Calibration - Stratasys FDM 2000 Manual

F2/3/8000-14

Calibration

To make good parts, the tips must be calibrated correctly. Improper calibration
can cause a misaligned part, or even displace a support from its proper XYZ
position. It is necessary to calibrate the tips each time the head is changed.
Stratasys recommends recalibration before every part to ensure the best results.
Proper calibration allows the FDM 2000/3000/8000 to toggle between the
modeler tip and the support tip, so the current tip in use is placed at the precise
XYZ coordinate of the previous tip in use. Having one tip lower than the other
prevents the unused tip from damaging the part. As an example, if a part is
made with both modeling and release material, the FDM 2000/3000/8000
switches between the modeling tip for modeling material and support tip for
release material. If the last position of the modeling tip before the FDM 2000/
3000/8000 switches to release material is X=1.0, Y=1.3, Z=2.0, the head and Z-
stage need to be calibrated so the modeling tip is moved out of the way, and
the support tip is positioned at X=1.0, Y=1.3, Z=2.0. When the FDM 2000/
3000/8000 switches back to the modeling tip, the support tip is moved out of
the way and the modeling tip is placed at the last XYZ coordinate used by the
support tip.
The XY offset is the distance the head must move along the X and Y axes to
place the new tip at the correct XY coordinate. The Z offset is the distance the
Z-stage must be raised or lowered to change between the modeling tip and the
support tip so each layer of material is placed at the correct Z level. The fac-
tory default value is 0.030", but might be slightly different when measured and
calibrated by the operator.
The above graphic shows the support tip in use. It is offset slightly
lower than the modeler tip. For modeling material, the modeler tip
would be lower than the support tip.
FDM 2000/3000/8000 Manual
About The FDM —Calibration
10MAY01
Procedures