Page 1 User Guide Objet500 3D Printing System DOC-07027 Rev. E1...
Page 2 This documentation contains proprietary information of Stratasys Ltd. This information is supplied solely to assist authorized users of Objet500 3D printing systems. No part of this document may be used for other purposes, and it may not be disclosed to other parties.
Page 3 Patents This product is covered by one or more of the following U.S. patents: 5,386,500 6,259,962 6,569,373 6,658,314 6,850,334 7,183,335 7,209,797 7,225,045 7,364,686 7,369,915 7,479,510 7,500,846 7,604,768 7,628,857 7,658,976 7,725,209 Stratasys Ltd. http://www.stratasys.com DOC-07027 Revision E1 December 2016 DOC-07027 Rev. E1...
Page 4: Table Of Contents
Using This Guide For More Information Terms Used in This Guide 2 Safety Safety Features Symbols and Warning Labels Safety Guidelines Printer Installation Printer Operation UV Radiation Printer Maintenance Model and Support Materials UV Lamps First Aid for Working with Printing Materials Contact with Skin Contact with Eyes Ingestion Inhalation Waste Disposal 3 Introducing the Objet500 3D Printing System Welcome to Connex™ Printing Work Configurations Source Files STL Files SLC Files VRML Files Workflows Printing Materials Storage Shelf Life Exposure to Light Safety Considerations Disposal Work Environment Workstation Requirements Preparing Files for Use with PolyJet 3D Printing Systems Converting CAD Files to STL Format Converting CAD Files to WRL Format (VRML) Converting CAD Files to SLC Format...
Page 5 5 Using Objet Studio Launching Objet Studio Windows® 7 Security Warning Objet Studio Interface Ribbon Commands Objet Studio Commands Menu 5-10 Model Tree Pane 5-10 Assigning Properties to Hidden Objects 5-11 Preparing Models for Production 5-12 OBJDF Files: Overview 5-12 Model Files 5-12 Placing Objects on the Build Tray 5-13 Opening Objet Tray Files 5-18 Quick-Access Model Commands 5-20 Selecting Objects 5-21 Copying and Pasting Objects 5-21 Surface Finish 5-23 Splitting Objects into Components 5-23 Model-Material Settings 5-24 Changing the Model Material 5-26 Changing the Support Material 5-26 Digital Materials 5-27 Assigning a Model Material to Objects 5-28 Coating Objects...
Page 6 Monitoring and Managing Print Jobs 5-82 Job Manager Screen 5-83 Setting the Printer Connection 5-85 Off-line Mode 5-86 Setting the Remote Printer Connection (Client Mode) 5-89 Job Manager Commands 5-89 Configuring User Alerts 5-92 Printing from the Jobs Queue 5-93 Additional Server Features 5-94 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer Starting the P rinter Loading Model and Support Cartridges Producing Models Preparing the Printer Printer Interface Color Key Printing Indicators Resuming Production After Printing has Stopped 6-10 Changing the Printing Material 6-12 Additional Steps for Printing With Bio-Compatible Materials 6-16 Advanced Settings 6-16 Keeping the Printer in Idle Mode 6-19 Shutting Down the Printer 6-20 Shutdown Wizard...
Page 7 Cleaning the Roller Waste Collector and Inspecting the Roller Scraper 6-34 Replacing the Roller Scraper 6-37 Aligning the Print Heads 6-39 Optimizing (Calibrating) Print Heads 6-43 Replacing Print Heads 6-50 Testing and Calibrating the UV Lamps 6-61 Calibrating the Load Cells 6-68 Replacing the Odor Filter 6-69 Replacing the UV Lamps 6-70 Built-in Tests 6-76 Replacing the Waste Container 6-83 Cleaning the Exterior Panels 6-85 7 Handling Printed Models Removing Models After Printing Removing the Support Material Post-Printing Treatment for Models Made with VeroClear Photo-Bleaching Instructions Storing Models DOC-07027 Rev. E...
Page 8: Using This Guide
About This Guide Using This Guide For More Information Terms Used in This Guide DOC-07027 Rev. E...
Page 9: For More Information
Objet500 User Guide 1 About This Guide Using This Guide This user guide provides instructions for installing, operating and maintaining Objet500 3D printing systems. It explains how to use features, and provides practical examples to guide you as you use the system. The text and figures in this guide are based on the Objet500 3D printer, printer software version 58.2 and Objet Studio software version 9.2. This guide assumes that— • all the hardware, software, and network components of your Objet500 system are installed, configured, and operating correctly. ® • the operator has a working knowledge of the Windows PC platform. For More Information Visit http://www.stratasys.com/ to download additional documents for this printer, including documents in other languages. Also available on this site: details about consumables and support contacts. If you have any questions or comments about the way information is presented in this document, or if you have any suggestions for future editions, please send a message to c-support@stratasys.com. DOC-07027 Rev. E...
Page 10: Terms Used In This Guide
Objet500 User Guide 1 About This Guide Terms Used in This Guide In Objet Studio software: The surface displayed on the screen Build tray that represents the actual build tray in the printer. In the printer: The surface upon which models are produced. Cleaning fluid Cleanser for flushing material feed tubes and the printing block, used to completely remove Model and Support material from the system before loading another type of material in the printer and before long-term shutdown. The cleaning fluid is supplied in standard material cartridges. Client/user workstation The workstation on which s oftware is installed for preparing build trays for production on PolyJet printers. (There is no limit to the number of client workstations in the local network.) Connex™ The technology of printing models by jetting multiple materials simultaneously from the print heads. This technology enables Objet500 printers to print in Digital Material mode.
Page 11 Objet500 User Guide 1 About This Guide Printer interface The GUI (graphical user interface) used for controlling the Objet500 printer. Printer software Software running on the computer inside the Objet500 printer, that controls all printer operations. Resin The base substance from which photopolymer printing materials are made for use in Stratasys PolyJet printers. In Objet Studio and printer-application screens, “resin” refers to cartridges of model and support materials. A file type used with Objet Studio, containing bitmaps of individual slices of the object. A file type used with Objet Studio software. Support material Material used for supporting the structure of models during production. DOC-07027 Rev. E...
Page 12: Safety Features
Safety Safety Features Symbols and Warning Labels Safety Guidelines Printer Installation Printer Operation UV Radiation Printer Maintenance Model and Support Materials UV Lamps First Aid for Working with Printing Materials Contact with Skin Contact with Eyes Ingestion Inhalation Waste Disposal DOC-07027 Rev. E...
Page 13 Objet500 User Guide 2 Safety Safety Features Stratasys 3D printers are designed to comply with CE and FCC standards. They are equipped with the following safety features: The power supplied to the UV lamp(s), the tray heater and the Cover Interlock Switch motion motors is turned off when the cover is opened. Warning Do not defeat (override) the interlock switch. Doing so could result in serious personal injury. If the interlock switch does not function correctly, do not use the printer, and contact your service provider. The cover is locked while the printer is working. If you do Safety Lock manage to lift it, the UV lamps and the motion motors turn off. Warning Do not defeat (override) the safety lock. Doing so could result in serious personal injury. If the safety lock does not function correctly, do not use the printer, and contact your service provider. The transparent section of the cover blocks harmful UV ...
Page 14: Symbols And Warning Labels
Objet500 User Guide 2 Safety Grounded Chassis The chassis of the printer is grounded, to prevent electrical shock. Note: The power outlet must be properly grounded, in accordance with the local electric code, to provide this protection. If the Objet500 3D printing system is not used as specified in this guide, the safety features may not provide adequate protection. Symbols and Warning Labels This following table lists the warning labels located on or in Objet500 printers. Warning Symbol Meaning Location Comments Hazard (general) On the name plate on the Read the instructions in back of the printer. this document before operating the printer. Hot surface On the print block. Risk of burns. Do not touch this surface after printing. High voltage Near the UV lamp Risk of electric shock. connectors.
Page 15 Objet500 User Guide 2 Safety Safety Guidelines The following general guidelines, together with the instructions provided throughout this user guide, ensure user safety while operating and maintaining the system. If the system is not operated as specified, the user's safety may be compromised. Printer ➢ Installation and removal of the printer should only be done by qualified Installation service personnel. ➢ Connect the printer (and the UPS unit) to the electric outlet using a power cord that is safety-certified. ➢ The electric outlet should be easily accessible, near the printer. ➢ Never connect the power plug to an outlet that does not have a ground (earth) wire, and never disconnect the ground. Doing so might expose the operator to serious danger from electric shock. ➢ The following safety statement is followed by translations to Finish, Norwegian, Swedish and Danish, as required by local regulations: ...
Page 16: Uv Radiation
Objet500 User Guide 2 Safety UV Radiation The UV lamps used in the printer emit dangerous radiation. ➢ If the UV lamps remain on when the printer is open, do not stare directly at the UV light. Shut down the printer and call your Stratasys service provider. Printer ➢ Service operations should be performed only by qualified personnel who Maintenance have been instructed in relevant safety precautions. ➢ Notify co-workers and those who have access to the Objet500 system before beginning non-routine and hazardous work. Report any potential dangers and safety-related accidents to your safety officer or to other appropriate authorities. Model and Support materials are made of chemical substances. Although Model and precautions must be taken when handling these materials directly, all Model Support and Support materials used by the Objet500 system are handled in sealed Materials cartridges. Normally, operators of the printer should never be directly exposed to hazardous materials. In the unlikely event of a leak or spill, follow the instructions that are included with the printing-material cartridge used. ➢ Store Model and Support materials indoors, in a dry area with adequate ventilation, between 15-25 degrees Celsius (59-77 degrees Fahrenheit). Never expose them to flames, heat, sparks, or direct sunlight. ➢ Keep Model and Support materials away from areas where food and drink are stored, prepared and consumed. ➢ Uncured printing material is considered a hazardous substance, requiring ...
Page 17: Uv Lamps
Objet500 User Guide 2 Safety UV Lamps UV lamps used by the printer to cure printing materials contain a small amount of mercury. In the unlikely event of lamp breakage, avoid inhaling mercury vapor, and ventilate the room. If the lamp ruptures (breaks) during operation, leave the room and ventilate it thoroughly for about 30 minutes. Use protective gloves to prevent contact with mercury and other lamp components. Carefully remove spilled mercury with a method that prevents the generation of mercury vapor, such as a syringe, packing tape or paper. Place the broken lamp, mercury and contaminated materials in an air-tight, non-metallic container. Dispose of the container in accordance with applicable regulations. DOC-07027 Rev. E...
Page 18: First Aid For Working With Printing Materials
Objet500 User Guide 2 Safety First Aid for Working with Printing Materials In general, try to avoid direct contact with uncured printing material. If skin or eyes come into contact with it, wash the area immediately and thoroughly with water, and follow these first-aid instructions. The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) that accompanies printing materials contains important safety information. Keep this in an accessible place where these materials are used and stored. Contact with If uncured printing material comes in contact with skin, wash the affected Skin area immediately and thoroughly with soap and cool water, then remove contaminated clothing. Pay particular attention to flushing the hair, ears, nose and other parts of the body that are not easily cleaned. ➢ Use cool water to prevent skin pores from opening, so that the liquid material does not easily penetrate the skin. ➢ Do not use solvents to clean skin. ➢ If large areas of skin have been exposed, or if prolonged contact results in blisters, seek medical attention. In any case, if irritation persists, seek medical attention. ➢ Avoid the accidental transfer of printing material from the hands to other areas of the body, especially to the eyes. ➢ If protective cream was used, do not reapply it until the skin has been completely cleansed. ...
Page 19: Inhalation
Objet500 User Guide 2 Safety Inhalation Vapors from printing materials can be irritating to the respiratory system. If respiratory irritation occurs, expose the victim to fresh air immediately. ➢ If the victim has stopped breathing, perform artificial respiration or cardiopulmonary resuscitation. ➢ Seek medical attention immediately. ➢ Keep the victim warm but not hot. ➢ Never feed anything to an unconscious person. ➢ Oxygen should be administered by authorized personnel only. Waste Disposal Fully cured printed models can be disposed of as ordinary office trash. However, special care is required when handling printer waste (uncured printing material). ➢ When removing the waste container from the Objet500 printer, wear Printing Materials neoprene or nitrile gloves. ➢ To prevent liquid waste from splashing into the eyes, wear safety goggles. ➢ Liquid waste from the Objet500 printer is classified as hazardous industrial waste. Therefore, printing-material waste must be packaged and disposed of in a manner that prevents human contact with it and contamination of water sources. ➢ Empty Model-material and Support-material cartridges contain residue of their contents. Some leakage of this residue may occur through the broken cartridge seal. Therefore, handle and store empty cartridges with care. ...
Page 20 Introducing the Objet500 3D Printing System Welcome to Connex™ Printing Work Configurations Source Files STL Files SLC Files VRML Files Workflows Printing Materials Storage Shelf Life Exposure to Light Safety Considerations Disposal Work Environment Workstation Requirements Preparing Files for Use with PolyJet 3D Printing Systems 3-8 Converting CAD Files to STL Format Converting CAD Files to WRL Format (VRML) Converting CAD Files to SLC Format Objet Studio Software DOC-07027 Rev. E...
Page 21: Welcome To Connex™ Printing
Objet500 User Guide 3 Introducing the Objet500 3D Printing System Welcome to Connex™ Printing The advanced capabilities of Connex printing systems are made possible by technology specially developed by Stratasys for printing models simultaneously with different model materials. Printing models with combinations of basic materials (digital materials) enables you to choose from a wide range of mechanical properties—from flexible to rigid—and colors. With Connex printers, you can achieve the following results when printing 3D models: • You can prepare objects for printing with two or three designated model materials and then print them at the same time. This enables you to assign specific mechanical and color properties to objects. • You can print parts of the same model—simultaneously—with different materials (or material combinations • You can print objects that have a “coating” made from a different material than the main part of the object. Because Connex printers can be loaded with different materials, you can streamline and economize the process of producing models: • Printing models made from different materials on the same build tray (“mixed tray”), in the same print job, eliminates the time-consuming need and expense of loading another material, flushing the system, and sending a separate job to be printed. • You can quickly alternate printing jobs using any of the model materials loaded (or material combinations)—again, without the need and expense of replacing materials. Objet Studio enables you to split models into component parts (“shells”) so you can isolate, manipulate and print parts of a model. Then, you can assign model materials and other characteristics to the shells. However, you have ...
Page 22: Work Configurations
Objet500 User Guide 3 Introducing the Objet500 3D Printing System Work Configurations The Objet500 3D printing system can be set up as a single-station system or as a multi-station system. When connected to a local computer network, the system can serve multiple users. In such configurations, each user workstation (client) prepares files f or production. A server, typically next to the 3D printer, sends jobs to the printer for production. Figure 3-2 shows the printer set up in a multi-client configuration. Figure 3-2 Multi-client network configuration When jobs are sent to the printer, Job Manager, on the server computer, arranges them according to their priorities, model-material type, and other factors. In multi-workstation configurations, the operator of the server— typically the production administrator—has total control over the jobs sent to the printer, and can prioritize jobs, delete jobs, review job history and reprint jobs. DOC-07027 Rev. E...
Page 23: Source Files
Objet500 User Guide 3 Introducing the Objet500 3D Printing System Source Files PolyJet printing systems produce three-dimensional models designed with most CAD tools and some other 3D applications. Supported file formats: • STL • SLC • VRML Objet500 systems feature the capability of producing different types of model files simultaneously. STL is short for Standard Triangulation Language. This language views any STL Files object as a collection of surfaces, and describes each surface of the object as a collection of triangles. For example, a square can be described as two triangles; a cube (six squares) as 12 triangles. Curved surfaces need more triangles to describe them. The higher the tolerance (for smooth surfaces), the more triangles are needed. The result is that high-quality object descriptions mean very heavy files. Most CAD software can export STL files. The Objet500 system utilizes these files for building models (rapid prototyping), and also for directly making molds for mass-producing items. STL files can be ASCII (text) files or binary files. The content of the ASCII file begins with “solid” and ends with “end-solid” (both lower case). Between these keywords is a list of the triangles that describes the faces of the solid model. Each triangle defines a single normal vector directed away from the solid’s surface, followed by its X-Y-Z coordinates. These are expressed as Cartesian coordinates and are floating-point values. The coordinates of all triangles should be positive and should fall within the volume of the model. ...
Page 24: Workflows
Objet500 User Guide 3 Introducing the Objet500 3D Printing System Workflows With PolyJet printing systems, you have great flexibility in preparing model files and printing them. Below are the major workflows available. Detailed instructions for implementing the listed tasks are in Chapter 5 ("Using Objet Studio"). Stage Workflow A Workflow B Workflow C CAD program • Design a 3D object. • Design a 3D object. • Design a 3D object. • Save it as a single stl • Save it as an • Apply colors to parts file. assembly of stl files. (Connex3 only).
Page 25: Printing Materials
Objet500 User Guide 3 Introducing the Objet500 3D Printing System Printing Materials Objet500 printers produce models by jetting thin layers of printing materials on the build tray, until the complete model is formed. Two types of material are used in this process: • Model material—which makes up the finished model • Support material—which fills gaps and spaces in the model during printing, and is removed after printing For up-to-date information about PolyJet printing materials and their properties, go to http://www.stratasys.com/materials/polyjet. Materials used for printing models with Objet500 printers are made of resins, Storage which are composed of reactive monomers and oligomers. Although printing materials are supplied in sealed, UV-proof cartridges, care must be taken when storing and handling them. Follow these guidelines to protect operators and the environment, and to ensure optimum results. • To ensure product stability, do not allow these materials to come into contact with metal. Plastics made from monomer-soluble substances (such as polystyrene or polyvinyl chloride) are not suitable for storing PolyJet printing materials. • When not in use, keep material cartridges tightly sealed to prevent contamination, the effects of exposure to UV radiation, and accidental spillage. • Store material cartridges indoors, in a dry area with adequate ventilation, between 15–25 degrees Celsius (59-77 degrees Fahrenheit). If exposed to heat or flames, cartridges might burst or ignite. • Signs of premature polymerization in material cartridges include bulging, leaking, the emission of heat, and unusual odor. Exposure to heat can cause resin to gel in the cartridges. • Make sure that material cartridges are stored in accordance with all local ...
Page 26: Disposal
Objet500 User Guide 3 Introducing the Objet500 3D Printing System Safety Before being cured, resins are hazardous materials. To prevent possible health Considerations hazards, follow these precautions regarding printing materials: • Do not expose to flames, heat or sparks. • Prevent contact with skin and eyes. • Ventilate areas where they are handled. • Keep them separate from food and drink. Cured plastic parts, however, are safe. They can be handled and stored without precautions. You can find more safety information about resins in: "Safety Guidelines" on page 2-4 "First Aid for Working with Printing Materials" on page 2-7 Dispose of cartridges of model and support material in accordance with all Disposal applicable laws and regulations. If necessary, the cartridges can be disassembled for recycling. Work Environment Extreme heat and humidity conditions can adversely affect the operation of the Objet500 3D printer. Use ventilation or air-conditioning systems, if necessary, to keep the work area within the following ranges: • 18°–25°C (64°–77°F) • 30%–70% relative humidity Workstation Requirements The requirements for client computers running PolyJet Studio are listed in the Objet500 Site Preparation Guide. ...
Page 27: Preparing Files For Use With Polyjet 3D Printing Systems
Objet500 User Guide 3 Introducing the Objet500 3D Printing System Preparing Files for Use with PolyJet 3D Printing Systems Before using design files with Stratasys 3D printing systems, make sure that they are in a supported file format. (For an explanation of these file formats, see "Source Files" on page 3-4.) Converting This procedure may vary slightly, depending on the CAD software used, but CAD Files to the following instructions generally apply. STL Format To convert a file to STL format (in a CAD program): 1. From the File menu, select Save As. 2. In the Save As dialog box, open the Save As Type drop-down list and select *.STL. 3. Click Options and set the following parameters: ❒ ...
Page 28: Objet Studio Software
Objet500 User Guide 3 Introducing the Objet500 3D Printing System Objet Studio Software The Objet Studio program for the Objet500 3D printing system consists of two main screens: • Tray Settings / Model Settings • Job Manager Tray Settings / Model Settings In the Tray Settings and Model Settings screens, you prepare source files for production in Objet500 3D printers. Objet Studio offers you a wide variety of file-preparation options, but always consists of the following basic procedure: 1. Placing one or more objects on the build tray 2. Positioning the object(s) on the tray 3. Configuring object and tray parameters 4. Saving the tray configuration as an objtf (tray format) file 5. Sending the objtf file to the Objet500 3D printer for production Using Objet Studio to perform these tasks is described in detail in Chapter 5, "Using Objet Studio". Job Manager The Job Manager screen is different for client workstations and for the computer connected directly to the Objet500 3D printer. ...
Page 29: 4 Installing Objet Studio
Installing Objet Studio How to Install Objet Studio DOC-07027 Rev. E...
Page 30 Objet500 User Guide 4 Installing Objet Studio How to Install Objet Studio Objet Studio software is installed during printer installation. This section is provided in case you need to reinstall Objet Studio, or install it on a remote (client) computer. The Objet Studio setup wizard guides you when installing this software. Objet Studio is installed on the printer-server (“host”) computer, but it can also be installed on remote, “client” computers and on computers used to prepare files for printing models, or for training and demonstration purposes. During installation, you choose to install either the printer-server (“host”) application or the client application. To install Objet Studio software: 1. Connect the USB flash drive (supplied with the printer) to a USB port. 2. On t he U SB flash drive navigate to the Objet Studio installation file, and run it. 3. If you are installing an Objet Studio upgrade, make sure that your printer is compatible with it by checking the list displayed. Figure 4-1 Objet Studio compatibility check DOC-07027 Rev. E...
Page 31 Objet500 User Guide 4 Installing Objet Studio 4. To install Objet Studio, you must agree to the license agreement. After reading its terms, click Yes to continue, or No to close the wizard. If you click Yes, the following screen should appear. Figure 4-2 Objet Studio installation wizard—Welcome screen 5. Click Next to begin installation. 6. In the Select Features screen, select the required installation option. Select Objet Studio for a server computer— ❒ if you are installing Objet Studio on the server (“host”) computer—the computer directly connected to an Objet500 printer. ❒ if you are installing Objet Studio on a standalone (off-line) computer. Select Objet Studio for client workstations if you are installing Objet Studio on a “client” workstation—a remote computer that prepares print jobs and then sends them to a server computer. Figure 4-3 Objet Studio configuration selection DOC-07027 Rev. E...
Page 32 Objet500 User Guide 4 Installing Objet Studio 7. In the Select Installation Folder screen, verify the destination folder and click Next. It is recommended that you do not change the default destination folder. Click Disk Space to check the space in the destination folder. Figure 4-4 Objet Studio installation-folder selection 8. In the Confirm Installation screen, click Next to begin installation. 9. In the Select Printer Type screen, select the 3D printer used for producing models and click Next. Figure 4-5 Printer selection DOC-07027 Rev. E...
Page 33 Objet500 User Guide 4 Installing Objet Studio Installation begins and a progress bar appears, showing the progress of the installation process. Figure 4-6 Installation progress bar When i nstallation is complete, the final InstallShield wizard screen appears. Figure 4-7 Final installation screen 10. Restart the computer to complete the software installation. The installation process ends when the appropriate icon(s) appear on the computer desktop: • Objet Studio • Stop Job Manager (for servers and standalone stations) How to Uninstall Objet Studio If there is ever a need to uninstall the Objet Studio software, do not attempt to do so from the Windows Control Panel. (This does not completely remove all software components.) Instead— ➢ From the Start menu, select All Programs > Stratasys > Uninstall Objet Studio. DOC-07027 Rev. E...
Page 34 Using Objet Studio Launching Objet Studio Windows® 7 Security Warning Objet Studio Interface Ribbon Commands Objet Studio Commands Menu 5-10 Model Tree Pane 5-10 Assigning Properties to Hidden Objects 5-11 Preparing Models for Production 5-12 OBJDF Files: Overview 5-12 Model Files 5-12 Placing Objects on the Build Tray 5-13 Opening Objet Tray Files 5-18 Quick-Access Model Commands 5-20 Selecting Objects 5-21 Copying and Pasting Objects 5-21 Surface Finish 5-23 Splitting Objects into Components 5-23 Model-Material Settings 5-24 Changing the Model Material 5-26 Changing the Support Material 5-26 Digital Materials 5-27 Assigning a Model Material to Objects 5-28...
Page 35 Measurement Units 5-38 Setting Model Dimensions 5-39 Repositioning Objects 5-39 Changing an Object’s Orientation 5-41 Grouping and Ungrouping Objects 5-44 Freezing Model Orientation 5-45 Display Options 5-46 Viewing Objects 5-46 Screen Layout 5-48 Tray Perspective 5-49 Setting Object Colors 5-51 Loading Large Files 5-51 Large File Manipulation 5-52 Zoom Options 5-54 Handling Trays 5-55 Tray Validation 5-55 Production Estimates 5-56 Printing Modes 5-57 E-mailing Objet Digital Files 5-58 Printing the Tray 5-58 Applying Additional Objet Studio Features 5-62 Dividing Objects...
Page 36 Job Manager Screen 5-83 Setting the Printer Connection 5-85 Off-line Mode 5-86 Setting the Remote Printer Connection (Client Mode) 5-89 Job Manager Commands 5-89 Configuring User Alerts 5-92 Printing from the Jobs Queue 5-93 Additional Server Features 5-94 DOC-07027 Rev. E...
Page 37 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Launching Objet Studio After you install Objet Studio, a launch icon appears on the Windows desktop. Open the application by double-clicking this icon, or by selecting Objet Studio from the Start menu. Open Objet Studio by double-clicking the icon on your desktop, or by selecting Objet Studio from the Start menu. ® ® Depending on the User Account Control settings in Windows 7, you might Windows see the following warning when opening Objet Studio. Security Warning Figure 5-1 Security Warning If you click Yes, Objet Studio opens. However, this warning message will appear each time you open the program, unless you change the User Account Control settings. To prevent the warning message from appearing again: 1. Click the link at the bottom of the security warning dialog box (Change when these notifications appear). DOC-07027 Rev. E...
Page 38 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio 2. In the User Account Control Settings screen, move the slider to Never notify. Figure 5-2 Changing the User Account Control settings 3. Click OK. 4. In the following dialog box, click Yes. Figure 5-3 Confirming the change in the User Account Control settings DOC-07027 Rev. E...
Page 39 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Objet Studio When Objet Studio opens, the Tray Settings screen appears, showing an Interface empty build tray. Figure 5-4 Objet Studio opening screen The Objet Studio interface consists of two main screens: • Tray Settings—for arranging models and preparing them for printing. • Job Manager—for monitoring and managing print jobs. This screen is described in "Monitoring and Managing Print Jobs" on page 5-82. Each screen is controlled by menus and icons on its own ribbon. An additional ribbon, Model Settings, displays controls for configuring and manipulating selected models. Objet Studio anticipates your workflow by displaying and enabling the options relevant to your current task. For example, when you first open Objet Studio, the Model Settings ribbon is disabled until you place a model on the build tray. Similarly, options available from the standard toolbar menus are enabled or disabled to match the current workflow. DOC-07027 Rev. E...
Page 40 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio The ribbon, colors used, and several other interface features can be customized. How to change the appearance of the interface is explained in "Customizing Objet Studio" on page 5-68. Instructions for using the commands for preparing models for production and sending jobs to the printer, appear later in this chapter. Figure 5-5 Tray Settings ribbon Figure 5-6 Model Settings ribbon DOC-07027 Rev. E...
Page 41 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Ribbon The following table lists the Tray Settings and Model Settings ribbon Commands command groups, and shows when they are enabled, and where they appear. Group Purpose When enabled Tray Model Settings Settings Ribbon Ribbon Setting display colors. Always. Selecting perspective Models are on and zoom level. the build tray. Choose to select a plane, Models are on elements, or element ...
Page 42 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Group Purpose When enabled Tray Model Settings Settings Ribbon Ribbon Setting model A model is dimensions. selected. Cutting, copying, pasting A model is and deleting models. selected. Moving, rotating and A model is resizing models. selected. A model is ...
Page 43 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Objet Studio Clicking the icon in the upper-left corner opens the Objet Studio Commands Commands menu. This menu displays basic application commands and Menu options. Figure 5-7 Objet Studio Commands menu The Options button opens a dialog box for customizing Objet Studio. Figure 5-8 Options dialog box Model Tree The Model Tree pane lists the objects placed on the build tray in a parent- Pane child hierarchy. By default, the pane “floats”— that is, you can move it to another position on the screen and resize it. Alternatively, you can fix its position at the left of the application window, and even hide it. DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-10...
Page 44 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Assigning To enable you to assign materials and other properties to parts of objects that Properties to are hidden from view on the build tray display, you can temporarily turn off Hidden Objects the display of some objects. To prevent the display of objects: 1. Right-click an object, either on the build tray or in the model tree. 2. From the menu that opens, select one of the following options— ❒ Hide, to cause the selected object to disappear. ❒ Hide Others, to cause all other objects on the build tray to disappear, so that only the selected object is displayed. Alternately, you can clear the check box next to the name of the object in the model tree to cause that object to disappear. Figure 5-9 Left: All objects displayed; Right: Outer objects hidden DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-11...
Page 45 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Preparing Models for Production Model preparation involves the following basic steps: 1. Place objects or assemblies on the build tray. 2. If necessary, manipulate the object’s orientation and position. 3. Select the materials and model finish. Just as Objet500 printers can produce different models on the build tray using different materials, you can produce components of a model with different materials. To do this, each part of the model must be a separate stl file. If the model’s component parts were not saved in the CAD software as separate stl files, you can use Objet Studio to separate the model into component parts. (This is described in "Splitting Objects into Components" on page 5-23 and in "Dividing Objects" on page 5-62.) An objdf file describes both the geometry of a single object and the materials, OBJDF Files: and finish required to print it. The objdf file can represent an object that is a Overview single stl file, or an object assembled from component stl files. Objet Studio enables you to split an stl file representing a complex object into an assembly of component stl files, and save the assembly as an objdf file. Each part (stl file) described by the objdf file can have its own model-material characteristic, so that the Objet500 printer produces the component parts from specific materials. Another use for objdf files is for saving a group of separate objects on the build tray as one unit, together with their relative positions and materials. ...
Page 46 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Placing Objects To place an object on the build tray: on the Build 1. Open the Insert dialog box— Tray ❒ From the Object menu, select Insert. or— ❒ On the Tray Settings ribbon, click or— ❒ Right-click on the build tray, and select Insert from the context menu. The Insert dialog box appears. Figure 5-10 Insert dialog box 2. In the Look in field, display the appropriate folder. 3. In the Files of type field, select the file type to display. 4. Select the desired file, and make sure that it appears in the File name field. If the Preview check box is selected, the object is displayed in the dialog box, as shown in Figure 5-10. Note: When selecting a VRML (wrl) file, the object is displayed in the dialog ...
Page 47 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio independent parts. The effects of selecting the Assembly check box—in both the model tree and the build tray display—are shown in the following figures. Figure 5-11 Assembly check box selected—stl files are placed as an assembly Figure 5-12 Assembly check box not selected—stl files are placed as parts The Model Settings ribbon is displayed when objects are placed on the build tray. 5. Select any of the following options, as required: ❒ Units—Millimeters or inches for the object’s units of measure. The 3D file contains the object's proportions, but not its units of measure. Therefore, make sure to correctly select either millimeters or inches when inserting an object. Otherwise, the size of the object on the build tray will be either much too large or much too small. To change the measurement units of objects already placed on the tray, see "Measurement Units" on page 5-38. DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-14...
Page 48 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio ❒ Number of copies—How many copies of this object to place on the build tray. ❒ Orient Automatically—Automatically orient objects on the build tray for efficient model building. ❒ Assembly—Mark this check box if you selected multiple stl files that are part of an assembly. Note: The Extents values displayed in the Coordinates section of the Insert dialog box, represent the maximum dimensions of the object on each axis. These dimensions correspond to the virtual “bounding box” surrounding the object see Figure 5-54 on page 5-47). 6. Click Insert. Objet Studio places the object on the build tray, and in the model tree. Figure 5-13 Default screen layout The Model Settings ribbon is displayed when objects are placed on the build tray. DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-15...
Page 49 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio If the object is over a certain size, the Loading Placed Elements dialog box appears. Figure 5-14 Loading Placed Elements dialog box You can speed up the opening of large files by changing the Large Files settings—see "Loading Large Files" on page 5-51. DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-16...
Page 50 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Opening objdf Files Before placing objdf files on the build tray, Objet Studio must extract the component stl files together with information about their relative position and model materials. To do this, Objet Studio creates a folder with the same name as the objdf file, in the same location. If you are opening an objdf file, the Insert dialog box also includes a Materials field that shows the object’s printing material assignment (see below). Figure 5-15 Insert dialog box (objdf file) DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-17...
Page 51 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Opening Objet You can open trays that were saved as objtf files. (Saving objtf is described in Tray Files "Saving and Importing Build Trays" on page 5-67). To place an object saved as an Objet Tray File (objtf) file on the build tray: 1. From the File group, click or— From the Objet Studio Commands menu , select Open. The Open dialog box is displayed. Figure 5-16 Objet Tray File Open dialog box 2. Select the desired file, and make sure that it appears in the File name field. If the Preview check box is selected, the object is displayed. 3. Click Open. Objet Studio opens the tray file. The objtf file is actually a file containing instructions for printing—which stl files to print and their position on the build tray. Because the objtf file references the stl files used, they must remain in the same file location as when the objtf file was saved. DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-18...
Page 52 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio STL file loading If there are identically named stl files in more than one location, you need to preference ensure that the correct component stl files are linked to the objtf file. For example, if there are identically named stl files on one drive and on a flash drive (this can occur if you copy the original files to a working folder), you can set the default location from which files are loaded. To set the Load Order: 1. From the Tools menu, select Options. or— In the Objet Studio Commands menu , click Options. 2. In the Options dialog box, display the Settings tab. Figure 5-17 Options dialog box, Settings tab 3. Under Load Search Order, select an option: ❒ Local—to load files from the location where they were last saved. ❒ Original—to load files in their original location. 4. Click OK. DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-19...
Page 53 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Quick-Access You can access common commands for working with objects on the build Model tray with the convenient Model Toolbar and context menus. Commands Model Toolbar Select an object in the tray to display the Model Toolbar that contains icons to perform common tasks. Figure 5-18 Model Toolbar The table below describes the Model Toolbar icons. Icon Description Applies a matte finish to the model. Applies a glossy finish to the model. Opens the Advanced Properties dialog box for setting the Grid Style and the Hollow option. Enables dragging an object (see page 5-39). Opens the Transform dialog box for changing the object’s position and scale. Toggles the Lock Model Orientation setting. Allows you to choose the printing materials. Enables you to apply a coating to the model, or change the coating previously applied. Right-click model menu If you right-click on an object, a pop-up context menu is displayed from which you can also select the model finish, change its position and scale, and set the Grid Style and Hollow options. You can also create a Quick Access toolbar with your most commonly used icons grouped together. See "Creating a Quick Access Toolbar" on ...
Page 54 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Selecting To manipulate an object on the build tray or assign characteristics to it (model Objects material, building style etc.), you must first select the object. You select an object by clicking it, either on the tray or in the model tree. Its image on the build tray changes color (to light blue, by default) and its name is highlighted in the model tree. You can select multiple objects by drawing a box around them with the mouse cursor, or by pressing the Ctrl or Shift keys while clicking additional objects. Alternatively, select or de-select objects using the following Edit menu commands: • Select All • Invert Selection • Undo Select object Figure 5-19 Edit menu Sometimes, you need to select individual elements of an assembly. Other times, you need to select the entire assembly. The Selection icon displayed on the ribbon determines what will be selected when you click on the model: or To change the selection action: 1. On the Tray Settings or Model Settings ribbon— a. Click the Selection icon: or b. On the flyout toolbar, click the appropriate icon: Figure 5-20 Selection flyout toolbar If you need to duplicate objects on the build tray, you can insert the same ...
Page 55 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio You can also copy objects from one tray and paste them onto another, in the same way as you copy text from one document and paste it into another one. However, Objet Studio allows only one tray to be open at a time. For each build tray you need to work with (at the same time), you must open a separate Objet Studio window, by running the application again (from the Windows Start menu). Having multiple Objet Studio windows open can be convenient when you need to manipulate or configure objects before inserting them in your production build tray. For example, if you need to change the model material of an object (saved as an objdf file) to match the model material already used in the production build tray, you must do so before inserting the object—on another tray. Copying and pasting also allows you to use objects already configured on previously-used build trays for newer projects. You perform the Copy and Paste commands as in other Windows applications: • from the right-click context menu. • by using keyboard shortcuts (Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V, respectively). The Paste Special command (from the object’s right-click context menu) enables you to place duplicate objects even more efficiently: • You can specify the number of duplicates to place on the build tray at once. • You can set the distance, on each axis, between the duplicate objects. • You can manipulate mirror images of the original object, and flip them on selected axes. Figure 5-21 Paste Special dialog box DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-22...
Page 56 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Surface Finish Models can be printed with a matte or glossy surface finish. To create a matte finish, the printer surrounds models with a thin layer of support material. To set the model finish: 1. Select the model. 2. Select Matte or Glossy in one of the following places: ❒ Model Settings ribbon, Options group ❒ Model Toolbar ❒ right-click context menu (when selecting the model) You can configure Objet Studio to distinguish between objects’ surface finish on the build tray by color. To configure how Objet Studio displays objects, see "Setting Object Colors" on page 5-51. Splitting You can convert a complex object to an assembly of component parts. To do Objects into so, you split the stl file that represents the object into a group of separate stl Components files, each one representing a component. (This is referred to in the Objet Studio interface as separating the object into shells.) You can then assign a model material to each stl file, and you can save the newly-created assembly as an objdf file. To split an object into an assembly of component parts: 1. If the object is not displayed, place it on the build tray by inserting its stl ...
Page 57 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio 2. With the object selected: ❒ From the Object menu, select Separate into Shells. or— ❒ On the ribbon, click A dialog box opens in which you can specify where to save the component stl files. (By default, Objet Studio offers to save the new files in a folder in the same location as the original stl file.) Figure 5-23 Folder selection for saving stl files after splitting into shells 3. Click OK. Objet Studio splits the object into an assembly of component parts, each a separate stl file (“shell”). The object appears—on the build tray and in the model tree—as an assembly of parts (“shells”). You can assign each part a different model material (This is explained in "Model-Material Settings" below). Figure 5-24 Object after being converted to an assembly of component parts Model-Material Before placing objects on the build tray in Objet Studio, you should pay Settings attention to the material selection settings on the Tray Settings ribbon. Figure 5-25 Material selection settings • By default, the material selection settings on the ribbon correspond to the three model cartridges loaded in the printer. DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-24...
Page 58 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio • The materials displayed are basic model materials. With Connex2 and Connex3 printers, these materials can be combined to create digital materials (see "Digital Materials" on page 5-27). • The material displayed on the top (VeroBlack, in the figure above) is considered the primary model material (“Model-1”). It is assigned to objects that do not have a material assignment when you place them on the build tray. For example, since stl files do not contain information about the model material, Objet Studio assigns the primary model material to them. Also, if you try to insert objdf files whose assigned materials are not recognized by your version of Objet Studio, you can insert the file by substituting the primary model material for the missing materials. • Select Single Material if you want to print using only one material—all of the material drop-down menus contain the same material. If you decide to print with multiple materials, the material in the top drop-down menu remains assigned to the object until you select another material. • If you insert an objdf file into an empty build tray, and the model-material assignment does not match the settings on the Tray Settings ribbon, these settings are changed automatically. However, if there is an object already on the build tray whose materials do not match the material assignment in the objdf file, you cannot place the new object on the tray. To print this object, you have the following options: ❒ Instead of printing it on the same build tray, print the new object as a separate job. ❒ Change the materials assigned to objects on the build tray to match those assigned to the new object (see "Changing the Model Material" on the next page and "Assigning a Model Material to Objects" on page 5-28). ❒ Change the materials assigned to the new object before inserting it, so ...
Page 59 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Changing the When you design a build tray in Objet Studio, you can use model materials Model Material that might not be currently installed in the printer. Because the installed materials are displayed by default, change the material selection settings on the Tray Settings ribbon, if necessary. Figure 5-26 Selecting a new model material Changing the To change the type of Support material: Support 1. In the printer application, run the Material Replacement Wizard (see Material "Changing the Printing Material" on page 6-12). 2. In Objet Studio: ❒ When changing to SUP706, the recommended Grid Style is "Lite." Note: Cleaning models printed with Standard or Heavy grid style can clog the filter in DT3 and CS P cleaning stations. If necessary, clean these models with a WaterJet cleaning station. ❒ When changing to SUP705, the recommended Grid Style is "Standard." You can override the default grid style settings for the current print job in ...
Page 60 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Digital When different model materials appear on the ribbon, you can produce Materials objects from any of them. With Connex2 and Connex3 printers, you can produce objects from a combination of them—digital materials. Different combinations of model materials enable you to print objects with a wide range of color and mechanical characteristics. To view the digital materials available for printing objects (using three basic model materials): 1. Make sure that you have selected the appropriate model materials, and that Multiple Materials is selected. Figure 5-28 Material selection with three basic model materials 2. Click The Material Selection Guide appears, showing the basic model materials (at the top of the list) and the digital materials available (combinations of them). Figure 5-29 Material Selection Guide, showing the digital materials available with the basic model materials DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-27...
Page 61 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Assigning a You can assign any of the available materials to objects on the build tray. Model Material to Objects To assign a model material to objects: 1. Select an object on the build tray (see "Selecting Objects" on page 5-21). When an object is selected, its properties—including model materials—are displayed on the Model Toolbar and on the ribbon. Figure 5-30 Object properties, on ribbon and Model Toolbar 2. Display the material drop-down list and select the desired material. Figure 5-31 Menu for assigning materials to objects When you de-select the object on the build tray, it is displayed, by default, with the color of the material you selected. In the same way, you can assign model materials to each of the independent objects on the build tray. To separate an object into independent, component parts (each an stl file), see "Splitting Objects into Components" on page 5-23. Color Selection (Connex3 printers) You can assign materials to models using a color palette if certain combinations of materials are available. Figure 5-32 Color palette DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-28...
Page 62 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio To change the material selection method—color palette or material list: ➢ From the Tools menu, select Color material selection. Figure 5-33 Setting the color material selection method Coating You can print composite models where the surface layer is a different material Objects than the inside. This can be useful to achieve unique mechanical and textural characteristics. This technique is called “coating.” To coat an object with a different model material: 1. Select an object on the build tray. 2. On the Model Toolbar or the Model Settings ribbon, click The Coat with dialog box opens. 3. Select Coat With and, from the drop-down list, select the coating material. Figure 5-34 Coating material selected 4. In the Thickness field, enter a coating thickness between 0.3 and 3 millimeters. Note: The coating thickness does not affect the external dimensions of the object, which remain unchanged. The coating layer replaces part of the main model material. DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-29...
Page 63 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio 5. Click Apply. Note: When you de-select objects, they are displayed, by default, with colors representing the model-material. Even after adding a coating to an object, its color remains that of the main material, not the color of the coating material. To inspect, modify or remove the coating applied to an object: 1. On the "Model Toolbar" or the Model Settings ribbon, click The Coat with dialog box opens. 2. Perform one of the following actions— ❒ Change the coating settings, and click Apply. ❒ To remove the coating, clear the Coat With check box and click Apply. ❒ To keep the current coating settings, click Apply or Cancel. Positioning Objects on the Build Tray To produce models efficiently and with the required finish, it is important to carefully position objects on the tray. Objet Studio supports the automatic positioning of objects. However, you should check to make sure that the objects are orientated optimally for your needs, according to the considerations explained in "Manual Positioning" on page 5-33. Two things that affect the positioning of objects on the tray are orientation ...
Page 64 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Figure 5-35 Orient Automatically option disabled You can change the default setting, so that automatic orientation is not applied unless you select the Orient Automatically check box each time you place an object on the build tray. To do this, see "Default Settings" on page 5-76. DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-31...
Page 65 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Automatic After placing several objects on the build tray, you can let Objet Studio Positioning arrange them before printing. This ensures that the objects are positioned properly, and that they will be printed in the shortest time and with a minimum of material. To automatically arrange objects on the build tray: ➢ On the Tray Settings ribbon, click or— From the Tools menu, select Automatic Placement. The effects of automatic positioning are shown in the figures below. Figure 5-36 Tray before objects are properly arranged Figure 5-37 Tray arrangement after applying Automatic Placement For best results, arrange the tray with Automatic Placement,on the TraySettings ribbon, even if you inserted the objects with the Orient Automatically option. ...
Page 66 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Manual You can change the position of objects on the build tray—even if they were Positioning inserted with the Orient Automatically option. Tools for changing the position of objects are presented in "Manipulating Objects on the Tray" on page 5-35. The orientation of models on the build tray affects how quickly and efficiently they will be produced by the printer, where and how much Support material is used, and whether or not model parts will have a glossy finish. Therefore, you should consider a variety of factors when deciding how to place models on the build tray, using the following positioning rules. X-Y-Z Rule This rule considers a model's outer dimensions. ➢ Since the print heads move back and forth along the X-axis, the printing time along this axis is relatively short, compared to printing time along the Y-axis and Z-axis. From this point of view, it is advisable to place the object's largest dimension along the X-axis. ➢ Any surfaces that come into contact with Support materials become matte. ➢ Since models are built up, on the Z-axis, in 16- or 30-micron layers (according to the printing mode), it is very time-consuming to print a tall object. From this point of view, it is advisable to place the object's smallest dimension along the Z-axis. ➢ Since the print heads measure about 2 inches (5 centimeters) on the Y-axis, models measuring less than this (on the Y-axis) are printed in one pass. From this point of view, it is advisable to place the object's intermediate dimension along the Y-axis. Tall-Left Rule This rule considers models where, after being orientated on the build tray ...
Page 67 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Recess-Up Rule This rule considers models containing surface recesses. ➢ Recesses in the surface (like hollows, drill holes, etc.) should, when possible, be positioned face-up. Fine-Surface Rule This rule considers models that have one side on which there are fine details (like the keypad side of a telephone). ➢ The side of the model containing fine details should, when possible, be positioned face-up. This results in a smooth finish. Avoid Support-Material Rule This rule considers models that have large holes or hollows, open on at least one side (like a pipe or a container). ➢ It may be advantageous to print a model standing up, so Support material does not fill the hollow, even though printing the model lying down would be much faster. DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-34...
Page 68 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Manipulating Objects on the Tray Positioning When you use the automatic positioning option to arrange objects on the Objects on the build tray (see "Automatic Orientation" on page 5-30), the objects are Z-Axis positioned directly on the tray. If you do not insert objects with automatic positioning, they often appear either above or below the tray. In practice, the Objet system prints all models on the build tray on a one- millimeter bed of support material. The importance of positioning objects directly on the build tray with Objet Studio is to correctly display the objects on the screen. To position objects directly on the tray: 1. Select the object. 2. From the Object menu, select Lay On. To ensure that objects are always positioned directly on the tray: 1. From the Tools menu, select Options, and display the Settings tab. Figure 5-38 Options dialog box, Settings tab 2. In the Automatic Lay On (Gravity) section, select Always. ...
Page 69 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Valid Object You can ensure that models do not overlap when you position them on the Placement build tray, and that they do not extend beyond the tray. To ensure valid object placement: 1. From the Tools menu, select Constraints Settings. Figure 5-39 Constraints Settings dialog box 2. Select Dynamic check to identify— ❒ invalid object placement while placing objects—On Drop selected. ❒ invalid object placement after moving objects—While Drag selected. ❒ objects placed beyond the tray’s boundaries—Outside Tray selected. ❒ objects that overlap—Object Collision selected. Even if you do not use Dynamic Check when placing objects on the build tray, Objet Studio automatically checks if there is a problem with the positioning of objects on the tray before sending it to the printer. You can also manually check for problems after positioning objects (see "Tray ...
Page 70 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Using a Grid to Displaying a grid on the image of the build tray can be useful when Position positioning objects. To use the grid features, select the following menu Objects options. Menu Option Result Tools > Grid Displays a grid on the build tray. Tools > Snap to grid When moving the object, it aligns with the nearest grid line. Tools > Options > Grid Enables you to change the grid origin (X- and Y-axis meeting point) and appearance. You can review and configure grid settings—and apply them—from the Options dialog box. To view and change grid settings: 1. From the Tools menu, select Options, and display the Grid tab. The current grid settings are displayed. Figure 5-40 Options dialog box, Grid tab 2. As required, change the settings, and select or clear the check boxes. 3. Click Apply or OK. DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-37...
Page 71 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Measurement 3D files contain an object's proportions, but not its units of measure. Units Therefore, make sure to correctly select either millimeters or inches when inserting an object. Otherwise, the size of the object on the build tray will be either much too large or much too small. To set the measurement units when inserting an object: ➢ In the Insert dialog box, Units field, select Millimeter or Inch: Figure 5-41 Units field in the Insert dialog box To change measurement units for a selected object from the Model Settings ribbon: 1. Open the Units flyout toolbar. Figure 5-42 Units flyout toolbar 2. Select the measurement units desired. To change measurement units for a selected object from the standard toolbar: 1. From the Object menu, select Change Units. Figure 5-43 Model Units dialog box 2. In the Model Units dialog box, change the setting and click OK. DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-38...
Page 72 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Setting Model You can change an object’s dimensions by changing its size on the X-, Y-, and Dimensions Z-axes, from the Dimensions group on the Model Settings ribbon. Figure 5-44 Dimensions on the Model Settings ribbon • If Uniform Scale is enabled, changing the object’s dimension on one axis affects the other dimensions, proportionately. • After changing a measurement, press Enter or click in another field in the Dimensions group. Note: You can change the height of the objects on the build tray only if this is allowed by the Objet Studio settings (see "Positioning Objects on the Z-Axis" on page 5-35). The recommended minimum size for each object on the build tray is 800 mm (on the X-axis) and 130 mm (on the Y-axis). Although smaller objects can be printed, these minimum dimensions ensure good print quality. Repositioning You can manually move and rotate an object on the build tray with the arrow Objects keys, or by dragging it with the mouse. To manually manipulate an object: 1. Select an object by clicking it on the build tray, or in the model tree pane. 2. Click on the Model Toolbar, or on the Model Settings ribbon.
Page 73 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio 3. If you click on a corner of the frame, the cursor changes to indicate that the object can be rotated. Figure 5-46 Manually rotating an object 4. Manipulate the object with the arrow keys or with the mouse. Using the You can make precise changes to an object by changing the properties in the Transform Transform dialog box. Dialog Box To access the Transform dialog box (when an object is selected): • Click on the Model Toolbar or on the Model Settings ribbon. • From the right-click context menu, select Transform. • From the Object menu, select Transform. Figure 5-47 Transform dialog box To change an object with the Transform dialog box: ➢ Change any of the values, then click Apply to see how the object changes on the build tray. Note: The changed values remain in the dialog box after clicking Apply. Therefore, you can make small changes to values in the dialog box to see how the object changes on screen each time you click Apply. DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-40...
Page 74 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio To reset all of the values in the dialog box: ➢ Click Reset. Note: The object does not change. Any changes previously applied remain. To undo all changes made with the Transform dialog box: ➢ Click Cancel Actions. After closing the Transform dialog box, clicking Undo (on the Model Settings ribbon or from the Edit menu) cancels all changes made with the dialog box. Changing an There are several methods for changing the orientation of objects on the Object’s build tray. Orientation To rotate an object: ➢ Select the object and use the Object menu options (see also "Repositioning Objects" on page 5-39). To re-align an object’s plane: 1. On the Tray Settings or Model Settings ribbon— a. Click the icon in the Selection group: or b. On the flyout toolbar, click the Select Plane icon: or—...
Page 75 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio 2. Click on part of an object on the build tray. The selected plane is displayed. Figure 5-48 Aligning by plane 3. On the Alignment toolbar, click an appropriate icon to change the alignment. or— From the Tools menu, select Plane Alignment, and select an alignment option. Figure 5-49 Tools menu, Plane Alignment options DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-42...
Page 76 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio To cancel plane selection after re-aligning objects on the build tray: ➢ On the Tray Settings or Model Settings ribbon— a. Click the icon in the Selection group: or b. On the flyout toolbar, click the Select Element or Select Group icon: or— ➢ From the Tools menu, select Plane Alignment > Select Plane. To flip an object 180 degrees on any axis: 1. Select the object. 2. From the Object menu, select Flip > Flip X / Flip Y / Flip Z. To make precise changes to the object’s orientation on any axis: 1. Select the object. 2. Display the Transform dialog box (see Figure 5-47 on page 5-40). 3. Change the Rotate parameters for each axis. DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-43...
Page 77 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Grouping and You can manipulate two or more objects on the build tray, at the same time. Ungrouping • Selecting multiple objects Objects Manipulating done to one object affects all selected objects. For example, turning one object on its axis causes all selected objects to turn on their respective axes. • Converting the objects to an assembly Separate objects become parts of one unit. For example, turning the assembly on its axis causes all its component parts to turn as one unit. To convert objects to an assembly: 1. Select the objects (see "Selecting Objects" on page 5-21). 2. From the Object menu, select Group to Assembly. In the model tree, the objects now appear as children of a parent (assembly). Figure 5-50 Assembly in the model tree After creating an assembly, you can save it as an objdf file, for re-use. (Saving the assembly is not necessary for manipulating and printing it.) To save an assembly: 1. Select the assembly (either on the build tray or in the model tree). 2. From the Objet Studio Commands menu , select Save As. 3. In the Save As dialog box, select the objdf format, choose a location, name the file, and click Save.
Page 78 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio To separate assemblies into individual objects (stl files): 1. Select the assembly (either on the build tray or in the model tree). 2. From the Object menu, select Ungroup. In the model tree, the elements are not parts of an assembly. Figure 5-51 Separate objects in the model tree If you manipulate an object on the build tray, you can freeze its orientation so Freezing Model that it does not change when you position it automatically (see "Automatic Orientation Positioning" on page 5-32). To freeze an object: 1. Select an object on the build tray. 2. On the Model Settings ribbon, in the Manipulate group, or on the Model Toolbar, click To unfreeze an object: ➢ Select the object and click (to de-select it). DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-45...
Page 79 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Display Options Viewing From the View menu, you can change the way objects are displayed. The Objects default method for displaying models on the build tray is as solid (“shaded”) objects. Figure 5-52 Tray and model displayed in Shaded view The other display options are WireFrame and Points. To display the build tray in WireFrame view: ➢ From the View menu, select WireFrame. Figure 5-53 Tray and model displayed in WireFrame view To revert to the shaded view: ➢ From the View menu, select Shaded. DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-46...
Page 80 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio To display objects as boxes, showing their maximum dimensions instead of their shape: ➢ From the View menu, select Display Bounding Box. Figure 5-54 Model displayed with bounding box To display the area around objects needed for support material (to produce a matte finish): ➢ From the View menu, select Display Thickening Box. Figure 5-55 Model displayed with thickening box To display the maximum build height: ➢ From the View menu, select Display Tray 3D Box. Figure 5-56 Tray 3D Box DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-47...
Page 81: Screen Layout
Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio To display objects without the build tray: ➢ From the View menu, clear (de-select) the Display Tray option. Screen Layout Objet Studio automatically adjusts the default screen layout to display the optimum views of the build tray and the model tree. You can view models from different perspectives by changing the screen layout. To change the screen layout: ➢ On the View flyout toolbar, select Single View, or 4 Views. Figure 5-57 Screen layout icons ❒ Single View is the default screen layout. ❒ 4 Views displays perspective, top, front and right views. Figure 5-58 Single-view screen layout DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-48...
Page 82: Tray Perspective
Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Figure 5-59 4-view screen layout Tray The default perspective of the build tray is “isometric.” You can change the Perspective perspective of the active window with one of ten options. To change the perspective of the build tray in the active window: 1. On the Tray Settings ribbon, open the Perspective flyout toolbar. Figure 5-60 Perspective toolbar 2. Click the icon that represents the desired perspective. DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-49...
Page 83 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Tray Positioning To view the tray and models from different directions, you can move the tray around the screen and change its display angle. To move the tray in the Objet Studio screen: ➢ Press the mouse wheel while moving the mouse. Figure 5-61 Tray after moving it in the Objet Studio display To manually rotate the tray: ➢ Press Alt and press the mouse wheel while moving the mouse. Figure 5-62 Tray after rotating it upside-down To view the tray and models from different directions, you can change its display angle. DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-50...
Page 84: Setting Object Colors
Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Setting Object The color of objects on the build tray can indicate how they are printed. Objet Colors Studio enables you to choose the color display so that you can easily see the material, surface and coating of objects. To choose how colors are applied on the display: ➢ On the Model Settings ribbon, in the Colors group, select one of the options from the flyout toolbar. Figure 5-63 Colors display options Before sending a build tray to the printer, or when you perform tray validation, Objet Studio checks if there is a problem with the stl files or the positioning of objects on the tray. If so, the affected objects are displayed with special colors (see "Tray Validation" on page 5-55). Loading Large Very large stl files can be slow to load and may be difficult to manipulate Files easily on the build tray. If this is the case, you can display just an image of the object on the build tray without loading the entire file. The stl file itself is not changed, and the complete file is sent to the printer. To display an image of stl files when you place objects on the build tray: 1. From the Tools menu, select Options, and display the Settings tab. Figure 5-64 Options dialog box, Settings tab 2. In the Large Files section, select Load Partial (reduced). DOC-07027 Rev. E...
Page 85: Large File Manipulation
Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Large File If you need to work with a detailed model that is composed of a large number Manipulation of polygons, you can speed up its display and manipulation in Objet Studio by reducing the number of polygons on the screen. Although this may reduce the resolution on the screen, it has no affect on the printed models. Figure 5-65 Object displayed without polygon reduction Figure 5-66 Object displayed with only five percent of its polygons showing To use polygon reduction: 1. From the Tools menu, select Options. or— From the Objet Studio Commands menu , click Options. DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-52...
Page 86 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio 2. In the Options dialog box, display the tab. Display Figure 5-67 Options dialog box, Display tab 3. Select Enable Polygon Reduction . 4. Select Polygon Reduction (Percent). 5. Enter the percentage of total polygons to display. When you click Apply, the display changes. Note: The setting affects the static display (when the object is not being moved). 6. Set display options when the object is being moved (Display while changing view): ❒ Bounding Box—A box representing the object’s maximum dimensions is displayed. ❒ Adaptive Polygon Reduction—Varying degrees of polygon reduction are applied, as necessary. ❒ Entire Object—No polygon reduction is applied.
Page 87 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Object display The display format affects how quickly objects display. For example, if you options select Bounding Box, objects display faster than they do when you select Entire Object. You can choose display formats for objects when they are stationary (static view) and for when you are dragging them (changing view). To select the object display preference while changing view, and in static view: 1. Select to display objects: ❒ With a Bounding Box (see Figure 5-54 on page 5-47) ❒ With Adaptive Polygon Reduction (changing view only) ❒ With Polygon Reduction (static view only) ❒ Entire Object 2. Click OK when done. While manipulating objects, you often need to view them at different zoom Zoom Options levels. ...
Page 88: Handling Trays
Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Handling Trays After preparing models on the build tray, you can do the following: • Test that it can be printed ("validation"). • Calculate the time and material resources needed to print it. • Send it to the printer for production. • Save it for later completion or printing. • Save it as a compressed file for convenient storage and transfer. Before sending a job to the printer for production, you should check that the Tray Validation tray is “valid” and can be printed. Note: Because of the unique characteristics of each type of modeling material, make sure that the correct material is selected before performing Tray Validation. To validate that the tray can be printed: ➢ On the Tray Settings ribbon, in the Build Process group, click or— From the Tools menu, select Placement Validation. If the tray is not valid, the color of the problematic models on the tray changes according to a pre-set code. Figure 5-69 Color code Note: The “Both” color also indicates a problematic stl file. The validation status appears on the bar at the bottom of the screen. Figure 5-70 Validation details in status bar DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-55...
Page 89: Production Estimates
Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Objet Studio enables you to calculate the time and material resources needed Production for producing trays before sending them to the printer. The time it takes Estimates Objet Studio to perform this calculation depends on the number of objects on the tray and their complexity. Calculating the production estimate for a full tray could take up to 15 minutes, depending on your computer’s specifications. To calculate the time and materials needed for producing the current tray: ➢ On the Tray Settings ribbon, in the Build Process group, click While the estimate is being calculated, a progress bar is displayed—on the right side of the status bar (at the bottom of the screen). Figure 5-71 Estimate progress bar When Objet Studio finishes calculating the production resources, the results are displayed in a dialog box. Figure 5-72 Production resource calculations for different printing modes As shown in the Production Estimates dialog box, the resources needed for ...
Page 90 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Printing Modes Objet500 printers can build models using three possible printing modes. HQ (High Quality) Mode— • Models are printed in 16-micron layers, resulting in smooth surfaces, suitable for producing fine-detailed and delicate items. • Almost twice as much time is required to print most trays, compared to the High Speed setting. • This setting is only available when model material can be used in four print heads, in single-material printing. Single-material printing: All print heads print models without regard to the source of the model material. This happens in the following situations: All print heads are supplied with one model material. Each pair of print heads is supplied with a different model material, but models are printed as if they were the same material. The result is an arbitrary mixture of materials in the printed model. HS (High Speed) Mode— • Models are produced in 30-micron layers, suitable for producing larger models. • Much less time is required to print most trays, compared to the High Quality setting. • This setting is only available when model material can be used in four print heads, in single-material printing.
Page 91: E-Mailing Objet Digital Files
Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio an option that enables Objet Studio to print the tray by the most efficient method (see "Printing-Mode Selection" on the next page). E-mailing ® ® You can easily e-mail objdf files using Microsoft Office Outlook . Sending Objet Digital objdf files is recommended (instead of stl files) because the size of a file is Files typically reduced by more than half. An added benefit is that the objdf file contains the model-material information for the object. To e-mail a file: 1. From the Tools menu, select Email Objet Digital File. Outlook opens with the file attached and Subject details added to the e-mail form. 2. Enter the e-mail address and send the file. Printing the When a tray is ready to be printed, it is placed in the Jobs Queue. When the Tray job reaches the head of the queue, Objet Studio pre-processes the tray file to create slices, and feeds them to the printer. To send the tray to the print queue: 1. On the Tray Settings ribbon, Build Process group, click ...
Page 92 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio ❒ If printing the tray requires only one model material, the Printing Mode Selection dialog box opens. Figure 5-74 Printing Mode Selection dialog box Note: The values displayed are the result of a quick calculation, and represent a rough estimate of the materials and time input required to print the job. For a more accurate calculation, click Fine Estimation. Printing-Mode 2. S elect the appropriate printing mode. ...
Page 93 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Model Quality When Digital Material Mode is Used Near-high-quality is achieved for most models. If all objects on the tray are inserted from individual stl files, they are printed with the standard resolution of 600 dpi (dots per inch) along the Y-axis—unless glossy finish is required (see "Surface Finish" on page 5- 23). If there is an assembly on the tray, all of the models on the tray are printed with a resolution of 300 dpi along the Y-axis. 3. Click Next. The Model Material Substitution dialog box opens—if this is relevant for the tray. (If not, the Job Summary dialog box opens—continue with step Model Material ...
Page 94 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Objet Studio checks if there is a problem with the positioning of objects on the tray. If so, the affected objects are displayed with special colors (see "Tray Validation" on page 5-55), and a warning message appears. Figure 5-76 Tray validation warning message ❒ To cancel the Build command so you can correct the problem, click ❒ To print the models as they are positioned on the tray, click Yes. The Job Manager screen opens, so you can monitor the progress of your trays—before, during, and after printing. See "Monitoring and Managing Print Jobs" on page 5-82. DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-61...
Page 95: Applying Additional Objet Studio Features
Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Applying Additional Objet Studio Features The following topics describe additional features available in Objet Studio: • Dividing Objects • Displaying the Cross Section of Objects • Saving the Screen Display as an Image File • Saving and Importing Build Trays Dividing You can use the Split Object feature to produce objects larger than the tray Objects area by dividing the model into separate parts. With this feature, you produce only a specific section of a model. To split an object: 1. Select the object. 2. From the Object menu, select Split. 3. In the Split Object dialog box, enter the values to determine how Objet Studio will divide the object. You can divide an object along any of its axes, by entering either exact measurements or the number of parts. Figure 5-77 Split Object dialog box 4. In Save to Folder, enter the folder name. 5. Click OK.
Page 96: Choosing The Support Strength
Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Choosing the When producing models, support material fills some hollow and empty Support sections (see "Manual Positioning" on page 5-33). Objet Studio allows you to Strength adjust the strength of the structure formed with the support material. This adjustment is useful when producing either large/massive models or small/delicate models. For most purposes, the default setting provides adequate support strength. T o change the strength of the support structure used when printing a model: ...
Page 97: Hollow"- Filling Models With Support Material
Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio “Hollow”— Many objects placed on the tray from stl files are “solid.” This means that, Filling Models when printed, the model will be completely filled with model material. Often, with Support especially with large objects, this is unnecessary. Instead, the model can be Material filled with support material, which is less costly. It is also advisable to fill models with support material when preparing them for investment casting, since this material burns off more quickly during the process of making the cast. Objet Studio enables you to print objects on the tray with an outer shell of model material and a center filled with support material. When using this feature, called “Hollow,” the thickness of the shell should be no less than 0.5 millimeters. To use the Hollow feature: 1. Select a model on the tray. or— ❒ On the Model Toolbar, click or— ❒ From the right-click context menu, select Advanced Properties. The Advanced Properties dialog box opens. 2. Select Hollow. Figure 5-79 Advanced Properties dialog box 3. ...
Page 98: Displaying The Cross Section Of Objects
Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Displaying the The Section feature enables you to view the interior of an object by “slicing” it Cross Section on any axis. You can then manipulate the object to inspect the interior from of Objects different angles. This may be important for deciding on the type of support necessary when producing the model (see "Choosing the Support Strength" on page 5-63). Displaying an object’s cross section only affects how the tray is displayed on the screen; it does not change the object itself. To display a cross section of the tray: 1. From the Tools menu, select Section. The Section dialog box opens. Figure 5-80 Section dialog box 2. Select Enable Clipping. 3. Use the slider controls for the X-, Y-, and Z-axes to cut the tray so that you see the cross section you want. Figure 5-81 Left: Whole view; Right: Cross section view after using the Z-slider DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-65...
Page 99: Saving The Screen Display As An Image File
Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Saving the You can save the image displayed in the active viewing screen as a graphic file. Screen Display as an To save the screen display as an image: Image File 1. Press Ctrl+B. or— From the Objet Studio Commands menu , select Save Bitmap. The Save Bitmap dialog box opens. Figure 5-82 Save Bitmap dialog box 2. At the top of the dialog box, select the appropriate folder. 3. At the bottom of the dialog box, enter a file name. 4. Open the Save as type drop-down list, and select the file format. 5. Click Save. DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-66...
Page 100: Saving And Importing Build Trays
Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Saving and You can save your work in different Objet Studio file formats, depending on Importing how you want to use them later. Build Trays objtf files contain instructions to Objet Studio and to Objet500 printers for OBJTF Files displaying and producing the stl files used on the tray. When you save build trays in Objet Studio, they are saved as objtf files. Saving in objtf format is useful, for example, if you have not finished preparing the tray for printing, or if you want to make changes before printing it again in the future. objtf files are also useful when working from your company's network, where the STL files are stored. Note: Because the objtf file references the stl files used, they must remain in the same file location as when the objtf file was saved. To save the tray as an objtf file: ➢ In the Tray Settings tab, File group, click To open trays saved as objtf files, see "Opening Objet Tray Files" on page 5-18. To conveniently save all of the files as they are positioned on the build tray, OBJZF Files for storing the job, or for transferring it to another location, Objet Studio compresses them into one objzf file. To later use the objzf file, the file must first be expanded in Objet Studio and its component files saved. Note: If you export an objzf file containing a stl file originally saved as read-only, you cannot open (import) this objzf file to the folder where the read-only stl file is saved.
Page 101: Customizing Objet Studio
Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Customizing Objet Studio You can customize Objet Studio to suit your particular working needs and preferences. Features that you can customize include: ❒ Creating a quick-access toolbar for frequently used commands. ❒ Changing the position of the Quick Access toolbar. ❒ Minimizing the ribbon. ❒ Changing the Objet Studio color theme. ❒ Configuring default settings for objects placed on the build tray. As you work with Objet Studio, you may use certain commands frequently. Creating a You can create a quick-access toolbar to make your work easier. Quick Access Toolbar To create a quick-access toolbar: 1. Above the ribbon tabs, click The Customize Quick Access Toolbar menu opens. Figure 5-83 Customize Quick Access Toolbar menu 2. ...
Page 102 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio 3. To choose from a wider range of commands: ❒ From the Customize Quick Access Toolbar menu (see Figure 5-83 on the previous page), select More Commands. or— ❒ Right-click on the Objet Studio Commands icon , or elsewhere on the ribbon, and select Customize Quick Access Toolbar. Figure 5-85 Right-click ribbon menu The Options dialog box opens. Figure 5-86 Quick Access Toobar Options dialog box 4. Open the drop-down list and select either Popular Commands or Commands not on the Ribbon. 5. Select a command and click Add. 6. Click OK. DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-69...
Page 103: Hiding The Ribbon
Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Hiding the To make more room for displaying the build tray, you can hide the Objet Ribbon Studio ribbons. To hide the ribbons: 1. Right-click anywhere on the ribbon or on the menu bar, or in the Objet Studio Commands menu 2. Select Minimize the Ribbon. The ribbons disappear, but you can temporarily display the ribbon icons by clicking Tray Settings or Job Manager on the menu bar. When you next click outside of the ribbon, it disappears again. To return the permanent ribbon display: ➢ Repeat the steps above to cancel Minimize the Ribbon. Display Colors You can customize some of the colors used for displaying Objet Studio screens and for displaying objects on the build tray. To change the colors used in Objet Studio screens: 1. From the Tools menu, select Options. Figure 5-87 Display settings ...
Page 104 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio ❒ If Shaded is selected, you can display the model on the tray as a see- through object. Figure 5-88 Transparent display ❒ Double-click the color patches to customize colors. ❒ The Windows Background Color settings enable you to change the color behind the build tray—with either a solid or a two-color gradient. ❒ To return to the default display settings, click Default. Objet Studio offers a choice of four background color themes—blue, black, Changing Color silver and aqua. Themes Figure 5-89 Background color themes To change the color theme: ➢ From the Style menu, select one of the options. DOC-07027 Rev. E...
Page 105: Keyboard Shortcuts
Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Keyboard You can define shortcut keys for frequently used commands. Shortcuts To define shortcut keys: 1. Above the ribbon tabs, click The Customize Quick Access Toolbar menu opens. Figure 5-90 Customize Quick Access Toolbar menu 2. Select More Commands. The Options dialog box opens (see Figure 5-86 on page 5-69). DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-72...
Page 106 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio 3. Click Customize. The Customize Keyboard dialog box appears. Figure 5-91 Customize Keyboard dialog box 4. Select command Categories to display all the commands in that category, for example, all the Model Settings commands. Current shortcut keys are displayed. 5. Enter the shortcut key in the Press new shortcut key field, and click Assign. 6. If you want to redefine all shortcut keys, click Reset All. DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-73...
Page 107: Setting User Preferences
Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Setting User You can change several Objet Studio settings that affect objects placed on the Preferences build tray. To change default settings: ➢ From the Objet Studio Commands menu , select User Preferences. Figure 5-92 Setting work preferences • Building Style—see "Surface Finish" on page 5-23. • Grid Style—see "Choosing the Support Strength" on page 5-63. • Application Settings: ❒ Lock Orientation—see "Freezing Model Orientation" on page 5-45. ❒ Hollow—see "Hollow"—Filling Models with Support Material on page 5-64. DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-74...
Page 108: Professional Mode Features
Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Professional Mode Features Some advanced features of Objet Studio are only accessible in Professional Mode. To see the current Objet Studio setting: ➢ Open the Tools menu. Figure 5-93 Tools menu, showing Professional Mode selected If Professional Mode is selected, advanced features are displayed. To change the Professional Mode setting: 1. From the Tools menu, select Professional Mode. The following message is displayed, reminding you that the change will only take effect the next time you open Objet Studio—even though the check mark next to the Professional Mode option appears immediately. Figure 5-94 Configuration-change message 2. Close and re-open Objet Studio to use the Professional Mode features. DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-75...
Page 109: Default Settings
Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Default You can control the default settings of several Objet Studio features from the Settings Advanced tab of the Options dialog box. To display the Options dialog box ➢ From the Tools menu, select Options. or— In the Objet Studio Commands menu , click Options. Figure 5-95 Options dialog box, Advanced tab The Advanced tab is only accessible when Professional Mode is active (see "Professional Mode Features" on the previous page). By default, when Objet Studio places objects on the build tray, it orients them Automatic optimally, for the shortest printing time. If necessary, you can choose to Orientation cancel automatic orientation each time you place an object on the build tray (see "Automatic Orientation" on page 5-30). In any case, when objects are on the build tray, you can change their orientation manually (see "Manual Positioning" on page 5-33.) To change the default setting so that Automatic Orientation is disabled: ➢ In the Advanced section of the Options dialog box, clear the check box. DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-76...
Page 110: Opengl Driver Configuration
Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Automatic Zoom When Auto Zoom is selected in the Advanced section of the Options dialog box, the display zooms in, to display the objects placed on the build tray. This allows you to carefully inspect and manipulate the objects. By default, this feature is not enabled. In any case, you can change the zoom level, as necessary (see "Zoom Options" on page 5-54). OpenGL Driver The OpenGL driver displays 3D graphics on your screen. There is normally no Configuration reason to adjust its settings. If you suspect a problem with the way Objet Studio displays objects, you can use the OpenGL Driver Configuration tool to check and configure the driver settings. To access the OpenGL Driver Configuration dialog box: 1. From the Tools menu, select Options. or— In the Objet Studio Commands menu , click Options. 2. In the Options dialog box, display the Troubleshooting tab. Figure 5-96 Access to OpenGL Driver configuration The Troubleshooting tab is only accessible when Professional Mode is active (see "Professional Mode Features" on page 5-75). DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-77...
Page 111 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio 3. Click OpenGL Driver Configuration. The dialog box that opens displays details of the pixel format ID (index) for the window and the memory. Figure 5-97 OpenGL Driver Configuration dialog box If you want to display the values and change them, click . Alternately, you can select Choose Format and change the values in this dialog box. To perform a test of the driver configuration and enter the suggested pixel format 1. Select Choose Format. 2. Click Test. Objet Studio returns the recommended pixel format ID. Figure 5-98 Recommended pixel format ID 3. Click OK. 4. In the OpenGL Driver Configuration dialog box (Figure 5-97), select Pixel Format ID and enter this number. 5. Click Apply. 6. Display the other pixel format tab, and repeat this procedure. DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-78...
Page 112: Getting Additional Objet Studio Assistance
Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Getting Additional Objet Studio Assistance Objet Studio Help provides on-screen instructions and information, as you work. To view Objet Studio Help: ➢ On the standard toolbar, click and then click Objet Studio Help. Figure 5-99 Help options You can also view information on the following subjects: ❒ Troubleshooting opens a list of error messages and their explanations. ❒ Check for Updates checks if you are using the latest Objet Studio version. Objet Studio Version, Material Module and Licensed Features You can view details of the Objet Studio version, the material module installed, and the features available with your license. To view details of your Objet Studio installation: ➢ On the standard toolbar, click ...
Page 113 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio About Objet The About Objet Studio tab shows the Objet Studio version number and basic Studio tab information about your computer. Figure 5-101 About Objet Studio tab The Materials Module tab shows details of the material module installed. Materials Module tab Figure 5-102 Materials Module tab • Module version If a Materials Module upgrade (patch) was installed, the new Materials Module version is displayed. If no patches were installed, the Module version is the same as the Objet Studio version. • Module date If a Materials Module upgrade (patch) was installed, the date of its creation is displayed. If no patches were installed, the Module date is the date of the Objet Studio version. • Module properties If a Materials Module upgrade (patch) was installed, its description is displayed. If no patches were installed, “Default” is displayed. DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-80...
Page 114 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Feature License The Feature License tab shows the Objet Studio features available with your tab license. Figure 5-103 Feature License tab Click to expand the details for each feature. • Modes shows the printing modes available. See "Printing Modes" on page 5-57. • Materials shows basic model materials available. • Digital Materials shows the digital materials available. • Mixed Tray shows if your license enables printing a build tray containing objects, using a different model material for each. DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-81...
Page 115: Monitoring And Managing Print Jobs
Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Monitoring and Managing Print Jobs In the Job Manager screen of Objet Studio, you monitor and manage jobs sent to the printer. There are a few differences between Objet Studio on client workstations and on the computer connected directly to the 3D printer—the server workstation. • Objet Studio installed on a client computer only displays the queue and status for jobs sent to the 3D printer server from that computer, and it allows the user to edit only these jobs. Note: If there are several PolyJet printers on the local network, client computers can connect to any of them, but only one at a time. • Objet Studio installed on the computer directly connected to a specific 3D printer (server), displays the queue and status for all jobs sent to that 3D printer by the server and by all client computers on the network. It also allows editing and manipulation of all jobs, and enables re-sending previously-printed jobs to the printer. If Objet Studio is not connected to a printer (or printer server), you can prepare tray files for any PolyJet printer. Later, these files can be used by Objet Studio on the appropriate printer server. DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-82...
Page 116 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Job Manager The Job Manager screen on the client and server workstations looks Screen identical. The only difference is that options only relevant to the server workstation are disabled for client installations. Figure 5-104 Job Manager screen The Job Manager screen is divided into panels: • "Jobs Queue" • "Printing Progress" • " H istory "...
Page 117 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Jobs Queue On the server, the Jobs Queue lists the last 15 jobs sent from client computers. On client workstations, the Jobs Queue lists jobs sent from that computer to the printer server. Information for each of the queued jobs is displayed, including the job status. Status Meaning Waiting Printing of this job has not started. Building Printing of this job is in progress. Stopped Printing of this job was interrupted. Printing can later be continued (Resume) or begun again (Restart). Error Errors occurred during the printing of this job, and it was placed in the Jobs Queue again. Editing This job is now being edited in Objet Studio . Spooling The job file is being spooled in the printer. Preprocessing The 3D printer is readying itself for printing: the cover locks, print heads warm up and are put in starting position, UV lamps are turned on, and the build tray level is adjusted.
Page 118: Setting The Printer Connection
Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Tray Preview The Tray Preview panel displays the build tray view of the job selected in the Job Queue or the History list. On a server, you can open an enlarged preview window by clicking on the Tray Preview display (see "Additional Server Features" on page 5-94). Waste If you move the mouse over the Waste display, the amount of waste in the container is displayed. Setting the When your printer is installed, the server computer is connected to that Printer printer. Normally, there should be no reason to change this connection. Connection Occasionally, however, you may need to reset the connection, to connect the server to another printer, or to use Objet Studio in off-line mode (without a printer connection). To set (or change) the printer connection: 1. On the Job Manager ribbon, in the 3D Printer group, click 2. In the Set Printer dialog box, click Connect. Figure 5-105 C onnecting to a printer (A) DOC-07027 Rev. E...
Page 119: Off-Line Mode
Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio 3. Enter the computer name or its IP address, or click Browse to find and select it. Figure 5-106 Connecting to a printer (B) 4. Click OK. When the connection is established, Objet Studio is configured to prepare print jobs for that printer. If you can see the material levels in the "Job Manager Screen" (see Figure 5-104 on page 5-83), Objet Studio is connected to the printer. Normally, there should be no reason to change the printer connection. Occasionally, however, you may need to reset the connection, to connect the server to another printer, or to use Objet Studio in off-line mode (without a printer connection). Note: A printer can be listed by its name or by its computer's I P address. Off-line Mode You can use Objet Studio to prepare trays for printing in off-line mode, on a remote computer or when the printer connection is not available. You also use off-line mode to prepare trays for printing with other printers. In this case, if Objet Studio is currently connected to a printer, you must change to off-line mode by removing this connection. DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-86...
Page 120 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio To disconnect Objet Studio from the printer: 1. On the Job Manager ribbon, in the 3D Printer group, click 2. In the Set Printer dialog box, click Connect (see Figure 5-105 on page 5- 85). Figure 5-107 Disconnecting Objet Studio from a printer (A) 3. In the Printer Connection dialog box, delete the computer name/IP address. Figure 5-108 Disconnecting Objet Studio from a printer (B) DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-87...
Page 121 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio 4. Click OK. “Unknown” appears in the printer-name field. 5. Click OK. 6. In the pop-up message, confirm that you want to work in off-line mode by clicking No. Figure 5-109 Off-line message When Objet Studio is in off-line mode, you can configure it for preparing print jobs for different printers. To change the Objet Studio off-line configuration: 1. In the Set Printer dialog box, select a printer type. Figure 5-110 Off-line printer selection 2. Click OK (not “Connect”). DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-88...
Page 122: Setting The Remote Printer Connection (Client Mode)
Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Setting the When you open Objet Studio for the first time in a client installation, you are Remote Printer prompted to connect to a server computer that sends jobs to a 3D printer. To Connection do this, the server computer must be operating and connected to the local (Client Mode) network. To set (or change) the connection to the server-computer: 1. On the Job Manager ribbon, in the 3D Printer group, click 2. Enter the name of the server computer or its IP address, or click Browse to find and select it. 3. Click OK. Figure 5-111 Printer Server Connection dialog box The Job Manager ribbon has three icon groups: Job Manager Commands ❒ 3D Printer ❒ Queue ❒ ...
Page 123 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio The following operations are available on the Job Manager ribbon: Group Icon Purpose 3D Client: Sets the server connection. See "Setting the Remote Printer Con- Printer nection (Client Mode)" on the previous page. Server: Sets the printer connection. See "Setting the Printer Connection" on page 5-85. Configures options for printer alerts. See "Configuring User Alerts" on page 5-92. Queue Server: Moves a job to the head of the Jobs Queue. Client: Disabled. See "Jobs Queue" on page 5-84. Server: Moves a job to a higher position in the Jobs Queue. Client: Disabled. See "Jobs Queue" on page 5-84 Server: Moves a job to the bottom of the Jobs Queue. Client: Disabled. See "Jobs Queue" on page 5-84. Server: Moves a job to a lower position in the Jobs Queue. Client: Disabled. See "Jobs Queue" on page 5-84.
Page 124 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio In addition to using ribbon command icons, you can use commands on context (pop-up) toolbars and from the Job menu on the standard toolbar. Figure 5-113 Icons on pop-up toolbar (server) Figure 5-114 Icons on pop-up toolbar (client workstation) Note: Most icons and menu commands are only enabled when a job is selected. When you position the cursor over an item, a tooltip displays the name of the command. Figure 5-115 Job menu options (server) DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-91...
Page 125: Configuring User Alerts
Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Configuring Objet Studio can alert you (and others) to the status of jobs sent to the server User Alerts for printing. This is especially useful during long printing jobs, when the operator is away from the printer. The following events can be reported: • The level of model or support material is low. • The job was interrupted. • The job was completed successfully. To send e-mail and SMS alerts, make sure that e-mail software supporting MAPI is installed on the server computer. To send SMS alerts, the cellular phone service must support the transmission of e-mail messages by SMS. Only the subject line of the e-mail message is transmitted by SMS. To configure Objet Studio to send notifications and alerts: 1. On the Job Manager ribbon, in the 3D Printer group, click Figure 5-116 Notifications dialog box (server) DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-92...
Page 126: Printing From The Jobs Queue
Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Figure 5-117 Notifications dialog box (client workstation) 2. Set the desired reporting options. 3. Click Details. Figure 5-118 Event selection for alerts 4. In the Reports Events dialog box, select the alert events and click OK. 5. In the Notifications dialog box, click OK. If there is a job in the Jobs Queue, it is sent automatically to the Stratasys Printing from PolyJet printer—as long as it is on, there is a connection to the printer, and the Jobs the printer is on line. Queue Chapter 6 describes starting and operating the printer. DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-93...
Page 127: Additional Server Features
Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Additional Objet Studio on the printer server includes the following additional features: Server • "Extended Tray Preview" Features • "Editing Jobs" • "Restarting Jobs" • "Resuming Jobs" • "Scheduling Jobs" • "Exporting Jobs (objzf)" • "Modifying the Job Manager Screen" These features are described on the following pages. Extended Tray Preview In this window, you can view the tray from different angles and magnifications without leaving the Job Manager screen. In addition to displaying the selected job in the Tray Preview pane, you can open an enlarged build tray window. To display the build tray window: 1. Select a job in the Jobs Queue or the History list. 2. Click the Tray Preview pane. Figure 5-119 Job Preview ❒ To change the tray magnification, turn the mouse wheel. ❒ To view the tray from a different perspective, click the relevant icon. ❒ To resize the window, drag its edge or corners.
Page 128 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio 3. Select Exclude from Build. Figure 5-120 Excluding a model from the build 4. Click Yes to confirm. On server computers, you can use Tray Preview to dynamically display objects as they are printed, layer by layer. This enables you to visually monitor printing progress on the computer screen. To display printing progress in the Tray Preview pane: ➢ From the Job menu, select Show 3dProgress. This option uses additional system resources. Editing Jobs You can open jobs in the Jobs Queue for editing. To edit a job: 1. Select the job. 2. Click the Edit icon The Tray Settings screen opens, displaying the build tray. The status of the job in the Job Manager screen changes to “Editing.” 3. Edit the job. 4. On the Tray Settings ribbon, click The status of the job in the Job Manager screen changes back to ...
Page 129 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Restarting Jobs You can restart jobs from the Jobs Queue and the History list. To restart a job: 1. Select the job. 2. Click the Restart icon The job status changes to “Waiting” (in the Jobs Queue). Resuming Jobs If the printing process is stopped or interrupted, you may be able to continue printing the job from the point where printing stopped. When resuming a print job, the printer tray does not move. The printer expects Objet Studio to send the slice from where the stoppage or failure occurred. To resume a job: 1. Select the job. 2. Click DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-96...
Page 130 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Scheduling Jobs You can schedule jobs to be printed at a future time. For example, you can configure Objet Studio to start long printing jobs in the late evening and early morning hours. To schedule a job: 1. Select a job in the Jobs Queue, and click on the pop-up toolbar. 2. In the Scheduler dialog box, set the Start Date and Start Time for the job. Click on the Start Date arrow to open a calendar. Figure 5-121 Scheduler with calendar displayed 3. Click OK. Exporting Jobs (objzf) You can save print jobs as compressed files. For an explanation of objzf files, see "Saving and Importing Build Trays" on page 5-67. To export a print job: 1. Select a job. 2. On the pop-up toolbar, click 3. In the Save As dialog box, select a folder. 4. Click Save. DOC-07027 Rev. E...
Page 131 Objet500 User Guide 5 Using Objet Studio Modifying the Job Manager Screen You can change the size of the sections of the Job Manager screen, by dragging the panel edges. This applies to: • the Jobs Queue panel • the Time panel • the History panel Similarly, you can change the way the screen area is divided between the main section (Jobs Queue/Time/History) and the panels on the right side of the screen. You can collapse (hide) the right panels (Available Resources/Material Consumption/Tray View) by clicking the top of the panel. • Click again to display the panel. DOC-07027 Rev. E 5-98...
Page 132 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer Starting the P rinter Loading Model and Support Cartridges Producing Models Preparing the Printer Printer Interface Color Key Printing Indicators Resuming Production After Printing has Stopped 6-10 Changing the Printing Material 6-12 Additional Steps for Printing With Bio-Compatible Materials 6-16 Advanced Settings 6-16 Keeping the Printer in Idle Mode 6-19 Shutting Down the Printer 6-20 Shutdown Wizard 6-21 Maintaining the Printer 6-23 Routine Maintenance Schedule 6-23 Maintenance Counters 6-24 UV Lamp Check 6-26 Cleaning the Print Heads and the Roller 6-26 Cleaning and Replacing the Wiper 6-29 Pattern Test...
Page 133 Testing and Calibrating the UV Lamps 6-61 Calibrating the Load Cells 6-68 Replacing the Odor Filter 6-69 Replacing the UV Lamps 6-70 Built-in Tests 6-76 Replacing the Waste Container 6-83 Cleaning the Exterior Panels 6-85 DOC-07027 Rev. E...
Page 134: Starting The Printer
Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer Figure 6-1 The Objet500 3D Printer Starting the Printer Caution Do not attempt to operate the printer before being trained by a Stratasys Customer Support representative. Observe all safety warnings and follow the safety guidelines described in Chapter 2. 1. Turn on the main power switch, located at the back of the printer. Figure 6-2 Main power switch and cable DOC-07027 Rev. E...
Page 135 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer 2. After the printer-control computer boots, log in to Windows and launch the printer-control program: ❒ On the printer-computer desktop, double-click the Objet500 printer icon. or— ❒ From the Start menu, select (All) Programs > Objet > Objet500. A HASP plug containing a valid product activation key is required on the printer computer. This is installed at the factory or during printer upgrade. If the application does not open and a HASP message appears, contact your dealer or Stratasys Customer Support. All monitoring and controlling of the printer is done from this interface. Figure 6-3 Objet500 interface Objet500 installations use one monitor for displaying both the computer running Objet Studio and the computer installed inside the printer. Make sure that the KVM (keyboard-video-mouse) switch is in the correct position so that the printer interface is displayed. DOC-07027 Rev. E...
Page 136: Loading Model And Support Cartridges
Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer Loading Model and Support Cartridges Objet500 printers use up to six cartridges of Model material and two cartridges of Support material, each weighing 3.6 kilograms when full. The material cabinet contains cartridges of printing material. For this purpose, an RFID module is built into the cabinet. Tampering with this module will render the printer inoperable and may void Stratasys warranties and service contracts. Important: If you need to replace the Model material currently installed with another type, see "Changing the Printing Material" on page 6-12. Otherwise, make sure to replace the Model cartridge with one containing the same type of ...
Page 137: Producing Models
Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer Producing Models The Objet500 printer produces models after they are arranged on a virtual build tray i n the Objet Studio application and sent to the printer from there. For information about preparing model files for printing, see "Using Objet Studio" in this user guide or Objet Studio Help. Preparing the Printer Before beginning to produce models, it is recommended that you check the current printing quality of the print heads by performing a pattern test (see "Pattern Test" on page 6-32). To prepare the printer for producing models: 1. Make sure that the build tray in the printer is empty and clean. If not, remove cured material with the scraper, and clean the tray thoroughly with a wet cleaning cloth. Caution Use protective gloves when cleaning the build tray, and be careful of the sharp edges of the scraper blade. 2. Make sure that there is sufficient Model and Support material loaded, as indicated on the printer interface (see Figure 6-3 on page 6-4). You may want to replace the cartridges of Model and Support material currently loaded in the printer to avoid the need for replacing them during printing. For installing material cartridges and replacing empty ones, see "Loading ...
Page 138 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer On the printer interface, the printer mode changes from Idle to Pre-print, as the printer’s components prepare themselves for production: • The print block is heated. • The UV lamps are powered and they warm up. When printing begins, Objet Studio sends seven slices to the printer-control application. This is the standard buffer between Objet Studio and the printer. As each slice is printed, another slice is sent to the printer. Depending on the size of the model(s) to be produced, printing can take between several hours to several days. As long as there is enough Model and Support material in the supply cartridges, printing proceeds automatically until the job is finished. During printing, the server computer must remain on and it must communicate with the Objet500 printer. Do not log-off Windows until printing is finished. The Objet500 printer uses one, two or three Model-material cartridges and one Support-material cartridge to produce models. If additional cartridges are installed and they are not needed for the current print job, the printer interface indicates which are being used: • Blue cartridge—used for the print job • Gray cartridge—not used for the print job You can monitor printer status indicators by switching the printer interface display. To do this, click the display toggle button on the printer interface screen. Figure 6-4 Printer indicators DOC-07027 Rev. E...
Page 139: Printer Interface Color Key
Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer Printer The background colors in the printer indicator fields tell you at a glance Interface whether or not the value or item is suitable or ready for printing. Color Key • Green—suitable/ready for printing For example, in Figure 6-4 on the previous page: ❒ Heads (°C)—The heads have reached the temperature required for printing models. ❒ Ambient—The ambient temperature of the printing chamber is within the acceptable range. ❒ Heads Liquid—The level of Model and Support material in the print-block reservoir is OK. ❒ Heads Vacuum—The vacuum level in the system is within the acceptable range. ❒ Pre-Heater—The Model and Support resins need to be heated before being supplied to the print block. The temperature has reached the acceptable range. • Red—not suitable for printing (or indicates a warning) For example, in Figure 6-4 on the previous page: ❒ Waste—The weight of the waste container is 9000 grams, more than ...
Page 140: Printing Indicators
Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer Printing The printer interface screen changes when you send a print job to the printer Indicators (from Objet Studio), if the printer is on line: • The mode changes from Pre-print to Printing. • The specific activity being performed is shown in the “current activity” field. • Current job-printing information is displayed. • The printing progress bar is displayed. • The Stop and Pause buttons are enabled. When the weight of a cartridge drops below 100 grams, the display of the material level in the printer interface is red. Figure 6-5 P rinter interface during printing DOC-07027 Rev. E...
Page 141: Resuming Production After Printing Has Stopped
Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer Resuming Production After Printing has Stopped If the printing process is interrupted, Job Manager stops sending slices to the printer. This can happen, for example, if the printing material runs out in the middle of a print job, and you do not replace the empty cartridge immediately. After the printer changes to Standby or Idle mode, you need to resume printing from the Job Manager screen of Objet Studio. After printing stops, the printer goes into Standby mode, when heating of the print heads is reduced. About 10 hours later, the printer goes into Idle mode, when heating of the print heads is stopped. To continue printing the model: 1. If the printer is in offline mode, switch it to online mode by clicking the red button at the bottom of the printer interface (see Figure 6-3 on page 6-4). The button changes from red to green (see Figure 6-3 on page 6-4). 2. If you don’t know why printing has stopped, make sure that the connection between the printer and the server computer is active. 3. In the Job Manager screen of Objet Studio, click the Resume icon 4. In the Continue from Slice dialog box that appears, confirm the slice ...
Page 142 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer 5. If, for any reason, the correct number does not appear in the dialog box, enter the number and click OK. You cannot continue printing the model if: • The number of the last slice printed does not appear in the printer interface, even if the server computer displays the Continue from Slice confirmation dialog box. • There was a relatively long interruption in printing, even if the “last slice” and “continue from slice” indicators are correct. The part of the model already printed may deform or shrink, and there might be a visible difference between it and the newly printed part. The effects of a printing stoppage on a model depend on the model size and structure, Model material used, ambient temperature and the length of the stoppage. If you cannot continue printing: 1. Cancel the print job in the Job Manager screen. 2. Remove the partially printed model from the build tray. 3. Restart the job from the Job Manager screen (in Objet Studio). You can stop and later resume printing from either the printer interface or from the Job Manager screen of Objet Studio. After clicking the Stop button on the printer interface, you can resume printing only from the Job Manager screen. However, after clicking the Pause button in the printer interface, you can only resume printing from the printer interface.
Page 143: Changing The Printing Material
Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer Changing the Printing Material Before producing models using a different type of printing material than is currently installed, run the Material Replacement wizard to flush the print block and feed tubes. You should carefully plan printing models with different Model materials to avoid unnecessary waste of the materials currently loaded. The amount of material flushed depends on the flushing cycle chosen and if you are replacing one or more Model cartridges. The Material Replacement wizard suggests the best slot locations for placing different material cartridges, based on the materials currently in the system. This ensures minimum flushing of materials currently loaded. To replace the printing material with the wizard: 1. Start the Material Replacement wizard from the Options menu. Figure 6-8 Starting the Material Replacement wizard 2. In the opening screen, click Next. 3. If the printer cover is not closed, a screen appears, prompting you to close the cover. Confirm that it is closed and click Next. DOC-07027 Rev. E 6-12...
Page 144 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer Figure 6-9 Material Replacement Options In the Material Replacement Options screen, you select the settings that determine how the wizard replaces material currently in the system with newly loaded material. 4. Choose whether you want to produce models in Single Material mode or in Digital Material ( “multiple-materials”) mode. Single Material mode Four print heads are used to print, using one Model material. ❒ This mode is required to produce build trays with the High Quality setting, and to produce trays with the High Speed setting, using only one Model material. Digital Material mode Each of the Model materials loaded is used in two of the print heads. ❒ If only one of the Model materials is required for printing, models are produced using two print heads. This makes it unnecessary to replace ...
Page 145 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer There are additional settings that you can select for special purposes (see "Advanced Settings"). If necessary, click Advanced Settings before clicking Next. ❒ Economy. This cycle can be used when replacing a light-colored Model material with a darker material (such as TangoBlack™ or VeroBlack™) or if the exact color of the printed models is unimportant. Use this cycle when replacing cleaning fluid with any Model material. The wizard flushes the system with the minimum amount of material needed to ensure that models have the mechanical properties of the new material. ❒ Full. Use this cycle when the printed models must have the exact color of the new material. The wizard thoroughly flushes o f the feed tubes and print heads needed for printing, based on your selections in the previous screens. 9. Click Next to begin the material replacement process in the printer. The Cartridge positioning screen appears, showing you the new location of all cartridges in the material cabinet. Figure 6-10 Cartridges placement Symbols: The correct cartridge is in this slot. No cartridge (or the incorrect cartridge) is in this slot. The cartridge in this slot has insufficient weight to complete the material ...
Page 146 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer If you continue, you must complete the material replacement process before you can produce models. To replace material cartridges at another time, click Cancel. If you continue (by clicking OK) and you do not complete the process, you will need to run the wizard again before producing models. Figure 6-11 Final wizard screen 13. Click Done to close the wizard. The printer-control application is automatically updated, and the interface displays the new material(s). Objet Studio (on the server computer) is also updated and displays the new material(s). 14. Inspect the area around the purge unit and clean it, if necessary. Caution Dispose of all material cartridges in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. If necessary, the cartridges can be disassembled for recycling. If this is done, protect the person handling the cartridges from direct exposure to uncured resins. After changing the type of Support material (SUP705/706), run the Head Optimization wizard. See "Optimizing (Calibrating) Print Heads" on page 6-43. DOC-07027 Rev. E 6-15...
Page 147: Advanced Settings
Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer Additional To ensure the bio-compatibility of printed parts when changing from Steps for standard materials to bio-compatible materials, make sure to run the Material Printing With Replacement wizard as follows: Bio- • If s tandard materials were loaded in the M1 and/or M2 cartridge slots, and Compatible you used High Speed or High Quality mode, run the Material Replacement Materials wizard on the relevant cartridge slots. • If standard materials were loaded in the M1 and/or M2 cartridge slots, and you used D igital Material mode, run the Material Replacement wizard on both the M1 and M2 cartridge slots. Note: If you are loading the same bio-compatible material into the M1 and M2 cartridge slots, you will need to manually select the slot before running the Material Replacement wizard (see "Positioning" below). Loading bio-compatible material in the M3 cartridge slot does not require additional replacement steps. Advanced The Advanced Settings dialog box enables you to configure the Material ...
Page 148 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer To select the slots for the cartridges manually: 1. In the Material Replacement Options screen, click Advanced Settings. 2. In the Advanced Settings screen, select Manual slot selection, and click Apply. Figure 6-13 Manual slot selection 3. In the Material Replacement Options screen, select or clear the Both cartridges check box for each slot, as required. Figure 6-14 Material Replacement Options (Advanced) 4. When a check box is cleared, a dropdown menu appears. Select L (left) or R (right) to change the cartridge on the left or the right side only in that location. DOC-07027 Rev. E 6-17...
Page 149 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer After clicking Apply, the Material Replacement Options screen appears, but now, each material selection box corresponds to one of the cartridge levels in the material cabinet. Figure 6-15 Manual cartridge placement If you regularly use a certain material for printing models in single material M aterial for mode, and if this material is currently loaded in the printer, you can select it Single Material from the drop-down menu. The wizard will take this into account when mode ...
Page 150: Keeping The Printer In Idle Mode
Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer Keeping the Printer in Idle Mode Between printing jobs, the Objet500 printer can be left unused for up to one week. If the printer will not be used for more than a week, use the Shutdown wizard to automatically perform the procedures that must be done before turning off the printer (see "Shutting Down the Printer" on the next page, below). When the printer stops producing models, the printer software automatically reduces the temperature of the print heads as follows: After printing stops Mode Change in heating of print heads first 15 minutes Standby 1 no change next 10 hours Standby 2 heating reduced (to room temp.) after Standby 2 Idle heating stopped...
Page 151: Shutting Down The Printer
Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer Shutting Down the Printer You only need to shut down the Objet500 printer if it will not be used for a week or more. Otherwise, the printer can remain on, in Idle mode. The Shutdown process flushes printing materials from printer components. To avoid flushing out valuable material, make sure to print models at least once a week. Many printer operators use this opportunity to print customer samples or test models. To properly shut down, the printer needs to perform several processes. These are controlled by the Shutdown wizard. Do not attempt to shut down the printer by simply closing the computer interface (the printer- control application), and never disconnect power to the printer before completing this wizard.
Page 152: Shutdown Wizard
Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer Shutdown To run the Shutdown wizard: Wizard 1. Start the Shutdown wizard from the Options menu. Figure 6-16 Shutdown wizard, opening screen 2. Click Next. 3. Select the option corresponding to the length of time that the printer will not be used—less or more than ten days. Note: Before selecting More than 10 days, make sure that cleaning-fluid cartridges are available. Figure 6-17 Shutdown options DOC-07027 Rev. E 6-21...
Page 153 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer 4. In the next screen, verify that the tray is empty and click Next. The shutdown procedure begins. Figure 6-18 Shutdown progress screen Figure 6-19 Final Shutdown wizard screen 5. After the printer computer shuts down, turn off the main power switch at the back of the printer ( see Figure 6-2 on page 6-3). DOC-07027 Rev. E 6-22...
Page 154: Maintaining The Printer
Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer Maintaining the Printer Performing routine maintenance tasks is essential for getting satisfactory results from Objet500 3D printers. Perform the tasks at specified intervals. Routine Frequency Task For More Information Maintenance Before printing Clean the UV lamp lenses Schedule Before / after printing Check the UV lamp See "UV Lamp Check " overheating indicator.
Page 155: Maintenance Counters
Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer Maintenance The printer computer application records the dates and frequency for each Counters maintenance task. You can display the Maintenance Counters screen from the Options menu. Figure 6-20 Selecting Maintenance Counters If there is a maintenance task due, this is indicated on the main interface screen. Figure 6-21 Maintenance Required indicator If this indicator appears, you can display the Maintenance Counters screen by clicking on it. The Maintenance Required indicator appears by default for most operator-performed maintenance tasks. The check box under “User Warning” controls whether or not it appears when a particular task is due. DOC-07027 Rev. E 6-24...
Page 156 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer Figure 6-22 Maintenance Counters screen For maintenance tasks that are controlled by wizards, the dates and printing times are reset automatically when the relevant wizard is run and completed successfully. Manual maintenance tasks (for example, roller inspection and wiper replacement) are reset by clicking the reset button in the screen. DOC-07027 Rev. E 6-25...
Page 157 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer UV Lamp A heat-sensitive label is fixed to the UV lamp covers as a warning against Check overheating. Its center changes from white to black if the temperature of the cover reaches 65°C (150°F). If this occurs, do not use the printer, and call your service provider. As a precaution, it is recommended that you check the label before and after printing. Figure 6-23 Heat-sensitive label on UV lamp cover If the UV lamp continues to overheat, and the temperature around the lamp reaches 90°C (194°F), a heat fuse turns off the electricity to the power to the UV lamp and the motors for the X, Y, and Z axes. In the unlikely event that this occurs, the printer cannot be used until it is serviced by an authorized service engineer. Cleaning the Periodic inspection and cleaning of the orifice plates on the bottom of the Print Heads print block ensures that the print nozzles are not clogged. A wizard guides and the Roller you through the procedure, and adjusts components of the printer to enable you to perform it. This procedure takes about 20 minutes, and should be done at the beginning of the work day or before a big printing job. To clean the print heads and the roller: 1. Prepare— ❒ isopropanol (IPA—isopropyl alcohol) or ethanol (ethyl alcohol) ❒ ...
Page 158 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer 3. Follow the instructions on the wizard screens, and select the confirmation check boxes. Figure 6-24 Head cleaning procedure—wizard screen 4. Click Next. The printer prepares for you to clean the print heads. 5. When the following screen appears, open the cover. Figure 6-25 Head cleaning wizard—steps 5–11 Warning: Hot Surface The print head orifice plates (bottom surface) may be hot. Do not touch them with your bare hands, and proceed with caution. 6. Place the mirror on the build tray. 7. Put on the gloves. Caution Uncured printing material on the print heads might cause skin irritation. Use disposable cleaning gloves to protect your hands. 8. Soak the cleaning cloth with alcohol. DOC-07027 Rev. E 6-27...
Page 159 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer 9. Clean the orifice plates, with a back-and-forth motion (see Figure 6-26). Use the mirror to make sure that you have removed all of the residue material. Figure 6-26 C leaning the heads 10. Clean the entire roller surface, by rotating it as you clean. Use this opportunity to clean the glass lens on the UV lamps. 11. W hen you have finished cleaning, select the confirmation check box in ...
Page 160: Cleaning And Replacing The Wiper
Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer Cleaning and A rubber wiper removes excess material from the print heads after the purge Replacing the sequence. This is done automatically before each print job, and performed Wiper manually during maintenance tasks. You should clean the wiper and surrounding area at least once a week. If the wiper is damaged or worn, replace it. To inspect and clean the wiper: 1. Prepare— ❒ isopropanol (IPA—isopropyl alcohol) or ethanol (ethyl alcohol) ❒ disposable cleaning gloves ❒ a supplied cleaning cloth or equivalent ❒ a spare wiper 2. Start the Wiper Cleaning wizard from the Options menu. Figure 6-28 Starting the Wiper Cleaning wizard 3. In the opening wizard screen, click Next. DOC-07027 Rev. E 6-29...
Page 161 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer 4. Make sure that the build tray is empty, and close the printer cover. Confirm this in the wizard screen and click Next. Figure 6-29 Wiper Cleaning —step 4 5. When the following screen appears, open the cover. Figure 6-30 W iper Cleaning wizard during steps 6–10 6. Put on the cleaning gloves. 7. Using a generous amount of alcohol on the cleaning cloth, remove any material remaining on the wiper and the surrounding area. DOC-07027 Rev. E...
Page 162 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer 8. Remove any pieces of waste material collected in the purge unit. If necessary, remove the waste collector to clean it. Wipe the rubber seal. Figure 6-31 Purge unit waste collector Note: When returning the waste collector to the purge unit, make sure to insert it as shown. 9. Inspect the wiper. If the wiper is scratched, torn or worn, or if you cannot clean it completely, replace it. a. Grasp it and pull it up and out of its bracket. b. Insert the new wiper blade, making sure that it is straight and secured well on both sides. 10. In the wizard screen (see Figure 6-30), confirm that the wiper blade is clean, and click Next. 11. Remove all tools and cleaning materials from the printer, and close the cover.
Page 163: Pattern Test
Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer Pattern Test The pattern test is the basic verification of the printer’s ability to produce quality models, since it demonstrates the condition of the nozzles in the print heads. Make sure, therefore, that you perform this test weekly, and whenever you suspect a printing problem. To perform the pattern test: 1. Make sure that the build tray is empty. 2. Prepare a sheet of pink paper—A-4 or Letter size. 3. In the printer, tape the pink paper to the surface left of the build tray. 4. Press F3, or open the Options menu and select Pattern Test. Figure 6-33 Pattern Test confirmation 5. If the build tray is not clear, click No in the following dialog box. This lowers the build tray, so that models on the tray are not damaged. Figure 6-34 Build tray (Z) level adjustment DOC-07027 Rev. E 6-32...
Page 164: Improving Print Quality
Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer The printer prints a series of lines on the test paper (see next figure). Figure 6-35 Sample Pattern Test 6. Carefully inspect the test paper to see if there are missing lines. Too many missing lines, especially if they are in the same area, indicates that the quality of printing when producing models will be poor. If this is the case, see "Improving Print Quality" below. Note: Acceptable model quality is subjective, and depends on the type and scale (size) of the models produced. As a rule, however, more than 10 missing lines in one area of a column is considered unacceptable. Improving If you suspect that print quality is poor, perform the pattern test (see "Pattern Print Quality Test" on page 6-32). If the results are poor, use the following procedure to improve print quality. If the results of the last pattern test are poor: 1. From the Options menu, select Purge Sequence, or press F4. 2. In the confirmation dialog box, click Yes. The print heads are purged of Model and Support material, and the wiper removes excess material from them. 3. Repeat the purge sequence. 4. Perform the pattern test. If the results of the pattern test are still poor: 1. Manually clean the print heads (see "Cleaning the Print Heads and the ...
Page 165: Scraper
Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer 3. Perform the pattern test. If the results of the pattern test are still poor: ➢ Optimize the print heads and replace faulty print heads, if necessary (see "Optimizing (Calibrating) Print Heads"). The roller waste collector removes waste material scraped from the roller. Cleaning the Suction removes this waste to the printer’s waste container. Roller Waste Collector and This assembly should be cleaned weekly to prevent a blockage in the tubes Inspecting the leading to the waste container, so that waste material does not overflow into Roller Scraper the printer. To clean the roller waste collector: 1. Prepare— ❒ M2.5 and M2 Hex (Allen) keys ❒ disposable cleaning gloves ❒ isopropanol (IPA—isopropyl alcohol) or ethanol (ethyl alcohol) ❒ ...
Page 166 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer 4. Loosen the two screws securing the suction tube on the print block. Figure 6-37 Lifting the suction tube 5. Lift the suction tube to secure it in a raised position. 6. Remove the two screws securing the covering of the roller waste collector and remove it. Be very careful to save the covering screws. These are special screws; if they are lost, you need to order replacements. Figure 6-38 Removing the roller waste collector covering 7. Remove the covering by pulling it out, and then lower it. DOC-07027 Rev. E 6-35...
Page 167 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer 8. Clean the roller waste collector and the scraper blade surface using cotton swabs. Make sure to remove any remaining printing materials. Figure 6-39 Cleaning the roller waste collector Before replacing the covering, you can check the effectiveness of the roller scraper—see below. To check the effectiveness of the roller scraper: 1. Put on the cleaning gloves. 2. Wet a cloth with isopropanol. 3. Use the cloth to wet the bottom of the roller. 4. Turn the roller slowly with your hand. As the blade scrapes the roller, make sure the isopropanol is spread evenly over the entire length of the blade. 5. Inspect the roller. If it is not dry, replace the blade. (See "Replacing the Roller Scraper" on the next page.) 6. Before returning the roller waste collector to the print block, make sure that the pins are clean. Figure 6-40 Roller waste collector pins To re-assemble the components: 1. Return the roller waste collector to the print block and screw on the covering (see Figure 6-38 on the previous page). DOC-07027 Rev. E...
Page 168 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer 2. Loosen the screws securing the suction tube. Figure 6-41 Suction tube correctly positioned 3. Lower the suction tube so that the hole in the panel behind the tube is visible, and tighten the screws to secure the tube. 4. Attach the right-UV-lamp assembly to the print block and reconnect the UV power and fan cables. You should replace the roller scraper blade— Replacing the Roller Scraper • after 1,000 hours of printing. • if it does not effectively keep the roller clean. You should periodically test the effectiveness of the roller scraper when you clean the roller waste collector. See "Cleaning the Roller Waste Collector and Inspecting the Roller Scraper" on page 6-34. To replace the roller scraper: 1. Prepare— ❒ a new roller scraper blade (KIT-01026-S) ❒ a Phillips 1x75 mm screwdriver ❒ M2.5 and M2 Hex (Allen) keys 2. Remove the right UV lamp and the roller waste collector covering (see ...
Page 169 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer 4. Remove the screws that secure the roller scraper assembly. Figure 6-43 Removing the roller scraper screws 5. Remove the scraper blade and discard it. Figure 6-44 Removing the old roller scraper blade 6. Place the new scraper blade onto the pins in the holder, as shown. Figure 6-45 Inserting the new roller scraper blade DOC-07027 Rev. E 6-38...
Page 170 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer 7. Insert and tighten the roller scraper blade screws. Important: Tighten the screws in the order shown in Figure 6-46. Use the new screws supplied in the replacement kit Figure 6-46 Tightening the roller scraper screws 8. After tightening the screws, inspect the blade and make sure that it is straight. If necessary, loosen the screws and tighten them again, evenly. 9. Return the roller waste collector assembly and the right UV lamp to the print block. (See steps 4 to 6 on page 6-34 in "Cleaning the Roller Waste Collector and Inspecting the Roller Scraper".) Aligning the You should check the alignment of the print heads— Print Heads • once a month • after replacing one or more heads • if model quality is not acceptable even after cleaning the orifice plate on the bottom of the print block (see "Cleaning the Print Heads and the Roller" on page 6-26). This procedure takes about 20 minutes. To check the alignment of the print heads: 1. Prepare— ❒ a transparency sheet—A-4 or Letter size ❒ ...
Page 171 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer 5. When instructed to do so, place the transparency on the build tray— next to the left and rear edges of the tray, as shown in the following figure. Figure 6-47 Positioning the transparency on the build tray 6. Make sure that the transparency sheet is lying flat, and tape it to the tray. 7. In the wizard screen, select the check box to confirm that the transparency sheet is on the build tray, and click Next. The printer prints the head alignment test on the transparency. 8. When the following screen appears, remove the transparency. Figure 6-48 Head Alignment wizard—steps 8–10 The transparency sheet is printed with sets of vertical lines in seven columns, each showing the results from a different print head. Figure 6-49 Sample head-alignment test Note: There is no column for head H7 because its alignment is used as a reference for aligning all other heads. DOC-07027 Rev. E 6-40...
Page 172 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer 9. For each column of lines, use a magnifying glass or loupe to inspect pairs of consecutive rows printed on the transparency to see where the vertical lines align. Figure 6-50 Comparing rows of alignment lines Note: It does not matter which pair of lines you inspect, since they were all printed by the same head. Choose a pair of clearly printed lines for the inspection. (Since some nozzles may not print clearly, you may have to inspect several pairs of lines to properly view the alignment.) Optimum head alignment is shown when the fourth lines in the upper and lower rows are aligned, as in Figure 6-50. In the example shown, no change to the head alignment is necessary. If other lines in the set are aligned, you need to change the alignment of that head—in the next wizard screens. 10. In the wizard screen shown in Figure 6-48, select the Transparency removed check box, and click Next. The first in a series of alignment screens appears. Figure 6-51 Head alignment screen 11. In the head-alignment screen, select the number that indicates which lines align in the upper and lower rows of a pair on the transparency (counting from the left) for this print head. Note: Because the alignment of the fourth lines is optimum, the number “4” is selected, by default, in the wizard screen. This does not change the head alignment. If you select other numbers, the wizard adjusts the head alignment, accordingly. DOC-07027 Rev. E 6-41...
Page 173 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer 12. Click Next to display the next head alignment screen, and again select the number representing the most closely aligned vertical lines on the transparency for that print head. When you have finished aligning all of the heads, the following screen is displayed. Figure 6-52 Parameter update confirmation 13. Continue as follows: ❒ To make the alignment changes in the printer, make sure that Update system with new parameters is selected, and click Next. ❒ To recheck the alignment test results before making the alignment changes in the printer, click Previous. ❒ If you do not want to make alignment changes in the printer at this time, select Keep previous parameters and click Next. 14. In the following screen, you can choose to either repeat the head alignment procedure or close the wizard. ❒ If the most closely aligned vertical lines for a print head were at either extreme, choose Yes to run the Head Alignment wizard again, then click Next. The transparency test will show if the heads are now properly aligned, and—if not—the wizard will allow you to “fine tune” the alignment.
Page 174: Optimizing (Calibrating) Print Heads
Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer Optimizing The condition of the print heads directly affects the quality of printed models. (Calibrating) To maintain optimum printing, you should routinely test the print heads, and Print Heads calibrate them to the best working configuration possible by running the Head Optimization wizard every 300 hours of printing. During this procedure, you place a scale on the build tray and connect it to the printer. Printing material (resin) is jetted from each head and its weight is automatically recorded and the wizard determines how to optimize the print heads. If, during the optimization process, the wizard determines that a print head is faulty—or that it is negatively affecting layer uniformity with the current head configuration—the wizard instructs you to replace it. If this happens, you can continue the wizard to replace the print head, or abort the wizard, to replace the head at another time. Run the Head Optimization wizard whenever the condition of print heads is negatively affecting the quality of printed models, or if you suspect that there is a problem with one or more of the print heads. Note: Allow at least 40-50 minutes per mode f or performing this procedure (not including time required for replacing faulty print heads). To accurately test and calibrate print heads, they must be clean. If necessary, run the Head Cleaning wizard before beginning this procedure. To test and calibrate the print heads: 1. Prepare—...
Page 175 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer 3. Start the Head Optimization wizard from the Options menu. Figure 6-54 Starting the Head Optimization wizard 4. In the opening wizard screen, click Next to begin. The Wizard Conditions screen appears. 5. Read the conditions, select I Agree and click Next. 6. In the following screen, select Continue with Head optimization if you have recently cleaned the print heads. Otherwise, cancel the wizard and run the Head Cleaning wizard. Figure 6-55 Clean print heads screen DOC-07027 Rev. E 6-44...
Page 176 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer 7. In the following screen, make sure Optimize all print heads is selected, and click Next. Figure 6-56 Procedure selection screen 8. Select the printing mode for which you want to optimize the print heads and click Next. Figure 6-57 Printing mode selection If your printer is set to print in Single material mode, only the High Speed and High Quality options are enabled. If your printer is set to print in Digital Material mode, only the Digital Material opiton is enabled. DOC-07027 Rev. E 6-45...
Page 177 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer 9. When the following screen appears, tape a sheet of pink paper to the surface left of the build tray, close the cover and click Next. Figure 6-58 Preparations confirmation The printer prints a frame on the build tray and then prints the Pattern Test. 10. When the Pattern Test is printed, carefully inspect it, using the Missing Nozzles Ruler to see if there are missing lines. Figure 6-59 Inspecting the Pattern Test Each missing line represents a faulty nozzle in the print head. 11. In the following wizard screen, enter the number of missing nozzles for each print head and click Next. Figure 6-60 Enter Missing Nozzles screen DOC-07027 Rev. E 6-46...
Page 178 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer 12. The wizard continues according to the number of missing nozzles you entered. ❒ If there are too many missing nozzles for acceptable printing, the wizard instructs you to replace the defective print head(s). You can do this now, or abort the wizard. If you are prepared to replace print heads now, the wizard guides you through the procedure when you click Next. Make sure you have replacement heads and the required tools (see "Replacing Print Heads" on page 6-50). Continue with "Preparing the Print Block" on page 6- Figure 6-61 Head replacement due to missing nozzles ❒ If the number of missing nozzles in all print heads is acceptable, the wizard continues with the head optimization process (below). 13. Set up the scale in the printer by performing the steps listed in the wizard screen. Figure 6-62 Setting up the Head Optimization scale DOC-07027 Rev. E 6-47...
Page 179 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer 14. After confirming all of the items listed in the wizard screen, click Next. Printing material (resin) is jetted from each head and its weight is automatically recorded. This process is repeated for each printing mode, after which the following screen appears. Figure 6-63 Emptying the resin container 15. Carefully remove the resin container from the scale and empty it into the purge unit in the printer. Then return the container to the scale. Caution: The resin in the container is uncured To prevent contact with skin, wear neoprene or nitrile gloves. Dispose of uncured resin in accordance with applicable regulations. By emptying the container into the purge unit, the resin is stored in the printer’s sealed waste container. 16. Close the printer and click Next. The printer cures the remaining resin in the container. 17. When the following screen appears, remove the scale and clean the build tray. Figure 6-64 Remove the scale confirmation screen DOC-07027 Rev. E...
Page 180 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer 18. In the wizard screen, confirm that the build tray is clear and that the cover is closed, and click Next. The wizard uses the data collected to analyze the condition of the print heads and optimize them so they print models with a uniform layer of material. ❒ If the heads are in satisfactory condition, the following wizard screen appears. Figure 6-65 Final wizard screen, after optimizing print heads ❒ If the wizard determines that a print head is faulty—or that it is negatively affecting model quality with the current head configuration—you need to replace it. Indicate whether or not you want to do so now. Figure 6-66 Defective print heads found ❒ Choose Replace defective head(s) if you are prepared to replace the print heads now (see below). or— ❒ Choose Abort wizard if you want to replace the print heads at another time. Replace print heads only after consulting with a Stratasys-authorized customer-support engineer. DOC-07027 Rev. E 6-49...
Page 181 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer To replace print heads, you need these tools and materials: ❒ replacement print head(s) ❒ isopropanol (IPA—isopropyl alcohol) or ethanol (ethyl alcohol) ❒ disposable cleaning gloves (supplied with the print head; or use any clean, powder-free protective gloves) ❒ a supplied cleaning cloth or equivalent ❒ a mirror ❒ a 5 mm flat-head screwdriver or a 3 mm hex (Allen) key (depending on the type of print block) ❒ the scale supplied for use in the Head Optimization wizard (Weight Test) ❒ the Missing Nozzles ruler If you are replacing print heads now, the wizard guides you through the procedure when you click Next. Continue with "Replacing Print Heads" below. Replacing The condition of the print heads directly affects the quality of printed models. Print Heads You may need to replace a print head if one or more of the following symptoms occurs: • The Head Optimization wizard determines that a print head is defective. ...
Page 182 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer The Head Optimization wizard guides you through the procedure of replacing a print head, and adjusts printer components to enable you to perform it. Only replace a print head with the aid of the wizard. The entire procedure takes 75—90 minutes, and consists of the following phases: A. Identifying the head(s) needing replacement. This is normally done by the Head Optimization wizard. Otherwise, evidence of physical damage to the head surface or a malfunction message indicates which head needs replacing. B. Preparing the print block for head replacement. This is done automatically when you run the wizard. C. Removing the defective print head. D. Installing a new print head. E. Optimizing the print heads (done automatically by the wizard). F. Performing head alignment. To replace a print head: 1. Prepare—...
Page 183 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer 5. In the following screen, select Continue with Head optimization if you have recently cleaned the print heads. Otherwise, cancel the wizard and run the Head Cleaning wizard. Figure 6-67 Clean print heads screen 6. In the following screen, select Replace faulty heads, and click Next. Figure 6-68 Procedure selection screen Preparing the Print Block 7. Select the print head(s) needing replacement, and click Next. Figure 6-69 Head selection screen DOC-07027 Rev. E 6-52...
Page 184 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer The printer heats and empties the print block, and prepares the printer. (This should take up to 15 minutes.) Figure 6-70 Printer preparation progress screen 8. The following screen appears when the printer is ready for you to replace print heads. Figure 6-71 Printer ready for head replacement 9. Put on the protective gloves and open the printer cover. Note: The printer disconnects power to the heads for your safety. DOC-07027 Rev. E 6-53...
Page 185 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer Removing the Defective Head 10. On the print block, release the upper and lower screws that secure the print head in the block. (If necessary, you may use a screwdriver to loosen the screws.) Figure 6-72 Releasing the locking screws 11. Press down on the upper and lower locking screws to release the print head. Figure 6-73 Releasing the print head DOC-07027 Rev. E 6-54...
Page 186 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer 12. Loosen the screws on the door of the compartment protecting the print-head driver cards (A), then pull and lift up the door (B). Figure 6-74 Opening the print-head compartment 13. Pull the print-head driver card out of its socket so that the head is free (A), and remove it from the bottom of the print block (B). Figure 6-75 Releasing the print-head driver card to remove the head DOC-07027 Rev. E 6-55...
Page 187 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer 14. Make sure that along with the head, you remove the two rubber O-ring seals. Figure 6-76 O-ring seals on the print head Important If the seals are not removed with the head, they are probably stuck to the print block housing. If so, remove them. Figure 6-77 Making sure the O-rings are not stuck to the print block DOC-07027 Rev. E 6-56...
Page 188 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer Installing the New Head 15. Inspect the replacement head, and make sure that the O-ring seals are in place (see Figure 6-76 on the previous page). 16. Gently insert the replacement head into the vacant slot in the print block, and push the print-head driver card into its socket. Note: Make sure to insert the head with the driver card facing its socket, in the rear of the print block. Figure 6-78 Inserting the print-head driver card into its socket 17. Push the head up until you hear it click into place, in both front and rear holders. Figure 6-79 Pushing the head into place in the print block 18. Lower the door of the print head compartment, and tighten the screws to lock it in place. 19. Tighten the upper and lower screws that secure the print head in the print block (see Figure 6-72 on page 6-54).
Page 189 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer 20. I n the Replace print heads screen, select the check box to confirm that you have replaced the head(s), and click Next. Figure 6-80 Head replacement confirmation 21. With your fingers, make sure that the new head is level and even with the other heads. Figure 6-81 Checking the level of the new head 22. C onfirm that the heads are level by selecting the check box in the following wizard screen, and click Next. Figure 6-82 Installation-check screen DOC-07027 Rev. E 6-58...
Page 190 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer 23. I n the next wizard screen, confirm that you have removed all tools and objects from the printer. Figure 6-83 Cleared-tray confirmation screen 24. C lose the printer cover. The wizard continues by heating the heads, then filling and purging them. If there are no installation problems, the optimization procedure begins, to calibrate the print heads to the best working configuration— "Optimizing (Calibrating) Print Heads" on page 6-43. If installation problems are detected, the wizard alerts you and instructs you how to continue (see "Installation Problems", next). 25. A fter replacing print heads, you should check the head alignment before using the printer to produce models. In the final wizard screen: ❒ Select Optimize all print heads and click Next. Run the Head Alignment wizard. Figure 6-84 Final wizard Screen DOC-07027 Rev. E 6-59...
Page 191 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer Installation Problems If the printer detects that there is a problem after you install print heads, relevant warning screens appear. • If the printer software does not detect the replaced head, the following warning screen appears. Figure 6-85 Incorrect-installation screen If this happens: a. Open the print head compartment (see Figure 6-74 on page 6-55). b. Re-insert the print-head driver card into its socket (see Figure 6-78 on page 6-57). c. In the wizard screen, select the check box to confirm that you have re-inserted the card, and click Next. • If the replacement head was not factory-calibrated, the following warning screen appears. Figure 6-86 Invalid-data warning screen If this happens: a. Remove the head and replace it with another one (starting with step 10 on page 6-54). b. In the wizard screen, select the check box to confirm that you have installed another print head, and click Next. c. Contact your authorized Customer Support center about the unformatted head. DOC-07027 Rev. E...
Page 192: Testing And Calibrating The Uv Lamps
Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer • If the vacuum test is not successful, the replacement head was not sealed properly during installation, and the following warning screen appears. Figure 6-87 Vacuum-leakage warning screen If this happens: a. Click Next. b. Follow the instructions on the wizard screens to re-install the head. Testing and The level of UV radiation from the lamps used for curing models can change Calibrating the over time. To ensure optimum curing of models during printing, a pop-up UV Lamps message reminds you to test the lamps and calibrate the level of UV radiation after every 300 hours of printing. You do this by running the UV Calibration Wizard. To measure the UV radiation, you need: • Stratasys TOL-03005-S (UV sensor and cable) or— • a stand-alone UV radiation meter, approved for use with the printer The wizard compares the measured radiation to the recommended radiation level for each of the lamps, at each printing mode—High Speed, and High Quality and Digital Material. When calibrating the lamps, the wizard attempts to adjust the radiation level, if necessary. • If the reading is within the acceptable range, the wizard continues to the next phase. ...
Page 193 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer To test and calibrate UV lamp radiation: 1. Start the UV Calibration Wizard from the Options menu. 2. In the following screen, select Calibrate UV Intensity to adjust the lamp’s radiation level to the acceptable range. Figure 6-88 UV Test/Calibration selection 3. In the following screen, select the UV sensor and measuring device to be used. Figure 6-89 UV device selection UV Measuring Device When you use the Stratasys UV sensor box (TOL-03005-S), you connect it to the printer. The wizard automatically measures and calibrates the UV radiation. If you use a stand-alone UV radiation meter, you need to manually enter the readings from the meter in the wizard screens. DOC-07027 Rev. E 6-62...
Page 194 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer 4. Make sure that the build tray is in place and clear (empty), confirm this in the wizard screen and click Next. Figure 6-90 Printer preparation ➢ When using a Stratasys UV sensor box that you connect to the printer (TOL-03005-S), continue with "UV Sensor Connected to Printer" below. ➢ When using a stand-alone UV radiation meter, continue with "External UV Meter" on page 6-65. UV Sensor Connected to Printer The following steps apply when using the Stratasys UV sensor box that you connect to the printer. They do not apply when using a U V external radiation measuring device. 1. To synchronize the wizard and the UV sensor, enter the CF number from the label on the back of the UV sensor box and click Next. Figure 6-91 UV sensor synchronization DOC-07027 Rev. E 6-63...
Page 195 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer Figure 6-92 Label on the bottom of the UV sensor box The build tray lowers so you can connect the UV sensor box. Figure 6-93 UV sensor connector 2. Connect the UV sensor cable to the connector in the printer. To ensure that the sensor cable does not interfere with the build tray when it is raised, route it in back of the sensor. DOC-07027 Rev. E 6-64...
Page 196 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer Figure 6-94 Sensor preparation 3. Confirm the items listed in the wizard screen and click Next. Continue with "UV Measurement " on the next page External UV Meter The following steps apply when using a stand-alone UV meter. They do not apply when using the Stratasys UV sensor box connected to the printer. 1. When the following screen appears, open the printer and place the UV sensor box at the rear edge of the tray, in the center. Figure 6-95 Sensor placement screen DOC-07027 Rev. E 6-65...
Page 197 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer 2. Lead the cable out of the printer so that you can close the printer, and tape it down to make sure that it does not interfere with the moving print block. Tape the cable to the build tray to keep it in place. Figure 6-96 Correct UV-sensor placement 3. Close the printer, while checking that the sensor does not move out of position. 4. Set the UV meter to measure mJ/cm2. 5. Set the range on the meter to 2,000. 6. Connect the cable from the sensor to the UV meter. 7. Turn on the UV meter, and wait until “0 0 0.0” appears on the display. 8. In the wizard screen, confirm that the sensor is positioned correctly, and click Next. Continue with "UV Measurement " below. ...
Page 198 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer Figure 6-97 UV measurement progress When using a stand-alone radiation meter, reset the meter and enter the reading (measurement) when you are prompted to do so. Figure 6-98 UV Measurement dialog box If the UV level measured is not acceptable, the wizard calibrates the UV lamp by adjusting the current supplied to it, and then tests it again. When all UV tests have finished, the results are displayed, showing the condition of the lamps after calibration (see Figure 6-99 below). Figure 6-99 Results and condition of UV lamps after calibration After examining the UV calibration results: 1. Click Next. 2. Remove the UV sensor and close the printer cover. After confirming the items listed in the wizard screen, click Next. DOC-07027 Rev. E 6-67...
Page 199: Calibrating The Load Cells
Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer Figure 6-100 Final UV Calibration Wizard screen Calibrating the Load cells are sensors that measure the weight of the material cartridges and Load Cells the waste container in the printer. It is important that you periodically check that the weight measurements are accurate to prevent unnecessary waste of printing materials. It is recommended that you calibrate the load cells once a month. To calibrate load cells: 1. Start the Load Cell Calibration wizard from the Options menu. 2. In the following screen, select one or more load cells that you want to calibrate. Figure 6-101 Load cell selection 3. Remove each selected cartridge from the materials cart, and click Next. DOC-07027 Rev. E 6-68...
Page 200: Replacing The Odor Filter
Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer Figure 6-102 Confirmation of cartridge removal 4. In the next wizard screen, observe the numbers and wait until the level is relatively stable—two units above or below the average level shown. Figure 6-103 Level stabilization 5. Select the check box, and click Next. 6. Click Done in the final wizard screen. Figure 6-104 Final wizard screen Replacing the If the printer exhaust is not connected to an external ventilation system, a Odor Filter built-in activated-carbon filter removes odors from printing materials. This filter should be replaced regularly (as necessary) to keep your working environment pleasant. DOC-07027 Rev. E 6-69...
Page 201 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer Replacing the The UV lamps used for curing models have a long, but limited, working life. UV Lamps You can test and adjust their effective power with the UV Calibration wizard (see "Testing and Calibrating the UV Lamps" on page 6-61). If you need to replace a UV lamp, follow these instructions: 1. Make sure the printer is in offline mode. Figure 6-105 Offline mode indicator (red) The online/offline button at the bottom of the printer interface should be red. If not, click it to switch the printer to offline mode. Warning Before continuing, make sure that the safety interlock is not defeated, and that the UV lamp is not hot. 2. Start the UV Lamp Replacement wizard from the Options menu (see "Cleaning and Replacing the Wiper" on page 6-29). 3. Make sure that the build tray is empty, and confirm this in the wizard screen. Then, close the printer cover and click Next. Figure 6-106 “Empty tray” confirmation screen The axes move to the “home” position. DOC-07027 Rev. E 6-70...
Page 202 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer 4. Select the UV lamp(s) to be replaced and click Next. Figure 6-107 UV lamp selection screen 5. Disconnect the UV-lamp power connector and the UV heat fuse connector. Figure 6-108 Disconnecting the UV lamp Note: Do not disconnect the power connection to the cooling fans. DOC-07027 Rev. E 6-71...
Page 203 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer 6. Loosen the screw securing the UV lamp cover (A), and pull the cover up (B), then out (C). Figure 6-109 Removing the UV lamp cover 7. Pull the UV lamp reflector out of the print block. Figure 6-110 Removing the UV lamp reflector 8. Inspect the new UV lamp reflector, and make sure that a black strip is attached to the inside of it. If not, install one—on the side of the reflector opposite (not next to) the print block. Note: Extra black strips are included in the printer Start-Up Kit. If necessary, you can remove the black strip from the old reflector and install it in the new reflector (as long as the black paint has not faded). 9. Discard the old UV reflector and lamp. Dispose of the used UV lamp in accordance with environmental and safety requirements.
Page 204 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer Warning: Broken UV lamp hazard UV lamps contain mercury. Deal with broken lamps with caution. Ventilate the room thoroughly. Use protective gloves when collecting mercury and lamp components. Remove spilled mercury with a method that prevents the generation of mercury vapor, such as a syringe, packing tape or paper. Place the broken lamp, mercury and contaminated materials in an air- tight, non-metallic container. 10. Insert the new UV lamp/reflector unit into the housing next to the print block. Figure 6-111 Print block and UV lamp assembly, showing correct placement of black strip 11. Replace the UV lamp cover by inserting it into the slot on the bottom of the housing, and tighten the securing screw on top. Figure 6-112 Replacing the UV lamp cover DOC-07027 Rev. E 6-73...
Page 205 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer 12. Reconnect the power and heat fuse connectors. Figure 6-113 Connecting the UV lamp 13. In the wizard screen, confirm that you have replaced the UV lamp(s) and that the black strip is attached, then click Next. Figure 6-114 UV-installation confirmation screen DOC-07027 Rev. E 6-74...
Page 206 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer The wizard operates the UV lamps and checks if their power is within the acceptable range for each printing mode. Note: The mode currently being checked appears in the lower-left corner of the printer interface. Figure 6-115 Status screen during UV lamp check After replacing a UV lamp, it is recommended that you calibrate its power for the various printing modes. The next screen allows you to continue to the UV Calibration wizard "Testing and Calibrating the UV Lamps" on page 1). Figure 6-116 Wizard continuation screen DOC-07027 Rev. E 6-75...
Page 207 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer Built-in Tests The printer application contains a suite of tests for regularly checking the hardware and software, and for troubleshooting. You can configure basic communications and environment tests to run automatically, when the Objet500 software opens. In addition, you can run a more comprehensive set of tests before processing a print job, as a system check, to ensure optimum printing results. Because running the tests affects the operation of the printer, you can only open the Built-in Tests interface when the system is not printing. The test suite features: • The organization of printing-related tasks in categories: ❒ Communications ❒ Data cards ❒ Temperatures ❒ Voltages ❒ Encoder repeatability ❒ Print-head heating ❒ Print-head filling • A clear display of test results and the source of any failures, enabling you to determine if printing is possible or worthwhile. • The ability to monitor test results for specific components. • Troubleshooting tips.
Page 208 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer Accessing Built-in Tests To open the Built-in Tests screen, do one of the following: • From the Options menu, select Built-In Tests. • Press Ctrl+Alt+B. Figure 6-117 Selecting Built-In Tests from the Options menu The Built In Tests screen lists pre-configured tests, grouped by component categories. In this screen, you select and run tests, and the results are displayed. Figure 6-118 Built In Tests screen DOC-07027 Rev. E 6-77...
Page 209 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer Test List Test Name This column lists all of the tests, together with selection check boxes. Click the check boxes to select the tests you want to run. To remove a selection, click the check box again. To quickly select all of the tests in a component category, use the Group drop-down list at the bottom of the screen. Group This column shows the component categories for each test. This tells you which tests are run when selecting a category from the Group drop-down list at the bottom of the screen. Status This column shows the results of each test after you run it: Test successfully completed. Test failed. Unknown results. (The test has not been run yet.) Test Selection Area In the Test Selection area, at the bottom of the screen, you can quickly select or de-select tests by their characteristics: Click to select all of the tests in the list. None Click to de-select all of the tests in the list. Unknown Click to select all test that have not been run yet (Status = ?). Group Use this menu to select tests by component category.
Page 210 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer Test Results To save and view a report of all tests: ➢ Use the Save and View command buttons. Command Buttons You click the command buttons, on the right side of the screen, to perform the following operations: Click to run the selected tests. Reset Click to clear previously run tests. This returns the status of each test to Unknown (?). Save Click to save a report that summarizes the tests run. The report is saved as an HTML file. You can save any number of reports for the tests you run; the name of the file saved is BITReport [date][time].htm. By default, these files are saved in the Objet500 installation folder, but you can save it in any other folder. View Click to display the latest test report that you saved. (You can view other test reports by opening the relevant files in your Web browser. To do so, open Windows Explorer, and double click the BITReport file.) DOC-07027 Rev. E 6-79...
Page 211 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer Close Click to close the Built-in Tests screen. Summary On the right side of the screen, a symbol represents the combined results of all the tests run, using the symbols from the Status column. All tests successfully completed. At least one test failed. Not all tests performed. DOC-07027 Rev. E 6-80...
Page 212 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer Test Descriptions and Troubleshooting The following table lists the name of each test in the Built-in Tests suite, together with its description and a possible reason for its failure. If you need assistance, contact your Stratasys service provider. Test Name Description Possible Reason for Failure Sub-System Tests communications between • Disconnected communications Communication components. cable. • Faulty cable. FIFO Non-Interrupt/ • Tests the data queue in the • If both FIFO tests fail: DATA PCI card. Faulty DATA_PCI card. FIFO Interrupt • Tests the Windows interrupt.
Page 213 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer Test Name Description Possible Reason for Failure Head/Block Heaters Tests the heaters in the print heads Faulty heaters or thermistors. and in the print-block body. UV Lamps Tests each UV lamp at the High Faulty UV lamp. Quality power level. Faulty UV power supply. Disconnected UV cable. Axes Limit Tests the hardware and software Faulty hardware sensors. limits of all axes. Wrong Max Position parameter. Parameter Sanity Compares the values of all printer One or more of the printer parameters Check parameters (in cfg files) to the is not within the required range. required values.
Page 214: Replacing The Waste Container
Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer Replacing the Printer waste contains partially cured polymeric material, collected during Waste normal operation and maintenance of the printer. For safety and Container environmental reasons, this material is kept in a special leak-proof, disposable container. The container has a capacity of 10 kilograms of waste material—usually enough for several months of printer use. The printer application displays a warning message when there are 9 kilograms of material in the container, and stops the printing when the net weight reaches 9.5 kilograms. Above 9 kilograms, the software does not allow you to start a printing job or activity until you replace the waste container. You can monitor the weight of the waste container in the Maintenance screen of the printer interface. You can also visually inspect the level of waste in the container. To access it, see page 6-84. To monitor the waste weight (and other indicators) in the printer: ➢ In the main printer interface screen, click the display toggle to view the printer indicators. Figure 6-119 Printer interface, showing waste weight (red background indicates operator alert) DOC-07027 Rev. E 6-83...
Page 215 Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer The waste container consists of a plastic container inside a cardboard box. You typically dispose of the entire waste container—including the box. Therefore, you must assemble a new box and insert a new plastic container before you can install it in the printer. Replacement boxes, plastic containers, and sealing caps are supplied in the Objet500 printer start-up kit and in the preventive-maintenance kit. To prepare a new waste container: 1. Assemble the cardboard box, making sure to punch out the perforated sections. 2. Place a new plastic container into the box. Note: Do not close the box until you connect the waste drain tube from the printer. To replace the waste container: 1. Locate the door on the lower-left side of the printer. 2. Push in the top-center of the door to release the latch and open the door. Figure 6-120 Accessing the waste container 3. Carefully slide out the waste container to remove it from the printer. 4. Close the full container with the cap supplied with the new waste container. 5. Close the new waste-container box, using tape to hold it closed. ...
Page 216: Cleaning The Exterior Panels
Objet500 User Guide 6 Operating and Maintaining the Objet500 3D Printer 6. Close the waste compartment door. Dispose of the full waste container in accordance with environmental and safety requirements. The painted exterior plastic panels of Objet500 3D printers have a durable Cleaning the finish, offering excellent chemical resistance to common cleaning materials. Exterior Panels Follow the recommendations below when cleaning these areas of the printer. Acceptable Cleaning Agents • mild soap solution • common household cleaners and window cleaners • common commercial and industrial detergents, 5% solution in water • alcohol (ethanol, isopropanol), 10% to 40% solution in water Wipe the exterior of the printer, using a soft cloth moistened with the cleaning solution. Unacceptable Materials • industrial solvents • cleaning agents containing hydrocarbons, ketones, esters and lacquer thinners • spray disinfectants • abrasives and agents which could wear away the panel finish DOC-07027 Rev. E 6-85...
Page 217 Handling Printed Models Removing Models After Printing Removing the Support Material Post-Printing Treatment for Models Made with VeroClear 7-4 Photo-Bleaching Instructions Storing Models DOC-07027 Rev. E...
Page 218: Removing Models After Printing
Objet500 User Guide 7 Handling Printed Models Removing Models After Printing After printing models, you should allow them to cool as much as possible before handling them. If additional models do not have to be produced on the printer, it is best to let the printed models cool in the printer, with the cover closed, as long as possible. If the printer must be used to produce additional models as soon as possible: 1. Let the printed models cool on the build tray for at least 10 minutes. 2. Very carefully, remove the models from the tray with a scraper or spatula (supplied in the tool kit), taking care not to pry or bend the model. Warning: Wear protective gloves when handling printed models before they are washed. 3. Place the models on a flat surface, and cover them with a cardboard box or paper hood. This allows the models to cool slowly and evenly. 4. Let the models cool for several hours. Removing the Support Material After printed models have cooled, the support material must be removed. This can be done by different methods, depending on the type of support material, the size of the model, how delicate it is, the amount and location of the support material, and other factors. Use the following methods as a guide, and adapt them (or a combination of them) for finishing the models you are handling.
Page 219 Objet500 User Guide 7 Handling Printed Models • For SUP705, after breaking away excess support material, soak the model in a 1% caustic soda solution (see "Removing SUP705 with Caustic Soda" on page 7-3). • For SUP706, after breaking away excess support material, soak the model in a 2% caustic soda and sodium metasilicate solution (see "Removing SUP706 with Caustic Soda and Sodium Metasilicate" on the next page). Removing For most models, the most efficient way to remove support material is by Support Material using a high-pressure water jet. One suitable system is the Balco WaterJet with Water cleaning unit. Pressure Figure 7-1 Balco WaterJet Cleaning Unit To clean a model using this device, you place it in the chamber, and you manipulate it and the jet using the built-in, waterproof sleeves. A pump turns ordinary tap water into a high-pressure jet, and a wiper keeps the window clear. Use caution when cleaning delicate models with high-pressure water systems. Removing Soak models in a 1-percent solution of caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) to SUP705 with remove support material from difficult-to-reach areas and to give the model a Caustic Soda smooth, clean finish. The amount of time you soak the model in the solution depends on how delicate it is and how much support material needs to be removed, but it is typically between half-an-hour and several hours. In any case, you should remove as much support material as possible before the caustic soda treatment, and rinse the model thoroughly (with a water jet) afterwards. Warning Caustic soda may cause chemical burns, scarring and blindness. Mixing it ...
Page 220: Post-Printing Treatment For Models Made With Veroclear
Objet500 User Guide 7 Handling Printed Models Removing Soak models in a 2-percent solution of caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) and SUP706 with sodim metasilicate (Na ) to remove support material. The amount of time Caustic Soda you soak the model in the solution depends on how delicate it is and how and Sodium much support material needs to be removed. Rinse the model thoroughly Metasilicate under running water afterwards. SUP706 will dissolve into the caustic soda and sodium metasilicate solution and saturate it, reducing its effectiveness. Replace the solution when the Support material reaches 20% of the solution (after approximately one month of average use). Warning Caustic soda may cause chemical burns, scarring and blindness. Mixing it with water generates heat that could ignite other materials. Never pour water into caustic soda. When diluting the solution, always add caustic soda to water. Take adequate safety precautions; always use nitrile gloves when handling caustic soda and models soaked in it. Post-Printing Treatment for Models Made with VeroClear Models made with VeroClear (RGD810) have a slight yellow tint when removed from the printer. This is especially true for models printed with a glossy finish. The yellow tint fades naturally over time, but you can greatly accelerate this process by using a suitable photobleaching treatment. As a rule, best clarity is achieved when parts are printed with a matte finish, ...
Page 221: Photo-Bleaching Instructions
Objet500 User Guide 7 Handling Printed Models Photo- Follow these instructions for photobleaching printed models. Bleaching • The fluorescent lamps should be rated 45W, 6500K. Instructions • When using desk lamps, place the models in a container lined with aluminum foil. Use at least two lamps, more when treating models in a large container. • Arrange the models with enough space between them to allow light to reach all sides of each model. • Verify that the ambient temperature around the models is approximately 40°C (104°F). Higher temperatures may cause model distortion; lower temperatures may not produce satisfactory results. When using desk lamps, you can achieve the required temperature by positioning the lamps approximately 10 cm (4 in.) above the models. • Inspect the models after six hours of treatment. ❒ For parts with a matte finish, this should be enough. Polish and lacquer the parts. ❒ For parts with a glossy finish, continue the photobleaching treatment for up to 18 hours more. In Stratasys laboratories, there was a tint reduction of approximately 70% within six hours. After 24 hours, tint was reduced by approximately 90%. More information about this treatment is available in the application note VeroClear RGD810 Model Material. Storing Models Models are cured as they are printed, making them safe and stable for a long time. However, proper storage conditions are necessary to prevent deforming.

Stratasys Objet500 User Manual

Table of Contents

Safety

SymbolsAndWarningLabels

Symbols and Warning Labels

First Aid for Working with Printing Materials

Contact with Skin

Waste Disposal

D Printing System

StlFiles

SafetyConsiderations

ExposureToLight

ShelfLife

Display Options 5-46

DisplayOptions

Handling Trays

Applying Additional Objet Studio Features

Customizing Objet Studio

Professional Mode Features

Getting Additional Objet Studio Assistance

Objet Studio Version, Material Module and Licensed Features

Monitoring and Managing Print Jobs

Table of Contents

Starting the Printer

Loading Model and Support Cartridges

Producing Models

Resuming Production after Printing Has Stopped

Changing the Printing Material

Keeping the Printer in Idle Mode

Shutting down the Printer

Maintaining the Printer

Quick Links

Chapters

Related Manuals for Stratasys Objet500

Summary of Contents for Stratasys Objet500

Table of Contents