Shelf Life; In-Service Life; Contamination; Polymerization - 3D Systems ProX 800 User Manual

handling. You should consult the applicable literature for proper storage, use and handling of photocurable materials.

Shelf Life

VisiJet SL & Accura materials are certified for use for at least 12 months from their date of manufacture. Most materials are
certified for 18 months from their manufacture dates. The recertification dates are marked on the material cartridge labels. In
general, resins are usable for several months after their recertification dates provided that the materials have been properly
stored, handled and not exposed to excess heat. However, use of very old or material past its recertification date may shorten
your In-Service material life. It is advisable to check the viscosity of any material past its recertification date prior to use.

In-Service Life

In-service life of the print materials is defined as the useful life of the material after having been poured into the ProX 800 MDM.
The in-service life of the ProX 800 material greatly varies depending on material type, usage and environmental conditions.
The more volume printed, the more the material is refreshed with newer material. This blends older material with newer
material and extends the in-service life of the materials. If the material is exposed to temperatures outside of the normal
operating limits, is exposed to UV light, is exposed to particulates or vapors in the air such as dust or fumes, or if contaminates
are introduced such as partially cured platforms being placed back into the MDM, this will shorten the material in-service life.
The type of patterns and prints performed also affect the in-service life of the material. With all this taken into consideration,
we would expect the in-service life of the material to be at least two years but can be much longer with proper care and
maintenance. The material retains its usefulness until a buildup of viscosity or a change in reactivity prevents further processing
in the ProX 800.

Contamination

Care should be taken when cleaning windows, panels, and other parts of the ProX 800. Cleaning products which contain
ammonia should not be used because they can cause contamination of the material. Instead, use a small amount of isopropyl
alcohol on a paper towel to clean up spills. Accidental contamination of resins may change the material's performance
characteristics to such an extent that acceptable parts can no longer be reliably created.

Polymerization

Signs of polymerization of stored material include container bulging, leaking, and the emission of heat, or an unusual odor
from the container. If you notice this, do not use the material and dispose of it properly.
Never mix different materials .

MATERIAL DISPOSAL

Because stereolithography materials are regulated, they are subject to special disposal requirements by your local, federal,
or other regulatory agencies. Follow applicable disposal guidelines. Contact a local waste management company for
recommendations on disposal requirements that affect your facility.
Do not leave uncured or liquid materials in an area where persons who are not knowledgeable about their handling or use may
have access to them. If your area requires regulated waste disposal, consult with and retain a waste management company to
periodically pick up regulated waste. Your local waste management company may recommend that you set up a drum, or other
approved container, to dispose of liquid print material and of any materials (such as paper towels or gloves) that may have
come into contact with the uncured liquid print material.
After part printing in the SLA system, the parts are not yet fully cured, and must be post-cured using the ProCure UV Chamber.
After an adequate period of UV light exposure in the ProCure chamber, the parts should be fully solidified and then may be
handled without the precaution of gloves.
NOTE: Inspect your parts after curing in the ProCure UV chamber to ensure they are fully solidified. Part surface
tackiness, visible or discernible areas of liquid resin indicate the part is not fully cured .

MATERIAL SPILL CONTAINMENT

Your company has the responsibility to define what constitutes a major spill. Personnel who are involved in cleaning up major
spills of material should wear NIOSH/MSHA approved respirators designed for use with organic chemical vapors. In addition,
each person should wear protective goggles, rubber boots, and 100% nitrile gloves to minimize exposure to material, which can
cause eye, skin, and respiratory irritation, as well as possible skin allergies and respiratory reactions.
A supply of dikes and control booms should be stocked so they are available to contain the affected area in the event of a major
material spill. The spilled material should then be absorbed on inert absorbent material and placed into drums for transfer to
an approved waste disposal site. After cleaning up the spill, individuals should wash thoroughly with soap and COLD water.
Dry-clean contaminated clothing. Discard contaminated shoes and leather products. Avoid exposure to sunlight until skin and
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