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| c-support@stratasys.com Finishing Touch™ Smoothing Station User Guide September 2012 Part No. 108912-0001, Rev C...
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Liability Statement The information in this document is subject to change without notice. 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.
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Safety The following basic safety tips are given to ensure safe installation, operation, and maintenance of Stratasys equipment and are not to be considered as comprehensive on matters of safety. The Finishing Touch Smoothing Station is designed to be safe and reliable smoothing system.
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Safe Human Interface • Use proper lifting techniques when moving or installing the equipment. Hazard Classifications Be aware of the following hazard classification used in this user guide. Warning: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that may result in death or serious injury. Note: Always read and adhere to safety statements, and be aware of the following safety signs located on the system.
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Excessive Frost or Ice on the Fin Coils____________________________ 4-2 Smoothing Chamber Does Not Have Vapor or Vapor is Falling ___ 4-3 Troubleshooting Chart _____________________________________________ 4-4 Status Lights ___________________________________________________ 4-4 Ordering Supplies _____________________________________________________ 4-5 Smoothing Station Fluid ________________________________________ 4-5 Supplemental Information _________________________________________ 5-1 Stratasys Limited Warranty Statement __________________________________ 5-1...
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Chapter 1: Introduction This chapter describes the Stratasys Finishing Touch Smoothing Station and its component functions, and device specifications. Specifications________________________________________________________ 1-2 Overview ____________________________________________________________ 1-3 Smoothing Fluid Reservoir __________________________________________ 1-4 Water Separator___________________________________________________ 1-4 Smoothing Chamber ______________________________________________ 1-5 Cold/Dry Chamber ________________________________________________ 1-5...
Specifications Area Specification System Size 52.5 in. (133.35 cm) long X 46.0 in. (116.84 cm) high X 32 in. (81.28 cm) deep. System Size Crated 59.5 in. (151.13 cm) long X 58.5 in. (148.59 cm) high X 43in. (109.22 cm) deep. Weight 400 lbs.
Overview The Stratasys Finishing Touch Smoothing Station is a proven method to dramatically reduce, and in many cases eliminate the need for manual post finishing. When used with a bead blaster burnishing station, FDM ABS models can be finished to injection-molded quality in a short period of time.
Water Separator Smoothing Fluid Reservoir Figure 1-2: Major Components (Back View) Smoothing Fluid Reservoir Located in the back of the system, the smoothing fluid reservoir is a 7-gallon container that holds the smoothing solution. There is a low level float inside the tank that indicates when it is time to add solution. Water Separator Located next to the smoothing fluid reservoir, the water separator removes water from the smoothing solution.
Located behind the panel is the main electrical box. Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Located in the main electrical box, the PLC controls the entire operation of the system. Figure 1-3: Programmable Logic Controller Finishing Touch Smoothing Station User Guide...
Cooling/Heating System The cooling/heating system is comprised of the following components: Compressor • Lower Primary Cooling Coils • Upper Fin Coils • Exhaust Fan • Heaters • Upper Fin Coils Exhaust Fan Lower Primary Cooling Coils Compressor Heaters Figure 1-4: Cooling/Heating System Components Introduction...
PCL resets the over all timer on the system. If the switch is not pressed within a four hour period, the system assumes that no activity has taken place and goes into a shutdown mode. Finishing Touch Smoothing Station User Guide...
Panel Controls The front panel controls of the smoothing station includes the following: On/Off Switch • Start Button • Stop Button • Fluid Status Light • System Fault Light • System Status Light • Shut Down Status Light • System Status Light Start Button Stop...
When the amber fluid status light is on steady, there is low fluid in the storage container. Adding solution to the smoothing reservoir will cause the light to turn off. Finishing Touch Smoothing Station User Guide...
System Fault Light The system fault light will illuminate indicating there is a fault in the system. Refer to the “Troubleshooting Chart” on page 4-4 for details. System Status Light When the system is ready to begin smoothing parts, the green system status light will be illuminated.
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Chapter 2: Safety This chapter describes the Stratasys Finishing Touch Smoothing Station general safety information along with environmental safety and personal protection concerns. Safety _______________________________________________________________ 2-2 Drain and Vent Smoothing Station Prior to Service ___________________ 2-2 Potential Health Effects ____________________________________________ 2-2...
Safety Drain and Vent Smoothing Station Prior to Service Under no circumstances should any smoothing solution be poured on the ground or down a sewer drain. Always follow local guidelines and regulations concerning the disposal of smoothing solution. Allow the smoothing solution to cool before draining. Make sure that all solution is drained from the smoothing chamber and the chamber is well ventilated prior to performing any work in the chamber.
125° F (52° C) in temperature to prevent leakage or potential rupture of container from pressure and expansion. Protect from freezing temperatures. If the solvent is stored below 14° F (-10° C), mix prior to use. Refer to the MSDS for specific details. Finishing Touch Smoothing Station User Guide...
Waste Disposal Under no circumstances should any smoothing solution be poured on the ground or down a sewer drain. Always follow local guidelines and regulations concerning the disposal of smoothing solution. Treatment, storage, transportation, and disposal must be in accordance with applicable Federal, State/Provincial, and local regulations.
Smoothing Operation _______________________________________________ 3-14 Masking__________________________________________________________ 3-15 Smoothing the Parts ______________________________________________ 3-15 Repeatability_____________________________________________________ 3-16 Post Finishing Tips _________________________________________________ 3-16 Post Finish Painting Tips ____________________________________________ 3-16 Recommended Burnishing Process ________________________________ 3-17 Effects of High Temperature _______________________________________ 3-17 Finishing Touch Smoothing Station User Guide...
Site Requirements Space Requirements Allow 24 in. (60.96 cm) of clearance in the back of the system as well as on both the left and right-hand sides. Allow 36 in. (91.44 cm) in the front. The minimum ceiling height is 96 in. (243.84 cm) and the floor must be hard and level.
The system is equipped with a threaded female fitting (dimensional ¼ NPT standard) for a compressed air connection. The user must supply the necessary connections between the fitting and the customer’s compressed air supply. Finishing Touch Smoothing Station User Guide...
Exhaust Vent Requirements The system requires the installation of a 4-inch (101.5 mm) exhaust vent (with screen) to the outside of the building. • The exhaust vent should be properly located so the exhaust fumes will not be directed back into the building. Keep the exhaust vent at least 6 1.8 m ft.
Inspect Crate for Damage Before opening the shipping crate, inspect the crate for signs of exterior damage. Report evidence of excessive damage to Stratasys and the shipping company. Required Tools and Equipment • Basic hand tools (powered screwdriver or drill with phillips bit).
Carefully remove the plastic wrap from the system. Caution: Use care when removing the plastic wrap to avoid scratching the system surfaces. Inspect the system exterior for dents and scratches. Immediately report any damage to Stratasys and the shipping company. Finishing Touch Smoothing Station User Guide...
System Connections Perform the following steps to connect the smoothing station: Position the smoothing station in the desired location. Make sure there is adequate room in the back and on the sides of the smoothing station. The air vents can not be blocked and must allow for free airflow.
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Make sure the hose is touching the bottom of the container. Connect the power cord to the electrical supply. Refer to the Finishing Touch Smoothing Station User Guide CD located in the accessory kit for instructions on how to smooth parts.
Filling the Reservoir Only transfer smoothing solution from the bulk container to the smoothing fluid reservoir in a well-ventilated area. Always wear safety goggles and observe proper safety procedures when transferring smoothing solution. Read and understand the MSDS associated with smoothing solution. Perform the following steps when filling the fluid reservoir with smoothing solution: Locate the bung wrench, faucet, plastic pail and funnel in the...
• The heaters shut off. • The refrigeration compressor shuts off. • The red light stops flashing and stays on steady to indicate that the shutdown is complete (approximately 1 hour in duration). Finishing Touch Smoothing Station User Guide 3-11...
Prior to Smoothing Parts The process for smoothing parts begins first with the building of the part. The better the file preparation, orientation, system set up ,and tip condition, the better the part will look after being processed by smoothing station.
If there is evidence of a powdery residue from the WaterWorks solution, rinse and dry the parts again before using the smoothing station. Finishing Touch Smoothing Station User Guide 3-13...
Smoothing Operation The following information should be use to inspect parts prior to smoothing: Inspect the part for build flaws, imbedded supports, or missing • geometry. • Using your judgement lightly sand areas that could use some work prior to utilizing the surface smoothing process. This may include over sized seams, errant geometry blips etc.
• Once the part is smoothed leave the part in the cool dry rack overnight. The parts will be dry to the touch in minutes, but it takes several hours to fully cure. Finishing Touch Smoothing Station User Guide 3-15...
Repeatability The smoothing station has repeatable smoothing performance from part to part. Once the process has been established and constantly repeated, all parts will exhibit the same conformity. Post Finishing Tips • Inspect the part and if necessary, light sanding can be done on the part.
• No > 30 psi or 2.068 bar at the spray nozzle • Envelope size 1016 x 509 x 508 mm (40 x 22 x 20 in) Stratasys recommends POLYHARD Type III bead media for burnishing inside the sand blaster. Specify 20/30 bead screen size (0.841-0.595 mm or 0.0331- 0.0234 inches).
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Excessive Frost or Ice on the Fin Coils ___________________________ 4-2 Smoothing Chamber Does Not Have Vapor or Vapor is Falling ___ 4-3 Troubleshooting Chart _____________________________________________ 4-4 Status Lights ___________________________________________________ 4-4 Ordering Supplies_____________________________________________________ 4-5 Smoothing Station Fluid ________________________________________ 4-5 Finishing Touch Smoothing Station User Guide...
Troubleshooting Internal components of the smoothing station are powered by high voltage. Improper servicing can cause electric shock. Only qualified service personnel should service the smoothing station. Frequently Asked Questions System Will Not Start When the Cycle Start Button is Pressed •...
In this case drain the fluid storage tank and the water separator. Replenish the tank with new solvent. Dispose of the drained water properly according to local regulations. Finishing Touch Smoothing Station User Guide...
Troubleshooting Chart Use the troubleshooting charts below to diagnose errors in the smoothing station. Status Lights System Fluid System Shut Down Fault Status Status Status Restart (Green) (Red) (Amber) (Amber) Error Condition Method Flashing System is warning up. Steady System is in ready to smooth parts. Flashing System is shutting down.
Stratasys under this Limited Warranty. Stratasys will bear the cost of returned parts, as well as for shipping new or rebuilt replacement parts to you, provided that you report the warranty claim within the Limited Warranty period and obtain return instructions from Stratasys prior to return.
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Stratasys approves only the solution sold under the name SSF-Microcare SSF as the smoothing station fluid to be used in the FINISHING TOUCH SMOOTHING STATION Product. Use of any other solution will void the warranty and is used at the user’s own risk.
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