Stratasys J3 Series User Manual
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Stratasys J3 Series User Manual

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User Guide
Stratasys J3 Series
3D Printing System
DOC-19001 Rev. G

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  • Page 1 User Guide Stratasys J3 Series 3D Printing System DOC-19001 Rev. G...
  • Page 2 This documentation contains proprietary information of Stratasys Ltd. This information is supplied solely to assist authorized users of Stratasys J3 Series 3D printing systems. No part of this document may be used for other purposes. The specifications on which this document is based are subject to change without notice.
  • Page 3 (even if Stratasys has been advised of the possibility of such damages), resulting from: (i) the use or the inability to use the product or software; (ii) the cost of procurement of substitute goods and services resulting from any products, goods, data, software, information or services purchased;...
  • Page 4 7,369,915 7,604,768 7,658,976 7,725,209 7,958,841 7,991,498 7,996,101 8,219,234 8,278,866 8,781,615 8,865,047 8,932,511 9,017,589 9,020,627 9,031,680 9,227,365 9,662,836 9,688,021 9,738,033 10,016,944 10,099,406 10,363,729 10,611,136 10,632,679 10,828,905 10,894,399 10,940,616 10,994,475 11,065,818 Stratasys Ltd. www.stratasys.com DOC-19001 Revision G December 2022 DOC-19001 Rev. G...

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    1 About This Guide Using This Guide Terms Used in This Guide Revision History Stratasys Online Resources Stratasys Academy Stratasys Support Center Stratasys Academy YouTube Channel GrabCAD Community 2 Safety Safety Features Symbols and Warning Labels Safety Guidelines Printer Installation...
  • Page 6 Storage Shelf Life Exposure to Light Safety Considerations Disposal Work Environment 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer Starting the Printer Loading Model and Support Cartridges Disabling the Empty Cartridge Alarm Producing 3D Prints Locking the Build Tray Preparing the Printer Starting Printing Resuming Production After Printing has Stopped 4-15...
  • Page 7 Removing WSS150 Support Material Removing SUP710 Support Material Removing SUP710 Support by Hand Removing SUP710 Support with Water Pressure Removing SUP710 Support with Caustic Soda Post-Printing Treatment Photobleaching for Transparent 3D Prints Storing 3D Prints DOC-19001 Rev. G...
  • Page 8 About This Guide Using This Guide Terms Used in This Guide Revision History Stratasys Online Resources Stratasys Academy Stratasys Support Center Stratasys Academy YouTube Channel GrabCAD Community DOC-19001 Rev. G...

  • Page 9: About This Guide

    Important: Read the entire Safety chapter before using the system. The text and figures in this guide are based on the J3 Series 3D printer, software version 1.53. This guide assumes that—...

  • Page 10: Terms Used In This Guide

    Printer The GUI (graphical user interface) used for controlling J3 Series interface printers. Printer Software running on the computer in the J3 Series printer, controlling all software, printer operations. printer-control application Resin The base substance from which photopolymer printing materials are made for use in Stratasys PolyJet printers.

  • Page 11: Revision History

    Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 1 About This Guide Revision History Translations of this guide are updated periodically. If you are consuming a translated version, please check the English version for the latest revision and list of updates. The following table lists the main changes in each revision of this document.

  • Page 12: Stratasys Online Resources

    1 About This Guide Stratasys Online Resources Stratasys encourages you to learn more about additive technologies and your Stratasys printer. A wealth of information is available on our online platforms. Subscribe to our customer newsletter for quarterly updates on Stratasys knowledge and training.

  • Page 13: Stratasys Support Center

    Stratasys printers. The channel includes dedicated playlists for different printers and special topics like post-processing. Make sure to check out this new Stratasys Academy Channel and remember to subscribe! DOC-19001 Rev. G...

  • Page 14: Grabcad Community

    1 About This Guide GrabCAD Community Tutorials section of the GrabCAD Community portal is a valuable resource for Stratasys-sponsored and user-generated 3D printing tips. You can also ask 3D-related questions on the portal and download free CAD files. DOC-19001 Rev. G...

  • Page 15: Safety

    Safety Safety Features Symbols and Warning Labels Safety Guidelines Printer Installation Printer Operation UV Radiation Printer Maintenance Model and Support Materials First Aid for Working with Printing Materials Contact with Skin Contact with Eyes Ingestion Inhalation Waste Disposal DOC-19001 Rev. G...

  • Page 16: Safety Features

    Stratasys J3 Series 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: Interlock Switch The power supplied to the UV light is turned off when the door is opened.

  • Page 17: Symbols And Warning Labels

    Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 2 Safety Grounded Chassis The chassis of the printer is grounded, to prevent electrical shock. Note: The power outlet must be grounded in accordance with the local electric code to provide this protection. If the printer is not used as specified in this guide, these safety features may not provide adequate protection.

  • Page 18: Safety Guidelines

    Stratasys J3 Series 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.

  • Page 19: Uv Radiation

    The UV light used in the printer emits dangerous radiation. ➢ If the UV light remains on when the printer is open, do not stare directly at it. Shut down the printer and call your Stratasys service provider. Printer Maintenance ➢...
  • Page 20 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 2 Safety ➢ Do not wash contaminated clothing at home; clothing should be professionally laundered. ➢ Dispose of contaminated shoes, belts and other leather items in accordance with any applicable regulations. Absorbed printing material may re-expose the user when these items are worn.

  • Page 21: First Aid For Working With Printing Materials

    Stratasys J3 Series 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.

  • Page 22: Inhalation

    Stratasys J3 Series 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.

  • Page 23: Introducing The 3D Printer

    Introducing the 3D Printer Basic Features Electrical Specifications Printer power rating Actual power consumption Work Configurations Workstation Requirements Source Files STL Files VRML Files Slicing Resolution Printing Materials Storage Shelf Life Exposure to Light Safety Considerations Disposal Work Environment DOC-19001 Rev. G...

  • Page 24: Basic Features

    Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 3 Introducing the 3D Printer Basic Features Stratasys J3 Series printers offer the following options: • 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...

  • Page 25: Work Configurations

    3 Introducing the 3D Printer Work Configurations Stratasys J3 Series 3D printing systems can be set up as single-station systems or as multi-station systems. When connected to a local computer network, the system can serve multiple users. In such configurations, each user (client) prepares files for production.

  • Page 26: Source Files

    SOLIDWORKS, NX, CATIA and Inventor. To see the complete list of file formats supported by GrabCAD Print, go to: help.grabcad.com/print/file- formats. J3 Series systems feature the capability of producing different types of files simultaneously. STL Files STL is short for STereoLithography or Standard Triangulation Language. This language views any object as a collection of surfaces, and describes each surface of the object as a collection of triangles.

  • Page 27: Printing Materials

    3 Introducing the 3D Printer Printing Materials Stratasys J3 Series printers produce 3D prints by jetting thin layers of printing materials on the build tray, until the complete 3D print is formed. Two types of material are used in this process: •...

  • Page 28: Safety Considerations

    Work Environment Extreme heat and humidity conditions can adversely affect the operation of your J3 Series 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) •...

  • Page 29: Operating And Maintaining The Printer

    Operating and Maintaining the Printer Starting the Printer Loading Model and Support Cartridges Disabling the Empty Cartridge Alarm Producing 3D Prints Locking the Build Tray Preparing the Printer Starting Printing Resuming Production After Printing has Stopped 4-15 Changing Printing Materials 4-19 Printer States Between Jobs 4-24...
  • Page 30 Replacing the Waste Cartridge 4-83 Cleaning the Exterior Panels 4-84 Cleaning the UV Screen 4-84 DOC-19001 Rev. G...

  • Page 31: Starting The Printer

    Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer Starting the Printer Caution Do not attempt to operate the printer before being trained by an authorized Stratasys representative. Observe all safety warnings and follow the safety guidelines described in Chapter 2.
  • Page 32 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer When the printer powers up, the user interface is displayed on the touch screen. All monitoring and controlling of the printer is done from this interface. The printer is ready for all operations when "Idle" is displayed.

  • Page 33: Loading Model And Support Cartridges

    4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer Loading Model and Support Cartridges The number of materials loaded in J3 Series printers depends on the active printing mode. Each cartridge contains 1.1 kilograms of material when full. • In High Quality Speed mode, you print with 3 different model material cartridges and 1 cartridge of support material.
  • Page 34 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer Figure 4-8 2 different materials in M1 and M2, support in M3 and S A graphical representation of the cartridges loaded and their current weight appears in the user interface.

  • Page 35: Disabling The Empty Cartridge Alarm

    The cartridge bays and material cartridges contain components that identify loaded printing materials. Tampering with these components will render the printer inoperable and may void Stratasys warranties and service contracts. Disabling the Empty Cartridge Alarm When the printer detects an empty cartridge: •...

  • Page 36: Producing 3D Prints

    Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer Producing 3D Prints 3D prints can be produced after they are arranged on the virtual build tray in the GrabCAD Print application. For information about preparing files for printing, see the GrabCAD Print online documentation.

  • Page 37: Starting Printing

    Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer 3. Make sure that there is sufficient model and support material loaded, as indicated on the printer interface (see . 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.
  • Page 38 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer 2. Make sure that the build tray is empty, close the printer door, and tap OK. Figure 4-13 Confirmation screen When the printer state changes to Ready, the printer is ready to begin printing as soon as jobs are received.
  • Page 39 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer Loading a Job from the Print History From the printer history, you can reprint a job. To print a job from the History: 1. Tap to display the print Queue screen.
  • Page 40 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer 4. When the following screen appears, tap Reprint Figure 4-17 Job details screen ➢ To begin printing, check that the build tray is clear and that the door is...
  • Page 41 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer 3. In the screen that opens, select a job to load. Figure 4-19 USB Load File screen 4. When the following screen appears, tap Print. Figure 4-20 Job details screen You can expand the preview image by tapping it.
  • Page 42 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer When printing begins, the printer state changes to Printing. The print block heats up, and other components prepare themselves for production. Depending on the size of the model(s) to be produced, printing can take between several hours to several days.

  • Page 43: Resuming Production After Printing Has Stopped

    Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer Resuming Production After Printing has Stopped If the printing process is interrupted, the print 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.
  • Page 44 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer 4. Click Resume Print in the confirmation dialog box. Figure 4-24 Resume Print confirmation To continue printing from the printer interface: 1. In the Home screen, tap the job display area (Details).
  • Page 45 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer The following screen opens, containing full job details and action options. Figure 4-27 Job details and action options 2. Tap Resume. You cannot continue printing if there was a relatively long interruption in printing.
  • Page 46 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer If you cannot continue printing: 1. Cancel the job. In GrabCAD Print, in the Schedule screen (see above): ❒ Right-click on the job to display the pop-up menu, and select Cancel job.

  • Page 47: Changing Printing Materials

    Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer Changing Printing Materials 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.
  • Page 48 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer 4. Select the print mode and tap OK. ❒ HiQualSpeed ❒ LongPrint The displayed print modes depend on the printer type. Figure 4-29 Selecting a print mode (sample) High Quality Speed This mode enables you to produce 3D prints with 3 model materials.
  • Page 49 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer Three print head setup options are available, as shown below. Figure 4-31 Model material loading options for Long Print mode Tips for Long Print mode: A support cartridge must be loaded in the S channel.
  • Page 50 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer 6. In the wizard screen, tap No Change for that channel. The material selection screen appears for the selected channel. Figure 4-32 Material selection screen (sample) The material cartridge currently loaded in the channel is indicated at the bottom of the screen.
  • Page 51 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer 8. Tap OK. The main material replacement screen appears again, where you can select another channel. Replacing certain materials requires print-head optimization. If this is the case, Head Optimization is selected automatically in the material replacement screen.

  • Page 52: Printer States Between Jobs

    Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer Printer States Between Jobs Between printing jobs, the printer can be left in Idle state for up to 10 days. However, if there is a need to shut down the printer, use the Shutdown wizard to automatically perform the procedures that must be done before turning off the printer (see "Shutting Down the Printer"...

  • Page 53: Shutting Down The Printer

    Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer Shutting Down the Printer You only need to shut down the printer if it will not be used for more than 10 days. Otherwise, the printer can remain on, in Idle mode. However, if there is a need to turn off the printer sooner, use the Shutdown wizard to automatically perform the necessary processes before turning off the printer.
  • Page 54 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer 4. When shutting down the printer for an extended time, turn off the main power switch at the back of the printer. Figure 4-35 Main power switch and cable DOC-19001 Rev.

  • Page 55: Updating The Printer Software

    Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer Updating the Printer Software GrabCAD Job Manager and the printer software need to be updated each time a new version of GrabCAD Print is released. When a new software version is available for installation, the following alert appears.
  • Page 56 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer 3. When the message appears, tap Go to Software Configuration. Figure 4-37 Software update message 4. In the Software Configuration screen, tap Update Software. Note: Make sure that the latest version of Job manager is installed.
  • Page 57 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer 5. Select the software version listed. Figure 4-39 Update Software screen The installation wizard opens. 6. Follow the wizard until the new software version is installed. DOC-19001 Rev. G...

  • Page 58: Sending Log Files To Service Provider

    Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer Sending Log Files to Service Provider From GrabCAD Print, you can generate printer log files for diagnostic purposes and send it to your service provider for support. Note: It is not possible to send log files for remote printers. To send the log files, the printer and GrabCAD Print must be connected to the same network.
  • Page 59 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer 3. Select Get Printer Support. Figure 4-41 Printer Details screen DOC-19001 Rev. G 4-31...
  • Page 60 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer 4. When the following dialog box appears, enter all the required information and click Contact Support. Note: Make sure that the Include Project File check box is selected. This ensures that the print job is sent together with the log files.

  • Page 61: Maintaining The Printer

    Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer Maintaining the Printer Performing routine maintenance tasks is essential for getting satisfactory results from your printer. Perform the tasks at specified intervals. Routine Maintenance Schedule Frequency Task For More...

  • Page 62: Customer Replacement Units

    Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer Customer Replacement Units Below is a list of standard replacement parts you may need when performing routine maintenance tasks. Part Name Stratasys Part Number Print head MSC-08006-S Waste cartridge (x2)
  • Page 63 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer 4. When instructed by the wizard, open the printer. The wizard displays the checklist of cleaning tasks. Figure 4-44 Routine Cleaning tasks Perform the cleaning tasks in the order shown.
  • Page 64 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer 8. With the alcohol-soaked cleaning cloth, clean the roller surface as it is rotating. Figure 4-46 Roller Caution Use caution when cleaning the rotating roller. 9. Open the purge unit to inspect and clean the wiper.
  • Page 65 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer b. Pull the securing latch up and open the purge unit. Figure 4-48 Opening the purge unit 10. With the alcohol-soaked cleaning cloth, clean the wiper and the surrounding area.
  • Page 66 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer 16. In the next screen, you have the option to clean underneath the build tray. Figure 4-49 Additional cleaning option If you choose to clean underneath the build tray, the tray is raised when you click Next.

  • Page 67: Pattern Test

    Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the 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.
  • Page 68 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer 5. In the following screen, select Print Pattern Test and tap Next. Figure 4-50 Pattern Test selection Note: Advanced printing diagnostics includes operations for diagnosing possible faults in the print heads. Perform them only on the advice and direction of your Stratasys service provider.
  • Page 69 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer 9. Inspect the test paper to see if there are missing lines in the printed patches, which indicate clogged nozzles in the print head. Figure 4-53 Missing line in the test print 10.

  • Page 70: Replacing The Wiper

    Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer The next screen allows you to print another series of test patches and enter the results. If there are many clogged nozzles, the wizard suggests that you clean the print heads with the Routine Cleaning wizard, and test again.
  • Page 71 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer 4. When you open the printer, locate the purge unit, in the rear-left corner, behind the print heads. Figure 4-57 Purge unit 5. Put on the gloves. Caution Uncured printing material on printer components might cause skin irritation.
  • Page 72 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer 7. Pull the purge unit down to open it. Figure 4-59 Opening the purge unit 8. Lift and remove the waste collector. Figure 4-60 Removing the purge-unit waste collector 9.
  • Page 73 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer 10. When the following screen appears, grasp the wiper and pull it out. Figure 4-62 Removing the wiper 11. Install a new wiper, and confirm this in the wizard screen.
  • Page 74 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer 12. When the following screen appears, return the waste collector to the purge unit, close the purge unit and lock it with the securing latch. Figure 4-63 Installing the waste collector and closing the purge unit 13.

  • Page 75: Replacing The Roller Waste Collector

    Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer After replacing the wiper, you determine if it needs to be adjusted to wipe the print heads effectively. You do this by looking to see if there is a gap between the print heads and the wiper, and indicating this in the wizard screen.
  • Page 76 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer 3. Pull the waste collector down to remove it, Warning: The scraper blade in the roller waste collector is sharp. Use caution when handling the unit. Figure 4-66 Roller waste collector 4.

  • Page 77: Optimizing Print Heads

    Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer Optimizing Print Heads The condition of the print heads directly affects the quality of printed models. To maintain optimum printing, you should routinely test the print heads, and adjust them to the best working configuration possible by running the Head...
  • Page 78 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer 4. In the opening wizard screen, tap Start to begin. 5. Continue as follows: ❒ If you have recently cleaned the print heads, tap Continue with head optimization. ❒ Otherwise, tap Run the Routine Cleaning wizard. The Routine Cleaning wizard starts.
  • Page 79 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer 8. When the Pattern Test is completed, remove the sheet from the printer. 9. Make sure that the build tray is clear and close the print door and tap Next.
  • Page 80 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer 16. Verify that the print heads are exactly above the resin container and tap Next. Printing material (resin) is jetted from each head and its weight is automatically recorded.

  • Page 81: Replacing Print Heads

    • Visual inspection of the head reveals that its surface is damaged—peeling or bubbles in the nozzle area. Replace print heads only after consulting with an authorized Stratasys service provider. The Head Replacement wizard guides you through the procedure of replacing a print head, and configures printer components to enable you to perform it.
  • Page 82 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer To replace a print head: 1. Prepare— ❒ replacement print head(s) ❒ print-head extractor ❒ print-head-driver installation tool ❒ 90% isopropanol (IPA—isopropyl alcohol) or ethanol (ethyl alcohol) ❒ disposable cleaning gloves (use clean, powder-free gloves) ❒...
  • Page 83 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer When the heads cool down, the following screen appears. Figure 4-74 Head replacement preparation 5. Tap Next to prepare the printer for shutdown. 6. After the interface screen goes blank, turn off the power switch at the back of the printer.
  • Page 84 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer Removing the Defective Head 1. Open the door and clean the print heads with the cleaning cloth and alcohol. Warning: Electrical Hazard Contact with live circuits could cause serious electric shock. Do not continue before turning off the power switch and disconnecting the power cable.
  • Page 85 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer 5. Loosen the thumb screws on both sides of the electronics assembly. 6. Raise the side of the electronics assembly, as shown, to allow access to the print-head driver cards.
  • Page 86 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer 8. Locate the driver card for the print head needing replacement. Figure 4-80 Locating the driver card 9. Release the latches that secure the print-head driver card. Figure 4-81 Releasing the print-head driver card DOC-19001 Rev.
  • Page 87 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer 10. Remove the driver card from its holder. 11. From inside the printing chamber, loosen the securing screws on both sides of the print head. Figure 4-82 Loosening the print-head securing screws After loosening the securing screws, the print head descends.
  • Page 88 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer 15. Make sure that along with the head, you remove the four (4) rubber O-ring seals. Figure 4-85 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.
  • Page 89 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer Installing the New Head 16. Place four (4) new O-ring seals in the replacement head (see Figure 4-85 on the previous page). 17. Place a cleaning cloth on the build tray and place the head on it, as shown below.
  • Page 90 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer 19. Inside the printing chamber, attach the driver card to the installation tool with the elastic band. Figure 4-89 Inserting the print-head-driver installation tool Important: To install the print head correctly, the contacts on the driver card should face you as you attach it to the installation tool.
  • Page 91 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer 21. In the printing chamber, place the securing brackets under the print head, then raise the head into place. Figure 4-91 Positioning the bracket under the print head 22. Tighten the securing screws on both sides of the print head.
  • Page 92 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer 23. Detach the driver card from the installation tool, and install it. Secure it with the latches. Figure 4-93 Installing the print-head driver card 24. Move the supporting bracket back into place, under the driver cards, and make sure that all of the cards are secure in the circuit board.
  • Page 93 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer After replacing the print head(s), continue as follows: 1. At the back of the printer, connect the power cable and turn on the main switch. 2. At the front of the printer, press the printer power button to turn on the printer.

  • Page 94: Checking Printing Accuracy

    Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer Checking Printing Accuracy If there are printing-accuracy issues, as explained below, you can check if the printing process (in the printer software) is aligned to match the exact position of the print heads installed.
  • Page 95 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer 6. When the following screen appears, open the printer and remove the test paper. Figure 4-98 Test printing finished When you select the confirmation check box and tap Next, the wizard ends.

  • Page 96: Calibrating Print-Head Accuracy

    Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer Calibrating Print-Head Accuracy To achieve optimum printing accuracy, the printing process (in the printer software) is aligned to match the exact position of the print heads installed. This is done with the aid of the Head Calibration wizard and a scanner. After a transparency is printed and scanned, it is analyzed.
  • Page 97 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer 4. In the following screen, select Print transparency for analysis. Figure 4-100 Wizard process selection 5. Make sure that the build tray is clear and clean, and confirm this in the wizard screen.
  • Page 98 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer Figure 4-103 Build tray cap removed 7. Confirm the items in the wizard screen, and tap Next. A test pattern is printed on the transparency. This completes the first part of the calibration process.
  • Page 99 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer 2. In the opening screen, select ScanGear. Figure 4-105 Scanning selection DOC-19001 Rev. G 4-71...
  • Page 100 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer 3. In the Advanced Mode tab, open the Favorite Settings menu, and select the printer model. Figure 4-106 Favorite Settings selection (sample) 4. Make sure that these settings are as follows: ❒...
  • Page 101 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer 5. Place the test-pattern transparency face-up on the scanner platen, so that the arrow on the transparency is near the arrow on the scanner (in the lower-left corner). Make sure that the bottom and left edges of the transparency are at the borders of the platen.
  • Page 102 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer 9. When scanning is finished, select Scan other images in the dialog box and click OK. Figure 4-111 Selection after scanning the test pattern If this dialog box does not appear, click Preferences (at the bottom of the interface) and in the Scan tab, select Display the dialog to select next action.
  • Page 103 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer 13. Save the scanned files in a convenient folder on your computer. Next, you load these files to GrabCAD Print for analysis. 14. Once you have finished the scans, wet a cleaning cloth with isopropanol and clean the scanner platen.
  • Page 104 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer 2. Click the Printer Details icon for your printer to open the pane displaying printer properties. Figure 4-114 Opening the printer properties pane Figure 4-115 Printer properties pane DOC-19001 Rev. G...
  • Page 105 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer 3. Click Settings (above) to open the Settings pane (below). Figure 4-116 Settings pane 4. Click Browse Grid Image and Browse Pattern Image to import these files. GrabCAD Print calculates the head/software calibration parameters and saves them in a file on your computer.
  • Page 106 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer Applying the New Parameters 1. At the printer, select Head Calibration to open the wizard again. 2. In the opening wizard screen, click Start to begin. 3. In the following screen, select Load calibration parameters.
  • Page 107 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer 4. In the following screen, select Load the calibration parameters from GrabCAD Print. Note: If the printer and the GrabCAD client are not connected via the same network, select Load the calibration parameters previously saved.
  • Page 108 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer 5. In the following screen, select Load calibration parameters. Figure 4-120 Wizard process selection 6. Select a source, USB drive or network folder. Figure 4-121 Selecting a source for loading calibration parameters 7.

  • Page 109: Lubricating The Z-Axis Screw

    Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer Lubricating the Z-Axis Screw The Z-axis lead screw should be lubricated with a small amount of machine grease every three months. This ensures continued smooth raising and lowering of the build tray during printing.

  • Page 110: Calibrating The Weight Sensors

    Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer Calibrating the Weight Sensors Sensors measure the weight of the material cartridges and the waste cartridge in the printer. It is important that you occasionally check that the weight measurements are accurate to prevent unnecessary waste of printing materials.

  • Page 111: Replacing The Waste Cartridge

    Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer Replacing the Waste Cartridge Printer waste contains partially cured polymeric material, collected during normal operation and maintenance of the printer. For safety and environmental reasons, this material is kept in a special leak-proof, disposable cartridge.

  • Page 112: Cleaning The Exterior Panels

    Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer Cleaning the Exterior Panels The painted exterior plastic panels of the printer has a durable finish, offering excellent chemical resistance to common cleaning materials. Follow the recommendations below when cleaning these areas of the printer.
  • Page 113 Stratasys J3 Series User Guide 4 Operating and Maintaining the Printer 6. Absorb the solution from the acrylic surface with the cloth, without applying pressure. 7. If necessary, repeat to remove any remaining marks, or apply clean water to rinse the surface.

  • Page 114: Handling Printed Models

    Handling Printed Models Removing 3D Prints After Printing Removing the Support Material Removing WSS150 Support Material Removing SUP710 Support Material Removing SUP710 Support by Hand Removing SUP710 Support with Water Pressure Removing SUP710 Support with Caustic Soda Post-Printing Treatment Photobleaching for Transparent 3D Prints Storing 3D Prints DOC-19001 Rev.

  • Page 115: Removing 3D Prints After Printing

    (or a combination of them) for cleaning your 3D prints. For special printing applications, refer to documents on the Stratasys Support Center or consult a Stratasys 3D printing expert. DOC-19001 Rev. G...

  • Page 116: Removing Wss150 Support Material

    "WSS150 Best Practice". • The solution of WSS150 dissolved in water can be solidified using the Stratasys L2S (Liquid to Solid) solidifying powder. For detailed instructions on waste handling and the solidification process of the WSS150 wastewater, refer to "WSS150 Wastewater Processing and Handling Using...

  • Page 117: Removing Sup710 Support Material

    For most 3D prints, the most efficient way to remove support material is by using a high-pressure water jet. One suitable system is the Objet WaterJet cleaning unit. This device is marketed by Stratasys. Figure 5-1 Objet WaterJet Cleaning Unit To clean a 3D print using this device, you manipulate it and the water using the built-in, waterproof sleeves.

  • Page 118: Removing Sup710 Support With Caustic Soda

    This involves exposing 3D prints to intense light immediately after printing. Photobleaching methods and instructions are described in the Best Practices for the relevant clear material. These are available on the Transparent materials page on the Stratasys Support Center. Refer to the Best Practices for: VeroUltra ClearS RGD821...

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