Table of Contents
Advertisement
Quick Links
Advertisement
Table of Contents
Related Manuals for PICASO 3D Designer XL
Summary of Contents for PICASO 3D Designer XL
- Page 2 INTRODUCTION Dear Customer, We are happy to welcome you among the owners of Designer XL. Your 3D printer has a user-friendly interface and up-to-date printing control functions. Therefore, it can be used both by experienced engineers and those who are just discovering the world of additive technologies.
-
Page 3: Table Of Contents
NOZZLE REPLACEMENT SET UP Z-OFFSET CALIBRATION OF THE CLEANING SYSTEM PRINTER FIRMWARE UPDATE ERROR LIST PRINT SPEED MODES REMOVING AND REPLACEMENT THE HEATING UNIT QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS How does the DESIGNER XL notification system work? What is the debug screen? - Page 4 What type of USB drives can I use? Why shall I calibrate the cleaning system? Why does DESIGNER XL often pause for a short time? Why are magnets of different sizes? What kind of service is required for the printer?
-
Page 5: Safety And Precautions
This is a feature of the printing process. We recommend using the 3D printer in a well-ventilated area. Do not leave the working printer unattended. Designer XL is not intended for use by the disabled, unless they are supervised by a person who is responsible for their safety. - Page 6 SAFETY AND PRECAUTIONS Some 3D printer’s parts are moving. To avoid personal injury and device malfunction, do not interfere with the movement of the 3D printer units during its operation. Do not use non-original spare parts and do not attempt to repair it on your own: this can lead to device failure.
-
Page 7: How Designer Xl Works
HOW DESIGNER XL WORKS Designer XL operates under the FFF technology (fused filament fabrication). The principle of the technology is to melt a thermoplastic polymer filament and to build a layer-by-layer model based on a previously prepared task. - Page 8 HOW DESIGNER XL WORKS Designer XL is a 3D printer which is in the X platform-based product line. When you master it, you will able to work with any devices based on the X platform. To get started, you need a 3D model in one of the following formats: .stl, .obj, .3ds or .amf.
-
Page 9: Platform
X PLATFORM X Platform is a complex of software and hardware solutions for 3D devices by PICASO 3D designed for additive manufacturing purposes. End-of-Filament and Filament Flow Control systems with built-in sensors detect the filament availability and the flow. Based on the data... - Page 10 X PLATFORM An adaptive air circulation system uses data from material profiles to create optimal conditions for printing and to avoid the temperature gradient inside the 3D printer chamber. The printing surface control system in most cases provides for possibility to detect the weakening of adhesion of the printed model to the platform or the presence of a foreign object when printing the current layer in a timely manner.
-
Page 11: Equipment Specifications
EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATIONS P R I N T I N G F E A T U R E S Printing technology Primary systems Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) Filament Flow Control End-of-Filament Sensor Build Volume First Layer Control 360 x 360 x 610 mm Built-in Profile System (14 x 14 x 24 inch) Network Printing... -
Page 12: Unpacking
U N PA CK ING... -
Page 13: Workplace
WORKPLACE The workplace for 3D printer installation must satisfy the following requirements: Ambient temperature: 15 to 30 ºC (59 to 86 F). Relative humidity: 30 to 65%. Atmospheric pressure: 720 to 790 mm Hg. Ventilation availability Solid horizontal surface to withstand at least 30 kg load. Lack of direct sunlight on the 3D printer. -
Page 14: Starter Kit
STARTER KIT Examine the starter kit. It must comprise: Available in the Designer XL: 0.5 mm steel nozzle Temperature unit 400 8 mm glass Toolkit: Screwdriver Torx TX-TR Slotted screwdriver Nippers Box cutter Pliers Nozzle change key Hex key 1.5 Hex key 2 Hex key 2.5... -
Page 15: Main Components Of Designer Xl
MAIN COMPONENTS OF DESIGNER XL Front view Top lid Display USB-A Joystick port Build plate with glass Glass ejector Chamber circulation fan Front door... - Page 16 MAIN COMPONENTS OF DESIGNER XL Side rear view Container Motherboard box Drivers cooling Chamber cooling fan Side door USB-B port Ehernet port Power button Power adapter connector...
- Page 17 MAIN COMPONENTS OF DESIGNER XL Inside view Filament feed tube Cable-chain Cleaner Printhead (PH) Printhead (PH) PH cooling fan Model cooling Nozzle...
-
Page 18: Power Connection
220 V ± 15%, 50 Hz or 110 ± 15%, 60 Hz (in compliance with used electricity network standard). Never plug the Designer XL into a power socket without grounding Switch the power button to position 1 — the display and lighting turns on, the printer beeps. -
Page 19: Printer Control
P RI N T ER MA N AG E MENT... -
Page 20: Designer Xl Menu
DESIGNER XL MENU The 3D printer is controlled through the display menu . To navigate through the menu items, rotate the joystick clockwise or counterclockwise: the joystick does not have an extreme position. To select a menu item, press the joystick. - Page 21 DESIGNER XL MENU PH cleaning Starts the algorithm for loading filament in the PH using the flow motor along with the heating up the nozzle to the operating temperature in compliance with the settings of the selected profile. If you select “Continue” after the algorithm runs to completion, the temperature is increased by 10 degrees and the loading algorithm is repeated.
- Page 22 DESIGNER XL MENU Z offset adjustments Value Allows to adjust the initial position of the nozzle relative to the build plate in the vertical plane. Print the template Starts the template printing with different values of z offset. Allows to set up...
- Page 23 DESIGNER XL MENU S E T T I N G S About Displays the main printer data. Nozzles size Opens the menu for selecting the size of the nozzle. Main settings Filament flow control ON (by default): activates the filament flow control system.
- Page 24 DESIGNER XL MENU Night mode settings Speed reduction ON: reduces print speed when night mode is on. Travels slowdown ON: reduces speed at which PH moves between the printing elements. Save settings to file Saves the main printer settings to a file on the USB drive.
-
Page 25: Control During Printing
CONTROL DURING PRINTING P R E H E A T Starts heating the nozzle up to the standby temperature, and the printing platform, to the operating temperature in compliance with settings of the selected profile. This function helps to reduce timing required for heating up before starting to print. R E A D Y F O R P R I N T I N G If ready for printing, it can be remotely launched through the Polygon X. - Page 26 CONTROL DURING PRINTING S E R V I C E (available only when pause mode is on) Nozzle service Load filament Replace filament Hot unload Error list Reset errors S E T T I N G S S T O P Stops printing without ability to resume.
-
Page 27: Basics Of Working With Designer Xl
BA SI C S OF WOR K ING WI T H DE SI GNER XL... -
Page 28: Build Plate Auto-Leveling
BUILD PLATE AUTO-LEVELING Designer XL features the printing platform auto-leveling function (auto-level), which allows to fix the horizontal position with accuracy of up to 80 microns. Leveling is carried out at 4 points. Level the build plate each time the printer is moved or transported. You don’t need to adjust it before each printing. - Page 29 If the height difference of any pair of measured points exceeds 80 microns, Designer XL adjusts the level of the build plate and starts measurements again. After alignment of the platform, a corresponding message appears.
-
Page 30: Filament Loading
Do not use low-quality filaments by non-certified manufacturers: this can cause the 3D printer operation to become unstable and additional maintenance and repair costs. To load the filament into Designer XL, follow the step-by-step instructions: Make sure the filament feed tube is fixed in the side holder. - Page 31 FILAMENT LOADING The printer starts the algorithm for heating the nozzle up to the operating temperature in compliance with settings of the selected profile. After reaching the operating temperature, the printhead moves to the filament load position. A ready message is displayed.
- Page 32 FILAMENT LOADING Push out the side door and place the filament spool with its center hole on the holder. Install the side door with the spool in the 3D printer. Do not use spools wider than 100 mm. Remove the filament end from the spool holes and insert the filament into filament feed tube.
- Page 33 FILAMENT LOADING Make sure the spool and the side door are installed correctly: the center hole of the spool is on the holder, and the spool itself is pressed against the printer wall. Push the filament through the tube until it appears at the printhead side.
- Page 34 FILAMENT LOADING When load is completed, a small amount of filament comes out of the nozzle. Remove it carefully from the build plate. Pull the filament feed tube through the guide hole and insert it into the PH against the stop.
-
Page 35: Printing
It is required for the model not to detach from the build plate during printing. PICASO 3D brand glue is thermosetting: it features the necessary adhesive properties at temperatures from 45 ºC (113 F). When cooled to 30 ºC (86 F), the adhesion decreases. - Page 36 PRINTING Open the printer menu “Print > Files” and select the task “TEST .plgx” from the list of files on the USB stick. The TEST.plgx task comprises a nozzle key holder model. About 1 meter of material is required for test printing. This is approximately 1/360 of a standard spool. Select a material profile based on the...
- Page 37 PRINTING When printing is completed, the printhead moves to the parking position; the build plate lowers. After printing wait for 15 - 20 minutes until the glass cools down. Lift the ejector(s) and remove the glass together with the model out of the printer. Carefully take off the model from the glass.
-
Page 38: Filament Unloading
FILAMENT UNLOADING To prepare Designer XL for printing with other materials or for a long period of non-use, unload the filament. There is no need to unload the filament after each printing. To unload the filament from the 3D printer, follow the step-by-step instructions and menu- prompts on the printer display: Select “Filament >... - Page 39 FILAMENT UNLOADING Open the side door and roll up the filament by rotating the spool on the holder. While doing it, hold the filament end and then fix it in the spool holes. Always hold and fix the filament end while installing and removing the spool into/out of the printer.
-
Page 40: Connection To Pc
CONNECTION TO PC To connect Designer XL to a PC via network, insert an Ethernet cable both into the Ethernet port of the 3D printer and into the corresponding port on the PC or on the router. Designer XL and PC must be in one and the same LAN. - Page 41 CONNECTION TO PC Open the Polygon X Network tab to track the status of connected 3D printers. In this window you can pause printing and start new printing tasks. For network operation, you also need to install a USB stick into the printer.
-
Page 42: Service Functions
SE R VI C E FU N CT I ONS... -
Page 43: Nozzle Replacement
NOZZLE REPLACEMENT By default, Designer XL is equipped with a steel nozzle with a diameter of 0.5 mm. It is used for printing with main types of filament. There is no need to change nozzle before each printing. Replace the nozzle in the following cases: Lack or insufficient filament flow during printing, subject to optimal material profile settings. - Page 44 NOZZLE REPLACEMENT Install a new nozzle in the key and screw it into the heating unit against the stop as shown in the sketch. Do not unscrew the cooled nozzle. This can damage the heating unit. Do not perform replacement procedures beyond the PH service position for the corresponding nozzle.
-
Page 45: Set Up Z-Offset
SET UP Z-OFFSET The nozzle z-offset is an additional distance to the layer height between the nozzle and the build plate while printing the first layer, which allows to print the first layer most accurately. There is no need to configure the z-offset on a new 3D printer and before each printing. - Page 46 SET UP Z-OFFSET To change z-offset value switch to the menu «Service > Set up z-offset > Value», press the joystick and manually adjust the z-offset value. The recommended change pitch is 0.03. The numerical value weakens the z-offset, and vice versa: the lower the value, the stronger the pressure.
-
Page 47: Calibration Of The Cleaning System
CALIBRATION OF THE CLEANING SYSTEM Designer XL is equipped with a nozzle cleaning system that prevents outer shell defects during printing. A special container is used to collect filament residues from under the cleaner (not included in the starter kit). There is no need to set up the cleaning system on a new 3D printer and before each printing. - Page 48 CALIBRATION OF THE CLEANING SYSTEM Before calibrating, make sure that the container is removed and wait until the nozzle cools down to a temperature of no more than 50 ºC: it’s approximately 10 or 15 minutes after the latest heating. Follow step-by-step instructions to complete the calibration: Replace a silicone cleaner for the printed cleaner calibration template.
- Page 49 Check the nozzle position relative to the template pointer. If the positions do not match, repeat the calibration; otherwise, replace the template for the silicone cleaner and continue using Designer XL. Additionally, you can perform a test with heating and punching the filament; in this case, the PH starts the filament loading algorithm at the point of being above the cleaner.
-
Page 50: Printer Firmware Update
PRINTER FIRMWARE UPDATE The update algorithm is available in the software version 5.300 Before you start updating, unload the filament through the menu «Filament > Unload filament». Make sure that all previously created material profiles (except standard ones) are saved in the Polygon X window «Settings > Filament profile manager». To update the 3D printer firmware, follow the instructions: Download the actual firmware version from our website. -
Page 51: Error List
ERROR LIST Designer XL records errors during its operation. Each error has a unique code. If an error occurs during printing, its code and description will be displayed at the end of the task. Depending on error severity, Designer XL can start a self-test algorithm, suspend, or end printing. - Page 52 ERROR LIST Print surface defect Check whether the model has been detached off the platform and inspect its top layer for defects. If everything is OK, continue printing. In case of poor adhesion: remove the model, adjust the build plate, and check the z-offset. Apply adhesive glue, and repeat printing.
- Page 53 ERROR LIST Radiator overheating Z axis driver overheating Breakage of radiator sensor E axis driver overheating Failure due to X overheating Partial breakage of radiator sensor Printhead overheating Failure due to Y overheating Defect of radiator temperature Failure due to Z overheating sensor Filament fixing system issue Failure due to E overheating...
-
Page 54: Print Speed Modes
PRINT SPEED MODES When printing starts, besides material profile selection, Designer XL provides for speed mode selection. There are 4 speed modes by default: «Slow», «Standard», «Fast», and «Draft». Speed mode is selected in accordance with the desired result, task features, and print material properties. - Page 55 All values are in mm per sec. Designer XL allows you to set speeds yourself by selecting the «Manual» mode when starting a print task. Use manual settings only if absolutely necessary. For recommended print speeds, contact your filament manufacturer.
- Page 56 REMOVING AND REPLACEMENT THE HEATING UNIT By default, Designer XL is equipped with a heating unit 400. It is designed to print using most materials at operating temperatures of up to 410 ºC. There is no need to remove the heater after each printing.
-
Page 57: Removing And Replacement The Heating Unit
REMOVING AND REPLACEMENT THE HEATING UNIT Disconnect the heating unit contacts from the connector on the PH board. Loosen the recessed screw in the radiator by 3 or 4 turns of the screwdriver supplied. Gently pull the heating unit down. Perform the desired operation: clean the flow channel or replace the heating unit. - Page 58 REMOVING AND REPLACEMENT THE HEATING UNIT Set the printer power button to 1. The printer turns on. Launch printing a small task to check the functionality of the installed heating unit. For stable operation of the heating system during printing calibrate it through the menu «Settings >...
-
Page 59: Questions And Answers
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS How does the Designer XL notification system work? During operation, the printer can be in various operation states or waiting for user’s action. Each state turns on the corresponding color and lighting mode: Status Color Lighting mode... -
Page 60: How To Find The Printer Serial Number
Therefore, the same task can be printed with various filaments using different speed modes. The basic set of profiles is stored in the Designer XL and Polygon X memory by default. Each profile has been pre-tested by our print engineers. When upgrading the Polygon X software or the Designer XL firmware, the list of standard profiles can be changed. -
Page 61: How To Create A New Profile
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS How to create a new profile? To create and upload a new profile into Designer XL, follow the step-by-step instructions: Select any profile on the Polygon X menu «Configuration > Filament profile manager», and click on «+». - Page 62 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Check the box next to the profile name and click on “Export”. Save the profile file with extension.ppf to the USB stick. Insert the USB flash into the printer and open the menu «Filament > Profiles > Import profile».
-
Page 63: How To Store And Dry Filament
3D printer functionality. If necessary, filament can be dried in a special dryer or through the menu function «Service > Filament drying». For example, Designer XL allows to dry PVA filament. To do this: Select «Service >... -
Page 64: What Is A Printlist
In terms of the operation principles, a printlist is similar to a standard file folder. The difference is that it is a separate file with the extension .ppl that can be run only on PICASO 3D printers. Algorithms for creating a printlist and starting printing in Polygon X may vary depending on the software... -
Page 65: What Should I Do If There Is No Filament Flow And/Or I Hear Clicks In
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS To save a single task or a whole printlist to the 3D printer, drag it from the Polygon X task database to the card of the connected printer in the «Network» section. What should I do if there is no filament flow and/or I hear clicks in the printhead? If you hear clicks when printing the first layer, loosen the nozzle z-offset by 0.05. -
Page 66: What Shall I Do If The Filament Cannot Be Loaded
Replace the spool and perform the load operation. In the menu, select «Service > Load filament», and Designer XL will squeeze a small amount of filament in front of the build plate. Remove the squeezed filament from the nozzle and select «Continue» from the menu. -
Page 67: What Printer Parts Are Consumable
The operation of the filament flow control system is similar. If the system detects deviation from the stable flow, Designer XL starts the flow channel cleaning algorithm: the printhead is pulled away from the model, and the extruder feeds some filament for cleaning. If it’s not possible to restore the flow during the first cleaning, the algorithm starts again with increased temperature. -
Page 68: What Kind Of Service Is Required For The Printer
All lubricant cleaning or oil change operations must be performed while the Designer XL is off. Do not allow lubricant to change its color to red-brown; prevent stains and traces from adhesion agents, as well as corrosion on the guides surface.
Need help?
Do you have a question about the Designer XL and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers