorunsasa32‐bitapplication,butitcanutilizeupto8GBofmemory.2. ThefollowinggraphicscardsweretestedinObjetlabs:•NVIDIA®Quadro®Family—FX570,FX1700•NVIDIA®GeForce®Family—6200TurboCache™,7300GT•Intel®ExpressChipset—82915G/82915GV/82910GL,Q965/Q963,Q35,Q45/Q43,82852/82855•ATI®displayadapter—Radeon™HD5670,Radeon™E67603. TheKVMswitchrequiresVGAvideoconnections.IftheserverworkstationhasaDVIvideoconnector,aVGAadapterisneeded.ThecablefromthemonitormusthaveaVGAconnector.Note: You control both the built-in printer computer and the server workstation with same keyboard-monitor-mouse set by using a KVM switchbox.
Introducing the Objet 3-D Printing System3–8 DOC-07000 Rev. APreparing Files for Use with Objet 3-D Printing SystemsBeforeusingfileswithObjet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 3‐4.)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 FormatThis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 FormatWhen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 5‐32.
DOC-07000 Rev. A 3–9Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideObjet Studio SoftwareObjetStudiosoftwarefortheObjet3‐Dprintingsystemconsistsoftwomainscreens:•TraySettings/ModelSettings•JobManagerTray Settings / Model SettingsIntheTraySettingsandModelSettingsscreens,youpreparesourcefilesforproductioninObjet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tray2. Positioningtheobject(s)onthetray3. Configuringobjectandtrayparameters4. Savingthetrayconfigurationasanobjtf(ObjetTrayFormat)file5. SendingtheobjtffiletotheObjet3‐DprinterforproductionUsingObjetStudiotoperformthesetasksisdescribedindetailinchapter 5,“UsingObjetStudio.”Job ManagerTheJobManagerscreenisdifferentforclientworkstationsandforthecomputerconnecteddirectlytotheObjet3‐Dprinter.•InObjetStudioinstalledonthedirectly‐connectedcomputer(server),theJobManagerscreendisplaysthequeueandstatusforalljobssenttothe3‐Dprinterbytheserveritselfandbyallclientcomputersonthenetwork.Alljobsdisplayedcanbeeditedandmanipulated.•InObjetStudioinstalledonclientcomputers,theJobManagerscreendisplaysthequeueandstatusonlyforjobssenttoa3‐Dprinterserverfromthatcomputer.Onlythesejobscanbeeditedandmanipulatedfromtheclientcomputer.Client computers can be connected, via the local network, to different Objet 3-D printers, but only to one at a time. The Job Manager screen displays the status of the 3-D printer to which the client is currently connected.
Introducing the Objet 3-D Printing System3–10 DOC-07000 Rev. A
DOC-07000 Rev. A 4–1Installing Objet SoftwareHowtoInstallSoftwarefortheObjet 3‐D Printing System.......... 2
Installing Objet Software4–2 DOC-07000 Rev. AHow to Install Software for the Objet 3-D Printing SystemThe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.4. IfyouareinstallinganObjetStudioupgrade,makesurethatyourprinteriscompatiblewithitbycheckingthelistdisplayed.Figure 4-3: Objet Studio compatibility check5. ToinstallObjetStudio,youmustagreetothe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 Studio installation wizard—Welcome screen6. ClickNexttobegininstallation.
DOC-07000 Rev. A 4–3Objet500 - Connex 3 User Guide7. IntheSelectFeaturesscreen,selecttherequiredinstallationoption.SelectObjet Studio for a server computer...•ifyouareinstallingObjetStudioonaserver(“host”)computer—thecomputerdirectlyconnectedtoanObjetprinter.•ifyouareinstallingObjetStudioonastandalone(off‐line)computer.SelectObjet Studio for client workstations ifyouareinstallingObjetStudioona“client”workstation—aremotecomputerthatpreparesprintjobsandthensendsthemtoaservercomputer.Figure 4-2: Objet Studio configuration selection8. IntheSelectInstallationFolderscreen,verifythedestinationfolderandclickNext.It is recommended that you do not change the default destination folder.Click Disk Space to check the space in the destination folder.
Installing Objet Software4–4 DOC-07000 Rev. AFigure 4-3: Objet Studio installation-folder selection9. IntheConfirmInstallationscreen,clickNext tobegininstallation.Installationbeginsandaprogressbarappears,showingtheprogressoftheinstallationprocess.Figure 4-4: Installation progress bar
DOC-07000 Rev. A 4–5Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideWhentheObjetprograminstallationiscomplete,thefinalInstallShieldWizardscreenappears.Figure 4-5: Final installation screenSometimes,youmustrestartthecomputertocompletethesoftwareinstallation.Youcandosonoworatanothertime.Note: 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•StopJobManager(forserversandstandalonestations)
Installing Objet Software4–6 DOC-07000 Rev. A
DOC-07000 Rev. A 5–1Using Objet StudioObjetStudioInterface ......................................................................... 3PreparingModelsforProduction ..................................................... 7PlacingObjectsontheBuildTray....................................................... 8OpeningObjetTrayFiles ................................................................... 12SplittingObjectsintoComponents................................................... 19Model‐MaterialSettings..................................................................... 21ChangingtheModelMaterial ........................................................... 22DigitalMaterials.................................................................................. 23AssigningaModelMaterialtoObjects............................................ 25SurfaceFinish....................................................................................... 25CoatingObjects.................................................................................... 27AssigningPropertiestoHiddenObjects ......................................... 28PositioningObjectsontheBuildTray ............................................ 28ModelOrientation............................................................................. 32ManipulatingObjectsontheBuildTray........................................ 33GroupingandUngroupingObjects.................................................. 41DisplayOptions................................................................................. 43HandlingCompletedTrays ............................................................. 51PrintingModes .................................................................................... 53ApplyingAdditionalObjetStudioFeatures ................................. 58DividingObjects.................................................................................. 58ChoosingtheSupportStrength......................................................... 59“Hollow”—FillingModelswithSupportMaterial ....................... 60DisplayingtheCrossSectionofObjects .......................................... 61SavingtheScreenDisplayasanImage File .................................... 62ExportingandImportingObjetBuildTrays ................................... 63CustomizingObjetStudio................................................................ 64CreatingaQuickAccessToolbar ...................................................... 64KeyboardShortcuts ............................................................................ 67SettingUserPreferences..................................................................... 68ProfessionalModeFeatures............................................................. 69DefaultSettings ................................................................................... 70OpenGLDriverConfiguration......................................................... 71MonitoringandManagingPrintJobs ............................................ 76JobManagerScreen ............................................................................ 76JobManagerCommands ................................................................... 82ConfiguringUserAlerts..................................................................... 85PrintingtheTray.................................................................................. 86
5–2 DOC-07000 Rev. ATheObjetStudiointerfaceconsistsoftwomainscreens:•TraySettings—forarrangingmodelsandpreparingthemforprinting.Thisscreenisdescribedbelow.•JobManager—formonitoringandmanagingprintjobs.Thisscreenisdescribedin“MonitoringandManagingPrintJobs”onpage 76.Eachiscontrolledbymenusandiconsonitsownribbon.Anadditionalribbon,ModelSettings,displayscontrolsforconfiguringandmanipulatingselectedmodels.ObjetStudioanticipatesyourworkflowbydisplayingandenablingtheoptionsrelevanttoyourcurrenttask.Forexample,whenyoufirstopenObjetStudio,theModelSettingsribbonisdisableduntilyouplaceamodelonthebuildtray.Similarly,menuoptionsavailablefromtheStandardToolbarmenusareenabledordisabledtomatchthecurrentworkflow.Objet StudioCommandsmenuQuick AccesstoolbarModel TreepaneHelpStandard toolbarActive ribbonJob Manager tab
DOC-07000 Rev. A 5–3Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideTheribbon,colorsused,andseveralotherinterfacefeaturescanbecustomized.Howtochangetheappearanceoftheinterfaceisexplainedin“CustomizingObjetStudio”onpage 64.
Using Objet Studio5–4 DOC-07000 Rev. A Arrange TrayRibbon CommandsThefollowingtableliststheTraySettingsandModelSettingsribboncommandgroups,andshowswhentheyareenabled,andwheretheyappear.Group Purpose When enabled Tray Settings RibbonModel Settings RibbonSettingdisplaycolors. Always.Selectingperspectiveandzoomlevel.Modelsareonthebuildtray.Choosetoselectaplane. Modelsareonthebuildtray.Changetheperspectiveoftheactivepane.Modelsareonthebuildtray.Assigningmodelmaterial. •Buildtrayisempty.•Modelsarenotselected.Undoingorredoingactions. Afteranactionorobjectselection.Openingandsavingfiles. Modelsarenotselected.Placingmodelfilesonthebuildtray.Always.Pre‐build/buildcommands. Modelsareonthebuildtray.Settingmodeldimensions. Amodelisselected.
DOC-07000 Rev. A 5–5Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideCutting,copying,pastinganddeletingmodels.Amodelisselected.Moving,rotatingandresizingmodels.Amodelisselected.•Assigningamaterialtoamodelorshell.•Separatingamodelintoshells.Amodelisselected.Assigningmodelfinishandsettingsupportstrength/“hollow.”Amodelisselected.Settingamodel’sunitofmeasure(millimetersorinches).Amodelisselected.Group Purpose When enabled Tray Settings RibbonModel Settings RibbonTo quickly identify an icon, move the cursor over the icon to display its tooltip. The “Undo” and “Redo” tooltips change to reflect your last Objet Studio action.
Using Objet Studio5–6 DOC-07000 Rev. AObjet Studio Commands MenuClickingtheObjeticon(intheupper‐leftcorner)openstheObjetStudioCommandsmenu.Thismenudisplaysbasicapplicationcommandsandoptions.TheOptions buttonopensadialogboxforcustomizingObjetStudio.TheModelTreepaneliststheobjectsplacedonthebuildtrayinaparent‐childhierarchy.Bydefault,thepane“floats”—thatis,youcanmoveittoanotherpositiononthescreenandresizeit.Alternatively,youcanfixitspositionattheleftoftheapplicationwindow,andevenhideit.
DOC-07000 Rev. A 5–7Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuidePreparing Models for ProductionModelpreparationinvolvesthefollowingbasicsteps:1. Placeobjectsorassembliesonthebuildtray.2. Ifnecessary,manipulatetheobject’sorientationandposition.3. Selectthematerialsandmodelfinish.JustasObjetprinterscanproducedifferentmodelsonthebuildtrayusingdifferentmaterials,youcanproducecomponentsofamodelwithdifferentmaterials.Todothis,eachpartofthemodelmustbeaseparatestlfile.Ifthemodel’scomponentpartswerenotsavedintheCADsoftwareasseparatestlfiles,youcanuseObjetStudiotoseparatethemodelintocomponentparts.(Thisisdescribedin“SplittingObjectsintoComponents”onpage 16andin“DividingObjects”onpage 58.)OBJDF Files: Overview Anobjdffiledescribesboththegeometryofasingleobjectandthematerials,andfinishrequiredtoprintit.Theobjdffilecanrepresentanobjectthatisasinglestlfile,oranobjectassembledfromcomponentstlfiles.ObjetStudioenablesyoutosplitanstlfilerepresentingacomplexobjectintoanassemblyofcomponentstlfiles,andsavetheassemblyasanobjdffile.Eachpart(stlfile)describedbytheobjdffilecanhaveitsownmodel‐materialcharacteristic,sothattheObjetprinterproducesthecomponentpartsfromspecificmaterials.Anotheruseforobjdffilesisforsavingagroupofseparateobjectsonthebuildtrayasoneunit,togetherwiththeirrelativepositionsandmaterials.Thisisespeciallyusefulforproducingmodelsinthefuturewiththesamematerials.Infact,whenyousaveobjdffiles,youspecifymaterialsforprintingmodelswithoutregardtothematerialcartridgesloadedintheprinter.Thesameobjectcanlaterbeplacedonbuildtraysforprinting.Eachtimeyousendabuildtraytotheprinter,youdecidewhethertoallowprintingwithsubstitutematerialsoronlywiththematerialsspecified.TheConnexversionofObjetStudioenablesyoutodisplay,manipulateandprintcomponentpartsofamodelassemblythatwassavedasanobjdffile,sinceeachcomponentisaseparatestlfile.Thiscanbeusefulforprintingonlyspecificpartsofamodel.Model Files Toproducemodels,youopenoneormoremodelfilesinObjetStudioandpositionobjectsonthebuildtray.Youcanplaceobjectsonthebuildtrayinseveralways:•byinsertingindividual stl or slc files(oranassemblyofstlfiles).•byinserting anobjdffile(anassembly).•bypastingobjectsthatyoucopiedtotheWindowsclipboard.
Using Objet Studio5–8 DOC-07000 Rev. APlacing Objects on the Build TrayTo place an object on the build tray using stl, slc or files:1. OpentheInsertdialogbox—•FromtheObjectmenu,selectInsert.or—•OntheArrangeTrayribbon,click.or—•Right‐clickonthebuildtray,andselectInsert fromthecontextmenu.TheInsertdialogboxappears.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.IfthePreviewcheckboxisselected,theobjectisdisplayedinthedialogbox.Note: You can open several stl files at once, to place several models on the build tray. If you select multiple stl files that make up an assembly, you can select all or some of the parts. To print the entire model, select all of an assembly’s component stl files, and select the Assembly check box.This positions the parts as a complete, integrated model instead of as independent parts. The effects of selecting the Assembly check box—in both the model tree and the build tray display—are shown in the following figures.
DOC-07000 Rev. A 5–9Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideFigure 5-7: Assembly check box selected—stl files are placed as an assemblyFigure 5-8: Assembly check box not selected—stl files are placed as partsTheModelSettingsribbonisdisplayedwhenobjectsareplacedonthebuildtray.5. Selectanyofthefollowingoptions,asrequired:•Units—Millimetersorinchesfortheobject’sunitsofmeasure.The3‐Dfilecontainstheobjectʹs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.Tochangethemeasurementunitsofobjectsalreadyplacedonthetray,see“MeasurementUnits”onpage 36.•Number of copies—Howmanycopiesofthisobjecttoplaceonthebuildtray.•Orient Automatically—Automaticallyorientobjectsonthebuildtrayforefficientmodelbuilding.•Assembly—Markthischeckboxifyouselectedmultiplestlfilesthatarepartofanassembly.
Using Objet Studio5–10 DOC-07000 Rev. ANote: The Extents values displayed in the Insert dialog box’s Coordinates field, represent the maximum dimensions of the object on each axis. These dimensions correspond to the virtual “bounding box” surrounding the object see figure 5-49 on page 36). 6. ClickInsert.ObjetStudioplacestheobjectonthebuildtray,andinthemodeltree.TheModelSettingsribbonisdisplayedwhenobjectsareplacedonthebuildtray.Iftheobjectisoveracertainsize,theLoadingPlacedElementsdialogboxmayappear.Model ToolbarModel Tree paneYou can speed up the opening of large files by changing the Large Files settings—see “Loading Large Files” on page 48).
DOC-07000 Rev. A 5–11Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideOpening files Beforeplacingfilesonthebuildtray,ObjetStudiomustextractthecomponentstlfilestogetherwithinformationabouttheirorientationandmaterials.Todothis,ObjetStudiocreatesafolderwiththesamenameasthefile,inthesamelocation.Figure 5-9: Insert dialog box ( file)
Using Objet Studio5–12 DOC-07000 Rev. AOpening Objet Tray Files Youcanopentraysthatweresavedasobjtffiles,forexample,atrayyousavedwhilepreparingitforprinting,andnowyouwanttocontinuepreparingit.To place an object saved as an Objet Tray File (objtf) file on the build tray:1. FromtheFilegroup,click.or—FromtheObjetStudioCommands,selectOpen.TheOpendialogboxisdisplayed.2. Selectthedesiredfile,andmakesurethatitappearsintheFilenamefield.IfthePreviewcheckboxisselected,theobjectisdisplayed.3. ClickOpen.ObjetStudioopensthetrayfile.
DOC-07000 Rev. A 5–13Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideStl file loadingpreference Ifthereareidenticallynamedstlfilesinmorethanonelocation,youneedtoensurethatthecorrectcomponentstlfilesarelinkedtotheobjtffile.Forexample,ifthereareidenticallynamedstlfilesononedriveandonaflashdrive(thiscanoccurifyoucopytheoriginalfilestoaworkingfolder),youcansetthedefaultlocationfromwhichfilesareloaded.To set the Load Order:1. FromtheToolsmenu,selectOptions.or—IntheObjetStudioCommandsMenu,clickOptions.2. IntheOptionsdialogbox,displaytheSettingstab.Figure 5-10: Options dialog box, Settings tab3. UnderLoadSearchOrder,selectanoption:•Local—toloadfilesfromthelocationwheretheywerelastsaved.•Original—toloadfilesintheiroriginallocation.4. ClickOK.
Using Objet Studio5–14 DOC-07000 Rev. AQuick-Access Model CommandsYoucanaccesscommoncommandsforworkingwithobjectsonthebuildtraywiththeconvenientModelToolbarandcontextmenus.Model Toolbar SelectanobjectinthetraytodisplaytheModelToolbarthatcontainsiconstoperformcommontasks.ThetablebelowdescribestheModelToolbaricons.Right-click modelmenu Ifyouright‐clickonanobject,apop‐upcontextmenuisdisplayedfromwhichyoucanalsoselectthemodelfinish,changeitspositionandscale,andsettheGridStyleandHollowoptions.Icon DescriptionAppliesamattefinishtothemodel.Appliesaglossyfinishtothemodel.OpenstheAdvancedPropertiesdialogboxforsettingtheGridStyleandtheHollowoption.Enablesdragginganobject.OpenstheTransformdialogboxforchangingtheobject’spositionandscale.TogglestheLockModelOrientationsetting.Allowsyoutochoosetheprintingmaterials.Enablesyoutoapplyacoatingtothemodel,orchangethecoatingpreviouslyapplied.You can also create a Quick Access toolbar with your most commonly used icons grouped together. See “Building a Quick Access Toolbar” on page 89.
DOC-07000 Rev. A 5–15Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideCopying and Pasting ObjectsIf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modeltree—individualormultiplepartsorassemblies.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right‐clickcontextmenu.•byusingkeyboardshortcuts(Ctrl+CandCtrl+V,respectively).ThePasteSpecialcommand(fromtheobject’sright‐clickcontext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manipulatemirrorimagesoftheoriginalobject,andflipthemonselectedaxes.Figure 5-11: Paste Special dialog boxHaving multiple Objet Studio windows open can be convenient when you need to manipulate or configure objects before inserting them in your production build tray. For example, if you need to change the model material of an object (saved as an objdf file) to match the model material already used in the production build tray, you must do so before inserting the object—on another tray. Copying and pasting also allows you to utilize objects already configured on previously-used build trays for newer projects.
Using Objet Studio5–16 DOC-07000 Rev. ASelecting Objects Tomanipulateanobjectonthebuildtrayorassigncharacteristicstoit(modelmaterial,buildingstyleetc.),youmustfirstselecttheobject.Youselectanobjectbyclickingit,eitheronthetrayorinthemodeltree.Itsimageonthebuildtraychangescolor(tolightblue,bydefault)anditsnameishighlightedinthemodeltree.Youcanselectmultipleobjectsbydrawingaboxaroundthemwiththemousecursor,orbypressingtheCtrlorShiftkeyswhileclickingadditionalobjects.Alternatively,selectorde‐selectobjectsusingthefollowingEditmenucommands:•Select All•Invert Selection•Undo Select objectSometimes,youneedtoselectindividualelementsofanassembly.Othertimes,youneedtoselecttheentireassembly.TheSelectionicondisplayedontheribbondetermineswhatwillbeselectedwhenyouclickonthemodel:orTo change the selection action:1. OntheArrangeTrayorModelSettingsribbon—a. ClicktheSelectionicon:or.b. Ontheflyouttoolbar,clicktheappropriateicon:Figure 5-12: Selection flyout toolbarSplitting Objects into ComponentsYoucanconvertacomplexobjecttoanassemblyofcomponentparts.Todoso,yousplitthestlfilethatrepresentstheobjectintoagroupofseparatestlfiles,eachonerepresentingacomponent.(ThisisreferredtointheObjetStudiointerfaceasseparatingtheobjectintoshells.)Youcanthenassignamodelmaterialtoeachstlfile,andyoucansavethenewly‐createdassemblyasanobjdffile.Select GroupSelect Element
DOC-07000 Rev. A 5–17Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideTo split an object into an assembly of component parts:1. Iftheobjectisnotdisplayed,placeitonthebuildtraybyinsertingitsstlfile(see“PlacingObjectsontheBuildTray”onpage 8).Theobjectappears—onthebuildtrayandinthemodeltreepane—asasinglepart.Itisassigned,bydefault,the“primary”modelmaterial.(IfObjetStudioisconfiguredwithasecondarymaterial,youcanassignit—oradigitalmaterial—totheentireobject.Thisisexplainedin“Model‐MaterialSettings”onpage 18.)Figure 5-13: Object placed on the build tray from a single stl fileNote: There is no need to resize or arrange the object on the build tray at this time.2. Withtheobjectselected:•FromtheObjectmenu,selectSeparate into Shells.or—•Ontheribbon,click.Adialogboxopensinwhichyoucanspecifywheretosavethecomponentstlfiles.(Bydefault,ObjetStudioofferstosavethenewfilesinafolderinthesamelocationastheoriginalstlfile.)Figure 5-14: Folder selection for saving stl files after splitting into shells3. ClickOK.
Using Objet Studio5–18 DOC-07000 Rev. AObjetStudiosplitstheobjectintoanassemblyofcomponentparts,eachaseparatestlfile(“shell”).Theobjectappears—onthebuildtrayandinthemodeltree—asanassemblyofparts(“shells”).Youcanassigneachpartadifferentmodelmaterial(Thisisexplainedin“Model‐MaterialSettings”onpage 18).Figure 5-15: Object after being converted to an assembly of component partsModel-Material Settings BeforeplacingobjectsonthebuildtrayinObjetStudio,youshouldpayattentiontothematerialselectionsettingsontheArrangeTrayribbon.Figure 5-16: Material selection settings•Bydefault,thematerialselectionsettingsontheribboncorrespondtothethreemodelcartridgesloadedintheprinter.•Thematerialsdisplayedarebasicmodelmaterials.Thesematerialscanlaterbecombinedtocreatedigitalmaterials(see“DigitalMaterials”onpage 20).•Thematerialdisplayedonthetop(VeroWhite,inthefigureabove)isconsideredtheprimarymodelmaterial(“Model‐1”).Itisassignedtoobjectsthatdonothaveamaterialassignmentwhenyouplacethemonthebuildtray.Forexample,sincestlfilesdonotcontaininformationaboutthemodelmaterial,ObjetStudioassignstheprimarymodelmaterialtothem.Also,ifyoutrytoinsertobjdffileswhoseassignedmaterialsarenotrecognizedbyyourversionofObjetStudio,youcaninsertthefilebysubstitutingtheprimarymodelmaterialforthemissingmaterials.•SelectSingle Materialifyouwanttoprintusingonlyonematerial—allofthematerialdrop‐downmenuscontainthesamematerial.Ifyoudecidetoprintwithmultiplematerials,thematerialinthetopdrop‐downmenuremainsassignedtotheobjectuntilyouselectanothermaterial.•Ifyouinsertanobjdffileintoanemptybuildtray,andthemodel‐materialassignmentdoesnotmatchthesettingsontheArrangeTrayribbon,thesesettingsarechangedautomatically.However,ifthereisan
DOC-07000 Rev. A 5–19Objet500 - Connex 3 User Guideobjectalreadyonthebuildtraywhosematerialsdonotmatchthematerialassignmentintheobjdffile,youcannotplacethenewobjectonthetray.Toprintthisobject,youhavethefollowingoptions:Insteadofprintingitonthesamebuildtray,printthenewobjectasaseparatejob.Changethematerialsassignedtoobjectsonthebuildtraytomatchthoseassignedtothenewobject(see“ChangingtheModelMaterial”and“AssigningaModelMaterialtoObjects,”below).Changethematerialsassignedtothenewobjectbeforeinsertingit,sothereisnoconflictwiththesettingsontheTraySettingsribbon.To change the materials assigned to an object before inserting it:1. OpenanotherObjetStudiowindow,byrunningtheapplicationfromtheWindowsStartmenu.2. Insertthenewobject(objdffile)intotheemptybuildtray.3. ChangethematerialselectionsettingsontheTraySettingsribbontothoseusedontheotherbuildtray.4. Assignmaterialstotheobject(see“AssigningaModelMaterialtoObjects”onpage 23).5. Selecttheobjectandcopyit.6. DisplaytheotherObjetStudiowindow,andpastetheobjectontothebuildtray.Note: You can save the object with the new materials either as a new objdf file, or by saving the original file with the changes.Figure 5-17: Whenthreedifferentmodelmaterialsappearontheribbon,youcanproduceobjectsfromanyofthemorfromacombinationofthem—digitalmaterials.three three
Using Objet Studio5–20 DOC-07000 Rev. AColor selection pallete Youcandisplaythematerialcoloroptionsasacolorpallete.FromtheToolsmenu,selectColormaterialselectionandthenSelectfromcolorpallete.Figure 5-18: Color selection pallete for assigning materials to objectsFigure 5-19: Color selection pallete from Model ToolbarNote: The color selection pallete will only be displayed if one of the following combinations of primary materials are selected:•VeroCyanandVeroMagentaandVeroWhite•VeroCyanandVeroMagentaandVeroYellow•VeroCyanandVeroWhiteandVeroYellow•VeroMgntandVeroWhiteandVeroYellow
DOC-07000 Rev. A 5–21Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideSurface Finish Modelscanbeprintedwithamatteorglossysurfacefinish.Tocreateamattefinish,theprintersurroundsmodelswithathinlayerofsupportmaterial.To set the model finish:1. Selectthemodel.2. SelectMatteorGlossy inoneofthefollowingplaces:•ModelSettingsribbon,Optionsgroup•ModelToolbar•right‐clickcontextmenu(whenselectingthemodel)YoucanconfigureObjetStudiotodistinguishbetweenobjects’surfacefinishonthebuildtraybycolor.ToconfigurehowObjetStudiodisplaysobjects,see“SettingObjectColors”onpage 48.
Using Objet Studio5–22 DOC-07000 Rev. APositioning Objects on the Build TrayToproducemodelsefficientlyandwiththerequiredfinish,itisimportanttocarefullypositionobjectsonthebuildtray.ObjetStudiosupportstheautomaticpositioningofobjects.However,youshouldchecktomakesurethattheobjectsareorientatedlogicallyforyourneeds,accordingtotheconsiderationsexplainedin“ModelOrientation”onpage 5‐32.Twothingsthataffectthepositioningofobjectsonthebuildtrayareorientationandplacement.YoucanletObjetStudiodeterminetheoptimumorientationandposition,oryoucancontrolthem.Automatic Orientation Bydefault,ObjetStudioautomaticallyorientsobjects,whenplacedonthebuildtray,fortheshortestprintingtime.(Youcanlaterchangetheorientationmanually.)However,youcancancelautomaticorientationwhenplacinganobjectonthebuildtray.To place an object on the build tray without automatic orientation:¾IntheInsertdialogbox,makesureOrientAutomaticallyisnotselected.
DOC-07000 Rev. A 5–23Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideYou can change the default setting, so that automatic orientation is not applied unless you select the Orient Automatically check box each time you place an object on the build tray. To do this, see “Default Settings” on page 70.
Using Objet Studio5–24 DOC-07000 Rev. AAutomatic Placement Afterplacingseveralobjectsonthebuildtray,youcanletObjetStudioarrangethemonthetrayforprinting.Thisensuresthattheobjectsarepositionedproperly,andthattheywillbeprintedintheshortesttimeandwithaminimumofmaterial.To automatically arrange objects on the build tray:¾OntheTraySettingsribbon,click.or—FromtheToolsmenu,select Automatic Placement.Theeffectsofautomaticpositioningareshowninthefiguresbelow.Figure 5-20: Tray before objects are properly arrangedFigure 5-21: Tray arrangement when applying automatic placement•For best results arrange the tray with Automatic Placement, on the Tray Settings ribbon, even if you inserted the objects with the Orient Automatically option.•The physical characteristics of each type of model material you use can affect the positioning of objects on the build tray. Therefore, select the material before running Automatic Placement.
DOC-07000 Rev. A 5–25Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideModel OrientationThe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glossy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 RuleThis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largestdimensionalongtheX‐axis.¾Anysurfacesthatcomeintocontactwithsupportmaterialsbecomematte.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 RuleThis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 RuleThisruleconsidersmodelscontainingsurfacerecesses.¾Recessesinthesurface(likehollows,drillholes,etc.)should,whenpossible,bepositionedface‐up.Fine-Surface RuleThis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 RuleThis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.
Using Objet Studio5–26 DOC-07000 Rev. AManipulating Objects on the Build TrayPositioning Objects on the Z-AxisWhenyouusetheautomaticpositioningoptiontoarrangeobjectsonthebuildtray,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. FromtheObjectmenu,selectLay On.To ensure that objects are always positioned directly on the tray:1. FromtheToolsmenu,selectOptions,anddisplaytheSettingstab.2. IntheAutomaticLayOn(Gravity)section,selectAlways.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.Valid Object Placement Youcanensurethatmodelsdonotoverlapwhenyoupositionthemonthebuildtray,andthattheydonotextendbeyondthetray.To ensure valid object placement: 1. FromtheToolsmenu,selectConstraints Settings.In practice, the Objet 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.
DOC-07000 Rev. A 5–27Objet500 - Connex 3 User Guide2. SelectDynamic checktoidentify:•invalidobjectplacementwhileplacingobjects—OnDropselected.•invalidobjectplacementaftermovingobjects—WhileDragselected.•objectsplacedbeyondthetray’sboundaries—OutsideTrayselected.•objectsthatoverlap—ObjectCollisionselected.Note: Remember that Objet Studio calculates the space occupied by an object including the “bounding box” surrounding it (see figure 5-40 on page 44).Even if you do not use Dynamic Check 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.
Using Objet Studio5–28 DOC-07000 Rev. AUsing a Grid to Position ObjectsDisplayingagridontheimageofthebuildtraycanbeusefulwhenpositioningobjects.Youcanmakeuseofthisfeaturebyselectingthefollowingmenuoptions.Youcanreviewandconfiguregridsettings—andapplythem—fromtheOptionsdialogbox.To view and change grid settings:1. FromtheToolsmenu,selectOptions,anddisplaytheGridtab.Thecurrentgridsettingsaredisplayed.Figure 5-22: Options dialog box, Grid tab2. Asrequired,changethesettings,andselectorclearthecheckboxes.3. ClickApplyorOK.Menu Option ResultTools>Grid Displaysagridonthebuildtray.Tools>Snaptogrid Whenmovingtheobject,italignswiththenearestgridline.Tools>Options>Grid Enablesyoutochangethegridorigin(X‐andY‐axismeetingpoint)andappearance.
DOC-07000 Rev. A 5–29Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideMeasurement Units3‐Dfilescontainanobjectʹs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.Tosetthemeasurementunitswheninsertinganobject:¾IntheInsertdialogbox,Unitsfield,selectMillimeterorInch:TochangeunitsofmeasurementontheModelSettingsribbon:1. OpentheUnitsflyouttoolbar.Figure 5-23: Units flyout toolbar2. Selectthemeasurementunitsdesired.To change units of measurement with the Standard Toolbar:1. FromtheObjectmenu,selectChange Units.Figure 5-24: Model Units dialog box2. IntheModelUnitsdialogbox,changethesettingandclickOK.
Using Objet Studio5–30 DOC-07000 Rev. ASetting Model Dimensions Youcanchangetheobject’sdimensionsbychangingthecoordinatesintheDimensionsgroupontheModelSettingsribbon.Figure 5-25: Dimensions on the Model Settings ribbonNote: You can change the height of the objects on the build tray only if this is allowed by the Objet Studio settings.Repositioning Objects Youcanmanuallymoveandrotateanobjectonthebuildtraywiththearrowkeys,orbydraggingitwiththemouse.To manually manipulate an object:1. Selectanobjectbyclickingitonthebuildtray,orinthemodeltreepane.2. ClickontheModelToolbar,orontheModelSettingsribbon.Aframeappearsaroundtheobject,andthecursorchangestoindicatethattheobjectcanbemoved.Figure 5-26: Manually moving an object
DOC-07000 Rev. A 5–31Objet500 - Connex 3 User Guide3. Ifyouclickonacorneroftheframe,thecursorchangestoindicatethattheobjectcanberotated.Figure 5-27: Manually rotating an object4. Manipulatetheobjectwiththearrowkeysorwiththemouse.Using the TransformDialog BoxYoucanmakeprecisechangestoanobjectbychangingthepropertiesintheTransformdialogbox.To access the Transform dialog box (when an object is selected):•ClickontheModelToolbarorontheModelSettingsribbon.•Fromtheright‐clickcontextmenu,selectTransform.•FromtheObjectmenu,selectTransform.Figure 5-28: Transform dialog boxTo change an object with the Transform dialog box:¾Changeanyofthevalues,thenclickApplytoseehowtheobjectchangesonthebuildtray.Note: The changed values remain in the dialog box after clicking Apply. Therefore, you can make small changes to values in the dialog box to see how the object changes on screen each time you click Apply.To reset all of the values in the dialog box:¾ClickReset.Note: The objet does not change. Any changes previously applied remain.To undo all changes made with the Transform dialog box:¾ClickCancel Actions.After closing the Transform dialog box, clicking Undo (on the Model Settings ribbon or from the Edit menu) cancels all changes made with the dialog box.
Using Objet Studio5–32 DOC-07000 Rev. AChanging an Object’s OrientationThereareseveralmethodsforchangingtheorientationofobjectsonthebuildtray.To rotate an object:¾SelecttheobjectandusetheObjectmenuoptions.To re-align an object’s plane:or—FromtheToolsmenu,selectPlane Alignment > Select Plane.5. Clickonpartofanobjectonthebuildtray.Theselectedplaneisdisplayed.Figure 5-29: Aligning by plane6. OntheAlignmenttoolbar,clickanappropriateicontochangethealignment.or—FromtheToolsmenu,selectPlane Alignment,andselectanalignmentoption.Figure 5-30: Tools menu, Plane Alignment optionsTo cancel plane selection after re-aligning objects on the build tray:or—FromtheToolsmenu,selectPlane Alignment > Select Plane.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dialogbox.3. ChangetheRotateparametersforeachaxis.Freezing Model OrientationIfyoumanipulateanobjectonthebuildtray,youcanfreezeitsorientationsothatitdoesnotchangewhenyoupositionitautomatically().To freeze an object:1. Selectanobjectonthebuildtray.2. OntheModelSettingsribbon,intheManipulategroup,orontheModelToolbar,click.
DOC-07000 Rev. A 5–33Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideTo unfreeze an object:¾Selecttheobjectandclick(tode‐selectit).
Using Objet Studio5–34 DOC-07000 Rev. ADisplay OptionsViewing Objects FromtheViewmenu,youcanchangethewayobjectsaredisplayed.Thedefaultmethodfordisplayingmodelsonthebuildtrayisassolid(“shaded”)objects.TheotherdisplayoptionsareWireFrameandPoints.To display the build tray in WireFrame view:¾FromtheViewmenu,selectWireFrame.To revert to the shaded view:¾FromtheViewmenu,select Shaded.
DOC-07000 Rev. A 5–35Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideTo display objects as boxes, showing their maximum dimensions instead of their shape:¾FromtheViewmenu,select Display Bounding Box.Figure 5-31: Model displayed with bounding boxTo display the area around objects needed for support material (to produce a matte finish):¾FromtheViewmenu,select Display Thickening Box.Figure 5-32: Model displayed with thickening boxTo display the maximum build height:¾FromtheViewmenu,selectDisplay Tray 3D Box.Figure 5-33: Tray 3-D BoxTo display objects without the build tray:¾FromtheViewmenu,clear(de‐select)theDisplayTrayoption.Screen Layout ObjetStudioautomaticallyadjuststhedefaultscreenlayouttodisplaytheoptimumviewsofthebuildtrayandthemodeltree.Youcanviewmodelsfromdifferentperspectivesbychangingthescreenlayout.To change the screen layout:¾OntheViewflyouttoolbar,selectSingle View,or4 Views.
Using Objet Studio5–36 DOC-07000 Rev. AFigure 5-34: Screen layout iconsSingle View isthedefaultscreenlayout.4 Viewsdisplaysperspective,top,frontandrightviews.Tray PerspectiveThedefaultperspectiveofthebuildtrayis“isometric.”Youcanchangetheperspectiveoftheactivewindowwithoneoftenoptions.To change the perspective of the build tray in the active window:1. OntheTraySettingsribbon,openthePerspectiveflyouttoolbar.Figure 5-35: Perspective flyout toolbar2. Clicktheiconthatrepresentsthedesiredperspective.Tray Positioning Toviewthetrayandmodelsfromdifferentdirections,youcanmovethetrayaroundthescreenandchangeitsdisplayangle.To move the tray in the Objet Studio screen:¾Pressthemousewheelwhilemovingthemouse.To manually rotate the tray:¾PressAltandpressthemousewheelwhilemovingthemouse.Setting Object Colors Thecolorofobjectsonthebuildtraycanindicatehowtheyareprinted.ObjetStudioenablesyoutochoosethecolordisplaysothatyoucaneasilyseethematerial,surfaceofobjects.To choose how colors are applied on the display:¾OntheModelSettingsribbon,intheColorsgroup,selectoneoftheoptionsfromtheflyouttoolbar.Figure 5-36: Colors display optionsColor Indicates Model materialColor indicates Model surfaceColor indicates if coating is usedBefore 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 5-51).
DOC-07000 Rev. A 5–37Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideLoading Large Files Verylargestlfilescanbeslowtoload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 5-37: Options dialog box, Settings tab2. IntheLargeFilessection,selectLoad Partial (reduced).Large File Manipulation Ifyouneedtoworkwithadetailedmodelthatiscomposedofalargenumberofpolygons,youcanspeedupitsdisplayandmanipulationinObjetStudiobyreducingthenumberofpolygonsonthescreen.Althoughthismayreducetheresolutiononthescreen,ithasnoaffectontheprintedmodels.Figure 5-38: Object displayed without polygon reductionFigure 5-39: Object displayed with only five percent of its polygons showingTo use polygon reduction:1. FromtheToolsmenu,selectOptions.or—IntheObjetStudioCommandsMenu,clickOptions.2. IntheOptionsdialogbox,displaytheDisplaytab.3. SelectEnable Polygon Reduction.4. SelectPolygon Reduction (Percent).5. Enterthepercentageoftotalpolygonstodisplay.WhenyouclickApply,thedisplaychanges.Note: The setting affects the static display (when the object is not being moved).
Using Objet Studio5–38 DOC-07000 Rev. A6. Setdisplayoptionswhentheobjectisbeingmoved(Displaywhilechangingview):•BoundingBox—Aboxrepresentingtheobject’smaximumdimensionsisdisplayed.•AdaptivePolygonReduction—Varyingdegreesofpolygonreductionareapplied,asnecessary.•EntireObject—Nopolygonreductionisapplied.7. Tosavethesesettings,sothattheywillbeappliedeverytimeyouplacethisobjectonthebuildtray,clickSave Polygon Reduction Data.8. ClickApplytoseetheresultsofthesettingswithoutclosingthedialogbox.Object displayoptions Thedisplayformataffectshowquicklyobjectsdisplay.Forexample,ifyouselectBounding Box,objectsdisplayfasterthantheydowhenyouselectEntire Object.Youcanchoosedisplayformatsforobjectswhentheyarestationary(staticview)andforwhenyouaredraggingthem(changingview).To select the object display preference while changing view, and in static view:1. Selecttodisplayobjects:•WithaBoundingBox(seefigure 5‐40onpage 44)•WithAdaptivePolygonReduction(changingviewonly)•WithPolygonReduction(staticviewonly)•EntireObject2. ClickOKwhendone.Zoom Options Whilemanipulatingobjects,youoftenneedtoviewthematdifferentzoomlevels.To change the zoom level:¾Ontheribbon,opentheZoomflyouttoolbarandselectanoption:Figure 5-40: Zoom flyout toolbarZoomObjectfocusesontheselectedobject.ZoomTraydisplaysthewholetray.ZoombyRectangleallowsyoutodisplayasectionofthetraybyselectingitwiththemouse.Youcanalsozoominandzoomoutwiththemousewheel.Selecting the Entire Object options cancels polygon reduction.You can configure Objet Studio to automatically zoom in on the objects placed on the build tray.
DOC-07000 Rev. A 5–39Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideHandling Completed TraysAfter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printerforproduction,youshouldcheckthatthetrayis“valid”andcanbeprinted.To validate that the tray can be printed:¾OntheTraySettingsribbon,intheBuildProcessgroup,click.or—FromtheToolsmenu,selectPlacement Validation.Ifthetrayisnotvalid,thecoloroftheproblematicmodelsonthetraychangesaccordingtoapre‐setcode.Thevalidationstatusappearsonthebaratthebottomofthescreen.Figure 5-41: Validation details in status bar
Using Objet Studio5–40 DOC-07000 Rev. AProduction Estimates ObjetStudioenablesyoutocalculatethetimeandmaterialresourcesneededforproducingtraysbeforesendingthemtothe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.To calculate the time and materials needed for producing the current tray:¾OntheTraySettingsribbon,intheBuildProcessgroup,click.Whiletheestimateisbeingcalculated,aprogressbarisdisplayed—ontherightsideofthestatusbar(atthebottomofthescreen).WhenObjetStudiofinishescalculatingtheproductionresources,theresultsaredisplayed.Figure 5-42: Production resource calculationYoucane‐mailobjtffilesusingMicrosoft®OfficeOutlook®.To e-mail a file:1. FromtheToolsmenu,selectEmail Objet Digital File.OutlookopenswiththefileattachedandSubjectdetailsaddedtothee‐mailform.2. Enterthee‐mailaddressandsendthefile.Printing the Tray File Whenatrayisreadytobeprinted,itisplacedintheJobsQueue.Whenthejobreachestheheadofthequeue,ObjetStudiopre‐processesthetrayfiletocreateslices,andfeedsthemtothe3‐Dprinter.To send the tray to the print queue:1. OntheTraySettingsribbon,BuildProcessgroup,click.Ifprintingthetrayrequiresmorethanonemodelmaterial(DigitalMaterialmode),theJobSummarydialogboxopens.
DOC-07000 Rev. A 5–41Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideIf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“TrayValidation”onpage 51),andthefollowingwarningmessageappears.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.TheJobManagerscreenopens,soyoucanmonitortheprogressofyourtrays—before,during,andafterprinting.See“MonitoringandManagingPrintJobs”onpage 76.
Using Objet Studio5–42 DOC-07000 Rev. AApplying Additional Objet Studio FeaturesDividing Objects YoucanusetheSplitObjectfeaturetoproduceobjectslargerthanthetrayarea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 5-43: Split Object dialog box4. 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.
DOC-07000 Rev. A 5–43Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideChoosing the Support Strength Whenproducingmodels,supportmaterialfillssomehollowandemptysections(see“ModelOrientation”onpage 5‐32).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tray.2. OntheModelSettingsribbon,intheOptionsgroup,click.or—•OntheModelToolbar,click.or—•Fromtheright‐clickcontextmenu,selectAdvanced Properties.TheAdvancedPropertiesdialogboxopens.3. IntheGridStylesection,choosethesupportstrengthsuitablefortheselectedmodel.Youcanselectadifferentsupportstrengthforeachmodelonthetray.•Standard—formodelsneedingaveragesupport(mostmodels).•Heavy—forlargemodelsneedingmuchsupport.•Lite—fordelicatemodelsneedinglittlesupport.4. ClickApply.
Using Objet Studio5–44 DOC-07000 Rev. A“Hollow”— Filling Models with Support MaterialManyobjectsplacedonthe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traywithanoutershellofmodelmaterialandacenterfilledwithsupportmaterial.ThisfeatureofObjetStudioiscalled“Hollow.”Youcansetthethicknessoftheshell—between0.015and3.825millimeters.To use the Hollow feature:1. Selectamodelonthetray.or—•OntheModelToolbar,click.or—•Fromtheright‐clickcontextmenu,selectAdvanced Properties.TheAdvancedPropertiesdialogboxopens.2. SelectHollow.3. Settheshellthickness,inmillimeters.4. ClickApply.Note: There is no change in the display of objects in Objet Studio when Hollow is selected.To inspect, change or cancel the Hollow setting:1. Selectamodelonthetray.2. AccesstheAdvancedPropertiesdialogbox,asabove.3. IfyouchangeorcanceltheHollowsetting,clickApply.
DOC-07000 Rev. A 5–45Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideDisplaying the Cross Section of ObjectsThe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 5‐59).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.TheSectiondialogboxopens.Figure 5-44: Section dialog box2. SelectEnable Clipping.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.Figure 5-45: Whole view Figure 5-46: Cross-section view, after using the Z-slider
Using Objet Studio5–46 DOC-07000 Rev. ASaving the Screen Display as an Image FileYoucansavetheimagedisplayedintheactiveviewingscreenasagraphicfile.To save the screen display as an image:1. PressCtrl+B.or—FromtheObjetStudioCommandsMenumenu,selectSave Bitmap.TheSaveBitmapdialogboxopens.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.
DOC-07000 Rev. A 5–47Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideExporting and Importing Objet Build TraysWhenyousavebuildtraysinObjetStudio,theyaresavedasobjtffiles.ThesefilescontaininstructionstoObjetStudioandtoObjet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.Note: If you export an objzf file containing a stl file originally saved as read-only, you cannot open (import) this objzf file to the folder where the read-only stl file is saved.To create an objzf file:1. FromtheObjetStudioCommandsMenu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.To open an objzf file:1. FromtheObjetStudioCommandsMenu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.
Using Objet Studio5–48 DOC-07000 Rev. ACustomizing Objet StudioYoucancustomizeObjetStudiotosuityourparticularworkingneedsandpreferences.Featuresthatyoucancustomizeinclude:•Creatingaquick‐accesstoolbarforfrequentlyusedcommands.•ChangingthepositionoftheQuickAccesstoolbar.•Minimizingtheribbon.•ChangingtheObjetStudiocolortheme.•Configuringdefaultsettingsforobjectsplacedonthebuildtray.Creating a Quick Access ToolbarAsyouworkwithObjetStudio,youmayusecertaincommandsfrequently.Youcancreateaquick‐accesstoolbartomakeyourworkeasier.To create a quick-access toolbar:1. Abovetheribbontabs,click.TheCustomizeQuickAccessToolbarmenuopens.2. Selectacommandyouwanttoaddtothetoolbar.Aniconfortheselectedcommandisaddedtothetoolbar.Toaddanothercommand,repeattheaboveprocedure.3. Tochoosefromawiderrangeofcommands:•FromtheCustomizeQuickAccessToolbarmenu,selectMore Commands.or—•Right‐clickontheObjetStudioCommandsicon,orelsewhereontheribbon,andselectCustomize Quick Access Toobar.Figure 5-47: Right-click ribbon menuTheOptionsdialogboxopens.Figure 5-48: Quick Access Toobar Options dialog box4. Openthedrop‐downlistandselecteitherPopular CommandsorCommands not on the Ribbon.5. SelectacommandandclickAdd.6. ClickOK.Hiding the Ribbon Tomakemoreroomfordisplayingthebuildtray,youcanhidetheObjetStudioribbons.
DOC-07000 Rev. A 5–49Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideTo hide the ribbons:1. Right‐clickanywhereontheribbonoronthemenubar,orintheObjetStudioCommandsMenu.2. SelectMinimize the Ribbon.Theribbonsdisappear,butyoucantemporarilydisplaytheribboniconsbyclickingTray Settings orJob Manageronthemenubar.Whenyounextclickoutsideoftheribbon,itdisappearsagain.To return the permanent ribbon display:¾RepeatthestepsabovetocancelMinimizetheRibbon.
Using Objet Studio5–50 DOC-07000 Rev. ADisplay 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 used in Objet Studio screens:1. FromtheToolsmenu,selectDefine Colors.TheDefineColorsdialogboxappears.2. IntheDefineColorsdialogbox,clickthecolorpatchyouwanttochange:•TrayColor.•BackgroundColors.•SelectionColor.3. IntheColordialogbox,selectoneoftheBasiccolors.or—ClickDefine Custom Colorstoexpandthedialogboxandallowyoutodefineacustomizedcolor.4. ClickOK whendone.Thepatchcolorinthedialogboxchangesaccordingtoyourselection.
DOC-07000 Rev. A 5–51Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideChanging ColorThemes ObjetStudiooffersachoiceoffourbackgroundcolorthemes—blue,black,silverandaqua.Figure 5-49: Background color themesTo change the color theme:•FromtheStylemenu,selectoneoftheoptions.Keyboard Shortcuts Youcandefineshortcutkeysforfrequentlyusedcommands.To define shortcut keys:1. Abovetheribbontabs,click.TheCustomizeQuickAccessToolbarmenuopens.2. SelectMore Commands.TheOptionsdialogboxopens(seefigure 5‐59onpage 64).3. ClickCustomize.TheCustomizeKeyboarddialogboxappears.4. SelectcommandCategoriestodisplayallthecommandsinthatcategory,forexample,alltheModelSettingscommands.Currentshortcutkeysaredisplayed.5. Entertheshortcutkeyinthe Pressnewshortcutkeyfield,andclickAssign.6. Ifyouwanttoredefineallshortcutkeys,clickReset All.Setting User Preferences YoucanchangeseveralObjetStudiosettingsthataffectobjectsplacedonthebuildtray.To change default settings:¾FromtheObjetStudioCommandsMenu,selectUser Preferences.•BuildingStyle—see“SurfaceFinish”onpage 25.•GridStyle—see“UsingaGridtoPositionObjects”onpage 35.•ApplicationSettings—see“ChoosingtheSupportStrength”onpage 59,and“FreezingModelOrientation”onpage 42.
Using Objet Studio5–52 DOC-07000 Rev. AProfessional Mode FeaturesSomeadvancedfeaturesofObjetStudioareonlyaccessibleinProfessionalMode.To see the current Objet Studio setting:¾OpentheToolsmenu.IfProfessionalModeischecked,advancedfeaturesaredisplayed.To change the Professional Mode setting:1. FromtheToolsmenu,selectProfessional Mode.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nexttotheProfessionalModeoptionappearsimmediately.Figure 5-50: Configuration-change message2. Closeandre‐openObjetStudiotousetheProfessionalModefeatures.
DOC-07000 Rev. A 5–53Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideDefault Settings YoucancontrolthedefaultsettingsofseveralObjetStudiofeaturesfromtheAdvancedtaboftheOptionsdialogbox.To display the Options dialog box ¾FromtheToolsmenu,selectOptions.or—IntheObjetStudioCommandsMenu,clickOptions.Bydefault,whenObjetStudioplacesobjectsonthebuildtray,itorientsthemoptimally,fortheshortestprintingtime.Ifnecessary,youcanchoosetocancelautomaticorientationeachtimeyouplaceanobjectonthebuildtray(see“AutomaticOrientation”onpage 28).Inanycase,whenobjectsareonthebuildtray,youcanchangetheirorientationmanually,ifnecessary—see“ModelOrientation”onpage 32.)To change the default setting so that Automatic Orientation is disabled:¾IntheAdvancedsectionoftheOptionsdialogbox,clearthecheckbox.WhenAutoZoomisselectedintheAdvancedsectionoftheOptionsdialogbox,thedisplayzoomstodisplaytheobjectsplacedonthebuildtray.Thisallowsyoutocarefullyinspectandmanipulatetheobjects.Bydefault,thisfeatureisnotenabled.Inanycase,youcanchangethezoomlevel,asnecessary(see“ZoomOptions”onpage 50).
Using Objet Studio5–54 DOC-07000 Rev. AOpen GL Driver ConfigurationThe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.or—IntheObjetStudioCommandsMenu,clickOptions.2. IntheOptionsdialogbox,displaytheTroubleshootingtab.3. ClickOpenGL Driver Configuration.ThedialogboxthatopensdisplaysdetailsofthepixelformatID(index)forthewindowandthememory.Figure 5-51: OpenGL Driver Configuration dialog boxIfyouwanttodisplaythevaluesandchangethem,click.Alternately,youcanselectChoose Formatandchangethevaluesinthisdialogbox.The Troubleshooting tab is only accessible when Professional Mode is active (see Professional Mode Features).
DOC-07000 Rev. A 5–55Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideTo 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 5-52: Recommended pixel format ID3. ClickOK.4. IntheOpenGLDriverConfigurationdialogbox,selectPixel Format IDandenterthisnumber.5. ClickApply.6. Displaytheotherpixelformattab,andrepeatthisprocedure.
Using Objet Studio5–56 DOC-07000 Rev. AGetting Additional Objet Studio AssistanceObjetStudioHelpprovideson‐screeninformation,asyouwork.To view Objet Studio Help:•PressF1.or—Onthestandardtoolbar,clickandthenclickObjet Studio Help.Figure 5-53: Help optionsYoucanalsoviewinformationonthefollowingsubjects:•Troubleshootingopensalistoferrormessagesandtheirexplanations.•DirectPrintingPlug‐inopensinformationonadditionalsoftwareprogramsthatextendthecapabilitiesofObjetStudio.•CheckforUpdateschecksifyouareusingthelatestObjetStudioversion.About Objet StudioAboutObjetStudioprovidesdetailsofyourinstalledversion,materialmodulesandyourObjetStudiolicenseinformation.To view About Objet Studio:•PressF1.or—Onthestandardtoolbar,clickandthenclickAbout....Figure 5-54: About...
DOC-07000 Rev. A 5–57Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideAbout Objet Studio TheAboutObjetStudiotabshowsyourObjetStudioversionnumber,Objet’ssupportemailaddressandbasicinformationaboutyourcomputer.Figure 5-55: About Objet StudioMaterials Module TheMaterialsModuletabshows:1. Moduleversion—thelatestpatchinstalled.Iftherearenopatchesinstalled,themoduleversionisthesameastheObjetStudioversionnumber.2. Moduledate—thedateofthelatestpatchwascreated.Iftherearenopatchesinstalled,themoduledateisthedateofthecurrentObjetStudioversion.3. Moduleproperties—adescriptionofthepatch.Iftherearenopatchesinstalled,themodulepropertiesvalueis“Default”.Figure 5-56: Materials Module
Using Objet Studio5–58 DOC-07000 Rev. AFeature License TheFeatureLicensetabshowstheObjetStudiofeaturesforwhichyouarelicensed.Clicktoexpandthelicensedetailsforeachfeature.Figure 5-57: Feature LicenseModesModesshowstheprintingmodesforwhichyourversionofObjetStudioislicensed,suchasHighSpeed,HighQualityandDigitalMaterial.MaterialsMaterialsshowsthenamesofallparentmaterialsforwhichyourversionofObjetStudioislicensed.Forexample,FullCure720,VeroBlackandVeroGrey.DigitalMaterialsDigitalMaterialsshowsthenamesofalldigitalmaterialsforwhichyourversionofObjetStudioislicensed.MixedTrayMixedTrayshowswhetheryourlicenseallowsforprintingamixedtray.Amixedtrayisabuildtraycontainingobjects,eachofwhichisdesignedtobeprintedusingadifferentmodelmaterial.Available modes may vary, depending on your printer model.Available materials may vary, depending on your printer model.Available digital materials may vary, depending on your printer model.
DOC-07000 Rev. A 5–59Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideMonitoring and Managing Print JobsIntheJobManagerscreenofObjetStudio,youmonitorandmanagejobssenttotheprinter.ThereareafewdifferencesbetweenObjetStudioonclientworkstationsandonthecomputerconnecteddirectlytothe3‐Dprinter—theserverworkstation.•ObjetStudioinstalledonaclientcomputeronlydisplaysthequeueandstatusforjobssenttothe3‐Dprinterserverfromthatcomputer,anditallowstheusertoeditonlythesejobs.Note: If there are several Objet printers on the local network, client computers can connect to any of them, but only one at a time.•ObjetStudioinstalledonthecomputerdirectlyconnectedtoaspecific3‐Dprinter(server),displaysthequeueandstatusforalljobssenttothat3‐Dprinterbytheserverandbyallclientcomputersonthenetwork.Italsoallowseditingandmanipulationofalljobs,andenablesre‐sendingpreviously‐printedjobstotheprinter.Job Manager Screen TheJobManagerscreenontheclientandserverworkstationslooksidentical.Theonlydifferenceisthatoptionsonlyrelevanttotheserverworkstationaredisabledforclientinstallations.Figure 5-58: Job Manager screenTheJobManagerscreenisdividedintopanels:•JobsQueue•PrintTime•History•AvailableResources•MaterialConsumption•TrayPreview•WasteIf Objet Studio is not connected to a printer (or printer server), you can prepare tray files for any Objet printer. Later, these files can be used by Objet Studio on the appropriate printer server.
Using Objet Studio5–60 DOC-07000 Rev. AJobs Queue Ontheserver,theJobsQueueliststhelast15jobssentfromclientcomputers.Onclientworkstations,theJobsQueuelistsjobssentfromthatcomputertotheprinterserver.Informationforeachofthequeuedjobsisdisplayed,includingthejobstatus.Inaddition,thefollowinginformationisdisplayed:•Owner—thecomputerthatsentthejob.•BuildTime—theestimatedbuildingtimeforthejob.•ModelConsumption—theamountofmodelmaterialrequiredtocompletethejob,andtheamountactuallyusedtillnow.•SupportConsumption—theamountofsupportmaterialrequiredtocompletethejob,andtheamountactuallyusedtillnow.Print Time TheTimepanelshowsprintingtimesandthenumberofslicessenttotheprinter.History TheHistorypanelshowsinformationforthelast50jobsandtheirfinalstatus.YoucandragajobfromHistorytoJobsQueuetoprintthetrayagain.AvailableResources TheAvailableResourcespanelcontainsgraphicindicatorsthatshowtheamountofavailableprintingmaterialremaining.MaterialConsumption •Actual—theamountofmaterialusedtillnow•Required—theamountofmaterialstillneededtofinishthejobTray Preview TheTrayPreviewpaneldisplaysthebuildtrayviewofthejobselectedintheJobQueueortheHistorylist.Onaserver,youcanopenanenlargedpreviewwindowbyclickingontheTrayPreviewdisplay(see“ExtendedTrayPreview”onpage 87).Waste IfyoumovethemouseovertheWastedisplay,theamountofwasteinthecontainerisdisplayed.Status MeaningWaiting Printingofthisjobhasnotstarted.Building Printingofthisjobisinprogress.Stopped Printingofthisjobwasinterrupted.Printingcanlaterbecontinued(Resume)orbegunagain(Restart).Error Errorsoccurredduringtheprintingofthisjob,anditwasplacedintheJobsQueueagain.Editing ThisjobisnowbeingeditedinObjetStudio.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lampturnedon,andthebuildtraylevelisadjusted.OnSchedule Thejobisscheduledtobeprintedataspecifiedtime.
DOC-07000 Rev. A 5–61Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideSetting the Printer ConnectionWhenanObjet3‐Dprinterisinstalled,theservercomputerisconnectedtothatprinter.Normally,thereshouldbenoreasontochangethisconnection.Occasionally,however,youmayneedtoresettheconnection,toconnecttheservertoanotherprinter,ortouseObjetStudioinoff‐linemode(withoutaprinterconnection).To set (or change) the printer connection:1. OntheJobManagerribbon,inthe3DPrintergroup,click.2. IntheSetPrinterdialogbox,clickConnect.3. EnterthecomputernameoritsIPaddress,orclickBrowsetofindandselectit.4. ClickOK.Whentheconnectionisestablished,ObjetStudioisconfiguredtoprepareprintjobsforthatprinter.Objet Studio is connected to the printer if you can see the material levels in the Job Manager screen.
Using Objet Studio5–62 DOC-07000 Rev. AOff-line Mode YoucanuseObjetStudiotopreparetraysforprintinginoff‐linemode,onaremotecomputerorwhentheprinterconnectionisnotavailable.Youalsouseoff‐linemodetopreparetraysforprintingwithotherprinters.Inthiscase,ifObjetStudioiscurrentlyconnectedtoaprinter,youmustchangetooff‐linemodebyremovingthisconnection.To disconnect Objet Studio from the printer:1. OntheJobManagerribbon,inthe3DPrintergroup,click.2. IntheSetPrinterdialogbox,clickConnect.Figure 5-59: Disconnecting Objet Studio from a printer (A)3. PrinterConnectiondialogbox,deletethecomputername/IPaddress.Figure 5-60: Disconnecting Objet Studio from a printer (B)4. ClickOK.“Unknown”appearsintheprinter‐namefield.5. ClickOK.6. Inthepop‐upmessage,confirmthatyouwanttoworkinoff‐linemodebyclickingNo.WhenObjetStudioisinoff‐linemode,youcanconfigureitforpreparingprintjobsfordifferentprinters.
DOC-07000 Rev. A 5–63Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideTo change the Objet Studio off-line configuration:1. IntheSetPrinterdialogbox,selectaprintertype.2. ClickOK.
Using Objet Studio5–64 DOC-07000 Rev. ASetting the Remote Printer Connection (Client Mode)WhenyouopenObjetStudioforthefirsttimeinaclientinstallation,youarepromptedtoconnecttoanObjetservercomputerthatsendsjobstoa3Dprinter.Todothis,theservercomputermustbeoperatingandconnectedtothelocalnetwork.To set (or change) the connection to the server-computer:1. OntheJobManagerribbon,inthe3DPrintergroup,click.2. EnterthenameoftheservercomputeroritsIPaddress,orclickBrowsetofindandselectit.3. ClickOK.Figure 5-61: Printer Server Connection dialog boxJob Manager Commands TheJobManagerribbonhasthreeicongroups:•3DPrinter•Queue•JobFigure 5-62: Job Manager ribbon commandsIconsareenabledordisabledaccordingtotheirrelevancy.Forexample,youcannotstopprintingajobthatisnotbeingprinted,sotheStopcommandisdisabled.
DOC-07000 Rev. A 5–65Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideThefollowingoperationsareavailableontheJobManagerribbon:Inadditiontousingribboncommandicons,youcanusecommandsoncontext(pop‐up)toolbarsandfromtheJobmenuonthestandardtoolbar.Figure 5-63: Icons on pop-up toolbar (server)Group Icon Purpose3DPrinterClient:Setstheserverconnection.See“SettingtheRemotePrinterConnection(ClientMode)”onpage 82.Server:Setstheprinterconnection.See“SettingthePrinterConnection”onpage 78.Configuresoptionsforprinteralerts.See“ConfiguringUserAlerts”onpage 85.Queue Server:MovesajobtotheheadoftheJobsQueue.Client:Disabled.See“JobsQueue”onpage 77.Server:MovesajobtoahigherpositionintheJobsQueue.Client:Disabled.See“JobsQueue”onpage 77.Server:MovesajobtothebottomoftheJobsQueue.Client:Disabled.See“JobsQueue”onpage 77.Server:MovesajobtoalowerpositionintheJobsQueue.Client:Disabled.See“JobsQueue”onpage 77.Job Server:•ForajobintheJobsQueue—Printsitagain(fromthebeginning).•ForajobintheHistorylist—MovesittotheJobsQueueforprinting.Client:Disabled.See“RestartingJobs”onpage 88.Server:Stopsajobinprogress.Client:Disabled.Server:Continuesprintingthecurrentjobfromthepointwhereprintingstopped.Client:Disabled.See“ResumingJobs”onpage 88.Removestheselectedjobfromthequeue.RefreshestheimageoftheselectedjobintheTrayPreviewdisplay.OpenstheTraySettingsscreenanddisplaysthetray.Fordeletedjobs,thisenablesyoutomakechangesbeforeprinting.
Using Objet Studio5–66 DOC-07000 Rev. AFigure 5-64: Icons on pop-up toolbar (client workstation)Figure 5-65: Job menu options (server)When you position the cursor over an item, a tooltip displays the name of the command.
DOC-07000 Rev. A 5–67Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideConfiguring User Alerts ObjetStudiocanalertyou(andothers)tothestatusofjobssenttotheserverforprinting.Thisisespeciallyusefulduringlongprintingjobs,whentheoperatorisawayfromthe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.Tosende‐mailandSMSalerts,makesurethate‐mailsoftwaresupportingMAPIisinstalledontheservercomputer.TosendSMSalerts,thecellularphoneservicemustsupportthetransmissionofe‐mailmessagesbySMS.Onlythesubjectlineofthee‐mailmessageistransmittedbySMS.To configure Objet Studio to send notifications and alerts:1. OntheJobManagerribbon,inthe3DPrintergroup,click.Figure 5-66: Notifications dialog box (server)Figure 5-67: Notifications dialog box (client workstation)2. Setthedesiredreportingoptions.
Using Objet Studio5–68 DOC-07000 Rev. A3. ClickDetails.Figure 5-68: Event selection for alerts4. IntheReportsEventsdialogbox,selectthealerteventsandclickOK.5. IntheNotificationsdialogbox,clickOK.Printing the Tray IfthereisajobintheJobsQueue,itissentautomaticallytotheObjetprinter—aslongasitison,thereisaconnectiontotheprinter,andtheprinterisonline.Additional Server FeaturesObjectStudioontheprinterserversincludesthefollowingadditionalfeatures:•ExtendedTrayPreview•EditingJobs•RestartingJobs•ResumingJobs•SchedulingJobs•ExportingJobs(objzf)•ModifyingtheJobManagerScreen
DOC-07000 Rev. A 5–69Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideExtendedTrayPreviewInthiswindow,youcanviewthetrayfromdifferentanglesandmagnificationswithoutleavingtheJobManagerscreen.InadditiontodisplayingtheselectedjobintheTrayPreviewpane,youcanopenanenlargedbuildtraywindow.To display the build tray window:1. SelectajobintheJobsQueueortheHistorylist.2. ClicktheTrayPreviewpane.Figure 5-69: Job Preview•Tochangethetraymagnification,turnthemousewheel.•Toviewthetrayfromadifferentperspective,clicktherelevanticon.•Toresizethewindow,dragitsedgeorcorners.Ifthereareseveralobjectsonthebuildtray,youcanexcludeoneormorefrombeingprinted,withoutactuallydeletingtheobjectfromthetrayfile.To prevent the printing of an object on the build tray:1. Double‐clickontheobjectyoudon’twanttoprint.2. DisplaytheBuildtab.3. SelectExclude from Build.Figure 5-70: Excluding a model from the build4. ClickYestoconfirm.Onservercomputers,youcanuseTrayPreviewtodynamicallydisplayobjectsastheyareprinted,layerbylayer.Thisenablesyoutovisuallymonitorprintingprogressonthecomputerscreen.To display printing progress in the Tray Preview pane:¾FromtheJobmenu,selectShow 3dProgress.EditingJobsYoucanopenjobsintheJobsQueueforediting.To edit a job:1. Selectthejob.2. ClicktheEditicon.TheTraySettingsscreenopens,displayingthebuildtray.ThestatusofthejobintheJobManagerscreenchangesto“Editing.”3. Editthejob.4. OntheTraySettingsribbon,click.ThestatusofthejobintheJobManagerscreenchangesbackto“Waiting.”This option uses additional system resources.
Using Objet Studio5–70 DOC-07000 Rev. ARestartingJobsYoucanrestartjobsfromtheJobsQueueandtheHistorylist.To restart a job:1. Selectthejob.2. ClicktheRestarticon.Thejobstatuschangesto“Waiting”(intheJobsQueue).ResumingJobsIftheprintingprocessisstoppedorinterrupted,youmaybeabletocontinueprintingthejobfromthepointwhereprintingstopped.To resume a job:1. Selectthejob.2. ClicktheResumeicon.SchedulingJobsYoucanschedulejobstobeprintedatafuturetime.Forexample,youcanconfigureObjetStudiotostartlongprintingjobsinthelateeveningandearlymorninghours.To schedule a job:1. SelectajobintheJobsQueue,andclickonthepop‐uptoolbar.2. IntheSchedulerdialogbox,settheStartDateandStartTimeforthejob.ClickontheStartDatearrowtoopenacalendar.Figure 5-71: Scheduler with calendar displayed3. ClickOK.ExportingJobs(objzf)Youcansaveprintjobsascompressedfiles.Toexportaprintjob:1. Selectajob.2. Onthepop‐uptoolbar,click.3. IntheSaveAsdialogbox,selectafolder.For an explanation of objzf files, see “Exporting and Importing Objet Build Trays” on page 63.
DOC-07000 Rev. A 5–71Objet500 - Connex 3 User Guide4. ClickSave.ModifyingtheJobManagerScreenYoucanchangethesizeofthesectionsoftheJobManagerscreen,bydraggingthepaneledges.Thisappliesto:•theJobsQueuepanel•theTimepanel•theHistorypanelSimilarly,youcanchangethewaythescreenareaisdividedbetweenthemainsection(JobsQueue/Time/History)andthepanelsontherightsideofthescreen.Youcancollapse(hide)therightpanels(AvailableResources/MaterialConsumption/TrayView)byclickingthetopofthepanel.•Clickagaintodisplaythepanel.
Using Objet Studio5–72 DOC-07000 Rev. A
DOC-07000 Rev. A 6–1Operating & Maintaining the Objet500 - Connex 3 3DPrinterStartingthePrinter.............................................................................. 2LoadingModelandSupportCartridges.......................................... 4ProducingModels ............................................................................... 5PrinterInterfaceColor Key.................................................................. 7PrintingIndicators ................................................................................ 8ResumingProductionAfterPrintinghasStopped......................... 9ChangingtheModelMaterial ......................................................... 11KeepingthePrinterinIdleMode ................................................... 14ShuttingDownthePrinter............................................................... 15MaintainingthePrinter .................................................................... 17RoutineMaintenanceSchedule......................................................... 17CleaningthePrintHeads................................................................... 18PatternTest........................................................................................... 20ImprovingPrintQuality .................................................................... 21(see“ReplacingPrint Heads”onpage 6‐139)CleaningandReplacingtheWiper ........................................................................... 22CleaningtheRollerWasteCollectorandInspectingtheRollerScraper .................................................................................................. 24ReplacingtheRollerScraper ............................................................. 27AligningthePrintHeads ................................................................... 29CalibratingPrintHeads ..................................................................... 33ReplacingPrint Heads...................................................................... 139TestingandCalibratingtheUVLamps ......................................... 190CalibratingtheLoadCells ................................................................. 36ReplacingtheOdorFilter................................................................... 35ReplacingtheUVLamp ..................................................................... 35Built‐inTests....................................................................................... 223ReplacingtheWasteContainer ......................................................... 36CleaningtheExteriorPanels ............................................................. 37
Operating & Maintaining the Objet500 - Connex 3 3D Printer6–2 DOC-07000 Rev. AFigure 6-1: The Objet500 - Connex 3 3-D Printer Starting the Printer1. Turnonthemainpowerswitch,locatedatthebackoftheprinter.Figure 6-2: Main power cable and switchThemainpowerswitchturnsontheObjetprinter,whichincludesthebuilt‐incomputer.Printer coverStoragecompartmentMaterials cabinetCAUTION!•Do not attempt to operate the Objet printer before being trained by an Objet customer-support representative.•Observe all safety warnings and follow the safety guidelines described in chapter 2.
DOC-07000 Rev. A 6–3Objet500 - Connex 3 User Guide2. Afterthecomputerboots,logintoWindowsandlaunchtheprinter‐controlapplication:•Onthecomputerdesktop,double‐clicktheObjetprintericon.or—•FromtheStartmenu,selectObjet > Objet500.TheObjetprinterinterfacescreenopens(seefigure 6‐2).Allmonitoringandcontrollingoftheprinterisdonefromthisinterface.Figure 6-3: Objet500 - Connex 3 interfacePrinter modeCurrent activityDisplay toggle buttonPause buttonStop buttonOnline/offline buttonModel material cartridgesSupport material cartridgesObjet installations utilize one monitor for displaying both the computer running Objet Studio and the computer installed inside the printer. Make sure that the KVM (keyboard-video-mouse) switch is in the correct position so that the printer interface is displayed.
Operating & Maintaining the Objet500 - Connex 3 3D Printer6–4 DOC-07000 Rev. ALoading Model and Support CartridgesObjet500‐Connex3printersusesixcartridgesofmodelmaterialandtwocartridgesofsupportmaterial,eachweighing3.6kilogramswhenfull.Agraphicalrepresentationofthecartridgesloadedandtheircurrentweightappearsintheprinter interface(seefigure 6‐3).Important: Ifyouneedtoreplacethemodelmaterialcurrentlyinstalledwithanothertype,see“ChangingtheModelMaterial”onpage 6‐11.Otherwise,makesuretoreplacethemodelcartridgewithonecontainingthesametypeofmaterial.To load model and support cartridges:1. Openthedoorofthematerialscabinet.2. Ifyouarereplacingacartridge,graspitshandleandpullthecartridgeout,takingcarenottotwistorturnit.3. Loadmodelandsupportcartridgesintotheirrespectivecompartments.Youshouldfeelsomeresistance,asaneedlepiercesthecartridge.4. Checktheprinterinterfacetomakesurethatthenewcartridgeisdetectedandthatitsweightisdisplayed(seefigure 6‐3).5. Closethematerialscabinet.The materials cabinet uses RFID technology to automatically identify cartridges of printing material. For this purpose, an RFID module is built into the cabinet. Tampering with this module will render the printer inoperable and may void Objet warranties and service contracts.Tips about replacing cartridges:•You can replace material cartridges either before or during printing. •If printing stops for an extended time before you replace a material cartridge, the printer may go into Standby or Idle mode. If this happens, see “Resuming Production After Printing has Stopped” on page 9.•You can replace partially used cartridges to avoid the need for replacing them during printing.•You can load partially used cartridges, as long as they contain more than 100 grams of material.
DOC-07000 Rev. A 6–5Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideProducing ModelsTheObjet500‐Connex3printerproducesmodelsbyprintingtrayfilespreparedintheObjetStudioapplicationandsenttotheprinterfromthere.Forinformationaboutpreparingmodelfilesforprinting,see“UsingObjetStudio”orObjetStudioHelp.To prepare the printer for producing models:1. Makesurethatthebuildtrayinthe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,asindicatedintheprinterinterface(seefigure 6‐2).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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 6‐3).IfthereisajobintheJobManagerqueue,itissenttotheprinter.Inthe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.•TheUVlampsarepoweredandtheywarmup.Whenprintingbegins,ObjetStudiosendssevenslicestotheprinter.ThisisthestandardbufferbetweenObjetStudioandtheprinter.Aseachsliceisprinted,anothersliceissent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.Before beginning to produce models, it is recommended that you check the current printing quality of the print heads by performing a pattern test (see “Pattern Test” on page 20). 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 6‐4.Forchangingthetypeofmodelmaterialcurrentlyloaded,see“ChangingtheModelMaterial”onpage 11.During printing, the server computer must remain on and it must communicate with the Objet printer. Do not log-off Windows until printing is finished.
Operating & Maintaining the Objet500 - Connex 3 3D Printer6–6 DOC-07000 Rev. ATheObjet500‐Connex3printerusesoneormoremodel‐materialcartridgesandonesupport‐materialcartridgetoproducemodels.Ifadditionalcartridgesareinstalledandtheyarenotneededforthecurrentprintjob,theprinterinterfaceindicateswhicharebeingused:•Bluecartridge—usedfortheprintjob•Graycartridge—notusedfortheprintjobYoucanmonitorprinterstatusindicatorsbyswitchingtheprinterinterfacedisplay.Todothis,clickthedisplaytogglebuttonintheprinterinterfacescreen.Figure 6-4: Printer indicatorsTemperature.in front ofprint blockTemperaturebehindprint blockWaste weightDisplay toggle buttonPrinter set to online mode (green)Temp. of eachsupport headChamber temp.Left UV lampRight UV lampTemp. of each model headSupport/Model material in print- block reservoirSystem vacuum levelTemp. of material pre-heaters
DOC-07000 Rev. A 6–7Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuidePrinter Interface Color KeyThe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printingForexample,infigure 6‐3:Heads(°C)—Theheadshavereachedthetemperaturerequiredforprintingmodels.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 6‐3:Waste—Theweightofthewastecontaineris9000grams,morethanallowedwhenbeginningaprintjob.(See“ReplacingtheWasteContainer”onpage 6‐36.)•Blue—notreadyForexample,infigure 6‐3:UVlamp—TheUVlampsarenoton.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
Operating & Maintaining the Objet500 - Connex 3 3D Printer6–8 DOC-07000 Rev. APrinting Indicators TheprinterinterfacescreenchangeswhenyousendaprintjobfromObjetStudiototheprinter,andtheprinterisonline(seefigure 6‐4):•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.Whentheweightofacartridgedropsbelow100grams,thedisplayofthemateriallevelintheprinterinterfaceisred.Figure 6-5: Printer interface during printing Progress barPause buttonStop buttonPrinter modeJob informationJob informationCurrent Activity
DOC-07000 Rev. A 6–9Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideResuming Production After Printing has StoppedIftheprintingprocessisinterrupted,ObjetStudiostopssendingslicestotheprinter.Thiscanhappen,forexample,iftheprintingmaterialrunsoutinthemiddleofaprintjob,andyoudon’treplacetheemptycartridgeimmediately.AftertheprinterchangestoStandbyorIdlemode,youneedtoresumeprintingfromtheJobManagerscreenofObjetStudio.To continue printing the model:1. Iftheprinterisinofflinemode,switchittoonlinemodebyclickingtheredbuttonatthebottomoftheprinterinterface(seefigure 6‐2onpage 6‐3).Thebuttonchangesfromredtogreen(seefigure 6‐3onpage 6‐6).2. Ifyoudon’tknowwhyprintinghasstopped,makesurethattheconnectionbetweentheprinterandtheservercomputerisactive.3. IntheJobManagerscreenofObjetStudio,clicktheResumeicon.4. IntheContinuefromSlicedialogboxthatappears,confirmtheslicenumber,aftercheckingtheprinterinterface.Figure 6-6: Printer interface after interrupted printingFigure 6-7: Continue from Slice confirmation in Objet Studio (Job Manager screen)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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After printing stops, the printer goes into Standby mode, when heating of print heads is reduced. About 10 hours later, the printer goes into Idle mode, when heating of print heads is stopped. Printer modeLast slice printed
Operating & Maintaining the Objet500 - Connex 3 3D Printer6–10 DOC-07000 Rev. Aprintingstoppageonamodeldependonthemodelsizeandstructure,modelmaterialused,ambienttemperatureandthelengthofthestoppage.If you cannot continue printing: 1. CanceltheprintjobintheJobManagerscreen.2. Removethepartiallyprintedmodelfromthebuildtray.3. Sendthejobtotheprinteragain.You can stop and later resume printing from either the printer interface or from the Job Manager screen of Objet Studio, 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.
DOC-07000 Rev. A 6–11Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideChanging the Model MaterialBefore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.Figure 6-8: Starting the Material Replacement Wizard from the Options menu2. Intheopeningscreen,clickNextYou should carefully plan printing models with different model materials to avoid unnecessary waste of material currently loaded. The amount of material flushed depends on the flushing cycle chosen and if you are replacing one or more materials. The Material Replacement Wizard suggests the best slot locations for placing different material cartridges, based on materials in the system. This ensures minimum flushing of materials currently loaded.
Operating & Maintaining the Objet500 - Connex 3 3D Printer6–12 DOC-07000 Rev. A3. Iftheprintercoverisnotclosed,ascreenappearsinstructingyoutoclosethecover.ConfirmthatitisclosedandclickNext.Figure 6-9: Material Replacement OptionsIntheMaterialReplacementOptionsscreen,youselectthesettingsthatdeterminehowthewizardreplacesmaterialcurrentlyinthesystemwithnewlyloadedmaterial.4. ChoosewhetheryouwanttoproducemodelsinSingleMaterialmodeorinDigitalMaterial(“multiple‐materials”)mode.5. IntheRequiredmaterialssectionofthewizardscreen,selectoneormorereplacementmaterials.6. SelectBoth cartridgesifyouneedtoloadtworeplacementcartridges.Loadingonereplacementcartridge(ifsufficient)ismoreeconomicalbecauseitpotentiallyrequireslessflushingofmaterialcurrentlyinthesystem.•Single Material modeFourprintheadsareusedtoprint,usingonemodelmaterial.ThismodeisrequiredtoproducebuildtrayswiththeHighQualitysetting,andtoproducetrayswiththeHighSpeedsettingusingonlyonemodelmaterial.•Digital Material modeEachofthemodelmaterialsloadedisusedintwooftheprintheads.Ifonlyoneofthemodelmaterialsisrequiredforprinting,modelsareproducedusingtwoprintheads.Thismakesitunnecessarytoreplacetheothermodelmaterial.Ifmodel‐materialsubstitutionisallowed,theprinterproducestrayswiththeHighSpeedsettingusingamixtureofmodelmaterials(see“ModelMaterialSubstitution”onpage 5‐112).
DOC-07000 Rev. A 6–13Objet500 - Connex 3 User Guide7. IntheFlushingcyclesectionofthewizardscreen,choosehowthoroughlyyouwanttoflushoutmaterialcurrentlyinthesystem.•Economy.Thiscyclecanbeusedwhenreplacingalight‐coloredmodelmaterialwithadarkermaterial(suchasTangoBlack™orVeroBlack™),oriftheexactcoloroftheprintedmodelsisunimportant.Thewizardflushesthesystemwiththeminimumamountofmaterialneededtoensurethatmodelshavethemechanicalpropertiesofthenewmaterial.•Full.Usethiscyclewhentheprintedmodelsmusthavetheexactcolorofthenewmaterial.Thewizardthoroughlyflushesthefeedtubesandprintheadsneededforprinting,basedonyourselectionsinthepreviousscreens.Figure 6-10: Advanced Replacement settingsFigure 6-11: Cartridge insertion
Operating & Maintaining the Objet500 - Connex 3 3D Printer6–14 DOC-07000 Rev. A8. Whenthefinalwizardscreenappears,makesurethatthescreendisplaysthenewly‐loadedmaterial(s).ClickDonetoclosethewizard.Figure 6-12: Results of material replacementTheprinter‐controlinterfaceisautomaticallyupdated,andshoulddisplaythenewmaterial(s).TheObjetStudiointerface(ontheprinter‐serverworkstation)isalsoupdated.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.
DOC-07000 Rev. A 6–15Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideKeeping the Printer in Idle ModeBetweenprintingjobs,theObjet500‐Connex3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Printer,”below).Whenthe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 6-2, 6-3 and 6-4 on pages 3, 6 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 Objet printer application and begin printing again.Time after printing Mode Change in heating of print headsfirst15minutes Standby1nonenext10hours Standby2heatingreduced(toroomtemp.)after10hours Idle heatingstoppedWhen 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).
Operating & Maintaining the Objet500 - Connex 3 3D Printer6–16 DOC-07000 Rev. AShutting Down the PrinterYouonlyneedtoshutdowntheObjet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.ThesearecontrolledbytheShutdownWizard.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.Dependingonthelengthoftimetheprinterwillnotbeused,youcanchoosebetweenashortshutdownprocedure,andamorethoroughprocedure.•Upto10days:Thewizardemptiestheprintblockofmodelandsupportmaterial,topreventleaks.Thistakesabout10minutes.•Morethan10days:Thewizardemptiestheprintblock,thenflushesthesystemwithcleaningfluid.Thistakesupto35minutes,andyoumustbepresenttoloadcleaning‐fluidcartridgeswheninstructed.To run the Shutdown Wizard:1. SelectShutdown fromtheOptionsmenu,orpressF8.Figure 6-13: Shutdown Wizard, opening dialog box2. Intheopeningwizardscreen,clickNext.3. Choosetheappropriateoptionforthelengthoftimethattheprinterwillnotbeused—lessormorethantendays.Note: Before selecting More than 10 days, make sure that cleaning-fluid cartridges are available.4. Inthenextscreen,verifythatthetrayisemptyandclickNext.
DOC-07000 Rev. A 6–17Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideTheshutdownprocedurebegins.Figure 6-14: Shutdown progress screen5. Whenthefinalwizardscreenappears,closetheprinter‐controlapplicationandshutdownthebuilt‐incomputer.Figure 6-15: Final Shutdown Wizard screen6. Aftertheprintercomputershutsdown,turnoffthemainpowerswitchatthebackoftheprinter(seefigure 6‐2onpage 6‐2).
Operating & Maintaining the Objet500 - Connex 3 3D Printer6–18 DOC-07000 Rev. AMaintaining the PrinterTheperformanceofroutinemaintenancetasksisessentialforgettingsatisfactoryresultsfromObjet3‐Dprinters.Performthetasksatspecifiedintervalsforoptimumperformance.Routine Maintenance ScheduleFrequency Task For More InformationDaily,beforeprinting Cleantheprintheads. See“CleaningthePrintHeads”onpage 6‐18.WeeklyCleanthebuildtrayandthesurroundingarea.Weekly PerformthePatterntest. See“PatternTest”onpage 6‐20.Weekly Cleanandinspectthewiper. See“(see“ReplacingPrint Heads”onpage 6‐139)CleaningandReplacingtheWiper”onpage 6‐22.Weekly Restarttheprintercomputerandtheserver computer.Weekly Cleantherollerwastecollector. See“CleaningtheRollerWasteCollectorandInspectingtheRollerScraper”onpage 6‐24.Every300hoursofprinting(Aremindermessageappears.)TesttheUVlamps. See“TestingandCalibratingtheUVLamps”onpage 190.Monthly,andafterreplacingprintheads Checkthealignmentoftheprintheads. See“AligningthePrintHeads”onpage 6‐29.MonthlyCalibratetheloadcells. See“CalibratingtheLoadCells”onpage 6‐36.Monthly Inspecttheexhaustsystem(duct,fan,connections).Every2000hoursofprinting,oronceayearPreventivemaintenancevisitbyauthorizedserviceengineer.ContactyourObjetsupportcenter.
DOC-07000 Rev. A 6–19Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideCleaning 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printertoenableyoutoperformit.Thisproceduretakesabout20minutes,andshouldbedoneatthebeginningoftheworkdayorbeforeabigprintingjob.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mirror2. StarttheHeadCleaningWizardfromtheOptionsmenuoftheprinterinterface(seefigure 6‐22onpage 6‐22).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 6-16: Head cleaning procedure—wizard screen4. ClickNext.Theprinterpreparesforyoutocleantheprintheads.
Operating & Maintaining the Objet500 - Connex 3 3D Printer6–20 DOC-07000 Rev. A5. Whenthefollowingscreenappears,openthecover.Figure 6-17: Head cleaning wizard—steps 5–106. 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 6‐17).Usethemirrortomakesurethatyouhaveremovedalloftheresiduematerial.Figure 6-18: Cleaning the heads10. Whenyouhavefinishedcleaning,selecttheconfirmationcheckboxinthewizardscreen(seefigure 6‐16)andclickNext.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 lamps.
DOC-07000 Rev. A 6–21Objet500 - Connex 3 User Guide11. 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 6-19: Head-cleaning wizard—final screen13. ClickDonetoclosethewizard.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—A‐4orLettersize.3. Intheprinter,tapethepinkpapertothesurfaceleftofthebuildtray.4. PressF3,oropentheOptionsmenuandselectPattern Test.Figure 6-20: Pattern Test confirmation5. Ifthebuildtrayisnotclear,clickNointhefollowingdialogbox.Thislowersthebuildtray,sothatmodelsonthetrayarenotdamaged.Figure 6-21: Build tray (Z) level adjustmentTheprinterprintsaseriesoflinesonthetestpaper(seenextfigure).
Operating & Maintaining the Objet500 - Connex 3 3D Printer6–22 DOC-07000 Rev. AFigure 6-22: Sample Pattern Test6. Carefullyinspectthetestpapertoseeiftherearemissinglines.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, more than 10 missing lines in one area of a column is considered unacceptable.Improving Print Quality Ifyoususpectthatprintqualityispoor,performthepatterntest(see“PatternTest”onpage 6‐20).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 6‐18).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.
DOC-07000 Rev. A 6–23Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideIf the results of the pattern test are still poor:¾Optimizetheprintheadsandreplacefaultyprintheads,ifnecessary(see“CalibratingPrintHeads”onpage 6‐33).Cleaning and Replacing the WiperA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wiper2. StarttheWiperCleaningWizardfromtheOptionsmenu.Figure 6-23: Starting the Wiper Cleaning Wizard3. 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.
Operating & Maintaining the Objet500 - Connex 3 3D Printer6–24 DOC-07000 Rev. AConfirmthisinthewizardscreen.Figure 6-24: Wiper Cleaning procedure—step 45. ClickNext.6. Whenthefollowingscreenappears,openthecover.Figure 6-25: Wiper Cleaning Wizard during steps 7–107. 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.a. Graspitandpullitupandoutofitsbracket.b. Insertthenewwiperblade,makingsurethatitisstraightandsecuredwellonbothsides.10. Inthewizardscreen(seefigure 6‐24),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.
DOC-07000 Rev. A 6–25Objet500 - Connex 3 User Guide12. Confirmthatthetrayisclearandthatthecoverisclose,andclickNext.13. ClickDonetoclosethewizard.Cleaning the Roller Waste Collector and Inspecting the Roller ScraperTherollerwastecollectorremoveswastematerialscrapedfromtheroller.Suctionremovesthiswastetotheprinter’swastecontainer.Thisassemblyshouldbecleanedweeklytopreventablockageinthetubesleadingtothewastecontainer,sothatwastematerialdoesnotoverflowintotheprinter.To clean the roller waste collector:1. Prepare—•M2.5andM2Allenkeys•disposablecleaninggloves•isopropanol(IPA—isopropylalcohol)orethanol(ethylalcohol)•cleaningcloth•cottonswabs(Q‐tips®orsimilar)2. Putonthegloves.
Operating & Maintaining the Objet500 - Connex 3 3D Printer6–26 DOC-07000 Rev. A3. RemovetherightUV‐lampassembly:a. DisconnecttheUVpowercableandthefanpowercable.Figure 6-26: Disconnecting the right UV assemblyb. RemovethescrewattachingtherightUVlamptotheprintblock,andthenpullandliftuptheUVlamp.4. Loosenthetwoscrewssecuringthesuctiontubeontheprintblock.Figure 6-27: Lifting the suction tube5. Liftthesuctiontubetosecureitinaraisedposition.Fan power connectorPower connectorScrewSuction tube screws
DOC-07000 Rev. A 6–27Objet500 - Connex 3 User Guide6. Removethetwoscrewssecuringthecoveringoftherollerwastecollectorandremoveit.Figure 6-28: Removing the roller waste collector covering7. Removethecoveringbypullingitout,andthenlowerit.8. Cleantherollerwastecollectorandthescraperbladesurfaceusingcottonswabs.Makesuretoremoveanyremainingprintingmaterials.Figure 6-29: Cleaning the roller waste collectorTo check the effectiveness of the roller scraper:1. Putonthecleaninggloves.2. Wetaclothwithisopropanol.3. Usetheclothtowetthebottomoftheroller.4. Turntherollerslowlywithyourhand.Asthebladescrapestheroller,makesuretheisopropanolisspreadevenlyovertheentirelengthoftheblade.5. Inspecttheroller.Ifitisnotdry,replacetheblade.(See“ReplacingtheRollerScraper”onpage 6‐27.)Be very careful to save the covering screws. These are special screws; if they are lost you need to order replacements.Roller waste collector screwsBefore replacing the covering you can check the effectiveness of the roller scraper—see below.
Operating & Maintaining the Objet500 - Connex 3 3D Printer6–28 DOC-07000 Rev. A6. Beforereturningtherollerwastecollectortotheprintblock,makesurethatthepinsareclean.Figure 6-30: Roller waste collector pins7. Returntherollerwastecollectortotheprintblockandscrewonthecovering(seefigure 6‐27onpage 6‐26).8. Loosenthescrewssecuringthesuctiontube.Figure 6-31: Suction tube correctly positioned9. Loweritsothattheholeinthepanelbehindthesuctiontubeisvisible,andtightenthescrewstosecurethetube.10. Attachtheright‐UV‐lampassemblytotheprintblockandreconnecttheUVpowerandfancables.Replacing the Roller Scraper Youshouldreplacetherollerscraperblade:•after1,000hoursofprinting.•ifitdoesnoteffectivelykeeptherollerclean.To replace the roller scraper:1. Prepare—•anewrollerscraper(knife)(KIT‐01026‐S)•aPhillips1x75mmscrewdriver•M2.5andM2Allenkeys2. RemovetherightUVlampandtherollerwastecollectorcovering(seesteps3to6onpage 6‐25.)Roller waste collector pinsSecuring screwsYou should periodically test the effectiveness of the roller scraper when you clean the roller waste collector. See “Cleaning the Roller Waste Collector and Inspecting the Roller Scraper” on page 24..
DOC-07000 Rev. A 6–29Objet500 - Connex 3 User Guide3. Loosenthetwoscrewssecuringtherollerwastecollectorandpullitout.Figure 6-32: Removing the roller waste collector4. Removethescrewsthatsecuretherollerscraperassembly.Figure 6-33: Removing the roller scraper screwsFigure 6-34: Removing the old roller scraper blade5. Removethescraperbladeanddiscardit.
Operating & Maintaining the Objet500 - Connex 3 3D Printer6–30 DOC-07000 Rev. A6. Placethenewscraperbladeontothepinsintheholder,asshown.Figure 6-35: Inserting the new roller scraper blade7. Insertandtightentherollerscraperbladescrews.Figure 6-36: Tightening the roller scraper screws8. Aftertighteningthescrews,inspectthebladeandmakesurethatitisstraight.Ifnecessary,loosenthescrewsandtightenthemagain,evenly.9. ReturntherollerwastecollectorassemblyandtherightUVlamptotheprintblock.Seesteps6to10,frompage 6‐27.Aligning the Print Heads Youshouldcheckthealignmentoftheprintheads—•onceamonth•afterreplacingoneormoreheads•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 6‐18)Thehead‐alignmentproceduretakesabout20minutes.Important: •Tighten the screws in the order shown in figure 6-35.•Use the new screws supplied in the replacement kit.
DOC-07000 Rev. A 6–31Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideTo check the alignment of the print heads:1. Prepare—•atransparencysheet—A‐4orLettersize•anytypeofstickytape,tofastenthetransparencysheettothebuildtray2. StarttheHeadAlignmentWizardfromtheOptionsmenu(seefigure 6‐22onpage 6‐22).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.5. Wheninstructedtodoso,placethetransparencyonthebuildtray—nexttotheleftandrearedgesofthetray,asshowninthefollowingfigure.Figure 6-37: Positioning the transparency on the build tray6. Makesurethatthetransparencysheetislyingflat,andtapeittothetray.7. Inthewizardscreen,selectthecheckboxtoconfirmthatthetransparencysheetisonthebuildtray,andclickNext.Theprinterprintstheheadalignmenttestonthetransparency.8. Whenthefollowingscreenappears,removethetransparency.Figure 6-38: Head Alignment Wizard—steps 8–10
Operating & Maintaining the Objet500 - Connex 3 3D Printer6–32 DOC-07000 Rev. AThetransparencysheetisprintedwithsetsofverticallinesinsevencolumns,eachshowingtheresultsfromadifferentprinthead.Figure 6-39: Sample head-alignment test•Thethreecolumnsontherightwereprintedbytheheadsusedforapplyingmodelmaterialwhenproducingmodels.Fromrighttoleft,thecolumnsrepresentheadsM1,M2,M3,respectively.(ThereisnocolumnforheadM0becauseitsalignmentisusedasareferenceforaligningallotherheads.)•Thefourcolumnsoflinesontheleftwereprintedbytheheadsusedforapplyingsupportmaterial.ThecolumnsrepresentheadsS3,S2,S1andS0,respectively.9. Foreachcolumnoflines,useamagnifyingglassorloupetoinspectpairsofconsecutiverowsprintedonthetransparencytoseewheretheverticallinesalign.Figure 6-40: Comparing rows of alignment linesNote: It does not matter which pair of lines you inspect, since they were all printed by the same head. Choose a pair of clearly printed lines for the inspection. (Since some nozzles may not print clearly, you may have to inspect several pairs of lines to properly view the alignment.)Optimumheadalignmentisshownwhenthefourthlinesintheupperandlowerrowsarealigned,asinfigure 6‐39.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ofthathead—inthenextwizardscreens.10. Inthewizard screenshowninfigure 6‐37,selecttheTransparencyremovedcheckbox,andclickNext.Alignment-line numbering, left-to-rightRow pairs
DOC-07000 Rev. A 6–33Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideThefirstinaseriesofalignmentscreensappears.Figure 6-41: Head alignment screen11. Inthehead‐alignmentscreen,selectthenumberthatindicateswhichlinesalignintheupperandlowerrowsofapaironthetransparency(countingfromtheleft)forthisprinthead.Note: Because the alignment of the fourth lines is optimum, the number “4” 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todisplaythenextheadalignmentscreen,andagainselectthenumberrepresentingthemostcloselyalignedverticallinesonthetransparencyforthatprinthead.Whenyouhavefinishedaligningalloftheheads,thefollowingscreenisdisplayed.Figure 6-42: Update 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.
Operating & Maintaining the Objet500 - Connex 3 3D Printer6–34 DOC-07000 Rev. A14. 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—thefirstorseventhlines—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 6-43: Final Head Alignment Wizard screenCalibrating Print Heads Theconditionoftheprintheadsdirectlyaffectsthequalityofprintedmodels.Tomaintainoptimumprinting,youshouldroutinelytesttheprintheads,andcalibratethemtothebestworkingconfigurationpossible.YoudothisbyrunningtheHeadOptimizationWizard.If,duringtheoptimizationprocess,thewizarddeterminesthataprintheadisfaulty—orthatitisnegativelyaffectinglayeruniformitywiththecurrentheadconfiguration—thewizardinstructsyoutoreplaceit.Ifthishappens,youcancontinuethewizard(toreplacetheprinthead)orabortthewizard(toreplacetheheadatanothertime).Note: Allow at least three hours for performing this procedure (not including time required for replacing faulty print heads).Toaccuratelytestandcalibrateprintheads,theymustbeclean.Ifnecessary,runtheHeadCleaningWizardbeforebeginningthisprocedure.To test and calibrate the print heads:1. Prepare—•disposablecleaninggloves•thescalesuppliedbyObjetforuseintheWeightTestRun the Head Optimization Wizard whenever the condition of print heads is negatively affecting the quality of printed models, or if you suspect that there is a problem with one or more of the print heads.
DOC-07000 Rev. A 6–35Objet500 - Connex 3 User Guide2. StarttheHeadOptimizationWizardfromtheOptionsmenuoftheprinterinterface.Figure 6-44: Starting the Head Optimization Wizard3. Intheopeningwizardscreen,clickNexttobegin.TheWizardConditionsscreenappears.4. Readtheconditions,selectIAgreeandclickNext.5. Inthefollowingscreen,makesureOptimizeallprintheadsisselected,andclickNext.Figure 6-45: Procedure selection screenReplacing the Odor Filter Iftheprinterexhaustisnotconnectedtoanexternalventilationsystem,abuilt‐inactivated‐carbonfilterremovesodorsfromprintingmaterials.This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.Replacing the UV Lamps TheUVlampsusedforcuringmodelshavealong,butlimited,workinglife.TheObjetserviceengineertestseffectivenessduringregularmaintenancechecks,andreplacesthem,ifnecessary.Youcantestand
Operating & Maintaining the Objet500 - Connex 3 3D Printer6–36 DOC-07000 Rev. AadjusttheireffectivepowerwiththeUVCalibrationWizard(see“TestingandCalibratingtheUVLamps”onpage 190.IfyouneedtoreplaceaUVlamp,followtheseinstructions:1. Makesuretheprinterisinofflinemode.Figure 6-46: Offline mode indicator (red)Theonline/offlinebuttonatthebottomof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 6‐33onpage 6‐27),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 6-47: “Empty tray” confirmation screenTheaxesmovetothe“home”position.4. SelecttheUVlamp(s)tobereplacedandclickNext.Figure 6-48: UV lamp selection screenWARNING: Before continuing, make sure that the safety interlock in the printer cover is not defeated, and that the lamp is not hot.
DOC-07000 Rev. A 6–37Objet500 - Connex 3 User Guide5. DisconnectthepowerconnectiontotheUVlamp.Figure 6-49: Disconnecting the UV lamp Note: Do not disconnect the power connection to the cooling fans.6. LoosenthescrewsecuringtheUVlampcover(A),andpullthecoverup(B),thenout(C).Figure 6-50: Removing the UV lamp cover7. Pullthelampreflectoroutoftheprintblock.Figure 6-51: Removing the UV lamp reflector
Operating & Maintaining the Objet500 - Connex 3 3D Printer6–38 DOC-07000 Rev. A8. 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).9. Discardtheoldreflectorandlamp.10. InsertthenewUVlamp/reflectorunitintothehousingnexttotheprintblock.Figure 6-52: Print block and UV lamp assembly, showing correct placement of black strip11. Replacethelampcoverbyinsertingitintotheslotonthebottomofthehousing,andtightenthesecuringscrewontop.Figure 6-53: Replacing the lamp coverDispose of the used UV lamp in accordance with environmental and safety requirements.Black stripUV lamp assemblyBlack stripUV lampassembly
DOC-07000 Rev. A 6–39Objet500 - Connex 3 User Guide12. ReconnectthepowerconnectiontotheUVlamp.Figure 6-54: Connecting power to the UV lamp13. Inthewizardscreen,confirmthatyouhavereplacedthelamp(s)andthattheblackstripisattached,thenclickNext.Figure 6-55: UV-installation confirmation screenThewizardoperatesthelampsandchecksiftheirpoweriswithintheacceptablerangeforeachprintingmode.(Themodecurrentlybeingcheckedappearsinthelower‐leftcorneroftheprinterinterface.)Figure 6-56: Status screen during UV lamp check
Operating & Maintaining the Objet500 - Connex 3 3D Printer6–40 DOC-07000 Rev. A14. AfterreplacingaUVlamp,itisrecommendedthatyoucalibrateitspowerforthevariousprintingmodes.ThefinalscreenallowsyoutocontinuetotheUVCalibrationWizard(see“TestingandCalibratingtheUVLamps”onpage 6‐190).Figure 6-57: Final wizard screen
DOC-07000 Rev. A 6–41Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideBuilt-in Tests Thesoftwarethatrunstheprintercontainsasuiteoftestsforregularlycheckingthehardwareandsoftware,andfortroubleshooting.Youcanconfigurebasiccommunicationsandenvironmentteststorunautomatically,whentheObjetsoftwareopens.Inaddition,youcanrunamorecomprehensivesetoftestsbeforeprocessingaprintjob,asasystemcheck,toensureoptimumprintingresults.Becauserunningthetestseffectstheoperationoftheprinter,youcanonlyopentheBuilt‐inTestsinterfacewhenthesystemisnotprinting.Thetestsuitefeatures:•Theorganizationofprinting‐relatedtasksincategories:CommunicationsDatacardsTemperaturesVoltagesEncoderrepeatabilityPrint‐headheatingPrint‐headfilling•Acleardisplayoftestresultsandthesourceofanyfailures,enablingyoutodetermineifprintingispossibleorworthwhile.•Theabilitytomonitortestresultsforspecificcomponents.•Troubleshootingtips.Runningthesetestscanhelpidentifyproblemsintheprinterhardwareandsoftware.Alargenumberofhardwaredefects(ornear‐defects)warnsyouofpossibleprintingproblems,eitherforcurrentorfuturejobs.Objet recommends running the built-in tests in the following cases:•as a routine test, once every two weeks•as a system check, before major (long) jobs•as needed, for troubleshooting
Operating & Maintaining the Objet500 - Connex 3 3D Printer6–42 DOC-07000 Rev. AAccessingBuilt-in Tests To open the Built-in Tests screen, do one of the following: •FromtheOptionsmenu,selectBuilt-In Tests.•PressCtrl+Alt+B.Figure 6-58: Selecting Built-In Tests from the Options menuTest Interface TheBuiltInTestsscreenlistspre‐configuredtests,groupedbycomponentcategories.Inthisscreen,youselectandruntests,andtheresultsaredisplayed.Figure 6-59:Built In Tests screen
DOC-07000 Rev. A 6–43Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideTest List TestNameThiscolumnlistsallofthetests,togetherwithselectioncheckboxes.Clickthecheckboxestoselectthetestsyouwanttorun.Toremoveaselection,clickthecheckboxagain.Toquicklyselectallofthetestsinacomponentcategory,usetheGrouppull‐downmenuatthebottomofthescreen.GroupThiscolumnshowsthecomponentcategoriesforeachtest.ThistellsyouwhichtestsarerunwhenselectingacategoryfromtheGrouppull‐downmenuatthebottomofthescreen.StatusThiscolumnshowsthestatusofeachtestafteryourunit:Test Selection Area IntheTestSelectionarea,atthebottomofthescreen,youcanquicklyselectorde‐selecttestsbytheircharacteristics:Running Tests To run the selected tests:¾Click.Test Results To save and view a report of all of the tests:¾UsetheSaveandViewcommandbuttons(seebelow).Testsuccessfullycompleted.Testfailed.Unknownresults.(Thetesthasnotbeenrunyet.)All Clicktoselectallofthetestsinthelist.None Clicktode‐selectallofthetestsinthelist.Unknown Clicktoselectalltestthathavenotbeenrunyet(Status = ?).Group Usethismenutoselecttestsbycomponentcategory.Selection SetUsethismenutoselectapre‐configuredsetofteststorunatspecifiedtimes(computerstartup,beforeprinting,etc.).After you run a test, the Save and View command buttons are added to the Built In Tests screen (see below).
Operating & Maintaining the Objet500 - Connex 3 3D Printer6–44 DOC-07000 Rev. ACommand Buttons Youclickthecommandbuttons,ontherightsideofthescreen,toperformthefollowingoperations:RunClicktoruntheselectedtests.ResetClicktoclearpreviouslyruntests.ThisreturnsthestatusofeachtesttoUnknown(?).SaveClicktosaveareportthatsummarizesthetestsrun.ThereportissavedasanHTMLfile.Youcansaveanynumberofreportsforthetestsyourun;thenameofthefilesavedisBITReport [date][time].htm.Bydefault,thesefilesaresavedintheObjetinstallationfolder,butyoucansaveitinanyotherfolder.ViewClicktodisplaythelatesttestreportthatyousaved.(YoucanviewothertestreportsbyopeningtherelevantfilesinyourWebbrowser.Todoso,openWindowsExplorer,anddoubleclicktheBITReportfile.)CloseClicktoclosetheBuilt‐inTestsscreen.Summary Ontherightsideofthescreen,asymbolrepresentsthecombinedresultsofallthetestsrun,usingthesymbolsfromtheStatuscolumn.Alltestssuccessfullycompleted.Atleastonetestfailed.Notalltestsperformed.
DOC-07000 Rev. A 6–45Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideTest DescriptionsandTroubleshootingThefollowingtableliststhenameofeachtestintheBuilt‐inTestssuite,togetherwithitsdescriptionandapossiblereasonforitsfailure.Ifyouneedassistance,contactyourObjetserviceprovider.Test Name Description Possible Reason for FailureSub‐SystemCommunication TestscommunicationsbetweenEdencomponents. Disconnectedcommunicationscable.Faultycable.FIFONon‐Interrupt/FIFOInterruptTeststhedataqueueintheDATAPCIcard. FaultyDATA_PCIcard.Encoder TeststheencoderʹsreliabilitybycomparingreadingsfrommultiplerunsalongtheX‐axis.Faultyencoder.SystemInfo Comparesthefollowingparametervalueswiththeminimumrequirements.•Physicalmemory•Availablememory•Freespaceondisk•MonitorresolutionFailureofRAMmemoryallocationintheEdencomputer.BlockFilling Analyzesthethermistorreadingswhentheblockisfullandwhenitisempty.Faultythermistor.Interlock Teststheinterlockintheprintercover. Failureofinterlockmechanism.Faultylatch.Disconnectedcables.CabinTemperature Teststhetemperaturelevelinthebuild‐trayarea. Faultytemperaturesensor(OHDB).HeadEEPROM Teststheread/writecapabilitiesoftheprint‐headdrivercards. Faultyprint‐headdrivercard.HeadVoltage Checksthecontrolofvoltagessuppliedtotheprintheads. Faultyprint‐headdrivercard.TrayHeater Notusedforthisprinter —Head/BlockHeaters Teststheheatersintheprintheadsandintheprint‐blockbody. Faultyheatersorthermistors.AxesLimit Teststhehardwareandsoftwarelimitsofallaxes. Faultyhardwaresensors.WrongMaxPositionparameter.ParameterSanityCheck Comparesthevaluesofallprinterparameters(incfgfiles)totherequiredvalues.Oneormoreoftheprinterparametersisnotwithintherequiredrange.YoucanviewdetailsintheBITreport.Vacuum Teststhevacuumlevelintheprintblock. Faultyvacuumsensor.Vacuumleakage.Wrongparameters.
Operating & Maintaining the Objet500 - Connex 3 3D Printer6–46 DOC-07000 Rev. AReplacing the Waste ContainerThewastecontainercontainspartiallycuredpolymericmaterialproducedduringnormaloperationandmaintenanceoftheprinter.Forsafetyandenvironmentalreasons,thismaterialiskeptinaspecialleak‐proof,disposablecontainer.Thecontainerhasacapacityof10kilogramsofwastematerial—usuallyenoughforseveralmonthsofprinteruse.Theprintersoftwaredisplaysawarningmessagewhenthereis9kilogramsofmaterialinthecontainer,andstopstheprintingwhenthenetweightreaches9.5kilograms.Above9kilograms,thesoftwaredoesnotallowyoutostartaprintjob(oraprintingactivity)untilyoureplacethewastecontainer.YoucanmonitortheweightofthewastecontainerintheMaintenancescreenoftheprinterinterface.Youcanalsovisuallyinspectthelevelofwasteinthecontainer.(Toaccessit,seepage 6‐237.)To monitor the waste weight (and other indicators) in the printer:¾Inthemainprinterinterfacescreen,clickthedisplaytoggletoviewtheprinterindicators.Figure 6-60: Printer interface, showing waste weight (red background indicates operator alert)Thewastecontainerconsistsofaplasticcontainer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plasticcontainerbeforeyoucaninstallitintheprinter.Waste weightDisplay toggle buttonReplacement boxes, plastic containers, and sealing caps are supplied in the Objet printer start-up kit and in the preventive-maintenance kit.
DOC-07000 Rev. A 6–47Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideTo prepare a new waste container:1. Assemblethecardboardbox,makingsuretopunchouttheperforatedsections.2. Placeanewplasticcontainerintothebox.Note: Do not close the box until you connect the waste drain tube from the printer (see below).To replace the waste container:Locatethedooronthelower‐leftsideoftheprinter.Pushintheupper‐rightcornerofthedoortoreleasethelatchandopenthedoor.Figure 6-61: Accessing the waste container3. Carefullyslideoutthewastecontainertoremoveitfromtheprinter.Figure 6-62: Removing the waste container4. Placethenewwastecontainernexttothefullcontainer.5. Unscrewthecapsecuringthewastedraintubeandconnectittothenewcontainer.6. Closethefullcontainerwithasealingcap.7. Closethenewwaste‐containerbox,usingtapetoholditclosed.8. Positionthewastecontainerundertheprinter,ontheloadcells.•Thecontainershouldbeontheextremerightsideofthecompartment.•Makesurethatthewastedraintubeisnotcrimpedandthatitisnotpinchedbythecontainer.
Operating & Maintaining the Objet500 - Connex 3 3D Printer6–48 DOC-07000 Rev. A9. Closethewastecompartmentdoor.Cleaning the Exterior Panels ThepaintedexteriorplasticpanelsofObjet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waterWipe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finishDispose of the full waste container in accordance with environmental and safety requirements.
DOC-07000 Rev. A 7–1Handling Printed ModelsRemovingModelsAfterPrinting.............................................................. 2RemovingtheSupportMaterial................................................................ 2StoringModels............................................................................................. 5
Handling Printed Models7–2 DOC-07000 Rev. ARemoving Models After PrintingAfter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printer,itisbesttolettheprintedmodelscoolintheprinter,withthecoverclosed,aslongaspossible.If the 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 MaterialAfter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 HandWhile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 PressureFormostmodels,themostefficientwaytoremovesupportmaterialisbyusingahigh‐pressurewaterjet.OnesuitablesystemistheBalcoWaterJetcleaningunit,showninfigure 7‐1onpage 7‐3.ThisdeviceismarketedbyObjet.WARNING: Wear protective gloves when handling printed models before they are washed.
DOC-07000 Rev. A 7–3Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideFigure 7-1: Balco WaterJet Cleaning UnitTo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 SodaSoak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.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.
Handling Printed Models7–4 DOC-07000 Rev. APost-Printing Treatment for Models Printed with Objet VeroClearModelsmadewithObjetVeroClearhaveaslightyellowtintwhenremovedfromtheprinter.Thisisespeciallytrueformodelsprintedwithaglossyfinish.Theyellowtintfadesnaturallyovertime,butyoucangreatlyacceleratethisprocessbyusingasuitablephotobleachingtreatment.Asarule,bestclarityisachievedwhenpartsareprintedwithamattefinish,andtreatedasexplainedbelow.Photobleachingmodelsinvolvesexposingthemtolight.Toachievehighlycontrolledandpredictableresults,aprofessionalilluminationchamberisrecommended.However,adequateresultsmaybeobtainedusingordinarydesklampsfittedwithsuitablefluorescentelements.Photo-Bleaching Instructions Followtheseinstructionsforphotobleachingprintedmodels.•Thefluorescentlampsshouldberated45W,6500K.•Whenusingdesklamps,placethemodelsinacontainercoveredwithaluminumfoil.Useatleasttwolamps,morewhentreatingmodelsinalargecontainer.•Arrangethemodelswithenoughspacebetweenthemtoallowlighttoreachallsidesofeachmodel.•Verifythattheambienttemperaturearoundthemodelsisapproximately40ºC(104ºF).Highertemperaturesmaycausemodeldistortion;lowertemperaturesmaynotproducesatisfactoryresults.Whenusingdesklamps,youcanachievetherequiredtemperaturebypositioningthelampsapproximately10cm(4in.)abovethemodels.•Inspectthemodelsaftersixhoursoftreatment.Forpartswithamattefinish,thisshouldbeenough.Polishandlacquertheparts.Forpartswithaglossyfinish,continuethephotobleachingtreatmentforupto18hoursmore.InObjetlaboratories,therewasatintreductionofapproximately70%withinsixhours.After24hours,tintwasreducedbyapproximately90%.Figure 7-2: Figure 7-3: For more information about this treatment, see the application note “Objet VeroClear for Desktop Pro Printers” (DOC-24131).
DOC-07000 Rev. A 7–5Objet500 - Connex 3 User GuideStoring ModelsModels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.
Handling Printed Models7–6 DOC-07000 Rev. A

Navigation menu