Stratasys FDM Vantage Series User Manual
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Stratasys FDM Vantage Series User Manual

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FDM Vantage
™
User Guide
Version 1.7

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Summary of Contents for Stratasys FDM Vantage Series

  • Page 1 FDM Vantage ™ User Guide Version 1.7...
  • Page 2 If further information is required, Stratasys Inc. should be consulted. STRATASYS INC. MAKES NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND WITH REGARD TO THIS MATERIAL, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
  • Page 3 See the table below for system/material compatibility. This system incorporates the latest in innovative technologies to provide you with precise prototypes from a CAD design. Stratasys’ Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology provides prototype parts, including internal features, that can be used to field-test form, fit, and function.
  • Page 4 Support Material About This Guide This guide is your introduction to building prototypes using a Stratasys rapid prototype system. Typically learning about a high-tech machine can be a long, difficult process. But with this guide, you can make that learning process much easier. This guide was designed as a learning and reference tool that explains system operation in an easy to understand, step-by-step, process.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    FDM Vantage User Guide Table of Contents Notice Service & Support FDM Vantage Service ....................1 - 1 Software Support ....................... 1 - 1 Consumable Orders....................1 - 1 Safety Instructions ..................... 1 - 2 Hazard Classifications ....................1 - 2 Product Safety Signs ....................1 - 2 Specific Safety Practices ..................1 - 3 Guard Door Interlocks.....................1 - 4...
  • Page 6 FDM Vantage User Guide XY Gantry Assembly ....................3 - 4 Head Assembly......................5 Liquefier Tips and Slice Heights................3 - 5 Head Buttons for Unplugging Tips ................. 3 - 8 Z Stage & Oven Components ..................3 - 9 Opening the Oven Door ..................
  • Page 7 FDM Vantage User Guide Operating the Machine Using the Operator Control Panel................5 - 1 Keypad Button Descriptions..................5 - 2 Screen Symbols......................5 - 3 Powering Up the Machine..................5 - 3 Powering Down the Machine ..................5 - 4 Building a Job ......................5 - 5 Before Building a Job....................5 - 5 Selecting a Job to Build ..................5 - 6 Warnings Before Job is Built...................5 - 7...
  • Page 8 FDM Vantage User Guide Opening a .STL File in Insight..................6 - 1 Selecting Modeler Setup Settings.................. 2 Configure Your Modeler ..................6 - 2 Part Build Parameters .................... 6 - 4 Orientating the Part in the Build Envelope ..............5 Slicing the Part......................
  • Page 9 FDM Vantage User Guide Inspecting the Purge Ledge ..................8 - 4 Lubricating the XY Guide Rods ................8 - 4 Lubricating the Z stage Lead Screws and Guide Rods...........8 - 4 Quarterly Maintenance Tasks ..................8 - 5 Cleaning the Vacuum System In-Line Filter and Jar..........8 - 5 Cleaning the Cone Sensor..................8 - 6 As Needed Maintenance Tasks .................
  • Page 10 FDM Vantage User Guide...

  • Page 11: Service & Support

    When calling for support, please have your system’s serial number and software version available. Consumable Orders If you need to order consumables for your FDM hardware, contact Stratasys Consumable Orders by using one of the following methods: • Call (800) 801-6491 (7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. C.T.) •...

  • Page 12: Safety Instructions

    FDM Vantage User Guide Safety Instructions Hazard Classifications Stratasys recommends that all services be performed by qualified personnel. All personnel working on or around this machine should be knowledgeable of what the following hazard classifications mean throughout this guide. CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.

  • Page 13: Specific Safety Practices

    FDM Vantage User Guide Service & Support Hot Surface Sign. The hot surface sign indicates the presence of devices with high temperatures. Always use extra care when working around heated components. Always wear the safety gloves and safety sleeves provided in the Vantage Startup Kit. Note: Head temperatures in this machine can exceed 350°...

  • Page 14: Guard Door Interlocks

    Service & Support FDM Vantage User Guide WARNING: Never wear a tie, loose clothing, or dangling jewelry. You risk the possibility of severe injury. The XY pinch hazard between the timing belts and pulleys is minimized by locking the hood while building and disabling the motors when the hood is open.

  • Page 15: Setup & Installation

    FDM Vantage User Guide Setup & Installation Chapter 2 Setup & Installation Preparing Your Facility for Installation Follow the T-Class Site Preparation Guide to ensure that your facility is effectively and safely prepared for the system to be installed. Identifying Your Machine Use the following two tags to identify your machine: •...

  • Page 16: Making The Power Cable Connection

    High voltage is applied to the machine via a Delta connection. Stratasys recommends that the power cable connection be made by a licensed electrician. The main breaker must be off until a Stratasys Service Technician has verified the connection. This machine is only provided with a Delta connection.

  • Page 17: Thermal Cut-Out Fuses

    FDM Vantage User Guide Setup & Installation • The LED display shows the UPS status. On/Off (Hold in for 2 seconds to activate) Load Level Indicators Mode Indicator Lights On Button Off Button Reset Button UPS 5125 The UPS also has the purpose of cooling the system when power is lost or turned off.

  • Page 18: Initial Network Configuration (Ip Address)

    Setup & Installation FDM Vantage User Guide Initial Network Configuration (IP Address) Before operating the machine, you must enter the IP, Netmask, and Gateway addresses. 1. Power up the machine, as shown on page 5-3. 2. From the Ready screen, select Maintenance and press ENTER. Build Job..

  • Page 19: Upgrading Software Or Downloading A Code

    FDM Vantage User Guide Setup & Installation Upgrading Software or Downloading a Code The system’s software and unique code can be downloaded from an Insight workstation. Only Insight v4.0 and later supports the code download process. 1. Verify that the machine is idle. 2.
  • Page 20 Navigate to the location of the upgrade file. Upgrade files (UPG) are downloaded into the ‘Stratasys’ folder on your workstation. Note: The default location for the ‘Stratasys’ folder is directly below the ‘Program Files’ directory. This location may be different on your workstation depending upon choices made during previous software installations.
  • Page 21 FDM Vantage User Guide Setup & Installation If downloading a code: • In the Insight administration application, select the system to upgrade. • Click on the Setup button. • Enter the code (case-sensitive) in the Setup code field. • Click on the green check box to download the code. Note: If you get an error message, you entered an invalid code.

  • Page 22: Moving The Machine

    Setup & Installation FDM Vantage User Guide The screen will now read: >Install New Setup Code.. <E> Press <ESCAPE> key to cancel • Press ENTER. The system configures and the system powers up. Moving the Machine If you need to move the machine to a different location, use the following steps to correctly move the machine.
  • Page 23 FDM Vantage User Guide Setup & Installation • Using several wire ties, secure the head to the frame. WARNING: Do not use the head service handle. Damage to the head could occur. • Reinstall all panels and tighten the Pan Head Phillips screws.
  • Page 24 Setup & Installation FDM Vantage User Guide 2 - 10...

  • Page 25: Machine Components

    FDM Vantage User Guide Machine Components Chapter 3 Machine Components Accessing Machine Components This machine has been designed with easy access to the most frequently accessed areas on the machine. The areas you will need to open or remove to access machine components are: •...
  • Page 26 Machine Components FDM Vantage User Guide Hood Door. Allows access to the hood lid. Hood Lid Hood Lid. Where the XY Gantry resides and allows access to the head assembly as well as four cooling fans Hood Door to cool the upper area of the XY Gantry and head area.
  • Page 27 Pan Head Phillips screws that must be loosened, not removed, before the panel can be removed. WARNING: The access panels on the rear of the machine should only be removed by a Stratasys Service Technician. 3 - 3...

  • Page 28: Opening The Hood

    Machine Components FDM Vantage User Guide Opening the Hood You can open the hood, located on the top of the machine, to access the XY Gantry and the Head. The hood consists of two separate entry doors, the hood door and the hood lid.

  • Page 29: Head Assembly

    FDM Vantage User Guide Machine Components Head Assembly The Headworks head assembly has been designed for various materials. The board inside the head provides direct heater and thermocouple control. The head extrudes modeling material and support material with two identical liquefiers. The support liquefier moves up and down via a solenoid.
  • Page 30 Machine Components FDM Vantage User Guide • Tips are a replaceable consumable item. To order tips, see “Consumable Orders” on page 1-1. To change tips, see “Changing Material Type or Tips” on page 4-13. • When changing tips you will be guided through resetting the tip odometers. •...
  • Page 31 FDM Vantage User Guide Machine Components Table 3-2: Slice Height Model Tip Slice Height 0.005 in. (0.127 mm) 0.007 in. (0.178 mm) 0.010 in. (0.254 mm) 0.013 in. (0.330 mm) Table 3-3: Tip LIfe Model Tip Life Support Tip Life Model Model (Material Used)

  • Page 32: Head Buttons For Unplugging Tips

    Machine Components FDM Vantage User Guide Tip Identification Standard HeadWorks tip 3.045” (77.34 mm) T12 WW tip has T12 WW Headworks tip a finned flange Head Buttons for Unplugging Tips You can use the two buttons on the top of the head to manually unplug tips. •...

  • Page 33: Z Stage & Oven Components

    FDM Vantage User Guide Machine Components Z Stage & Oven Components The Z stage assembly moves the platen, located in the oven, up or down. This is done with two belt driven lead screws, which you can access by removing the upper right and left panels.

  • Page 34: Oven Lights

    Machine Components FDM Vantage User Guide To open the oven door, use the Operator Panel command Unlock Hood/Door. This command is only available while the machine is paused or in an idle state. Therefore you do not have access to this command while the gantry is moving. To unlock the oven using the Unlock Door command: 1.

  • Page 35: The Platen

    FDM Vantage User Guide Machine Components The Platen The platen is the surface on which parts are built. A plastic build sheet is held to the 17” x 15” aluminum platen by the vacuum source. The platen has a waffle pattern machined into the top surface.
  • Page 36 Machine Components FDM Vantage User Guide 3. Select Move Relative and press ENTER. Move Head to Service Location <E> Move Head to Center-Front Location<E> Move Z Stage to Bottom <E> >Move Relative.. 4. Select Set Distance and press ENTER. This toggles between 0.001, 0.010, 0.100 and 1.000 inches (0.01, 0.10 and 1.0 and 10 mm).

  • Page 37: Lowering The Z Stage

    FDM Vantage User Guide Machine Components Lowering the Z Stage 1. From the Operator Control Panel, select Operator Control and press ENTER. Build Job.. |*Tips: Model T16 Support T16 >Operator Control.. Modeler Status.. Maintenance.. 2. Select Move Head/Stage and press ENTER. Unlock Door <E>...
  • Page 38 Machine Components FDM Vantage User Guide 3 - 14...

  • Page 39: Material & Canisters

    FDM Vantage User Guide Material & Canisters Chapter 4 Material & Canisters Materials Used in the Vantage The Vantage systems use high strength polycarbonate material (PC and medical grade PC-ISO), ABS, ABSi and PC-ABS - the last 3 are used with WaterWorks supports.Table 4-1shows the material build temperatures.

  • Page 40: Accessing The Canister Bays

    Material & Canisters FDM Vantage User Guide Accessing the Canister Bays You can access the canister bays by opening the canister bay door (lowest door) on the front of the machine. The door has a magnetic seal allowing you to easily open it. Note: These doors are not equipped with any type of safety interlock.

  • Page 41: Canister Drive Levers

    For Vantage SE: The two left bays hold model material and two right bays hold support material. Stratasys recommends that you install a canister in all four canister bays to ensure maximum efficiency for the air drying system. If necessary, an empty canister may be installed in an inactive bay.

  • Page 42: Canister Auto Changeover (For Vantage Se Only)

    Material & Canisters FDM Vantage User Guide • Green – Steady. Material filament has been loaded into the liquefiers. You cannot remove the canister when the LED is a steady green. Indicator • Green – Flashing. Filament has been fed into the canister drive block but is not loaded into the liquefiers.

  • Page 43: Smart Canister

    FDM Vantage User Guide Material & Canisters Smart Canister The Smart Canister gives you the information Encoded Chip necessary to manage material resources and (SmartSpool maximize part build strategies for long, Circuit) unattended part builds. Each canister contains an encoded chip that tracks and reports the status of the material.

  • Page 44: Changing Canisters

    Material & Canisters FDM Vantage User Guide Changing Canisters Installing a Canister To install a new canister (see figure on page 4-9): 1a. If the canister is new (or locking plug is still installed), peel back the foil tape on the side of the canister.
  • Page 45 FDM Vantage User Guide Material & Canisters 4b. Drop the filament drive mechanism down onto the canister by pulling out the spring plunger. Verify that the filament drive is aligned with the filament exit and completely sealed. The LED is off at this point. After about five seconds, the smart spool chip is read and the drive block motor starts turning.
  • Page 46 The gasket should be replaced if storing a partially full spool. 6c. Close the thumbwheel door. Do not discard the box or packing material. The box can be used to ship the empty canister back to Stratasys for recycling. 4 - 8...
  • Page 47 FDM Vantage User Guide Material & Canisters Cut filament below bend Remove plastic cap Peel back (square cut) foil tape Close Door Carefully 2a: Rest canister in bay Open door re-seal foil tape (do not push fully in yet) 4a: Push canister fully into bay 4b: Drop filament drive mechanism onto canister Advance filament...

  • Page 48: Removing An Empty Canister

    Material & Canisters FDM Vantage User Guide Removing an Empty Canister You can remove an empty canister from the bay after it has run out of material or when filament has been unloaded from the liquefiers. To remove an empty canister: 1.

  • Page 49: Loading Material Filament To The Liquefiers

    FDM Vantage User Guide Material & Canisters Loading Material Filament to the Liquefiers If you are changing to a different material type or changing tips, follow “Changing Material Type or Tips” on page 4-13. Loading is done automatically through that process.

  • Page 50: Unloading Material Filament From The Liquefiers

    Material & Canisters FDM Vantage User Guide • The canister drive motor starts to feed filament to the liquefier tips, which takes two to four minutes. • When the filament gets to the drive wheels in the head, it is forced into the liquefier tip and purges.

  • Page 51: Purging Blue Material From Liquefier

    FDM Vantage User Guide Material & Canisters 4. Select the material to unload and press ENTER: M1L:ABS 92.0 (Ready) >M2L:PC 91.6 <E> (Loaded) S1L:PC_S 92.3 (Ready) S2L:ABS_S 41.4 (Ready) • The head heats up to material temperature and the canister LED flashes green.
  • Page 52 Material & Canisters FDM Vantage User Guide 4. From the Main Menu select Operator Control and press ENTER. Build Job.. |*Tips: Model T16 >Operator Control.. Support T16 Modeler Status.. Maintenance.. 5. Select Change Tips/Mtl.. and press ENTER. Unlock Door <E> | Temp Control..
  • Page 53 FDM Vantage User Guide Material & Canisters CAUTION: Always use an approved ladder or step stool when working with high components. b. Loosen the two captive screws that secure the head to the gantry, and secure the head in the service bracket with the two captive screws. c.
  • Page 54 Material & Canisters FDM Vantage User Guide 11. To select a material, move your cursor to that line and press ENTER. The canister status will be displayed to the far right of the screen. You can change your selection or press MENU to continue. >M1L:ABS 92.0 in3 <E>...
  • Page 55 FDM Vantage User Guide Material & Canisters 14. If user placement is ON: • Arrow down to Select Calibration Part Position.. and press ENTER. >Reset Model in3 <E> 633.5 () Reset Supp. in3 <E> 182.7 () Select Calibration Part Position.. Unlock Door <E>...
  • Page 56 Material & Canisters FDM Vantage User Guide Once oven stabilization is complete, the system automatically does the following: Note: The build sheet must be inserted with proper vacuum before the system will continue. • Performs Auto Z Zero calibration Auto Z Calibration Activity Please Wait ...

  • Page 57: Recovering From A Head Plug

    FDM Vantage User Guide Material & Canisters Recovering From a Head Plug A head plug occurs when filament is no longer coming out of a liquefier tip and the drivewheels are stalled or slipping on the filament. CAUTION: Always use an OSHA or CE approved ladder or step stool when accessing components that are too high to reach.

  • Page 58: Moving The Head To The Head Service Bracket (Service Location)

    Material & Canisters FDM Vantage User Guide 9. Select Unplug Tips.. and press ENTER. Load Material.. Unload Material.. Material Status.. >Unplug Tips.. ***** Head Purge Buttons Activated ***** MODEL (0) Support (-2) ** Model Warming to 320° C (now 300° C) ** ** Supp Warming to 190°...
  • Page 59 FDM Vantage User Guide Material & Canisters 2. Select Move Head/Stage and press ENTER. Unlock Door <E> | Calibrate.. Load/Unload Mtl.. | Temp Control.. Change Tips/Mtl.. |>Move Head/Stage.. 3. Select Move Head to Service Location and press ENTER. >Move Head to Service Location <E> Move Head to Center-Front Location <E>...
  • Page 60 Material & Canisters FDM Vantage User Guide 4 - 22...

  • Page 61: Operating The Machine

    FDM Vantage User Guide Operating the Machine Chapter 5 Operating the Machine Using the Operator Control Panel The Operator Control Panel consists of a four-line by 40 character display located on the front right panel. A keypad is located just below the display. The Operator Control Panel is easy to use and is menu driven.

  • Page 62: Keypad Button Descriptions

    Operating the Machine FDM Vantage User Guide Keypad Button Descriptions The Operator Control Panel has the following keypad buttons. Button Description Menu This button returns back one menu, unless stated otherwise. It also returns you out of the Help system. Up Arrow This button moves the cursor up one line at a time.

  • Page 63: Screen Symbols

    FDM Vantage User Guide Operating the Machine Screen Symbols The following screen symbols are used in the menu lines shown on the screen. Symbol Description <E> Tells you to push ENTER to execute the command line. The cursor “>” must be on the same line. <E>..

  • Page 64: Powering Down The Machine

    Operating the Machine FDM Vantage User Guide 3. Verify that the air pressure gauge, located above the canister bays, reads between 36-40 psi. 4. Select AutoHome XYZ and press ENTER. The machine will find the home position for the X, Y, and Z motions. This must be done before any parts can be built.

  • Page 65: Building A Job

    FDM Vantage User Guide Operating the Machine Building a Job Before Building a Job Before you build a job, you must first send the file to the machine from Insight. Jobs are sent in a CMB format and placed in the queue on the machine’s hard drive. The header of the .CMB file contains basic job information (material type and amount, tip size, etc.) that can be used to verify compatibility with the machine.

  • Page 66: Selecting A Job To Build

    Operating the Machine FDM Vantage User Guide Selecting a Job to Build 1. From the Main Menu select Build Job and press ENTER. >Build Job.. |*Tips: Model T16 Operator Control.. Support T16 Modeler Status.. Maintenance.. 2. Select from one of the following: •...

  • Page 67: Warnings Before Job Is Built

    FDM Vantage User Guide Operating the Machine 3. Select the part to build and press ENTER. For more information on the job queue, see “Working with the Job Queues” on page 5-10. Building a Sample Job in the Queue (Show Sample Job Queue) 1.

  • Page 68: Pausing Or Aborting A Job

    Operating the Machine FDM Vantage User Guide Pausing or Aborting a Job You can only pause the machine while building a job, in the following two ways: • Automatically (canister runs out of material, failure detected, etc.) • Manually from the operator panel. Note: If an Automatic pause occurs, press the HELP key to view the cause.

  • Page 69: Manually Removing Support Material

    For more information on WaterWorks, refer to the WaterWorks User Guide located on Stratasys’ Customer Extranet. 5 - 9...

  • Page 70: Working With The Job Queues

    Operating the Machine FDM Vantage User Guide Working with the Job Queues The job queue contains files downloaded from Insight. The sample job queue contains files that are helpful for testing the machine. To view the jobs in the queues: 1.

  • Page 71: Using The Maintenance Menu

    FDM Vantage User Guide Operating the Machine • Press the (.) key to toggle between (jobs for cfg) and (all jobs). Jobs for cfg displays jobs appropriate for the installed materials and tips. All jobs displays all sample jobs regardless of installed materials and tips. •...

  • Page 72: User Placement On Platen

    Operating the Machine FDM Vantage User Guide User Placement on Platen If User Placement is set to NO (default), the part will build in the center of the platen. If User Placement is set to YES, you can change the position of the front-left hand corner of the bounding box.

  • Page 73: Displaying Machine Status

    FDM Vantage User Guide Operating the Machine Displaying Machine Status The user interface shows you the following statuses of the machine. • Temperature Status • Odometer Status • Material Status • Machine Software Version Finding the Temperature Status To find the current temperature and the setpoint temperature for the oven and both liquefiers: 1.

  • Page 74: Finding The Material Status

    Operating the Machine FDM Vantage User Guide To view the tip odometers: 1. From the Main Menu select Modeler Status and press ENTER. Build Job.. |*Tips: Model T16 Operator Control.. Support T16 >Modeler Status.. Maintenance.. 2. Select Tip Status and press ENTER. The current status of the tips is displayed. Temperatures..

  • Page 75: Finding Your Machine's Software Version

    FDM Vantage User Guide Operating the Machine Finding Your Machine’s Software Version 1. From the Main Menu select Modeler Status and press ENTER. Build Job.. |*Tips: Model T16 Operator Control.. Support T16 >Modeler Status.. Maintenance.. 2. Select Machine State and press ENTER to see the current software version. Temperatures..

  • Page 76: Checking Air Pressure And Vacuum

    Changing the Build Sheet Always use a new build sheet when building a job. Note: Using build sheets not provided by Stratasys may impact part quality and machine reliability. Note: The build sheet is intended to be discarded after one part build. DO NOT FLIP OVER A USED BUILD SHEET TO PLACE ON THE PLATEN.

  • Page 77: Setting The Oven Temperature

    FDM Vantage User Guide Operating the Machine CAUTION: Use extreme care when cleaning the platen. If using a brush, brush away from the vacuum port in the center of the platform. If debris falls into the vacuum port, it can cause a loss of vacuum, resulting in poor adhesion of the build sheet during building.
  • Page 78 Operating the Machine FDM Vantage User Guide 2. Select Temp Control and press ENTER. Unlock Door <E> |>Temp Control.. Load/Unload Mtl.. | Move Head/Stage.. Change Tips/Mtl.. Calibrate.. 3. Select one of the temperature parameters (as shown below) and press ENTER. Set Oven to Build Temp: 145°...

  • Page 79: Operating Insight

    Chapter 6 Operating Insight Starting Insight To start Insight, select Start>Programs>Stratasys>InsightVxx>Insight. You can also double-click on the Insight shortcut desktop, if it was installed. Opening a .STL File in Insight To open the file for the part you wish to build: 1.

  • Page 80: Selecting Modeler Setup Settings

    Operating Insight FDM Vantage User Guide Selecting Modeler Setup Settings Configure Your Modeler The first step in preprocessing is to configure your modeler. 1. Click the Modeler button located in the Modeler Setup window (right side of screen) of the Operations Panel. The Configure Modeler dialog box opens. You can also access the Modeler Setup window by selecting Modelers>Setup.
  • Page 81 FDM Vantage User Guide Operating Insight 5. To reduce curl on large, thick, ABS T12 or T16 parts, click the options icon. Select Brick Mode from the pop-up. 6. Do one of the following: • Click the green check button to save the settings. This closes the dialog box. •...

  • Page 82: Part Build Parameters

    Operating Insight FDM Vantage User Guide Part Build Parameters The second step in preprocessing a model is to choose the part build parameters. The part build style will determine the type of fill pattern used to build the part. The part interior style will determine whether the interior of the part is solid or not.

  • Page 83: Orientating The Part In The Build Envelope

    FDM Vantage User Guide Operating Insight Orientating the Part in the Build Envelope The modeling build envelope box displayed in Insight indicates the size of the part relative to the build envelope inside the FDM Vantage. 1. Select the Orient STL button .

  • Page 84: Building Supports And A Base For The Part

    Operating Insight FDM Vantage User Guide Building Supports and a Base for the Part Most parts require supports and a base to increase part stability while building and optimize the surface finish of parts. Click on the Create Supports button to create supports.

  • Page 85: Flag Button Shortcut

    You are now ready to send the file to the FDM Vantage. This requires that you use the “Status” software. 1. Click Start>Programs>Stratasys>Insight Vxx>Status or from the Insight menu select Modeler>Status. This opens the Status software. 2. Click “Yes” to establish the initial connection.

  • Page 86: Insight Status

    Queue’s can be managed from the Vantage or from any workstation on the network. To manage parts in the queue: 1. Click Start>Programs>Stratasys>Insight Vxx>Status. 2. Click the Manage Queue button to open the job queue window where you...

  • Page 87: Monitoring The Part Build

    FDM Vantage User Guide Operating Insight • Obtain detailed information about a job that may have a conflict with material or tip size being used. These jobs are flagged at the beginning of the line. In addition, if the job is packed, the information button will display the list of individual job names in the pack.

  • Page 88: Viewing Information About Built Parts

    Operating Insight FDM Vantage User Guide Viewing Information about Built Parts The system software keeps track of the details from past jobs that have been built. These details can be viewed in the Build Log. To access the Build Log: 1.

  • Page 89: Setting Up Remote Notification

    FDM Vantage User Guide Operating Insight Setting up Remote Notification If you enter an E-mail address or pager number, notification can be sent when the current job build is interrupted or complete. To setup remote notification: 1. From the Status Window select the Setup Remote Notification button. 2.
  • Page 90 Operating Insight FDM Vantage User Guide 6 - 12...

  • Page 91: Calibrating Liquefier Tips

    FDM Vantage User Guide Calibrating Liquefier Tips Chapter 7 Calibrating Liquefier Tips Automatic Calibration Note: The system automatically performs the following calibrations after the tips are changed or after a material type change. If the Automatic Calibrations fail, then the same calibrations must be run manually - starting with “Z Stage Zero with Shim Calibration”...
  • Page 92 Calibrating Liquefier Tips FDM Vantage User Guide B. Proper calibration allows the system to toggle material tips and place the current tip at the precise coordinate necessary to continue accurate part build. 3. XY Offset and Z Calibration Note: The XY offset is the distance the support tip must move along the X and Y axes to align with the model tip.
  • Page 93 FDM Vantage User Guide Calibrating Liquefier Tips Tip Offset Adjustment Indicators X - Y Support Calibration Toolpath X - Y Alignment Indicators Example: Best Centered Position Z Calibration Box This example requires an adjustment to Y of - .002 in. The X axis requires no adjustment.
  • Page 94 Calibrating Liquefier Tips FDM Vantage User Guide D. Determine the Z Calibration Adjustment Note: Do not measure for Z Calibration until the Calibration Model shows the XY Offset to be 0 for the X and Y axis. 1) Peel the Support layer from the Z Calibration box. 2) Measure the thickness of the Support layer with a caliper or micrometer.

  • Page 95: Manual Calibration

    FDM Vantage User Guide Calibrating Liquefier Tips E. Enter the XY Offset and Z Calibration Adjustment Values 1) From the Main Menu select Operator Control and press Enter. Build Job.. |*Tips: Model T16 >Operator Control.. Support T16 Modeler Status.. Maintenance.. 2) Select Calibrate and press Enter.
  • Page 96 Calibrating Liquefier Tips FDM Vantage User Guide B. Run Z Stage Zero with Shim Calibration 1) From the Main Menu select Operator Control and press Enter. Build Job.. |*Tips: Model T16 >Operator Control.. Support T16 Modeler Status.. Maintenance.. 2) Select Calibrate and press Enter. Unlock Door <E>...
  • Page 97 FDM Vantage User Guide Calibrating Liquefier Tips WARNING: USE CARE WHEN WORKING INSIDE THE OVEN. BURNS DUE TO HIGH OPERATING TEMPERATURE (AS HIGH AS 250° C) CAN OCCUR. 7) Unlock and open the oven door. 8) Place the zero calibration shim between the tip and the build sheet (Figure 7-4:).
  • Page 98 Calibrating Liquefier Tips FDM Vantage User Guide 10) Raise (3 on the operator panel number pad) the platen until there is a light drag on the calibration shim - if necessary, lower the platen (9 on the operator panel number pad) to achieve the appropriate amount of drag. Note: Use the calibration shim as a feeler gauge, slide the shim fore and aft as the platen is raised .
  • Page 99 FDM Vantage User Guide Calibrating Liquefier Tips 3) Select Set Z Stage Zero and press Enter. >Set Z Stage Zero.. | Calibration Job <E> AutoCal Tips <E> Tip Offset Value.. AutoHome XYZ <E> 4) Select Auto Z Zero Calibrate and press Enter. Set Z Zero with Shim <E>...
  • Page 100 Calibrating Liquefier Tips FDM Vantage User Guide 4) The system automatically calibrates the tips in the X, Y, and Z directions. Calibration time varies from 15 to 20 minutes. While running, the display will show: * Tip to Tip Calibration Activity * * Press <ESCAPE>...

  • Page 101: Maintaining The Machine

    FDM Vantage User Guide Maintaining the Machine Chapter 8 Maintaining the Machine Maintenance Schedule The following maintenance tasks must be performed on a regular basis in order to maintain optimal machine operation. Detailed instructions on each task follow the table. DANGER: Always power down and unplug the machine before performing any maintenance.

  • Page 102: Daily Maintenance Tasks

    You can also look through the purge bucket window to see if waste needs to be removed. Stratasys does not recommend emptying the purge bucket while building. If necessary, quickly close the oven door as Purge Bucket and tip...

  • Page 103: Weekly Maintenance Tasks

    FDM Vantage User Guide Maintaining the Machine Weekly Maintenance Tasks Vacuuming the Build Envelope Vacuum the build envelope to remove purged material and dust. Monthly Maintenance Tasks Inspecting & Replacing the Tip Wipe Brushes You should inspect the tip brushes and silicone wiper once a month and change them when excessively worn.

  • Page 104: Inspecting The Purge Ledge

    Maintaining the Machine FDM Vantage User Guide 6. Install a new silicone wiper on the assembly. Use the same orientation as the original. Align the holes properly. 7. Install the wiper mount cover, reinstall the three retaining screws, and tighten. Inspecting the Purge Ledge The purge ledge is made of Teflon.

  • Page 105: Quarterly Maintenance Tasks

    FDM Vantage User Guide Maintaining the Machine 1. Move the Z stage to the bottom position: • From the Main Menu select Operator Control and press ENTER. Build Job.. |*Tips: Model T16 >Operator Control.. Support T16 Modeler Status.. Maintenance.. • Select Move Head/Stage and press ENTER.

  • Page 106: Cleaning The Cone Sensor

    Maintaining the Machine FDM Vantage User Guide 4. Replace the filter. 5. Reinstall the vacuum filter jar. 6. Reinstall the panel and tighten the four screws. Cleaning the Cone Sensor The cone sensor uses a plunger, which must be Cone Sensor periodically cleaned.

  • Page 107: Cleaning Exterior Machine Surfaces

    FDM Vantage User Guide Maintaining the Machine 3. Using safety gloves, pull out the key ring from the purge bucket to remove the wiper assembly. 4. Line up the blade with the wiper mount bracket and push in the new assembly. 5.

  • Page 108: Replacing An Interior Lamp

    Maintaining the Machine FDM Vantage User Guide 1. Remove the top support clip by loosening the #8 socket head cap screw. 2. Insert a wide thin tool, e.g., a paint scraper, between the outer glass and the oven door to separate the VELCRO on the top of both sides of the glass. WARNING: Excessive pulling on the outer oven door can result in the glass breaking or allowing it to fall.

  • Page 109: Troubleshooting

    T-Class Quick Reference Card, or if you need to order replacement parts, please contact Customer Support by using one of the following methods: • Call Customer Support: 800.801.6491 (7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. C.T.) • E-mail us at: support@stratasys.com • Write to: Stratasys, Inc. Customer Support...

  • Page 110: Finding A Remedy

    Troubleshooting FDM Vantage User Guide Finding a Remedy Condition Possible Cause Remedy Canister will not Anti-rotation plug not Remove plug. load removed from canister. Rubber thumbwheel insert Remove thumbwheel insert. not removed from thumbwheel door. Empty canister (zero Replace canister. volume) Filament stuck in canister.
  • Page 111 FDM Vantage User Guide Troubleshooting Condition Possible Cause Remedy Loss of extrusion Filament stuck in canister Remove canister from machine (Head will not and pull out about 8 feet (2 extrude material) meters) of material out. Ensure filament pulls out freely. Canister drive is too slow Verify that load time from the canister to the head switch is...
  • Page 112 Troubleshooting FDM Vantage User Guide Condition Possible Cause Remedy Low Vacuum The build sheet is not Move the sheet until it overlaps (Vacuum gauge does properly installed. the platen equally on all sides. not read -15 or There is filament debris on Remove the build sheet and greater) the platen.
  • Page 113 FDM Vantage User Guide Troubleshooting Condition Possible Cause Remedy Oven not Heater failure Call Customer Support. maintaining Oven door open. Close the oven door; the heater temperatures turns off while the door is open. Oven door not sealing with Call Customer Support. oven fascia panel.
  • Page 114 Troubleshooting FDM Vantage User Guide 9 - 6...
  • Page 115 FDM Vantage User Guide Index Index Symbols .CMB File ....4-5 Canister Bay .STL File Air Pressure Gauge ..4-2 Opening .
  • Page 116 Index FDM Vantage User Guide Creating Toolpaths ... .6-6 Head Buttons ....3-8 Crushed Hand Sign ... .1-3 High Voltage Sign .
  • Page 117 FDM Vantage User Guide Index Location ....5-1 Polycarbonate (PC) ..4-1 Status ....5-14 Storage .
  • Page 118 Storing Canisters ... . . 4-5 Operation ....3-11 Stratasys Power Mailing Address ... . i-ii Connection .
  • Page 119 FDM Vantage User Guide Index X Carriage Assembly ...3-4 XY Gantry Assembly ....3-4 Vacuum Safety .
  • Page 120 Index FDM Vantage User Guide Index - 6...

  • Page 121: Appendix

    FDM Vantage User Guide Appendix Appendix Operator Control Panel Menu Structure Text in italics indicates system compatibility differences. For example, the “Load Material” screen shows four lines representing the material in the canisters. Only Vantage SE will have all four lines present on the screen since it can build with all four canister bays.
  • Page 122 Appendix FDM Vantage User Guide 1 - Main Menu Build Job.. |*Tips: Model T16 >Operator Control.. Support T16 Modeler Status.. Maintenance.. 2 - Operator Control Unlock Door <E> | Calibrate.. >Load/Unload Mtl.. | Temp Control.. Change Tips/Mtl.. | Move Head/Stage.. 3 - Load/Unload Mtl..
  • Page 123 FDM Vantage User Guide Appendix 4 - Unplug Tips.. ***** Head Purge Buttons Activated ***** MODEL (1) Support (2) ** Model Warming to 145° C (now 85° C) ** ** Supp Warming to 145° C (now 85° C) ** 3 - Change Tips/Matl.. >Unload Model and Support..
  • Page 124 Appendix FDM Vantage User Guide 6 - Select Calibration Part Position.. (if user placement on) Locate Part Start.. Demo Bounding Box <E> >Load and Calibrate.. The following screens display automatically: * Waiting h:mm to stabilize ** Actual 100°C Setpoint: 225°C >Unlock Door <E>...
  • Page 125 FDM Vantage User Guide Appendix 5 - Set Z Zero with Shim.. *Positioning. Please Wait... Unlock Door <E> Set Distance= 0.100 <E> >Set Z Stage= <E> 0.010) *Move Z Stage: +Z<9> -Z<3> 5 - Modify Current Z Zero.. * Modify Current Z Zero 16.250 >+ 0.00 <E>...
  • Page 126 Appendix FDM Vantage User Guide 1 - Main Menu Build Job.. |*Tips: Model T16 Operator Control.. Support T16 >Modeler Status.. Maintenance.. 2 - Modeler Status.. >Temperatures.. Material Status.. Tip Status.. Machine State 3 - Temperatures.. Current Setpoint * Oven: 78° C / 80° C * Model: 198°...
  • Page 127 FDM Vantage User Guide Appendix 4 - Sensor States. Door State: -Closed- Hood State: -Closed- Sense Head Switch1: -OFF- Sense Head Switch2: -OFF- Filament at Model Head: -NOT Sensed- Filament at Support Head: -NOT Sensed- Cone Sensor: -OFF- Vacuum Switch: -Vacuum (no) Model Fil: MotorOff:RevFilament EE Model Fil: MotorOff:RevNoFilament Supp Fil: MotorOff:RevFilament EE...
  • Page 128 Appendix FDM Vantage User Guide 1 - Main Menu Build Job.. |*Tips: Model T16 Operator Control.. Support T16 >Modeler Status.. Maintenance.. 2 - Modeler Status.. >Temperatures.. Material Status.. Tip Status.. Machine State 3 - Temperatures.. Current Setpoint * Oven: 78° C / 80° C * Model: 198°...
  • Page 129 FDM Vantage User Guide Appendix 4 - Sensor States.. Door State: -Closed- Hood State: -Closed- Sense Head Switch1: -OFF- Sense Head Switch2: -OFF- Filament at Model Head: -NOT Sensed- Filament at Support Head: -NOT Sensed- Cone Sensor: -OFF- Vacuum Switch: -Vacuum (no) Model Fil: MotorOff:RevFilament EE Model Fil: MotorOff:RevNoFilament Supp Fil: MotorOff:RevFilament EE...
  • Page 130 Appendix FDM Vantage User Guide 1 - Main Menu Build Job.. |*Tips: Model T16 Operator Control.. Support T16 Modeler Status.. >Maintenance.. 2 - Maintenance.. >Modeler Default.. Administration.. Reboot Machine.. Measure Flatness <E> 3 - Modeler Default.. >Display Units = in (Inches) <E>...
  • Page 131 FDM Vantage User Guide Appendix 3 - Reboot Machine.. !! Hit the 1 key to Reboot Now !! or press <MENU> key 4 - Measure Flatness <E> (Only for Triplet Vantages) During Function: Measuring Flatness Please wait... Press <ESCAPE> to Abort Measuring After Function Complete: Z Height Measurements UL: -0.0050...
  • Page 132 Appendix FDM Vantage User Guide Appendix - 12...

This manual is also suitable for:

Vantage iVantage xVantage sVantage se

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