Stratasys RFID Assembly of RFID reader and two antenna boards User Manual Connex500 350 User Guide

Stratasys Ltd Assembly of RFID reader and two antenna boards Connex500 350 User Guide

User Manual

DOC-13000 Rev. E 7–1Operating & Maintaining the Connex500/350 3-D PrinterStartingtheConnexPrinter ............................................................... 2LoadingModelandSupportCartridges.......................................... 4ProducingModels ............................................................................... 5PrinterInterfaceColor Key.................................................................. 7PrintingIndicators ................................................................................ 8ResumingProductionAfterPrintinghasStopped......................... 9ChangingtheModelMaterial ......................................................... 10KeepingtheConnexPrinterinIdleMode..................................... 15ShuttingDowntheConnexPrinter ................................................ 16MaintainingtheConnexPrinter ..................................................... 18RoutineMaintenanceSchedule......................................................... 18CleaningthePrintHeads................................................................... 19PatternTest........................................................................................... 21ImprovingPrintQuality .................................................................... 22CleaningandReplacingtheWiper................................................... 23ReplacingtheRollerScraper(Knife) ................................................ 28AligningthePrintHeads ................................................................... 30CalibratingPrintHeads ..................................................................... 34ReplacingPrint Heads........................................................................ 40TestingandCalibratingtheUVLamps ........................................... 49CalibratingtheLoadCells ................................................................. 51ReplacingtheOdorFilter................................................................... 52ReplacingtheUVLamps ................................................................... 52Built‐inTests......................................................................................... 57ReplacingtheWasteContainer ......................................................... 62CleaningtheExteriorPanels ............................................................. 64
Operating & Maintaining the Connex500/350 3-D Printer7–2 DOC-13000 Rev. EFigure 7-1: The Connex500 3-D Printer Starting the Connex Printer1. Turnonthemainpowerswitch,locatedatthebackoftheConnexprinter.Figure 7-2: Main power cable and switchThemainpowerswitchturnsontheConnexprinter,whichincludesthebuilt‐inConnexcomputer.Printer coverPrinting-materials &storage compartmentCAUTION!•Do not attempt to operate the Connex printer before being trained by an Objet customer-support representative.•Observe all safety warnings and follow the safety guidelines described in chapter 2.
DOC-13000 Rev. E 7–3Connex500/350 User Guide2. Afterthecomputerboots,logintoWindowsandlaunchtheConnexcontrolapplication:•Onthecomputerdesktop,double‐clicktheConnexprintericon.or—•FromtheStartmenu,selectObjet > Connex500/350Connex500/350.TheConnexprinterinterfacescreenopens(seefigure 7‐3).AllmonitoringandcontrollingoftheConnexprinterisdonefromthisinterface.Figure 7-3: Connex500 interfaceA valid HASP key is required on the printer computer for the application to open. This key should be installed during printer installation. If the application does not open and a HASP message appears, contact your dealer or Objet Customer Support.Printer mode Current activitySupport materialcartridgesDisplay toggle buttonPause buttonStop buttonOnline/offline buttonModel material cartridgesConnex installations utilize one monitor for displaying both the computer running Objet Studio / Job Manager and the computer installed inside the printer. Make sure that the KVM (keyboard-video-mouse) switch is in the correct position so that the Connex printer interface is displayed.
Operating & Maintaining the Connex500/350 3-D Printer7–4 DOC-13000 Rev. ELoading Model and Support CartridgesConnexprintersusetwocartridgesofmodelmaterialandtwocartridgesofsupportmaterial,eachweighing3.6kilogramswhenfull.Agraphicalrepresentationofthecartridgesandtheircurrentweightappearsintheprinterinterface(seefigure 7‐3).——Important:Ifyouneedtoreplacethemodelmaterialcurrentlyinstalledwithanothertype,see“ChangingtheModelMaterial”onpage 7‐10.Otherwise,makesuretoreplacethemodelcartridgewithonecontainingthesametypeofmaterial.To load model and support cartridges:1. OnthefrontoftheConnexprinter(seefigure 7‐1),pullopenthedoorsofthestoragecompartment.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—themodelcartridgeontheright,andthesupportcartridgeontheleft.(Notethatthecartridgesonlyfitintotheircorrectcompartments.)Youshouldfeelsomeresistance,asaneedlepiercesthecartridge.4. ChecktheConnexprinterinterfacetomakesurethatthenewcartridgeisdetectedandthatitsweightisdisplayed(seefigure 7‐3).5. Closethestorage‐compartmentdoor.The printer uses RFID technology to automatically identify the material cartridges. For this purpose, an RFID module is part of the printer hardware. 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. •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-13000 Rev. E 7–5Connex500/350 User GuideProducing ModelsTheConnex500/350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 Connex printer for producing models:1. MakesurethatthebuildtrayintheConnexprinterisemptyandclean.Ifnot,removeoldmaterialwiththescraper,andcleanthetraythoroughlywithcleaningfluid.2. Makesurethatthereissufficientmodelandsupportmaterialloadedintheprinter,asindicatedintheConnexprinterinterface(seefigure 7‐3).Youmaywanttoreplacethecartridgesofmodelandsupportmaterialcurrentlyloadedintheprintertoavoidtheneedforreplacingthemduringprinting.3. AtthebottomoftheConnexprinterinterface,clicktheredbuttontoswitchtheprintertoonlinemode.Thecolorofthebuttonchangesfromredtogreen(seefigure 7‐4).IfthereisajobintheJobManagerqueue,itissenttotheprinter.OntheConnex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,JobManagersendssevenslicestotheConnexprinter.ThisisthestandardbufferbetweentheJobManagerandtheprinter.Aseachsliceisprinted,theJobManagersendsanotherslicetotheprinter.Dependingonthesizeofthemodel(s)tobeproduced,printingcantakebetweenseveralhourstoseveraldays.Aslongasthereisenoughmodelandsupportmaterialinthesupplycartridges,printingproceedsautomaticallyuntilthejobisfinished.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 21). CAUTION: Use protective gloves when cleaning the build tray, and be careful of the sharp edges of the scraper blade.Forinstallingmaterialcartridgesandreplacingemptyones,see“LoadingModelandSupportCartridges”onpage 7‐4.Forchangingthetypeofmodelmaterialcurrentlyloaded,see“ChangingtheModelMaterial”onpage 10.During printing, the server computer must remain on and it must communicate with the Connex printer. Do not log-off Windows until printing is finished.
Operating & Maintaining the Connex500/350 3-D Printer7–6 DOC-13000 Rev. ETheConnex500/350printerusesoneortwo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 7-4: Connex printer indicatorsBlock temp.in front ofsupport headsBlock temp.behindsupport headsWaste weightDisplay toggle buttonPrinter set to online mode (green)Temp. of eachsupport headChamber temp.Left UV lampRight UV lampBlock temp. behind model headsTemp. of each model headBlock temp. in front of model headsSupport/Model material in print- block reservoirSystem vacuum levelPre-heating of support & model material
DOC-13000 Rev. E 7–7Connex500/350 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 7‐4: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.HeadsVacuum—Thevacuumlevelinthesystemiswithintheacceptablerange.•Red—notsuitableforprinting(orindicatesawarning)Forexample,infigure 7‐4:Waste—Theweightofthewastecontainerisgrams,morethanallowedwhenbeginningaprintjob.(See“ReplacingtheWasteContainer”onpage 7‐62.)•Blue—notreadyForexample,infigure 7‐4:UVlamps—TheUVnoton.Heads(°C)—Theheadshavenotreachedthetemperaturerequiredforprintingmodels(inprintingmode).Thecolorofthematerialcartridgesdisplayedintheprinterinterfaceindicateswhichcartridgesareactiveforthecurrent(ornext)printjob.•Blue—activecartridges•Gray—reservecartridges
Operating & Maintaining the Connex500/350 3-D Printer7–8 DOC-13000 Rev. EPrinting Indicators TheprinterinterfacescreenchangeswhenyousendaprintjobfromJobManagertotheprinter,andtheprinterisonline(seefigure 7‐5):•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 7-5: Connex printer interface during printing Current ActivityJob informationProgress barPause buttonStop buttonPrinter modeJob information
DOC-13000 Rev. E 7–9Connex500/350 User GuideResuming Production After Printing has StoppedIftheprintingprocessisinterruptedforanyreason,JobManagerstopssendingslicestotheConnexprinter.To continue printing the model:1. SwitchtheprintertoonlinemodebyclickingtheredbuttonatthebottomoftheConnexprinterinterface(seefigure 7‐3onpage 3).Thebuttonchangesfromredtogreen(seefigure 7‐4onpage 6).2. MakesurethatthecomputernetworkconnectingtheprinterandJobManagerserverisactive.3. IntheJobManagerinterface,clicktheResumeicon.4. IntheContinuefromSlicedialogboxthatappears,confirmtheslicenumber,aftercheckingtheConnexprinterinterface.Figure 7-6: Connex printer interface after interrupted printingFigure 7-7: Continue from Slice confirmation dialog box in server (Job Manager) interface5. 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Connexprinterinterface,eveniftheservercomputerdisplaystheContinuefromSliceconfirmationdialogbox.•Therewasarelativelylonginterruptioninprinting,evenifthe“lastslice”and“continuefromslice”indicatorsarecorrect.Thepartofthemodelalreadyprintedmaydeformorshrink,andtheremightbeavisibledifferencebetweenitandthenewlyprintedpart.Theeffectsofaprintingstoppageonamodeldependonthemodelsizeandstructure,modelmaterialused,ambienttemperatureandthelengthofthestoppage.Printer modeLast slice printed
Operating & Maintaining the Connex500/350 3-D Printer7–10 DOC-13000 Rev. EIf you cannot continue printing: 1. CanceltheprintjobinJobManager.2. Removethepartiallyprintedmodelfromthebuildtray.3. SendthejobtotheConnexprinteragain.Changing 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 7-8: Starting the Material Replacement wizard from the Options menu2. Intheopeningscreen,clickNext.3. Iftheprintercoverisnotclosed,ascreenappearsinstructingyoutoclosethecover.ConfirmthatitisclosedandclickNext.You can stop and later resume printing from either the Connex printer interface or the Job Manager interface, since both applications are updated when you use these commands. However, after clicking the Pause button in the printer interface, you can only resume printing from the printer interface.You should carefully plan printing models with different model materials to avoid unnecessary waste of the material loaded in the printer. The amount of material flushed depends on the flushing cycle chosen and if you are replacing one or both cartridges.
DOC-13000 Rev. E 7–11Connex500/350 User Guide4. IntheCompartmentSelectionscreen,selectthecartridge(s)youwanttoreplace,andclickNext.Figure 7-9: Compartment Selection screen5. Fromthedrop‐downmenu,choosethemodelmaterialyouwanttoinstall,andclickNext.Figure 7-10: Material Selection screenNote: This selection automatically affects the default material settings in Objet Studio.6. TheMaterialReplacementWizardcontinuesasfollows:•If,accordingtoyourselectionsinthepreviouswizardscreens,youarereplacingbothmodelmaterialcartridges,andtheprinterwillbeloadedwithtwocartridgescontainingthesamemodelmaterial,theConnexprinterflushestheentiresystem,andpreparesforprintinginSingle‐Materialmode(seebelow).Continuewithstep8onpage 7‐13.•If,accordingtoyourselectionsinthepreviouswizardscreens,youarereplacingbothmodelmaterialcartridges,andtheprinterwillbeloadedwithtwodifferentmodelmaterials,theConnexprinterflushestheentiresystem,andpreparesforprintinginDigital‐Materialmode(seebelow).Continuewithstep8onpage 7‐13.•If,accordingtoyourselectionsinthepreviouswizardscreens,youarereplacingonlyoneofthemodel‐materialcartridges,andthe
Operating & Maintaining the Connex500/350 3-D Printer7–12 DOC-13000 Rev. Eprinterwillbeloadedwithcartridgescontainingtwodifferentmodelmaterials,thePrinterModeSelectionscreenappears.Figure 7-11: Printer-mode selection7. ChoosewhetheryouwanttoproducemodelsinSingle‐MaterialmodeorinDigital‐Materialmode,andclickNext.Continuewithstep8onpage 13.•Single Material modeAllfour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four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cartridge.Ifmodel‐materialsubstitutionisallowed,theprinterproducestrayswiththeHighSpeedsettingusingamixtureofbothmodelmaterials(see“ModelMaterialSubstitution”onpage 5‐37).
DOC-13000 Rev. E 7–13Connex500/350 User Guide8. IntheFlushingOptionsscreen(seefigure 7‐12),choosehowthoroughlyyouwanttoflushthesystem.Figure 7-12: Flushing Options screen•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.•Efficiency.Thisoptionisadequate,inalmostallsituations,forprintingmodelswithuniformandaccuratecolor.Itisrecommendedbecauseitcanpotentiallysave25to75percentofthematerialusedtoflushouttheoldmaterial,comparedtotheHighPerformancecycle.Note,however,thattheremaybetimeswhentheshade(color)oftheprintedmodelisslightlyaffectedbymaterialpreviouslyused.Thewizardidentifiesthefeedtubesandprintheadsrequiringcleaning,basedonyourselectionsinthepreviousscreens,andflushesonlythesepartsofthesystem.•HighPerformance.Usethiscyclewhentheprintedmodelsmusthavetheexactcolorofthenewmaterial.Thewizardthoroughlyflushesallofthefeedtubesandprintheadsneededforprinting,basedonyourselectionsinthepreviousscreens.Thisisdoneevenifaselectedmaterialisalreadypresentinthesystem,sinceitmightcontainsmallamountsofmaterialpreviouslyused.
Operating & Maintaining the Connex500/350 3-D Printer7–14 DOC-13000 Rev. E9. ClickNext,andtakenoteofthewarningscreen.Figure 7-13: Material Replacement warning screen10. Tocontinue,clickNext.11. Whenprompted,loadthenewcartridge(s).ConfirmthisinthewizardscreenandclickNext.Figure 7-14: Prompt to load new model cartridgesAfteridentifyingthenewcartridge(s),theConnexprinterbeginsfillingtheprintheadswiththenewmodelmaterial.Figure 7-15: Material replacement: filling heads with new materialOnce you start this procedure, you must complete it before you can produce models with the Connex printer. To perform the procedure at another time, click Cancel. If you continue (by clicking Next) and you do not complete the procedure, you must start the Material Replacement wizard again before producing models.
DOC-13000 Rev. E 7–15Connex500/350 User Guide12. Whenthefinalwizardscreenappears,makesurethatthescreendisplaysthenewly‐loadedmaterial(s).ClickDonetoclosethewizard.Theprinter‐controlinterfaceisautomaticallyupdated,andshoulddisplaythenewmaterials.TheObjetStudiointerface(ontheprinter‐serverworkstation)isalsoupdated,anddisplaysthenewmaterials.Keeping the Connex Printer in Idle ModeBetweenprintingjobs,theConnex500/350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ConnexPrinter,”below).WhentheConnex500/350printerstopsproducingmodels,theprintersoftwareautomaticallyreducesthetemperatureoftheprintheadsasfollows:Note: The printer mode is indicated in the green field on the left of the interface (see figures 7-3, 7-4 and 7-5 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 Connex printer application and begin printing again.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.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 Connex500/350 3-D Printer7–16 DOC-13000 Rev. EShutting Down the Connex PrinterYouonlyneedtoshutdowntheConnex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 Connex Shutdown Wizard:1. SelectShutdown fromtheOptionsmenu,orpressF8.Figure 7-16: 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-13000 Rev. E 7–17Connex500/350 User GuideTheshutdownprocedurebegins.Figure 7-17: Shutdown progress screen5. Whenthefinalwizardscreenappears,closetheprinter‐controlapplicationandshutdownthebuilt‐incomputer.Figure 7-18: Final Shutdown Wizard screen6. Aftertheprintercomputershutsdown,turnoffthemainpowerswitch(atthebackoftheprinter)(seefigure 7‐2onpage 2).
Operating & Maintaining the Connex500/350 3-D Printer7–18 DOC-13000 Rev. EMaintaining the Connex PrinterTheperformanceofroutinemaintenancetasksisessentialforgettingsatisfactoryresultsfromConnex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 7‐19.WeeklyCleanthebuildtrayandthesurroundingarea.Weekly PerformthePatterntest. See“PatternTest”onpage 7‐21.Weekly Cleanandinspectthewiper. See“CleaningandReplacingtheWiper”onpage 7‐23.Weekly RestarttheConnexprintercomputerandtheservercomputer.Weekly Cleantherollerwastecollector. See“CleaningtheRollerWasteCollectorandInspectingtheRollerScraper(Knife)”onpage 7‐25.Every200hoursofprinting(Aremindermessageappears.)TesttheUVlamps. See“TestingandCalibratingtheUVLamps”onpage 49.Monthly,andafterreplacingprintheads Checkthealignmentoftheprintheads. See“AligningthePrintHeads”onpage 7‐30.MonthlyCalibratetheloadcells. See“CalibratingtheLoadCells”onpage 7‐51.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-13000 Rev. E 7–19Connex500/350 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Connex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HeadsCleaningwizardfromtheOptionsmenuoftheprinterinterface(seefigure 7‐26onpage 23).3. Followtheinstructionsonthewizardscreens,andselectthecheckboxestoconfirmthat:•youhavecheckedthatthetrayisempty.•youhaveclosedthecover.Figure 7-19: Head cleaning procedure—wizard screen4. ClickNext.Theprinterpreparesforyoutocleantheprintheads.
Operating & Maintaining the Connex500/350 3-D Printer7–20 DOC-13000 Rev. E5. Whenthefollowingscreenappears,openthecover.Figure 7-20: 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 7‐21).Usethemirrortomakesurethatyouhaveremovedalloftheresiduematerial.Figure 7-21: Cleaning the heads10. Whenyouhavefinishedcleaning,selecttheconfirmationcheckboxinthewizardscreen(seefigure 7‐20)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-lamp lens (to the right of the print heads).
DOC-13000 Rev. E 7–21Connex500/350 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 7-22: 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Connex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 7-23: 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 7-24: Build tray (Z) level adjustmentTheConnexprinterprintsaseriesoflinesonthetestpaper.
Operating & Maintaining the Connex500/350 3-D Printer7–22 DOC-13000 Rev. EFigure 7-25: 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 7‐21).Iftheresultsarepoor,usethefollowingproceduretoimproveprintquality.If the results of the last pattern test are poor:1. FromtheOptionsmenu,selectExecute Purge Sequence,orpressF4.2. Intheconfirmationdialogbox,clickYes.Theprintheadsarepurgedofmodelandsupportmaterial,andthewiperremovesexcessmaterialfromthem.3. Repeatthepurgesequence.4. Performthepatterntest.If the results of the pattern test are still poor:1. Manuallycleantheprintheads(see“CleaningthePrintHeads”onpage 7‐19).2. Performthepurgesequence.3. Performthepatterntest.If the results of the pattern test are still poor:1. Carefullycleantheprintheadsagain,makingsurethereisnoresidueleftonthem.2. Performthepurgesequence.3. Performthepatterntest.If the results of the pattern test are still poor:¾Replacefaultyprintheads(see“ReplacingPrint Heads”onpage 7‐40).
DOC-13000 Rev. E 7–23Connex500/350 User GuideCleaning 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oftheprinterinterface.Figure 7-26: 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 Connex500/350 3-D Printer7–24 DOC-13000 Rev. EConfirmthisinthewizardscreen.Figure 7-27: Wiper Cleaning procedure—step 45. ClickNext.6. Whenthefollowingscreenappears,openthecover.Figure 7-28: 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 7‐28),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-13000 Rev. E 7–25Connex500/350 User Guide12. SelecttheconfirmationcheckboxesinthewizardscreenandclickNext.Figure 7-29: Wiper Cleaning procedure—final confirmation screen13. ClickDonetoclosethewizard.Cleaning the Roller Waste Collector and Inspecting the Roller Scraper (Knife)The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 Connex500/350 3-D Printer7–26 DOC-13000 Rev. E3. RemovetherightUV‐lampassembly:a. DisconnecttheUVpowercableandthefanpowercable.Figure 7-30: 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 7-31: Lifting the suction tube5. Liftthesuctiontubetosecureitinaraisedposition.6. Removethetwoscrewssecuringthecoveringoftherollerwastecollectorandremoveit.Fan power connectorPower connectorScrewSuction tube screwsBe very careful to save the covering screws. These are special screws, if they are lost you need to order replacements.
DOC-13000 Rev. E 7–27Connex500/350 User GuideFigure 7-32: 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 7-33: 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blade5. Inspecttheroller.Ifitisnotdry,replacetheblade.6. Beforereturningtherollerwastecollectortotheprintblock,makesurethatthepinsitrestsuponareclean.Figure 7-34: Roller waste collector pinsRoller waste collector screwsBefore replacing the covering you can check the effectiveness of the roller scraper (knife)—see below.Roller waste collector pins
Operating & Maintaining the Connex500/350 3-D Printer7–28 DOC-13000 Rev. E7. Returntherollerwastecollectortotheprintblockandscrewonthecovering(seefigure 7‐32onpage 7‐27).8. Loosenthescrewssecuringthesuctiontube.Figure 7-35: 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suctiontube.10. Attachtheright‐UV‐lampassemblytotheprintblockandreconnecttheUVpowerandfancables.Replacing the Roller Scraper (Knife)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 7‐26.)3. Loosenthetwoscrewssecuringtherollerwastecollectorandpullitout.Figure 7-36: Removing the roller waste collectorYou 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 (Knife)” on page 25.
DOC-13000 Rev. E 7–29Connex500/350 User Guide4. Removethescrewsthatsecuretherollerscraperassembly.Figure 7-37: Removing the roller scraper screwsFigure 7-38: Removing the old roller scraper blade5. Removethescraperbladeanddiscardit.6. Placethenewscraperbladeontothepinsintheholder,asshown.Figure 7-39: Inserting the new roller scraper blade
Operating & Maintaining the Connex500/350 3-D Printer7–30 DOC-13000 Rev. E7. Insertandtightentherollerscraperbladescrews.Figure 7-40: 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 7‐27.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 7‐19)Thehead‐alignmentproceduretakesabout20minutes.To 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ConnexOptionsmenu(seefigure 7‐26onpage 23).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.Important: •Tighten the screws in the order shown in Figure 7-40.•Use the new screws supplied in the replacement-kit.
DOC-13000 Rev. E 7–31Connex500/350 User Guide5. 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 7-41: 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Connexprinterprintstheheadalignmenttestonthetransparency.8. Whenthefollowingscreenappears,removethetransparency.Figure 7-42: Head Alignment wizard—steps 8–10
Operating & Maintaining the Connex500/350 3-D Printer7–32 DOC-13000 Rev. EThetransparencysheetisprintedwithsetsofverticallinesinsevencolumns,eachshowingtheresultsfromadifferentprinthead.Figure 7-43: 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 7-44: 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 7‐44.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 7‐42,selecttheTransparencyremovedcheckbox,andclickNext.Alignment-line numbering, left-to-rightRow pairs
DOC-13000 Rev. E 7–33Connex500/350 User GuideThefirstinaseriesofalignmentscreensappears.Figure 7-45: 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 7-46: Updating System Parameters confirmation screen 13. Continueasfollows:•Tomakethealignmentchangesintheprinter,makesurethatYesisselected,andclickNext.•Torecheckthealignmenttestresultsbeforemakingthealignmentchangesintheprinter,clickPrevious.•Ifyoudonotwanttomakealignmentchangesintheprinteratthistime,selectNoandclickNext.
Operating & Maintaining the Connex500/350 3-D Printer7–34 DOC-13000 Rev. E14. 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 7-47: Final 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.Duringtheoptimizationprocess,32samplesareprintedonthebuildtray.Aftercarefullyweighingeachofthem,youentertheweightinthewizardʹsdata‐entryscreen.Thewizardusesthisdatatooptimizetheheads.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).To test and calibrate the print heads:1. Prepare—•isopropanol(IPA—isopropylalcohol)orethanol(ethylalcohol)•disposablecleaninggloves•anObjet‐suppliedcleaningclothorequivalent•amirror•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-13000 Rev. E 7–35Connex500/350 User Guide2. StarttheHeadOptimizationwizardfromtheOptionsmenuoftheprinterinterface.Figure 7-48: 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. Closetheprintercover,andconfirmthisinthewizardscreen.6. Inthefollowingscreen,makesureOptimizeallprintheadsisselected,andclickNext.Figure 7-49: Procedure selection screenTheprintblockmovesintopositionforcleaningandinspectingtheprintheads.
Operating & Maintaining the Connex500/350 3-D Printer7–36 DOC-13000 Rev. E7. Whenthefollowingscreenappears,cleantheprintheads.Figure 7-50: Clean print heads screen 8. Placethemirroronthebuildtray.9. Putonthecleaninggloves.10. Soakthecleaningclothwiththecleaningfluid(alcohol).11. Cleantheorificeplates,withaback‐and‐forthmotion.Figure 7-51: Cleaning the print headsUsethemirrortomakesurethatyouhaveremovedalloftheresiduematerial.12. Whentheprintheadsareclean,selecttheconfirmationcheckboxinthewizardscreenandclickNext.13. Removethecleaningmaterialsfromtheprinter,andclosethecover.14. Selecttheconfirmationcheckboxinthewizardscreen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.
DOC-13000 Rev. E 7–37Connex500/350 User GuideThehead‐purgecycleruns,afterwhichtheWeightTestisprinted.Figure 7-52: Printing Weight Test15. 32samplesareprintedonthebuildtray,fourforeachoftheprintheads.Thiscantakeupto55minutes.16. Whenthefollowingscreenappears,opentheprintercover.Enterthedatathatdescribestheconditionofeachprinthead,afterinspectingeachoftheprintedsamples.Figure 7-53: Weight Test Data Entry screena. Enterthenumberoffaulty(“missing”)nozzles.FaultynozzlesareseeninWeightTestsamplesasamissingrowofprintedmaterial.Comparetheheightofthemissingrowwiththelinesprintedonthe“missingnozzles”ruler.Enterthenumbernexttothelinethatmostcloselymatchestheheightofthemissingrow.The layout of the data entry screen matches the printed samples on the build tray. Enter the data for the sample indicated by in the screen.
Operating & Maintaining the Connex500/350 3-D Printer7–38 DOC-13000 Rev. EFigure 7-54: Measuring the missing line in a printed sampleIntheexampleabove,youwouldenter“1”inthewizardscreen.b. Carefullyremovethesample,weighit,andentertheweightinthewizardscreen.Besuretoremoveandweightheentiresample,evenifitbreaksintoseveralpieces.c. ClickApplyorpressEnter.Thedata‐entry‐indicator movestothenextposition.d. Repeatthesestepsforall32samples.To change an entry, click Edit Data, enter the correct data, and click Save.17. Whenyouhaveenteredtheallofthedatainthewizardscreen,click Next.Thewizardusesthedatayouenteredtoanalyzetheconditionoftheprintheads,andoptimizesthemsotheyprintmodelswithauniformlayerofmaterial.Iftheheadsareinsatisfactorycondition,thefinalwizardscreenappears.Figure 7-55: Final wizard screen, after optimizing print headsMissing linePrinted sampleRuler
DOC-13000 Rev. E 7–39Connex500/350 User GuideHowever,ifthewizarddeterminesthataprintheadisfaulty—orthatitisnegativelyaffectingmodelqualitywiththecurrentheadconfiguration—thewizardinstructsyoutoreplaceit.Inthiscase,thefollowingscreenappears.Figure 7-56: Defective print heads found18. ChooseReplacedefectivehead(s)ifyouarepreparedtoreplacetheprintheadsnow.or—ChooseAbortwizardifyouwanttoreplacetheprintheadsatanothertime.Ifyouarereplacingtheprintheadsnow,thewizardguidesyouthroughtheprocedurewhenyouclickNext.Continuewith“Preparingtheprint block”onpage 41.Replacing print heads is expensive. Replace them only after consulting with an Objet-authorized customer-support engineer.
Operating & Maintaining the Connex500/350 3-D Printer7–40 DOC-13000 Rev. EReplacing Print Heads Theconditionoftheprintheadsdirectlyaffectsthequalityofprintedmodels.Youneedtoreplaceaprintheadifoneormoreofthefollowingsymptomsoccurs:•TheHeadOptimizationwizarddeterminesthatoneormoreprintheadsaredefective.(See“CalibratingPrintHeads”onpage 34.)•Therearenoticeablegroovesinthesurfaceofprintedmodels.•Visualinspectionoftheheadrevealsthatitssurfaceisdamaged—peelingorbubblesinthenozzlearea.•TheConnexinterfacedisplaysawarningormalfunctionmessagerelatingtoaprinthead—HeadHeatertemperaturetimeoutHeadHeaterthermistoropenHeadHeaterthermistorshortTheHeadOptimizationwizardguidesyouthroughtheprocedureofreplacingaprinthead,andadjustscomponentsoftheConnexprintertoenableyoutoperformit.Onlyreplaceaprintheadwiththeaidofthewizard.Theproceduretakes75—90minutes,andconsistsofthefollowingphases:A. Identifyingthehead(s)needingreplacement.ThisisnormallydonebytheHeadOptimizationwizard.Otherwise,evidenceofphysicaldamagetotheheadsurfaceoramalfunctionmessageindicateswhichheadneedsreplacing.B. Preparingtheprintblockforheadreplacement.Thisisdoneautomaticallywhenyourunthewizard.C. Removingthedefectiveprinthead.D. Installinganewprinthead.E. Optimizingtheprintheads(doneautomaticallybythewizard).F. Performingheadalignment.To replace a print head:1. Prepare—•replacementprinthead(s)•isopropanol(IPA—isopropylalcohol)orethanol(ethylalcohol)•disposablesafetygloves(includedintheheadreplacementkit)•anObjet‐suppliedcleaningclothorequivalent•aflat‐headscrewdriver(5mm)•thescalesuppliedbyObjetforuseintheWeightTestNote: Make sure that you have these items before running the wizard.2. StarttheHeadOptimizationwizardfromtheOptionsmenuoftheprinterinterface(seefigure 7‐48onpage 35).3. Intheopeningwizardscreen,clickNexttobegin.Replacing print heads is expensive. Replace them only after consulting with an Objet-authorized customer-support engineer.
DOC-13000 Rev. E 7–41Connex500/350 User GuideTheWizardConditionsscreenappears.4. Readtheconditions,selectIAgreeandclickNext.Figure 7-57: Procedure selection screen5. ChooseReplacefaultyheads,andclickNext.Preparing theprint block6. Selecttheprinthead(s)needingreplacement,andclickNext.Figure 7-58: Head selection screenTheConnexprinterheatsandemptiestheprintblock,andpreparestheprinter.(Thisshouldtakeupto30minutes.)Figure 7-59: Printer preparation progress screen7. Putonthesafetygloves.
Operating & Maintaining the Connex500/350 3-D Printer7–42 DOC-13000 Rev. E8. Whenthefollowingscreenisdisplayed,opentheConnexprintercover.Note: The Connex printer disconnects power to the heads for your safety.Figure 7-60: Replace the defective head when this screen appearsRemoving theDefective Head 9. Ontheprintblock,releasetheupperandlowerscrewsthatsecuretheprintheadintheblock.(Ifnecessary,youmayuseascrewdrivertoloosenthescrews.)Figure 7-61: Releasing the locking screws10. Pressdownontheupperandlowerlockingscrewstoreleasetheprinthead.Figure 7-62: Releasing the print head
DOC-13000 Rev. E 7–43Connex500/350 User Guide11. Loosenthescrewsonthedoorofthecompartmentprotectingtheprint‐headdrivercards(A),thenpullandliftupthedoor(B).Figure 7-63: Opening the print-head compartment12. Pulltheprint‐headdrivercardoutofitssocketsothattheheadisfree(A),andremoveitfromthebottomoftheprintblock(B).Figure 7-64: Releasing the print-head driver card to remove the head13. Makesurethatalongwiththehead,youremovethetworubberO‐ringseals.Figure 7-65: O-ring seals on the print headImportant: If the seals are not removed with the head, they are probably stuck to the print block housing. If so, remove them.
Operating & Maintaining the Connex500/350 3-D Printer7–44 DOC-13000 Rev. EFigure 7-66: Making sure the O-rings are not stuck to the print blockInstalling theNew Head Important:Removetheprotectivetapefromthesurfaceofthenewprinthead.14. Inspectthereplacementhead,andmakesurethattheO‐ringsealsareinplace(seefigure 7‐65).15. Gentlyinsertthereplacementheadintothevacantslotintheprintblock,andpushtheprint‐headdrivercardintoitssocket.Note: Make sure to insert the head with the driver card facing its socket, in the rear of the print block.Figure 7-67: Inserting the print-head driver card into its socket
DOC-13000 Rev. E 7–45Connex500/350 User Guide16. Pushtheheadupuntilyouhearitclickintoplace,inbothfrontandrearholders.Figure 7-68: Clicking the head into place in the print block17. Lowerthedooroftheprintheadcompartment,andtightenthescrewstolockitinplace.18. Tightentheupperandlowerscrewsthatsecuretheprintheadintheprintblock(seefigure 7‐61onpage 42).Note: Hand-tighten these screws. Do not use a screwdriver.19. Withyourfingers,makesurethatthenewheadislevelandevenwiththeotherheads.Figure 7-69: Checking the level of the new head20. Confirmthattheheadsarelevelandevenbyselectingthecheckboxinthefollowingwizardscreen,andclickNext.
Operating & Maintaining the Connex500/350 3-D Printer7–46 DOC-13000 Rev. EFigure 7-70: Installation-check screen21. Inthenextwizardscreen,selectthecheckboxtoconfirmthatyouhaveremovedalltoolsandobjectsfromtheprinter.Figure 7-71: Cleared-tray confirmation screen22. Closetheprintercover.Thewizardcontinuesbyfillingtheheads,thenheatingandpurgingthem.Iftherearenoinstallationproblems,theHeadOptimizationprocedurebegins(see“CalibratingPrintHeads”onpage 7‐34).Ifavacuumleakageisdetected,orifthereareotherproblems,thewizardalertsyouandinstructsyouhowtocontinue(see“InstallationProblems,”below).Afterreplacingprintheads,youshouldchecktheheadalignmentbeforeusingtheConnexprintertoproducemodels.Inthefinalwizardscreen...•selectYesandclickDonetoopentheHeadAlignmentwizard(see“AligningthePrintHeads”onpage 30).•selectNoandclickDonetoaligntheheadsatanothertime.
DOC-13000 Rev. E 7–47Connex500/350 User GuideFigure 7-72: Final Head Optimization Wizard ScreenInstallationProblems Iftheprinterdetectsthatthereisaproblemafteryouinstallprintheads,relevantwarningscreensappear.•Iftheprintersoftwaredoesnotsensethereplacedhead,thefollowingwarningscreenappears.Figure 7-73: Incorrect-installation screenIfthishappens:a. Opentheprintheadcompartment(seefigure 7‐63onpage 43).b. Re‐inserttheprint‐headdrivercardintoitssocket(seefigure 7‐67onpage 44).c. Inthewizardscreen,selectthecheckboxtoconfirmthatyouhavere‐insertedthecard,andclickNext.
Operating & Maintaining the Connex500/350 3-D Printer7–48 DOC-13000 Rev. E•Ifthereplacementheadwasnotfactory‐calibrated,thefollowingwarningscreenappears.Figure 7-74: Invalid-data warning screenIfthishappens:a. Removetheheadandreplaceitwithanotherone(startingwithstep9onpage 7‐42).b. Inthewizardscreen,selectthecheckboxtoconfirmthatyouhaveinstalledanotherprinthead,andclickNext.c. ContactyourauthorizedObjetCustomerSupportcenterabouttheunformattedhead.•Ifthevacuumtestisnotsuccessful,thereplacementheadwasnotsealedproperlyduringinstallation,andthefollowingwarningscreenappears.Figure 7-75: Vacuum Leakage warning screenIfthishappens:a. ClickNext.b. Followtheinstructionsonthewizardscreenstore‐installthehead.
DOC-13000 Rev. E 7–49Connex500/350 User GuideTesting and Calibrating the UV LampsTheeffectiveradiationoftheUVlampsusedforcuringmodelscanchangeovertime.Toensureoptimumcuringofmodelsduringprinting,apop‐upmessageremindsyoutotestthelampsandcalibratetheireffectiveUVradiationafterevery200hoursofprinting.YoudothisbyrunningtheUVCalibrationWizardandusingthebuilt‐inUVradiationsensor.Thewizardcomparestheradiationyoumeasuretotherecommendedradiationlevelforeachofthelamps,ateachprintingmode—HighSpeed,HighQualityandDigitalMaterial.Theradiationlevelisconsideredacceptableifitiswithinsevenpercentoftherecommendedlevel.Whencalibratingthelamps,thewizardattemptstoadjusttheradiationlevel,ifnecessary,andthenpromptsyoutotakeanewreading.Ifthelevelisacceptable,thewizardcontinuestothenextphase.Iffurtheradjustmentisnecessary,thecurrentphaseisrepeated.Ifthelevelistoolowtobeadjusted,thewizardcontinuestothenextphase;thefinalwizardscreenindicatesthatthelamp’sradiationfortheprintingmodeisunacceptable.To test and calibrate UV lamp radiation:1. StarttheUVCalibrationwizardfromtheOptionsmenu(seefigure 7‐26onpage 23).2. Makesurethatthebuildtrayisempty,theUVsensorisexposedandclean,andthattheprintercoverisclosed.ConfirmthisinthewizardscreenandclickNext.Figure 7-76: Confirmation screenTheUVlampspowerupandstabilize;thistakesseveralminutes.Then,theprintblockpassesoverthesensor.Thewizardcomparesthemeasuredradiationtotherecommendedlevelforthelampandprintingmodetested,anddisplaystheresult.Thewizardcontinuesasfollows:•Ifthelevelmeasuredintheprevioustestisacceptable,thewizardbeginstestingtheleftUVlamp.•Ifthelevelmeasuredintheprevioustestisnotacceptable,thewizardcalibratestherightUVlampbyadjustingthecurrentsuppliedtoit,thentestsitagain.•Ifthelevelmeasuredintheprevioustestistoolowtobeadjusted,thewizardrecordsthelamp’sradiationasunacceptable,andbeginstestingtheleftUVlamp.
Operating & Maintaining the Connex500/350 3-D Printer7–50 DOC-13000 Rev. EWhenalltesthavefinished,theresultsaredisplayed.Thisshowsthecurrentconditionofthelamps,afterthewizardhascalibratedthem.Figure 7-77: Results and current condition of the UV lamps3. CovertheUVsensor,andconfirmthisinthenextscreen.4. Inthefinalwizardscreen,clickDone.Figure 7-78: Final UV Calibration Wizard screen
DOC-13000 Rev. E 7–51Connex500/350 User GuideCalibrating the Load Cells Loadcellsaresensorsthatmeasuretheweightoftheprintingcartridgesandthewastecontainerintheprinter.Itisimportantthatyouperiodicallycheckthattheweightmeasurementsareaccurate,bothforconvenienceandtopreventunnecessarywasteofprintingmaterials.Itisrecommendedthatyoucalibratetheloadcellsonceamonth,withtheLoadCellCalibrationwizard.To calibrate load cells:1. StarttheLoadCellCalibrationwizard.•FromtheOptionsmenuoftheprinterinterface(seefigure 7‐26onpage 23),selectWizards > Load Cell Calibration.2. Selectoneormoreloadcellsthatyouwanttocalibrate,andclickNext.Figure 7-79: Load cell selectionNote: It is recommended that you routinely calibrate all of the load cells.3. Removethecartridgeorcontainer,asinstructedbythewizard,confirmthisinthewizardscreen,andclickNext.Figure 7-80: Confirmation of cartridge removal
Operating & Maintaining the Connex500/350 3-D Printer7–52 DOC-13000 Rev. E4. Inthenextwizardscreen,observethenumbersandwaituntilthelevelisrelativelystable—twounitsaboveorbelowtheaveragelevelshown.Figure 7-81: Load cell calibration screen5. SelecttheWeightisstablecheckbox,andclickNext.Ifyouneedtocalibratemorethanoneloadcell,thenextcalibrationscreenappears.Repeatsteps4and5untilalloftheloadcellsarecalibrated.6. ClickDoneinthefinalwizardscreen.Figure 7-82: Final wizard screenReplacing the Odor Filter TheConnex500/350printerhasanactivated‐carbonfilterforremovingodorsfromprintingmaterials.Thefiltershouldbereplacedregularly(aboutonceayear,asnecessary)tokeepyourworkingenvironmentpleasant.Thisisnormallydoneduringtheyearlypreventive‐maintenanceservicevisit.Replacing the UV Lamps TheUVlampsusedforcuringmodelshavealong,butlimited,workinglife.TheObjetserviceengineerteststheireffectivenessduringregularmaintenancechecks,andreplacesthem,ifnecessary.Youcantestand
DOC-13000 Rev. E 7–53Connex500/350 User GuideadjusttheireffectivepowerwiththeUVCalibrationWizard(see“TestingandCalibratingtheUVLamps”onpage 49.IfyouneedtoreplaceaUVlamp,followtheseinstructions:1. MakesuretheConnexprinterisinofflinemode.Figure 7-83: 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 7‐26onpage 23),selectWizards > UV Lamp Replacement.3. Makesurethatthebuildtrayisempty,andconfirmthisinthewizardscreen.Then,closetheprintercoverandclickNext.Figure 7-84: “Empty tray” confirmation screenTheaxesmovetothe“home”position.4. SelecttheUVlamp(s)tobereplacedandclickNext.Figure 7-85: 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.
Operating & Maintaining the Connex500/350 3-D Printer7–54 DOC-13000 Rev. E5. DisconnectthepowerconnectiontotheUVlamp.Figure 7-86: 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 7-87: Removing the UV lamp cover7. Pullthelampreflectoroutoftheprintblock.Figure 7-88: Removing the UV lamp reflector
DOC-13000 Rev. E 7–55Connex500/350 User Guide8. 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 7-89: 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 7-90: Replacing the lamp coverDispose of the used UV lamp in accordance with environmental and safety requirements.Black stripUV lamp assemblyBlack stripUV lampassembly
Operating & Maintaining the Connex500/350 3-D Printer7–56 DOC-13000 Rev. E12. ReconnectthepowerconnectiontotheUVlamp.Figure 7-91: 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 7-92: 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 7-93: Status screen during UV lamp check
DOC-13000 Rev. E 7–57Connex500/350 User Guide14. 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 7‐49).Figure 7-94: Final wizard screenBuilt-in Tests ThesoftwarethatrunsyourConnex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Connex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Connex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 Connex500/350 3-D Printer7–58 DOC-13000 Rev. EAccessingBuilt-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 7-95: 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 7-96:Built In Tests screenTest 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.
DOC-13000 Rev. E 7–59Connex500/350 User GuideStatusThis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Run.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
Operating & Maintaining the Connex500/350 3-D Printer7–60 DOC-13000 Rev. ETest Results To save and view a report of all of the tests:¾UsetheSaveandViewcommandbuttons(seebelow).Command 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Connex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-13000 Rev. E 7–61Connex500/350 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.Vacuum Teststhevacuumlevelintheprintblock. Faultyvacuumsensor.Vacuumleakage.Wrongparameters.
Operating & Maintaining the Connex500/350 3-D Printer7–62 DOC-13000 Rev. EReplacing the Waste ContainerThewastecontainercontainspartiallycuredpolymericmaterialproducedduringnormaloperationandmaintenanceoftheConnex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printer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 7‐63.)To monitor the waste weight (and other indicators) in the Connex printer:¾Inthemainprinterinterfacescreen,clickthedisplaytoggletoviewtheConnexprinterindicators.Figure 7-97: Connex 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 Connex printer start-up kit and in the preventive-maintenance kit.
DOC-13000 Rev. E 7–63Connex500/350 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:1. Openthefrontdoorsoftheprinter.Figure 7-98: Accessing the waste container2. Carefullyslideoutthewastecontainertoremoveitfromtheprinter.3. Placethenewwastecontainernexttothefullcontainer.4. Unscrewthecapsecuringthewastedraintubeandconnectittothenewcontainer.5. Closethefullcontainerwithasealingcap.6. Closethenewwaste‐containerbox,usingtapetoholditclosed.7. PositionthewastecontainerundertheConnex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.8. Closethewastecompartmentdoor.Dispose of the full waste container in accordance with environmental and safety requirements.
Operating & Maintaining the Connex500/350 3-D Printer7–64 DOC-13000 Rev. ECleaning the Exterior Panels ThepaintedexteriorplasticpanelsofConnex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finish
DOC-13000 Rev. E 8–1Handling Printed ModelsRemovingModelsAfterPrinting...................................................... 2RemovingtheSupportMaterial........................................................ 2StoringModels..................................................................................... 3
Handling Printed Models8–2 DOC-13000 Rev. ERemoving 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Connexprinter,itisbesttolettheprintedmodelscoolintheprinter,withthecoverclosed,aslongaspossible.If the Connex 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 8‐1onpage 8‐3.ThisdeviceismarketedbyObjet.WARNING: Wear protective gloves when handling printed models before they are washed.
DOC-13000 Rev. E 8–3Connex500/350 User GuideFigure 8-1: 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.Storing 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.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 Models8–4 DOC-13000 Rev. E

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