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• Internal surfaces: Aluminum. • Recommended operating temperature: 20-23 degrees Celsius. NOTE: We recommend operating BIO X in temperatures between 20 and 23 degrees. In normal operating conditions, the chamber temperature of the BIO X will rise 2-3 degrees above the ambient temperature.
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02 Technical specifications Top View Front View Isometric View Figure 1: Theoretical maximum build volume shown from the top and side view when using the Temperature-controlled Printhead. Exact build volume depends on the cartridge’s position in the printhead and the nozzle/needle used. Build volume may be lower when combining the Temperature-controlled Printhead with a printhead that restricts printbox movement.
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02 Technical specifications Table 1: Theoretical build volume based on common tip lengths. Actual volume may vary based on build plate thickness, size, shape, level, cartridge position and nozzle tightness. X, Y and Z are measured from the front left corner of the printbed. Nozzle/ Tip Type Tip Length...
• Use the proper method to load and unload the EMD Printhead onto the BIO X printhead mounts. Instructions are outlined in the Getting Started section. While loaded on the BIO X, do not pull or push the printhead with excessive force, especially when the BIO X system is turned on.
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04 Getting started NOTE: The printing parameters displayed on this manual might not be accurate for your specific protocol. For recommended parameters please consult the documentation for the bioink being used. 1. Cartidge Adapter 2. Cartidge 3. Printhead Body 4. Fan 5.
04 Getting started Unpacking and installation • Open the package. Remove the Temperature-controlled printhead. • Check for locking screw (Figure 2). • Check the fan and heatsink for any debris. • Optional: Attach needle/nozzle insulator: • Ensure that the nozzle/needle insulator has the right gauge for the diameter of the nozzle/needle being used. •...
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• To install the printhead, stabilize the bottom of the printhead mount with one hand to avoid straining the motor. Align the printhead above the desired printhead mount and push downward using your opposite hand (Figure 4). Figure 4: Inserting the Temperature-controlled Printhead into the BIO X system.
04 Getting started Raising and lowering the printhead • On the user interface, navigate to the Utilities menu and then go to the Tools submenu. • Lower the desired printhead mount into the active or loading position by pressing the down arrow (Figure 5). •...
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Preheating or precooling the Temperature-controlled Printhead • Set a temperature in the BIO X software using the Utilities menu and Tools submenu. When cooling, the operating temperature range of the Temperature-controlled Printhead has a maximum of 17 degrees below the chamber temperature;...
04 Getting started Loading the bioink cartridge • Fill a cartridge with bioink or use a prefilled cartridge. • Remove the tip cap (Figure 7A). Attach a nozzle (Figure 7B). Remove the end cap (Figure 7C). Figure 7: Preparing a prefilled bioink cartridge.
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04 Getting started • Align the cartridge adapter to the loaded cartridge (Figure 8A). Twist until secure (Figure 8B). Figure 8: Attaching the air adapter to the cartridge.
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04 Getting started • Load the cartridge into the printhead from the top (Figure 9B). Tighten the locking screw. To make this step easier, we recommend placing the printhead in the active position (lowered) as explained in the Raising and lowering the printhead section (page 13) (Figure 9A). •...
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• To remove the printhead, use one hand to stabilize the printhead mount and the other hand to push the printhead slightly upward. (Figure 10A). • Hold the printhead with one hand and detach the tubing from the printbox with the other hand (Figure 10B). Figure 10: Removing the Temperature-controlled Printhead from the BIO X printhead mount.
04 Getting started Your first bioprint • Prepare the bioink cartridge and preheat or precool the printhead (page 12-17). • Select Bioprint from the Start menu (Figure 11). Figure 11: The Start menu. Select Bioprint to set up a print.
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04 Getting started • Select an STL file (filename.stl) or G-code file (filename.gcode) from the Model menu (Figure 12). Proceed to the next menu by selecting Surface along the bottom of the screen. Figure 12: Selecting an STL file from the Model menu.
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04 Getting started • Select the surface to print on and proceed to the next menu (Figure 13). Figure 13: Select print surface from the Surface menu.
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04 Getting started • Select the tool position where the printhead has been attached. Ensure that Temperature-controlled is selected under the tool type (Figure 14). • Enter the desired printing parameters for the printhead (Figure 14). Proceed to the Layers menu when finished. Parameters necessary for the pneumatic printhead include: 1) Nozzle diameter.
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04 Getting started • Assign the enabled printhead to the respective layer characteristics. Proceed to the next menu (Figure 15). Figure 15: Layer menu. Toolheads can be assigned to respective print areas like perimeter, infill and support. You can select infill pattern and infill density and preview the layers.
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04 Getting started • Prime the nozzle/needle. Use the Drop button next to the toolhead number to test bioink flow (Figure 16). Press Print to proceed to the calibration page. Figure 16: Use the Print menu to preview print parameters and test the extrusion rate. You can also adjust print parameters on this menu.
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04 Getting started • Select Calibrate to calibrate the system to the desired start position (Figure 17). • Start the bioprinting process (Figure 17). Figure 17: Use the Bioprint menu to calibrate the system and start the bioprinting process.
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05 Temperature-controlled Printhead optimization The Temperature-controlled Printhead uses compressed air to extrude a bioink through a nozzle or needle with a diameter between 50 and 600 micrometers. As a result, you can increase and decrease the air pressure to control the rate at which the bioink filament is dispensed. Bioinks should be thoroughly characterized to determine the best parameters to use with the Temperature-controlled Printhead.
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05 Temperature-controlled Printhead optimization Using the Temperature-controlled Printhead to change the viscosity of the bioink by increasing or decreasing the temperature will result in similar changes. To ensure continuous filaments, you can set preflow delays at the beginning of each layer and at various starts and stops. The bioink’s mechanical compression in the cartridge can result in a flow delay.
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05 Temperature-controlled Printhead optimization To enhance temperature control at the tip and prevent clogging, we recommend using a nozzle/needle insulator compatible with the nozzle or needle used for your protocol. See the G-code Section to program the Temperature-controlled Printhead and enable more customized functionality.
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The values of the X and Y parameters are the coordinates (in mm) directing where to move. E tells the BIO X to open the valve for extrusion. The F parameter is the speed of the printhead in mm/min.
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06 Relevant G-code commands G92 Xnnn Ynnn Znnn G92 sets the current position of the printhead to the specified X, Y and Z coordinates. If no values are given, the position is assumed to be 0, 0, 0 (this will also change the Z position). Tx switches to printhead (x), where 0, 1 and 2 designate printheads 1, 2 and 3.
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If it isn’t, blow air straight at the fan to check if you can manually rotate it. If the fan doesn’t rotate, check if debris is preventing the fan from running. If it does rotate while blowing air at the fan but not when regulating temperature, contact support@cellink.com. • The printhead hits the door when calibrating.
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07 Frequently asked questions • My bioink is not extruding. The needle/nozzle may be clogged. Certain bioinks are more likely to clog. A pause in use can also cause clogging. Replace the needle/nozzle and make sure that your bioink’s aggregates are small enough to pass through the needle/ nozzle.
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08 Maintenance • Store the printhead in a safe place where it will be protected from falls, such as a drawer. • Clean the printhead regularly with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris. • If cooling performance is poor, clean the heat sink. While uninstalled, hold the printhead with a finger preventing the main fan from rotating.
Support information • Official site: www.cellink.com • Contact: support@cellink.com • Contact: sales@cellink.com • Web store: www.cellink.com/store Store Sales Official site Support...