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Patents This product is covered by one or more of the following U.S. patents: 5,386,500 5,519,816 6,259,962 6,569,373 6,644,763 6,658,314 6,850,334 7,183,335 7,209,797 7,225,045 7,364,686 7,369,915 7,479,510 7,500,846 7,604,768 7,628,857 7,658,976 7,685,694 7,725,209 7,896,639 Stratasys Ltd. http://www.stratasys.com DOC‐32011 Revision A March 2013...
Contents 1 About This Guide Using This Guide ..........................1–2 For More Information........................1–2 Terms Used in This Guide........................ 1–3 2 Safety Safety Features ........................... 2–2 Symbols and Warning Labels ......................2–3 Safety Guidelines ..........................2–4 Printer Installation ..........................2–4 Printer Operation ..........................2–4 UV Radiation ............................2–4 Printer Maintenance ........................... 2–4 Model and Support Materials ......................2–5 First Aid for Working with Printing Materials................2–6 Contact with Skin..........................2–6 Contact with Eyes ..........................
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Eden260V 5 Using Objet Studio Objet Studio Interface........................5–3 Ribbon Commands..........................5–5 Objet Studio Commands Menu......................5–7 Model Tree Pane ..........................5–7 Preparing Models for Production....................5–8 OBJDF Files: Overview ........................5–8 Model Files ............................5–8 Placing Objects on the Build Tray ..................... 5–8 Opening Objet Tray Files........................5–12 Quick‐Access Model Commands ....................5–14 Copying and Pasting Objects......................5–15 Selecting Objects ..........................5–16 Surface Finish ............................. 5–16 Positioning Objects on the Build Tray ..................5–17 Automatic Orientation........................5–17 Automatic Placement........................
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Setting the Printer Connection......................5–59 Off‐line Mode ............................ 5–60 Setting the Remote Printer Connection (Client Mode)..............5–62 Job Manager Commands ......................... 5–62 Configuring User Alerts........................5–65 Printing the Tray ..........................5–66 Additional Server Features......................5–66 6 Operating & Maintaining the Eden260V 3‐D Printer Starting the Eden260V Printer ......................6–2 Loading Model and Support Cartridges ..................6–4 Producing Models..........................6–5 Printer Interface Color Key........................ 6–7 Printing Indicators ..........................6–8 Resuming Production After Printing has Stopped ............... 6–9 Changing the Model Material......................6–10 Keeping the Printer in Idle Mode ....................6–15 Shutting Down the Printer ......................
About This Guide Using This Guide................. 2 For More Information ................. 2 Terms Used in This Guide..............3 1–1 DOC-32011 Rev. A...
About This Guide Using This Guide This user guide provides instructions for installing, operating and maintaining Eden 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 Eden260V 3‐D printer, printer software version 27.3 and Objet Studio software version 9.0.10. This guide assumes that: • all the hardware, software, and network components of your Eden system are installed, configured, and operating correctly. ® • the operator has a working knowledge of the Windows PC platform. For More Information Visit http://www.stratasys.com/ for more details abo ut Stratasys technology, products and consumables, and for service and support contacts. For other documents that relate to Eden260V 3‐D printing systems, and for this document in other languages, contact your regional Stratasys 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 c-support@stratasys.com. 1–2 DOC-32011 Rev. A...
Eden260V User Guide Terms Used in This Guide build tray In Objet Studio: The surface displayed on the screen that represents the actual build tray in the 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.) Eden™ printer The Objet 3‐D printer referred to in this guide. Printer computer The computer inside the Eden printer that operates it. (This is sometimes referred to as the “embedded” computer.) Printer interface The GUI (graphical user interface) used for controlling the Eden printer. Printer software Software running on the computer inside the Eden printer, that controls all printer operations. host/server workstation The workstation that interfaces directly with the Eden 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 Eden printer. Model material Material used for building models.
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About This Guide A file type used with Objet software. (These files are bitmaps of individual slices of the object. For more information, see page 3‐4.) 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. 1–4 DOC-32011 Rev. A...
Safety Safety Features..................2 Symbols and Warning Labels ............3 Safety Guidelines................. 4 Printer Installation ................4 Printer Operation .................. 4 UV Radiation ..................4 Printer Maintenance ................4 Model and Support Materials ............. 5 First Aid for Working with Printing Materials ....... 6 Waste Disposal..................7 2–1 DOC-32011 Rev. A...
Safety Safety Features Eden 3‐D printers are designed to comply with CE and FCC standards. They are equipped with the following safety features: Cover interlock The power supplied to the UV lamp, the tray switch heater 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.
Eden260V User Guide Symbols and Warning Labels This following table lists the warning labels located on or in Eden printers. Warning Meaning Location Comments Symbol Hazard On the name plate Read the instructions (general) on the back of the in this document printer. before operating the printer. Hot surface On the print‐head Risk of burns. Do not block. touch this surface after printing. High voltage Near the UV lamp Risk of electric shock. connectors. Near the power‐ supply enclosures. Ultraviolet Near the UV lamps. Risk of injury from radiation ultraviolet radiation. 2–3...
Safety Guidelines The following general guidelines, together with the instructions provided throughout this user guide, ensure user safety while operating and maintaining the Eden system. If the system is not operated as specified, the userʹs safety may be compromised! Printer Installation and removal of the printer should only be done by qualified Installation service personnel. Connect the printer to the electric outlet using a power cord that is safety‐certified. The electric outlet should be easily accessible, near the printer. Never 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. Leave a minimum of 15 centimeters between ventilation openings and walls or other objects. Printer The printer should only be operated by persons trained by a Stratasys Operation customer‐support representative. All 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! Keep fingers and other body parts clear of the printer cover when closing it. Never attempt to open the main cover of the printer while it is working! Never override the interlock safety switch! If the interlock safety switch ever fails, do not use the printer. Several 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. If 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 Stratasys service provider.
Eden260V User Guide Model and Model and support materials are made of chemical substances. Although Support precautions must be taken when handling these materials directly, all Materials model and support materials used by the Eden 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. Store 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. Keep model and support materials away from areas where food and drink are stored, prepared and consumed. Uncured 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. When handling UV‐cured models that may not be completely cured on the surface, common latex gloves are adequate. To 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. Clean 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. Do not wash contaminated clothing at home; clothing should be professionally laundered. Dispose of contaminated shoes, belts and other leather items in accordance with any applicable regulations. Absorbed printing ...
Safety First Aid for Working with Printing Materials In general, try to avoid direct contact with uncured printing material. If skin or eyes come into contact with it, wash the area immediately and thoroughly with water, and follow these first‐aid instructions. Contact with If uncured printing material comes in contact with skin, wash the affected Skin 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. Use cool water to prevent skin pores from opening, so that the liquid material does not easily penetrate the skin. Do not use solvents to clean skin. If 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. Avoid the accidental transfer of printing material from the hands to other areas of the body, especially to the eyes. If protective cream was used, do not reapply it until the skin has been completely cleansed. Contact with If uncured printing material comes in contact with the eyes, flush Eyes immediately with large amounts of water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Avoid 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. Clean and disinfect the contaminated lenses. Do not wear contact lenses until eye irritation disappears.
Eden260V User Guide Waste Disposal Fully cured printed models can be disposed of as ordinary office trash. However, special care is required when handling printer waste. When removing the waste container from the Eden printer, wear neoprene or nitrile gloves. To prevent liquid waste from splashing into the eyes, wear safety goggles. Liquid waste from the Eden 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. Empty 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. Do not attempt to reuse empty cartridges, and do not puncture them. Dispose of used cartridges and waste containers in accordance with local regulations. Discard contaminated clothing, shoes, empty containers, etc., in accordance with any applicable regulations. 2–7 DOC-32011 Rev. A...
Introducing the Eden 3-D Printing System Work Configurations ................2 Source Files................... 4 STL Files ....................4 SLC Files ....................4 Printing Materials................4 Storage ....................5 Shelf Life ....................5 Exposure to Light .................. 5 Safety Considerations ................5 Disposal ....................5 Work Environment................6 Workstation Requirements ..............7 Preparing Files for Use with Objet 3‐D Printing Systems ..... 8 Converting CAD Files to STL Format ..........
Introducing the Eden 3-D Printing System Figure 3-1: The Eden260V 3-D Printer Work Configurations The Eden 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 Eden260V printer set up in a multi‐client configuration. 3–2 DOC-32011 Rev. A...
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Eden260V User Guide Client workstations Printer server KVM switch Printer workstation Printer Figure 3-2: Multi-client network configuration When installing the Objet software, you choose whether to install it as a client station or as a master station (server or standalone station). 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 3–3 DOC-32011 Rev. A...
Introducing the Eden 3-D Printing System Source 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. Eden systems accept: • STL Files • SLC Files Eden 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 Eden 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 ...
Eden260V User Guide Storage Materials used for printing models with Eden 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 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 If printing materials are not in their sealed cartridges, make sure to shield Light them from sunlight and other sources of UV radiation, such as fluorescent ...
Introducing the Eden 3-D Printing System Work Environment Extreme heat and humidity conditions can adversely affect the operation of the Eden 3‐D printer. Therefore, it is recommended that you use ventilation or air‐conditioning systems, if necessary, to keep the work area within the following ranges: • 18°–25° C (64°–77° F) • 30%–70% relative humidity 3–6 DOC-32011 Rev. A...
Eden260V User Guide Workstation Requirements The minimum requirements for computer components used with Objet 3‐D printer software are listed in the following table. Server/ Client Workstation Stand-alone Station Pentium 4, 3.0 GHz, 512 KB cache memory (min.) Processor Professional Operating System* Windows XP SP2 Graphics Card Supporting open GL, with 512 MB of memory For dental printers, use: • ATI Radeon HD 5970, with 2 GB of memory • NVIDIA GeForce GTX 285, with 2 GB of memory 4 GB (min.) CD Drive IDE CD ROM Hard-Disk Drive 40 GB (min.) Network Adaptor LAN TCP/IP (2) LAN TCP/IP (1) Cards Ethernet Cables •Straight‐through cable (1) Straight‐through cable (1)
Introducing the Eden 3-D Printing System Preparing Files for Use with Objet 3-D Printing Systems Before using files with Eden 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 This procedure may vary slightly, depending on the CAD software used, CAD Files to but the following instructions generally apply. STL Format To convert a file to STL format (in a CAD program): 1.
Eden260V User Guide Objet Studio Software Objet Studio software for the Eden 3‐D printing system consists of two main screens: • Tray Settings / Model Settings • Job Manager Tray Settings / Model Settings In the Tray Settings and Model Settings screens, you prepare source files for production in Eden 3‐D printers. Objet Studio offers you a wide variety of file‐preparation options, but always consists of the following basic procedure: 1. Inserting one or more objects on the build tray 2. Positioning the object(s) on the tray 3. Configuring object and tray parameters 4. Saving the tray configuration as an objtf (Objet Tray Format) file 5. Sending the objtf file to the Eden 3‐D printer for production Using Objet Studio to perform these tasks is described in detail in chapter 5, “Using Objet Studio.” Job Manager The Job Manager screen is different for client workstations and for the computer connected directly to the Eden 3‐D printer. • In Objet Studio installed on the directly‐connected computer (server), ...
Installing Objet Software How to Install Software for the Eden 3-D Printing System The Objet Studio setup wizard guides you when installing the Objet software. During installation, you must choose to install either the server (“host”) application or the client application. To install Objet software: 1. Insert the Objet Studio CD into the disk drive. 2. Right‐click the button and select (or use any other method Start Explore for displaying files on the computer). 3. Open the CD‐drive folder and select Setup To run the installation wizard, you must accept the Objet Studio license agreement. After reading its terms, click to continue, or to close the wizard. If you click , the following screen should appear. Figure 4-1:Objet Studio installation wizard—Welcome screen 4.
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Eden260V User Guide Select if you are installing Objet Objet Studio for client workstations 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 selection 6. 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. Figure 4-3: Objet Studio installation-folder selection 7.
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Installing Objet Software 8. In the Select Printer Type screen, select the Objet 3‐D printer used for producing models. To continue, click Next Figure 4-4: Printer selection Installation begins and a progress bar appears, showing the progress of the installation process. Figure 4-5: Installation progress bar 4–4 DOC-32011 Rev. A...
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Eden260V User Guide When the Objet program installation is complete, the final InstallShield Wizard screen appears. Figure 4-6: Final installation screen Sometimes, 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) 4–5 DOC-32011 Rev. A...
Using Objet Studio Objet Studio Interface ................. 3 Ribbon Commands ................5 Objet Studio Commands Menu ............7 Model Tree Pane ..................7 Preparing Models for Production ............. 8 OBJDF Files: Overview................. 8 Model Files ..................... 8 Placing Objects on the Build Tray............8 Opening Objet Tray Files ..............12 Quick‐Access Model Commands............14 Copying and Pasting Objects ............15 Selecting Objects.................. 16 Surface Finish..................16 Positioning Objects on the Build Tray ..........17 Automatic Orientation ...............
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Applying Additional Objet Studio Features ......... 39 Dividing Objects.................. 39 Choosing the Support Strength............40 “Hollow”— Filling Models with Support Material ....... 41 Displaying the Cross Section of Objects .......... 42 Saving the Screen Display as an Image File ........43 Exporting and Importing Objet Build Trays ........44 Customizing Objet Studio..............45 Creating a Quick Access Toolbar ............45 Hiding the Ribbon................46 Display Colors ..................47 Keyboard Shortcuts ................48 Setting User Preferences..............49 Professional Mode Features............. 50 Default Settings ................... 51 Open GL Driver Configuration............
Eden260V User Guide Objet Studio Interface After you install Objet Studio, a launch icon appears on the Windows desktop. Open the application by double‐clicking this icon, or by selecting Objet Studio from the Start menu. Objet Studio opens, displaying an empty build tray. Help Objet Standard Studio Toolbar Commands menu Active Quick ribbon Access toolbar Model tree pane Manager Figure 5-1: Objet Studio opening screen The Objet Studio interface consists of two main screens: • Tray Settings—for arranging models and preparing them for printing. This screen is described below. •...
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Using Objet Studio The 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 45. Instructions for using the commands for preparing models for production and sending jobs to the printer, appear later in this chapter. Figure 5-2: Tray Settings ribbon Figure 5-3: Model Settings ribbon 5–4 DOC-32011 Rev. A...
Eden260V User Guide Ribbon The following table lists the Tray Settings and Model Settings ribbon Commands command groups, and shows when they are enabled, and where they appear. Group Purpose When Tray Model enabled Settings Settings Ribbon Ribbon Setting display Always. colors. Selecting Models are on perspective and the build tray. zoom level. Choose to select Models are on a plane. the build tray. Change the Models are on perspective of the build tray. the active pane. • Assigning model Build tray material. is empty.
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Using Objet Studio Group Purpose When Tray Model enabled Settings Settings Ribbon Ribbon Placing model Always. files on the build tray Pre‐build/build Models are on commands. the build tray. Setting model A model is dimensions. selected. Cutting, A model is copying, pasting selected. and deleting models. Moving, rotating A model is and resizing selected. models. Assigning model A model is finish and selected.
Eden260V User Guide Objet Studio Clicking the Objet icon (in the upper‐left corner) opens the Objet Commands Studio Commands menu. This menu displays basic application commands Menu and options. Figure 5-4: Objet Studio Commands menu The Options button opens a dialog box for customizing Objet Studio. Figure 5-5: Options dialog box Model Tree The Model Tree pane lists the objects placed on the build tray. By default, Pane 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. 5–7 DOC-32011 Rev. A...
Using Objet Studio Preparing Models for Production Model preparation involves the following basic steps: 1. Place objects on the build tray. 2. If necessary, manipulate the object’s orientation and position. 3. Select the material and model finish. OBJDF Files: An objdf file describes both the geometry of a single object and the material, Overview and finish required to print it. You can use the objdf format to save a group of separate objects on the build tray as one unit, together with their relative positions and material. Further explanations of objdf files, and instructions for utilizing their features, appear throughout this chapter. Model Files To produce models, you must 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 two ways: • by inserting individual stl or slc files. • by pasting objects that you copied to the Windows clipboard. If you know what type of model material will be used to produce the models, make sure it is selected from the material drop‐down menu. Figure 5-6: Model material selection toolbar Note: It is not necessary to select the model material now, but it is recommended—each type of material has unique characteristics that may affect the valid positioning of objects on the build tray.
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Eden260V User Guide The Insert dialog box appears. Figure 5-7: Insert dialog box 2. In the Look in field, display the appropriate folder. 3. In the Files of type field, select the file types to display (stl, slc, objdf). 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, as shown in figure 5‐7. The Model Settings ribbon is displayed when objects are placed on the build tray. 5. Select any of the following options, as required: • —Millimeters or inches for the object’s units of measure. Units The 3‐D file contains the objectʹs proportions, but not its units of measure. Therefore, make sure to correctly select either millimeters or when inserting an object. Otherwise, the size of the object inches 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 23. • —How many copies of this object to place on the Number of copies build tray.
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Using Objet Studio 6. Click Insert Objet Studio places the object on the build tray, and in the model tree. Model Tree pane Model Toolbar Figure 5-8: Default screen layout 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. Figure 5-9: Loading Placed Elements dialog box You can speed up the opening of large files by changing the Large Files settings—see “Loading Large Files”...
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Eden260V User Guide Opening objdf files Before placing objdf 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 objdf file, in the same location. Figure 5-10: Insert dialog box (objdf file) 5–11 DOC-32011 Rev. A...
Using Objet Studio Opening Objet You can open trays that were saved as objtf files, for example, a tray you Tray Files 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. Figure 5-11: Objet Tray File Open dialog box 2.
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Eden260V User Guide Stl file loading If there are identically named stl files in more than one location, you need preference 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 5-12: Options dialog box, Settings tab 3. Under Load Search Order, select an option: • Local —to load files from the location where they were last saved. • —to load files in their original location. Original 4.
Using Objet Studio Quick-Access You can access common commands for working with objects on the build Model tray with the convenient Model Toolbar and context menus. Commands Model Toolbar Select an object in the tray to display the Model Toolbar that contains icons to perform common tasks. Figure 5-13: Model Toolbar The table below describes the Model Toolbar icons. Icon Description Applies 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 (see page 24). Opens the Transform dialog box for changing the object’s position and scale. Toggles the Lock Model Orientation setting. Right-click model If you right‐click on an object, a pop‐up context menu is displayed from menu which you can also select the model finish, change its position and scale, and set the Grid Style and Hollow options. You can also create a Quick Access toolbar with your most commonly used icons grouped together.
Eden260V User Guide Copying and If you need to duplicate objects on the build tray, you can, of course, insert Pasting the same object from its file more than once. An easier way, however, is to Objects copy and paste the object. You can copy objects from the build tray or the model tree. 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). Having multiple Objet Studio windows open can be convenient when you need to manipulate or configure objects before inserting them in your production build tray.
Using Objet Studio Selecting To manipulate an object on the build tray or assign characteristics to it Objects (building style, for example), 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 object Figure 5-15: Edit menu Surface 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.
Eden260V User Guide Positioning Objects on the Build Tray To produce models efficiently and with the required finish, it is important to carefully position objects on the build tray. Objet Studio 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 19. 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 By default, Objet Studio automatically orients objects, when placed on the Orientation 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: In the Insert dialog box, make sure Orient Automatically is not selected. Figure 5-16: Orient Automatically option disabled...
Using Objet Studio Automatic After placing several objects on the build tray, you can let Objet Studio Placement 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: On 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 5-17: Tray before objects are properly arranged Figure 5-18: 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.
Eden260V User Guide Model Orientation The orientation of models on the build tray affects how quickly and efficiently they will be produced by the 3‐D printer, where and how much support material is used, and whether or not model parts will have a 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 Rule This rule considers a modelʹs outer dimensions. Since 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. Any surfaces that come into contact with support materials become matte. Since high‐resolution models are built up, on the Z‐axis, in 16 or 30‐micron layers (according to the selected printing setting), 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. Since the print heads measure about 2 inches (5 centimeters) on the Y‐ axis, models measuring less than this (on the Y‐axis) are printed in one pass. From this point of view, it is advisable to place the objectʹs intermediate dimension along the Y‐axis. Tall-Left Rule This rule considers models where, after being orientated on the build tray according to other considerations, one side is taller than the other. Since 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. The following rules are based on the fact that support material is not required on the top of the printed model.
Using Objet Studio Avoid Support-Material Rule This rule considers models that have large holes or hollows, open on at least one side (like a pipe or a container). It 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. Manipulating Objects on the Build Tray Positioning When you use the automatic positioning option to arrange objects on the Objects on the build tray (see “Automatic Orientation” on page 17), the objects are Z-Axis positioned directly on the tray. If you do not insert objects with automatic positioning, they often appear either above or below the tray. In practice, the Eden system prints all models on the build tray on a one- millimeter bed of support material.
Eden260V User Guide Valid Object You can ensure that models do not overlap when you position them on the Placement build tray, and that they do not extend beyond the tray. To ensure valid object placement: 1. From the Tools menu, select Constraints Settings Figure 5-20: Constraints Settings dialog box 2. Select to identify: Dynamic check • 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. 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.
Using Objet Studio Using a Grid to Displaying a grid on the image of the build tray can be useful when Position positioning objects. You can make use of this feature by selecting the Objects following menu options. Menu Option Result Tools > 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 > Enables you to change the grid origin Grid (X‐ and Y‐axis meeting point) and appearance. 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 , and display the Grid tab. Options The current grid settings are displayed. Figure 5-21: Options dialog box, Grid tab 2.
Eden260V User Guide Measurement 3‐D files contain an objectʹs proportions, but not its units of measure. Units 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: In the Insert dialog box, Units field, select or Millimeter Inch Figure 5-22: Units field in the Insert dialog box To change units of measurement on the Model Settings ribbon: 1. Open the Units flyout toolbar. Figure 5-23: Units flyout toolbar 2. Select the measurement units desired. To change units of measurement with the Standard Toolbar: 1.
Using Objet Studio Setting Model You can change the object’s dimensions by changing the coordinates in the Dimensions Dimensions group on the Model Settings ribbon. Figure 5-25: Dimensions on the Model Settings ribbon Note: You can change the height of the objects on the build tray only if this is allowed by the Objet Studio settings(see “Positioning Objects on the Z-Axis”...
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Eden260V User Guide 3. 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 object 4. Manipulate the object with the arrow keys or with the mouse. You can make precise changes to an object by changing the properties in the Using the Transform Dialog Box 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 ...
Using Objet Studio Changing an There are several methods for changing the orientation of objects on the Object’s build tray. Orientation To rotate an object: Select the object and use the Object menu options (see also “Repositioning Objects” on page 24). To re-align an object’s plane: 1. On the Tray Settings or Model Settings ribbon, click or— From the Tools menu, select Plane Alignment > Select Plane 2. Click on part of an object on the build tray. The selected plane is displayed. Alignment toolbar Selected plane Figure 5-29: Aligning by plane 3.
Eden260V User Guide To cancel plane selection after re-aligning objects on the build tray: On the Tray Settings or Model Settings ribbon, click 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:...
Using Objet Studio Display Options Viewing From the View menu, you can change the way objects are displayed. The Objects default method for displaying models on the build tray is as solid (“shaded”) objects. Figure 5-31: Tray and model displayed in Shaded view The other display options are WireFrame and Points. To display the build tray in WireFrame view: From the View menu, select WireFrame Figure 5-32: Tray and model displayed in WireFrame view To revert to the shaded view: From the View menu, select Shaded 5–28...
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Eden260V User Guide To display objects as boxes, showing their maximum dimensions instead of their shape: From the View menu, select Display Bounding Box Figure 5-33: Model displayed with bounding box To display the area around objects needed for support material (to produce a matte finish): From the View menu, select...
Using Objet Studio 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: On the View flyout toolbar, select , or Single View 4 Views Figure 5-36: Screen layout icons is the default screen layout. Single View displays perspective, top, front and right views. 4 Views Figure 5-37: Single-view screen layout Figure 5-38: 4-view screen layout 5–30 DOC-32011 Rev.
Eden260V User Guide Tray The default perspective of the build tray is “isometric.” You can change the Perspective 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 5-39: Perspective flyout toolbar 2. 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: Press the mouse wheel while moving the mouse.
Using Objet Studio To manually rotate the tray: Press Alt and press the mouse wheel while moving the mouse. Figure 5-41: Tray after rotating it upside-down Setting Object The color of objects on the build tray can indicate how they are printed. Colors Objet Studio enables you to choose the color display so that you can easily see the material, and surface of objects. To choose how colors are applied on the display: On the Model Settings ribbon, in the Colors group, select one of the options from the flyout toolbar. Color Indicates Model material Color Indicates Model surface Figure 5-42: Colors display options Before sending a build tray to the printer, or when you perform tray validation, Objet Studio checks if there is a problem with the stl files or the...
Eden260V User Guide Loading Large Very large stl files can be slow to load and may be difficult to manipulate Files 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 , and display the Settings tab. Options Figure 5-43: Options dialog box, Settings tab 2. In the Large Files section, select . Load Partial (reduced) Large File If you need to work with a detailed model that is composed of a large ...
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Using Objet Studio To 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 tab. Display Figure 5-46: Options dialog box, Display tab 3. Select Enable Polygon Reduction 4. Select Polygon Reduction (Percent) 5. Enter the percentage of total polygons to display. When you click , the display changes. Apply Note: The setting affects the static display (when the object is not being moved).
Eden260V User Guide To select the object display preference while changing view, and in static view: 1. Select to display objects: • With a Bounding Box (see figure 5‐33 on page 29) • With Adaptive Polygon Reduction (changing view only) • With Polygon Reduction (static view only) • Entire Object 2. Click when done. Zoom Options While manipulating objects, you often need to view them at different zoom levels. To change the zoom level: On the ribbon, open the Zoom flyout toolbar and select an option:...
Using Objet Studio Handling Completed Trays After you have properly placed all objects on the build tray, you save the tray as an objtf file, which is sent to the 3‐D printer for production. But before saving the tray, you can check that there would be no problem producing it. You can also calculate how much material would be consumed during production and how much time this would take. Tray Validation Before sending a job to the printer for production, you should check that the tray is “valid” and can be printed. To validate that the tray can be printed: On 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. Figure 5-48: Color code The validation status appears on the bar at the bottom of the screen. Figure 5-49: Validation details in status bar 5–36 DOC-32011 Rev.
Eden260V User Guide High Quality/ Objet Studio allows you to choose the quality/speed setting most suitable Speed Setting for your job. HQ (High Quality)— • Prints models in 16‐micron layers, suitable for producing fine details and delicate items. • Requires much more time to print most trays, compared to High Speed setting. HS (High Speed)— • Prints models in 30‐micron layers, suitable for producing larger models. • Requires much less time to print most trays, compared to High Quality setting. Change the setting, if necessary, before sending the tray to the 3‐D printer. Figure 5-50: Quality/speed setting Production Objet Studio enables you to calculate the time and material resources Estimates 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. ...
Using Objet Studio E-mailing ® ® You can e‐mail objtf files using Microsoft Office Outlook Objet Digital To e-mail a file: Files 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 When a tray is ready to be printed, it is placed in the Jobs Queue. When the Tray File 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.
Eden260V User Guide Applying Additional Objet Studio Features Dividing You can use the Split Object feature to produce objects larger than the tray Objects 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 5-54: Split Object dialog box 4. In Save to Folder, enter the folder name. 5. Click 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.
Using Objet Studio Choosing the When producing models, support material fills some hollow and empty Support sections (see “Model Orientation” on page 19). Objet Studio allows you to Strength 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. Figure 5-55: Advanced Properties dialog box 3.
Eden260V User Guide “Hollow”— Many objects placed on the tray from stl files are “solid.” This means that, Filling Models when printed, the model will be completely filled with model material. with Support Often, especially with large objects, this is unnecessary. Instead, the model Material 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 Figure 5-56: Advanced Properties dialog box 3.
Using Objet Studio Displaying the The Section feature enables you to view the interior of an object by “slicing” Cross Section it on any axis. You can then manipulate the object to inspect the interior of Objects 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 40). 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 5-57: Section dialog box 2. 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 5-58: Whole view Figure 5-59: Cross-section view, after using the Z-slider...
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Eden260V User Guide Saving the You can save the image displayed in the active viewing screen as a graphic Screen Display file. as an To save the screen display as an image: Image File 1. Press Ctrl+B or— From the Objet Studio Commands Menu menu, select Save Bitmap The Save Bitmap dialog box opens. Figure 5-60: Save Bitmap dialog box 2. At the top of the dialog box, select the appropriate folder. 3. At the bottom of the dialog box, enter a file name. 4. Open the Save as type pull‐down menu, and select the file format.
Using Objet Studio Exporting and When you save build trays in Objet Studio, they are saved as objtf files. Importing These files contain instructions to Objet Studio and to Eden printers for Objet Build displaying and producing the stl files used on the tray. To conveniently Trays 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.
Eden260V User Guide Customizing Objet Studio You 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 As you work with Objet Studio, you may use certain commands frequently. Quick Access You can create a quick‐access toolbar to make your work easier. Toolbar To create a quick-access toolbar: 1. Above the ribbon tabs, click The Customize Quick Access Toolbar menu opens. Figure 5-61: Customize Quick Access Toolbar menu 2.
Using Objet Studio 3. To choose from a wider range of commands: • From the Customize Quick Access Toolbar menu (see figure 5‐61 on page 45), select More Commands or— • Right‐click on the Objet Studio Commands icon, or elsewhere on the ribbon, and select Customize Quick Access Toobar Figure 5-63: Right-click ribbon menu The Options dialog box opens. Figure 5-64: Quick Access Toobar Options dialog box 4. Open the drop‐down list and select either or Popular Commands . Commands not on the Ribbon 5.
Eden260V User Guide Display Colors You can customize some of the colors used for displaying Objet Studio screens and for displaying objects on the build tray. To change the colors 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. Figure 5-65: Define Colors dialog box 3. In the Color dialog box, select one of the Basic colors. or— Click ...
Using Objet Studio Changing Color Objet Studio offers a choice of four background color themes—blue, black, Themes silver and aqua. Figure 5-67: Background color themes To change the color theme: • From the Style menu, select one of the options. Keyboard You can define shortcut keys for frequently used commands. Shortcuts To define shortcut keys: 1. Above the ribbon tabs, click The Customize Quick Access Toolbar menu opens. Figure 5-68: Customize Quick Access Toolbar menu 2. Select More Commands The Options dialog box opens (see figure 5‐64 on page 46).
Eden260V User Guide The Customize Keyboard dialog box appears. Figure 5-69: Customize Keyboard dialog box 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 You can change several Objet Studio settings that affect objects placed on Preferences the build tray. To change default settings: From the Objet Studio Commands Menu, select User Preferences Figure 5-70: Setting work preferences •...
Using Objet Studio Professional Mode Features Some advanced features of Objet Studio are only accessible in Professional Mode. To see the current Objet Studio setting: Open the Tools menu. ‐ Figure 5-71: Tools menu, showing Professional Mode selected 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 5-72: Configuration-change message 2.
Eden260V User Guide Default You can control the default settings of several Objet Studio features from Settings the Advanced tab of the Options dialog box. To display the Options dialog box From the Tools menu, select Options or— In the Objet Studio Commands Menu, click Options Figure 5-73: Options dialog box, Advanced tab Automatic 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 Orientation to cancel automatic orientation each time you place an object on the build tray (see “Automatic Orientation” on page 17). In any case, when objects are on the build tray, you can change their orientation manually, if necessary—see “Model Orientation” on page 19.) To change the default setting so that Automatic Orientation is disabled: In the Advanced section of the Options dialog box, clear the check box.
Using Objet Studio Open GL The OpenGL driver displays 3‐D graphics on your screen. There is Driver normally no reason to adjust its settings. If you suspect a problem with the Configuration 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. Figure 5-74: Access to GL-driver configuration The Troubleshooting tab is only accessible when Professional Mode is active (see Professional Mode Features).
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Eden260V User Guide If you want to display the values and change them, click . Alternately, you can select and change the values in this Choose Format dialog box. To perform a test of the driver configuration and enter the suggested pixel format ID: 1. Select Choose Format . 2. Click Test Objet Studio returns the recommended pixel format ID. Figure 5-76: Recommended pixel format ID 3.
Using Objet Studio Model Scaling Depending on your requirements, you may occasionally need to check that Accuracy model scaling is accurate. If there is a deviation of 300 micrometers or more from the required measurements, you can adjust the scaling of models sent to the printer to reduce this deviation. Note: Calibration is only enabled if you are running Objet Studio in its server configuration (see “Monitoring and Managing Print Jobs” on page 57). Model tests and scaling calibrations should be done separately for materials with different characteristics. For example, if you calibrate Objet Studio for printing with Rigid” material), the printer will VeroWhite (a “ print models accurately with all “rigid” materials. To ensure accurate printing with materials in another family, you need to calibrate with a ...
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Eden260V User Guide 6. On the Tray Settings ribbon, in the Build Process group, click The tray is sent for printing. (See “Monitoring and Managing Print Jobs” on page 57.) 7. After the printed model cools to room temperature, remove it and carefully measure the X‐ and Y‐ dimensions with a micrometer (caliper). If there is a deviation of more than 300 micrometers (0.3 mm) from the expected measurement, calibrate the model scaling. To calibrate model scaling: 1. Make sure that is selected in the Tools menu. Professional Mode 2. From the Tools menu, select Model Scaling > Model Scaling Calibration The Model Scaling Calibration dialog box opens. Figure 5-78: Model Scaling Calibration dialog box 3. Select the model material used for printing the calibrated model: For High Quality or High Speed mode, the dialog box displays all of ...
Using Objet Studio Getting Additional Objet Studio Assistance Objet Studio Help provides on‐screen information, as you work. To view Objet Studio Help: • Press or— On the standard toolbar, click and then click Objet Studio Help Figure 5-79: Help options You 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. 5–56 DOC-32011 Rev. A...
Eden260V User Guide Monitoring and Managing Print Jobs In 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.
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Using Objet Studio Jobs 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. Status Meaning Waiting 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 lamps are turned on, and the build tray level is adjusted. On Schedule The job is scheduled to be printed at a specified time. 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 ...
Eden260V User Guide Setting the When an Objet 3‐D printer is installed, the server computer is connected to Printer that printer. Normally, there should be no reason to change this connection. 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 Figure 5-81: Connecting to a printer (A) 3. Enter the computer name or its IP address, or click to find and Browse select it. Figure 5-82: Connecting to a printer (B) 4.
Using Objet Studio Off-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 (see figure 5‐81). Connect Figure 5-83: Disconnecting Objet Studio from a printer (A) 3. In the Printer Connection dialog box, delete the computer name/IP address. Figure 5-84: Disconnecting Objet Studio from a printer (B) 4.
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Eden260V User Guide 6. In the pop‐up message, confirm that you want to work in off‐line mode by clicking Figure 5-85: Off-line message When Objet Studio is in off‐line mode, you can configure it for preparing print jobs for different printers. To change the Objet Studio off-line configuration: 1. In the Set Printer dialog box, select a printer type. Figure 5-86: Off-line printer selection 2. Click 5–61 DOC-32011 Rev. A...
Using Objet Studio Setting the When you open Objet Studio for the first time in a client installation, you Remote Printer are prompted to connect to an Objet server computer that sends jobs to a 3D Connection printer. To do this, the server computer must be operating and connected to (Client Mode) 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 Figure 5-87: Printer Server Connection dialog box Job Manager The Job Manager ribbon has three icon groups: Commands •...
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Eden260V User Guide The following operations are available on the Job Manager ribbon: Group Icon Purpose 3D Client: Sets the server connection. See “Setting the Remote Printer Printer Connection (Client Mode)” on page 62. Server: Sets the printer connection. See “Setting the Printer Connection” on page 59. Configures options for printer alerts. See “Configuring User Alerts” on page 65. Queue Server: Moves a job to the head of the Jobs Queue. Client: Disabled. See “Jobs Queue” on page 58. Server: Moves a job to a higher position in the Jobs Queue. Client: Disabled. See “Jobs Queue” on page 58. Server: Moves a job to the bottom of the Jobs Queue. Client: Disabled. See “Jobs Queue” on page 58. Server: Moves a job to a lower position in the Jobs Queue. Client: Disabled. See “Jobs Queue” on page 58. Server: • For a job in the —Prints it again (from the Jobs Queue beginning). ...
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Using Objet Studio 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. Restart Delete Stop Resume Edit Schedule Export packed job Figure 5-89: Icons on pop-up toolbar (server) Delete Edit Figure 5-90: Icons on pop-up toolbar (client workstation) When you position the cursor over an item, a tooltip displays the name of the command.
Eden260V User Guide Configuring Objet Studio can alert you (and others) to the status of jobs sent to the server User Alerts 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 5-92: Notifications dialog box (server) Figure 5-93: Notifications dialog box (client workstation) 2.
Using Objet Studio 3. Click Details Figure 5-94: Event selection for alerts 4. In the Reports Events dialog box, select the alert events and click 5. In the Notifications dialog box, click Printing the If there is a job in the Jobs Queue, it is sent automatically to the Eden Tray printer—as long as it is on, there is a connection to the printer, and the printer is on line. Chapter 6 describes starting and operating the printer. Additional Object Studio on the printer servers includes the following additional Server features: Features • Extended Tray Preview • Editing Jobs • Restarting Jobs • Resuming Jobs • Scheduling Jobs • Exporting Jobs (objzf) • Modifying the Job Manager Screen These features are described on the following pages.
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Eden260V User Guide Extended Tray Preview In 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 5-95: 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.
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Using Objet Studio To display printing progress in the Tray Preview pane: From the Job menu, select Show 3dProgress This option uses additional system resources. Editing Jobs You 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.” Restarting Jobs ...
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Eden260V User Guide Scheduling Jobs You 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 5-97: Scheduler with calendar displayed 3. Click Exporting Jobs (objzf) You can save print jobs as compressed files. For an explanation of objzf files, see “Exporting and Importing Objet Build Trays” on page 44.
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Operating & Maintaining the Eden260V 3-D Printer Starting the Eden260V Printer ............2 Loading Model and Support Cartridges.......... 4 Producing Models ................5 Printer Interface Color Key..............7 Printing Indicators ................8 Resuming Production After Printing has Stopped......9 Changing the Model Material ............10 Keeping the Printer in Idle Mode ........... 15 Shutting Down the Printer............... 16 Maintaining the Printer ..............18 Routine Maintenance Schedule............18 Cleaning the Print Heads ..............19 Pattern Test................... 21 Improving Print Quality ..............
Operating & Maintaining the Eden260V 3-D Printer Printer cover Model-material compartment Filter compartment Support-material & waste compartment Figure 6-1: The Eden260V 3-D Printer Starting the Eden260V Printer CAUTION! • Do not attempt to operate the Eden printer before being trained by a customer-support representative.
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Stop button Pause button Figure 6-3: Eden260V interface Eden 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 Eden260V 3-D Printer Loading Model and Support Cartridges Eden260V 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 6‐3). The printer uses RFID technology to automatically identify the material cartridges. For this purpose, an RFID module is part of the printer hardware.
Eden260V User Guide Producing Models The Eden260V 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. 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). To prepare the printer for producing models: 1.
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Operating & Maintaining the Eden260V 3-D Printer The Eden260V printer uses one model‐material cartridge and one support‐ material cartridge to produce models. When four cartridges are loaded in the printer, two of them are reserve, or standby, cartridges. By default, the printer first uses the cartridges with the least material in them. The active cartridges are blue in the printer interface. You can monitor printer status indicators by switching the printer interface display. To do this, click the display toggle button in the printer interface screen. Block temp. Block temp. behind model behind support heads heads Temp. of each Temp. of each model head support head Block temp. in Block temp.
Eden260V User Guide Printer The background colors in the printer indicator fields tell you at a glance Interface whether or not the value or item is suitable or ready for printing. Color Key • Green—suitable/ready for printing For example, in figure 6‐4: 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. Pre‐Heater—The model and support resins need to be heated before being supplied to the print block. The temperature has reached the acceptable range. • Red—not suitable for printing (or indicates a warning) For example, in figure 6‐4: Waste—The weight of the waste container is 7300 grams, more than allowed when beginning a print job. (See “Replacing the Waste Container” on page 6‐61.) • Blue—not ready For example, in figure 6‐4: UV lamps—The UV lamps are 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. •...
Operating & Maintaining the Eden260V 3-D Printer Printing The printer interface screen changes when you send a print job from Objet Indicators Studio to the printer, and the printer is on line (see figure 6‐5): • 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. Printer mode Current Activity Job information Job information Progress bar Stop button Pause button Figure 6-5: Printer interface during printing 6–8...
Eden260V User Guide Resuming Production After Printing has Stopped If 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. 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.
Operating & Maintaining the Eden260V 3-D Printer printing 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.
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Eden260V User Guide 4. In the Compartment Selection screen, select an option for changing either cartridge or both cartridges, and click Next Figure 6-9: Compartment Selection screen 5. From the drop‐down menu, choose the model material you want to install, and click Next Figure 6-10: Material Selection screen Note: This selection automatically affects the default material setting in Objet Studio. 6–11 DOC-32011 Rev. A...
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Operating & Maintaining the Eden260V 3-D Printer 6. In the Flushing Options screen, choose the appropriate cycle for the model material you want to install. Figure 6-11: Flushing Options screen • Economy. During this cycle, which takes about 20 minutes, the pump purges the model material from the print block, then flushes the system with the new material. Since traces of the previous material may be present in the first models printed with the new material, this cycle is usually acceptable when replacing a light‐colored model material with a darker material (such as TangoBlack™ or VeroBlack™), or if the exact color of the printed models is unimportant. However, this cycle ensures that models will have the mechanical properties of the new material. • High‐performance. During this cycle, which takes about 55 minutes, the wizard cleans the feed tubes and print block more thoroughly by flushing the system with more material. This cycle ensures that models will have the color (and the mechanical properties) of the new material, when replacing a dark‐ colored material (such as TangoBlack or VeroBlack) with a lighter‐ colored material. 6–12 DOC-32011 Rev. A...
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Eden260V User Guide 7. Click , and take note of the warning screen. Next Figure 6-12: Material Replacement warning screen Once you start this procedure, you must complete it before you can produce models with the Eden printer. To perform the procedure at another time, click Cancel. If you continue (by clicking Next) and you do not complete the procedure, you must start the Material Replacement Wizard again before producing models.
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Operating & Maintaining the Eden260V 3-D Printer If the printer does not identify the replacement cartridge(s), the following wizard screen appears. Figure 6-14: Prompt to load new model cartridges After identifying the cartridge(s), the printer begins filling the print heads with the new model material. Figure 6-15: Material replacement: filling heads with new material 10. When the final wizard screen appears, make sure that the screen displays the newly‐loaded material(s). Click Done to close the wizard. CAUTION: Dispose of all material cartridges in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.
Eden260V User Guide Keeping the Printer in Idle Mode Between printing jobs, the Eden260V 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: Time after printing Mode Change in heating of print heads first 15 minutes Standby 1 none 10 hours heating reduced (to room temp.) next Standby 2 10 hours after Idle heating stopped Note: The printer mode is indicated in the green field on the left of the interface (see figures 6-3, 6-4 and 6-5 on pages 3, 6 and 8).
Operating & Maintaining the Eden260V 3-D Printer Shutting Down the Printer You only need to shut down the Eden 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 from the Options menu, or press Shutdown Figure 6-16: Shutdown Wizard, opening dialog box 2.
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Eden260V User Guide The shutdown procedure begins. Figure 6-17: Shutdown progress screen 5. When the final wizard screen appears, close the printer‐control application and shut down the built‐in computer. Figure 6-18: Final Shutdown Wizard screen 6. After the printer computer shuts down, turn off the main power switch (at the back of the printer). 6–17 DOC-32011 Rev. A...
Operating & Maintaining the Eden260V 3-D Printer Maintaining the Printer The performance of routine maintenance tasks is essential for getting satisfactory results from Eden 3‐D printers. Perform the tasks at specified intervals for optimum performance. Routine Maintenance Frequency Task For More Information Schedule Daily, before printing Clean the print heads. See “Cleaning the Print Heads” on page 6‐19. Weekly Clean the build tray and the surrounding area. Weekly Perform the Pattern test. See “Pattern Test” on page 6‐21. Weekly Clean and inspect the See “Cleaning and wiper. Replacing the Wiper” ...
Eden260V User Guide Cleaning the Periodic inspection and cleaning of the orifice plates on the bottom of the Print Heads 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 • a Stratasys‐supplied cleaning cloth or equivalent • a mirror 2. Start the Heads Cleaning Wizard from the Options menu (see figure 6‐25 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.
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Operating & Maintaining the Eden260V 3-D Printer 5. When the following screen appears, open the cover. Figure 6-20: Head cleaning wizard—steps 5–10 WARNING: The print head orifice plates (bottom surface) may be hot. Do not touch them with your bare hands, and proceed with caution. 6. Place the mirror on the build tray.
Eden260V User Guide 10. When you have finished cleaning, select the confirmation check box in the wizard screen (see figure 6‐20) and click Next 11. Remove the cleaning materials from the printer and close the cover. 12. Select the confirmation check boxes in the wizard screen and click Next The head‐purge cycle begins. When this is complete, the final wizard screen appears. Figure 6-22: Head-cleaning wizard—final screen 13. Click to close the wizard. Done 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 center of the build tray.
Operating & Maintaining the Eden260V 3-D Printer Figure 6-24: Sample Pattern Test 5. 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.
Eden260V User Guide If the results of the pattern test are still poor: Optimize the print heads and replace faulty print heads. if necessary (see “Calibrating Print Heads” on page 6‐34). Cleaning and A rubber wiper removes excess material from the print heads after the Replacing the purge sequence. This is done automatically before each print job, and Wiper 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 • a Stratasys‐supplied cleaning cloth or equivalent •...
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Operating & Maintaining the Eden260V 3-D Printer Confirm this in the wizard screen. Figure 6-26: Wiper Cleaning procedure—step 4 5. Click . Next 6. When the following screen appears, open the cover. Figure 6-27: Wiper Cleaning Wizard during steps 7–10 7. Put on the cleaning gloves. 8. Using a generous amount of cleaning fluid and the cleaning cloth, remove any material remaining on the wiper and the surrounding area. 9. Inspect the wiper. If the wiper is scratched, torn or worn, or if you cannot clean it completely, replace it. a. Grasp it and pull it up and out of its bracket. ...
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Eden260V User Guide 12. Select the confirmation check boxes in the wizard screen and click Next Figure 6-28: Wiper Cleaning procedure—final screen 13. Click to close the wizard. Done Cleaning the The roller waste collector removes waste material scraped from the roller. Roller Waste Suction removes this waste to the printer’s waste container. Collector and This assembly should be cleaned weekly to prevent a blockage in the tubes Inspecting the leading to the waste container, so that waste material does not overflow Roller Scraper into the printer. To clean the roller waste collector: 1. Prepare— •...
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Operating & Maintaining the Eden260V 3-D Printer 3. Remove the right UV‐lamp assembly: a. Disconnect the UV power cable and the fan power cable. Fan power connector Power connector Screw Figure 6-29: Disconnecting the right UV assembly b. 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. Suction tube screws Figure 6-30: Lifting the suction tube 5. Lift the suction tube to secure it in a raised position.
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Eden260V User Guide 6. Remove the two screws securing the covering of the roller waste collector and remove it. Be very careful to save the covering screws. These are special screws; if they are lost you need to order replacements. Roller waste collector screws Figure 6-31: Removing the roller waste collector covering 7. Remove the covering by pulling it out, and then lower it.
Operating & Maintaining the Eden260V 3-D Printer 6. Before returning the roller waste collector to the print block, make sure that the pins are clean. Roller waste collector pins Figure 6-33: Roller waste collector pins 7. Return the roller waste collector to the print block and screw on the covering (see figure 6‐31 on page 6‐27). 8. Loosen the screws securing the suction tube. Securing screws Figure 6-34: Suction tube correctly positioned 9. 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 ...
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Eden260V User Guide 3. Loosen the two screws securing the roller waste collector and pull it out. Figure 6-35: Removing the roller waste collector 4. Remove the screws that secure the roller scraper assembly. Figure 6-36: Removing the roller scraper screws Figure 6-37: Removing the old roller scraper blade 5. Remove the scraper blade and discard it. 6–29 DOC-32011 Rev. A...
Operating & Maintaining the Eden260V 3-D Printer 6. Place the new scraper blade onto the pins in the holder, as shown. Figure 6-38: Inserting the new roller scraper blade 7. Insert and tighten the roller scraper blade screws. Important: • Tighten the screws in the order shown in figure 6-39. • Use the new screws supplied in the replacement kit.
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Eden260V User Guide 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 tray 2. Start the Head Alignment Wizard from the Options menu (see figure 6‐25 on page 23). 3. Click to begin, and close the cover. Next 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 6-40: Positioning the transparency on the build tray 6.
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Operating & Maintaining the Eden260V 3-D Printer The transparency sheet is printed with sets of vertical lines in seven columns, each showing the results from a different print head. Figure 6-42: 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. Alignment-line numbering, left-to-right Row pairs Figure 6-43: Comparing rows of alignment lines Note: It does not matter which pair of lines you inspect, since they were all printed by the same head.
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Eden260V User Guide The first in a series of alignment screens appears. Figure 6-44: Head alignment screen 11. 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.
Operating & Maintaining the Eden260V 3-D Printer 14. In the final wizard screen, choose to either repeat the head alignment procedure or close the wizard. • If the most closely aligned vertical lines for a print head were at either extreme—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 6-46: Final Head Alignment Wizard screen Calibrating The condition of the print heads directly affects the quality of printed Print Heads 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. ...
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Eden260V User Guide 2. Start the Head Optimization Wizard from the Options menu of the printer interface. Figure 6-47: Starting the Head Optimization Wizard 3. In the opening wizard screen, click to begin. Next 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 6-48: Procedure selection screen The print block moves into position for cleaning and inspecting the print heads. 6–35 DOC-32011 Rev. A...
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Operating & Maintaining the Eden260V 3-D Printer 7. When the following screen appears, clean the print heads. WARNING: The print head orifice plates (bottom surface) may be hot. Do not touch them with your bare hands, and proceed with caution. Figure 6-49: Clean print heads screen 8. Place the mirror on the build tray.
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Eden260V User Guide 13. Remove the cleaning materials from the printer, and close the cover. Figure 6-51: Confirmation screen 14. Select the confirmation check box in the wizard screen and click Next The head‐purge cycle runs, after which the Weight Test is printed. Figure 6-52: Printing Weight Test 32 samples are printed on the build tray, four for each of the print heads. This can take up to 55 minutes. 6–37 DOC-32011 Rev. A...
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Operating & Maintaining the Eden260V 3-D Printer 15. 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 6-53: Weight Test Data Entry screen 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.
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Eden260V User Guide 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 6-55: Final wizard screen, after optimizing print heads However, 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 6-56: Defective print heads found 17. 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. Replacing print heads is expensive. Replace them only after consulting with an authorized customer-support engineer.
Operating & Maintaining the Eden260V 3-D Printer Replacing The condition of the print heads directly affects the quality of printed Print Heads 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 printer interface displays a warning or malfunction message relating to a print head— Head Heater temperature timeout Head Heater thermistor open Head Heater thermistor short The Head Optimization Wizard guides you through the procedure of replacing a print head, and adjusts components of the 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.
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Eden260V User Guide 4. Read the conditions, select I Agree and click Next Figure 6-57: Procedure selection screen 5. Choose Replace faulty heads, and click Next Preparing the 6. Select the print head(s) needing replacement, and click Next Print Block Figure 6-58: Head selection screen The printer heats and empties the print block, and prepares the printer. (This should take up to 30 minutes.) Figure 6-59: Printer preparation progress screen 7. Put on the safety gloves. 6–41 DOC-32011 Rev. A...
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Operating & Maintaining the Eden260V 3-D Printer 8. When the following screen is displayed, open the printer cover. Note: The printer disconnects power to the heads for your safety. Figure 6-60: Replace the defective head when this screen appears 6–42 DOC-32011 Rev. A...
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Eden260V User Guide Removing the 9. On the print block, release the upper and lower screws that secure the Defective Head print head in the block. (If necessary, you may use a screwdriver to loosen the screws.) Figure 6-61: Releasing the locking screws 10. Press down on the upper and lower locking screws to release the print head. Figure 6-62: Releasing the print head 11. 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 6-63: Opening the print-head compartment 6–43 DOC-32011 Rev. A...
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Operating & Maintaining the Eden260V 3-D Printer 12. 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 6-64: Releasing the print-head driver card to remove the head 13. Make sure that along with the head, you remove the two rubber O‐ring seals. Figure 6-65: O-ring seals on the print head Important: If the seals are not removed with the head, they are probably stuck to the print block housing.
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Eden260V User Guide Important: Remove the protective tape from the surface of the Installing the New Head new print head. 14. Inspect the replacement head, and make sure that the O‐ring seals are in place (see figure 6‐65). 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 6-67: Inserting the print-head driver card into its socket 16.
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Operating & Maintaining the Eden260V 3-D Printer 20. With your fingers, make sure that the new head is level and even with the other heads. Figure 6-69: Checking the level of the new head 21. Confirm that the heads are level and even by selecting the check box in the following wizard screen, and click Next Figure 6-70: Installation-check screen 22. In the next wizard screen, select the check box to confirm that you have removed all tools and objects from the printer. Figure 6-71: Cleared-tray confirmation screen 6–46 DOC-32011 Rev. A...
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Eden260V User Guide 23. 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 6‐34). 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,” next). After replacing print heads, you should check the head alignment before using the printer to produce models. In the final wizard screen... • select and click to open the Head Alignment Wizard (see Done “Aligning the Print Heads” on page 30). • select and click to align the heads at another time. Done Figure 6-72: Final Head Optimization Wizard Screen 6–47 DOC-32011 Rev. A...
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Operating & Maintaining the Eden260V 3-D Printer Installation If the printer detects that there is a problem after you install print heads, Problems relevant warning screens appear. • If the printer software does not sense the replaced head, the following warning screen appears. Figure 6-73: Incorrect-installation screen If this happens: a. Open the print head compartment (see figure 6‐63 on page 43). b. Re‐insert the print‐head driver card into its socket (see figure 6‐67 on page 45). c. In the wizard screen, select the check box to confirm that you have re‐inserted the card, and click Next • If the replacement head was not factory‐calibrated, the following warning screen appears. Figure 6-74: Invalid-data warning screen If this happens: ...
Eden260V User Guide • If the vacuum test is not successful, the replacement head was not sealed properly during installation, and the following warning screen appears. Figure 6-75: Vacuum-leakage warning screen If this happens: a. Click Next b. Follow the instructions on the wizard screens to re‐install the head. Calibrating the Load cells are sensors that measure the weight of the printing cartridges Load Cells 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 (see figure 6‐25 on page 23). 2. Select one or more load cells that you want to calibrate, and click Next Figure 6-76: Load cell selection Note: It is recommended that you routinely calibrate all of the load cells.
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Operating & Maintaining the Eden260V 3-D Printer 3. Remove the cartridge or container, as instructed by the wizard, confirm this in the wizard screen, and click Next Figure 6-77: Confirmation of cartridge removal 4. In the next wizard screen, observe the numbers and wait until the level is relatively stable—two units above or below the average level shown. Figure 6-78: Load cell calibration screen 5. Select the Weight is stable check box, and click Next If you need to calibrate more than one load cell, the next calibration screen appears. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until all of the load cells are calibrated. 6. Click in the final wizard screen. Done Figure 6-79: Final wizard screen 6–50...
Eden260V User Guide Replacing the If the printer exhaust is not connected to an external ventilation system, a Odor Filter 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 The UV lamps used for curing models have a long, but limited, working UV Lamps life. The service engineer tests their effectiveness during regular maintenance checks, and replaces them, if necessary. If, for any reason, you need to replace a UV lamp, follow these instructions: Note: The printer application includes a wizard for user-calibration of UV lamps. When this user guide was prepared, the UV Calibration Wizard was not fully tested with an approved UV radiation sensor.
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Operating & Maintaining the Eden260V 3-D Printer 4. Select the UV lamp(s) to be replaced and click Next Figure 6-82: UV lamp selection screen 5. Disconnect the power connection to the UV lamp. Figure 6-83: Disconnecting the UV lamp Note: Do not disconnect the power connection to the cooling fans. 6. Loosen the screw securing the UV lamp cover , and pull the cover up , then out ...
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Eden260V User Guide 7. Pull the lamp reflector out of the print block. Figure 6-85: Removing the UV lamp reflector 8. 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).
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Operating & Maintaining the Eden260V 3-D Printer 11. Replace the lamp cover by inserting it into the slot on the bottom of the housing, and tighten the securing screw on top. Figure 6-87: Replacing the lamp cover 12. Reconnect the power connection to the UV lamp. Figure 6-88: Connecting power to the UV lamp 13. In the wizard screen, confirm that you have replaced the lamp(s) and that the black strip is attached, then click Next Figure 6-89: UV-installation confirmation screen 6–54 DOC-32011 Rev. A...
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Eden260V User Guide The 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 6-90: Status screen during UV lamp check 14. When the final wizard screen appears, click Done Figure 6-91: Final wizard screen 6–55 DOC-32011 Rev. A...
• 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. Stratasys 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 6–56...
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Eden260V User Guide Accessing To open the Built-in Tests screen, do one of the following: Built-in Tests • From the Options menu, select Built-In Tests • Press Ctrl+Alt+B Figure 6-92: Selecting Built-In Tests from the Options menu Test 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 6-93:Built In Tests screen 6–57...
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Operating & Maintaining the Eden260V 3-D Printer Test Name Test List This 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. Group This 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. Status This column shows the status of each test after you run it: Test successfully completed. Test failed. (Double‐click on a failed test’s line to review the failure details.) Unknown results. (The test has not been run yet.) 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: Click to select all of the tests in the list. None Click to de‐select all of the tests in the list. Click to select all test that have not been run yet (Status = ?). Unknown Group Use this menu to select tests by component category. Selection Use this menu to select a pre‐configured set of tests to run at ...
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Eden260V User Guide Command Buttons You click the command buttons, on the right side of the screen, to perform the following operations: Click to run the selected tests. Reset Click to clear previously run tests. This returns the status of each test to Unknown (?). Save Click 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 . By default, these files BITReport [date][time].htm are saved in the Eden installation folder, but you can save it in any other folder. View Click 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.) Close Click 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. 6–59 DOC-32011 Rev. A...
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Operating & Maintaining the Eden260V 3-D Printer Test Descriptions The 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 Stratasys service provider. Troubleshooting Test Name Description Possible Reason for Failure Sub‐System Tests communications between Disconnected communications cable. Communication Eden components. Faulty cable. FIFO Non‐Interrupt/ Tests the data queue in the DATA Faulty DATA_PCI card. PCI card. FIFO Interrupt Encoder Tests the encoderʹs reliability by Faulty encoder. comparing readings from multiple runs along the X‐axis. System Info Compares the following parameter Failure of RAM memory allocation in ...
Eden260V User Guide Replacing the The waste container contains partially cured polymeric material produced Waste during normal operation and maintenance of the printer. For safety and Container environmental reasons, this material is kept in a special leak‐proof, disposable container. The container has a capacity of about eight kilograms of waste material— usually enough for several months of printer use. The printer software displays a warning message when there is 7.3 kilograms of material in the container, and stops the printing when the net weight reaches 7.8 kilograms. Above 7.3 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. To monitor the waste weight (and other indicators) in the printer: In the main printer interface screen, click the display toggle to view the printer indicators. Waste weight Display toggle button Figure 6-94: Printer interface, showing waste weight (red background indicates operator alert) The waste container consists of a sealed bag inside a cardboard box. You ...
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Operating & Maintaining the Eden260V 3-D Printer To prepare a new waste container: 1. Assemble the cardboard box, making sure to punch out the perforated sections. 2. Fold a new waste bag—so it fits in the box—and insert the bag’s screw‐ connector into the hole in the top of the box. Note: Do not close the box until you connect the waste drain tube from the printer (see below). To replace the waste container: 1.
Eden260V User Guide 5. Close the full container with a sealing cap. Note: The sealing cap contains an inner stopper that prevents leakage when the cap is tightened. Do not be concerned that air can still flow through the opening on the top of the cap, since the inner stopper seals the waste container.
Handling Printed Models Removing Models After Printing After printing models, you should allow them to cool as much as possible before handling them. If additional models do not have to be produced on the 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. WARNING: Wear protective gloves when handling printed models before they are washed. 3.
Eden260V User Guide Figure 7-1: Objet WaterJet Cleaning Unit To clean a model using this device, you place it in the chamber, and you manipulate it and the jet using the built‐in, waterproof sleeves. A pump turns ordinary tap water into a high‐pressure jet, and a wiper keeps the window clear. Use caution when cleaning delicate models with high-pressure water systems. Removing Support Material with Caustic Soda Soak models in a 2‐percent solution of caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) to remove support material from difficult‐to‐reach areas and to give the model a smooth, clean finish. The amount of time you soak the model in the solution depends on how delicate it is and how much support material needs to be removed, but it is typically between half‐an‐hour and several hours. In any case, you should remove as much support material as possible before the caustic soda treatment, and rinse the model thoroughly (with a water jet) afterwards. WARNING: Caustic soda may cause chemical burns, scarring and blindness.
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