Stratasys Fortus 360mc User Manual
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Stratasys Fortus 360mc User Manual

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Fortus
360mc/400mc
®
3D Production System
USER GUIDE
Part No. 107166-0014_REV_A

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Summary of Contents for Stratasys Fortus 360mc

  • Page 1 Fortus 360mc/400mc ® 3D Production System USER GUIDE Part No. 107166-0014_REV_A...
  • Page 2 Ultem* 9085 is a trademark of SABIC Innovative Plastics IP BV. © Copyright 2015 Stratasys, Inc. The FORTUS 360mc/400mc and FDM 360mc/400mc systems conform with the following standards, in accordance with the EU Machinery, Low Voltage and Electromagnetic Compatibility Directives: EU 2006/42/EC...
  • Page 3 ABOUT THE FORTUS 360MC/400MC AND FDM 360MC/400MC Welcome to the Fortus 360mc/400mc™ and FDM 360mc/400mc™ 3D Production Systems which are referred to throughout this User Guide as the 360mc/400mc. These systems incorporate the latest in innovative technologies to provide you with precise prototypes from a CAD design.
  • Page 4 Adds Material Auto-Changeover ABOUT THIS GUIDE This guide is your introduction to building prototypes using a Stratasys rapid prototype system. It is designed as a learning and reference tool that explains system operation in an easy to understand, step-by-step, process.
  • Page 5 107166-0012_REV_A July 2014 Added ASA material information throughout. 107166-0013_REV_A July 2015 Added Ultem 1010 material information, including T14 model tip, information throughout. 107166-0014_REV_A January 2016 Updated document branding per new Stratasys design and guidelines. Made various minor corrections throughout.

  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 SERVICE AND SUPPORT ..............1 SERVICE............................ 1 SOFTWARE SUPPORT......................1 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ......................2 Hazard Types ..............................2 Product Safety Signs ............................2 Specific Safety Practices ........................... 3 Guard Door Interlocks............................4 General Safety Practices ........................... 4 2 SETUP AND INSTALLATION ..............
  • Page 7 Oven Door ............................... 13 Canister Bay Doors ............................13 Right Side Door - Upper ..........................13 Right Side Door - Lower ..........................13 Left Side Door - Upper............................. 13 Left Side Door - Lower............................. 13 GANTRY AREA (XY TABLE) ....................14 Opening the Top Door and Top Hood ......................
  • Page 8 Breakaway Support Material ........................... 38 Soluble Release Support Material ........................38 Support Material for PPSF Parts ........................38 MATERIAL, CANISTERS, AND LIQUEFIER TIPS ..............39 Unloading Material from the Liquefier Tips...................... 39 Removing Canisters ............................40 Canister Installation ............................41 Loading Material to the Liquefier Tips ......................
  • Page 9 Sending a Part to the Modeler......................... 67 6 CALIBRATION .................. 68 AUTOMATIC CALIBRATION ....................68 Auto Z Stage Zero Calibration ......................... 68 Auto Tip-to-Tip Calibration (AutoCal Tip Offset)....................69 XY and Z Tip Offset Calibration........................69 MANUAL CALIBRATION ......................72 Manual Z Stage Zero............................
  • Page 10 GETTING HELP ........................87 FINDING A REMEDY....................... 88 9 UI MENU STRUCTURE ..............90 MAIN MENU..........................90...

  • Page 11: Service And Support

    This chapter provides the user with information on service and support for the Fortus 360mc/400mc system. SERVICE If you have a problem with your 360mc/400mc that is not covered in this User Guide, please contact Stratasys Customer Support: Call (800) 801-6491 (7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. C.T.) •...

  • Page 12: Safety Instructions

    SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS The following basic safety tips are given to ensure safe installation, operation, and maintenance of Stratasys equipment and are not to be considered as comprehensive on matters of safety. The Fortus 360/400mcis designed to be a safe and reliable rapid prototyping system. Access to areas of the system are potentially dangerous.

  • Page 13: Specific Safety Practices

    Hot Surface: The hot surface sign indicates the presence of devices with high temperatures. Always use extra care when working around heated components. Always wear the safety gloves and safety sleeves provided in the 360mc/400mc Startup Kit. Head temperatures in the system can exceed 350°C (662°F). Gloves: The gloves sign indicates that if you enter the area specified by the symbol you must wear safety gloves and sleeves approved for high temperatures provided in the Startup Kit.

  • Page 14: Guard Door Interlocks

    GUARD DOOR INTERLOCKS Interlock switches are used to communicate the oven door, gantry door, and top hatch states to the system. For safety reasons, the doors and hatch must be closed before the X, Y and Z motors will operate. GENERAL SAFETY PRACTICES Abide by these general safety practices when working with this system.

  • Page 15: Setup And Installation

    2 SETUP AND INSTALLATION This chapter describes basic setup and installation of the Fortus 360mc/400mc system. GENERAL INFORMATION PREPARE YOUR FACILITY FOR INSTALLATION Follow the 360mc/400mc Site Preparation Guide to ensure that your facility is effectively and safely prepared for system installation.

  • Page 16: Making The External Air Connection

    This system requires a high voltage connection, which is made at the right, rear corner of the system (as viewed from the rear). High voltage is applied to the system via a Delta connection. The main breaker must be off until a Stratasys Service Technician has verified the connection. This system is only provided with a Delta connection. (Figure...

  • Page 17: Setting The Ip Address

    SETTING THE IP ADDRESS Power up the system, see “Powering Up the System” on page From the Ready screen, select and press ENTER. Maintenance Build Job.. | *Tips: Model T16 Operator Control.. Support T16 Modeler Status.. >Maintenance.. Select and press ENTER. Administration Modeler Default..

  • Page 18: Moving The System

    MOVING THE SYSTEM If you need to move the system to a different location, a specific sequence of steps must be followed. Unload material filament from the liquefiers. See“Unloading Material from the Liquefier Tips” on page Remove the material canisters. See “Removing Canisters”...
  • Page 19 Secure the XY Gantry: (Figure 2-6) Warning: Use an approved safety ladder to access the hood. Open the hood door and hood lid. Manually position the gantry in the left front corner of the XY table. Caution: Do not use the head service handle to secure the XY Gantry. Damage to the head could occur.
  • Page 20 Move system to its new location. Caution: If the system will be rolled over floor seams or bumps, do not roll the system on the casters. use an appropriate lifting device. Lower the support feet and lock them in place using the locknut. Cut the wire ties securing the Z stage end plates to the bearing mount plates.

  • Page 21: System Components

    3 SYSTEM COMPONENTS This chapter describes the system components of the Fortus 360mc/400mc system. Information on model materials and tips that can be used by the system are also included in this chapter. SYSTEM PROTECTION MAIN CIRCUIT BREAKER If the system encounters a high current surge, the main circuit breaker trips, protecting the system’s electrical and electronic components.

  • Page 22: Access Doors And Panels

    • panel). ACCESS DOORS AND PANELS Warning: The rear access panels should only be removed by a Stratasys service technician. This system has been designed to allow easy access to the most frequently accessed areas on the system. Doors and Panels that you may need to open or remove are highlighted in Figure 3-2 &...

  • Page 23: Top Door And Top Hood

    TOP DOOR AND TOP HOOD Allows access to the XY Gantry, head assembly, and four cooling fans. The cooling fans cool the upper area of the XY Gantry and head area. The two fans on the left draw cool air into the system. The two fans on the right draw warm air out of the system.

  • Page 24: Gantry Area (Xy Table)

    GANTRY AREA (XY TABLE) OPENING THE TOP DOOR AND TOP HOOD To access the XY Gantry or the Head, open the top door and top hood. The door and hood share a safety switch and a continuous solenoid. The top door remains locked during system operation and can only be unlocked by performing an Open Hood/Door command, which allows you to manually open the doors.

  • Page 25: Head Assembly

    HEAD ASSEMBLY The head assembly has been designed for use with a wide range of modeling materials. The board inside the head provides direct heater and thermocouple control. The head extrudes modeling material and support material with two identical liquefiers. The support liquefier moves up and down via a drive motor. The liquefier tips are clamped directly between the heated block and liquefier clamp block with two screws.
  • Page 26 Place the head into the head maintenance bracket and secure the head with the head mounting plate retaining screws. Note: When the head is in the maintenance bracket, clean out the head tray (Figure 3-7). Figure 3-6: Location of Head Maintenance Bracket Head Moved to Service...

  • Page 27: Modeling Materials And Tips

    MODELING MATERIALS AND TIPS MATERIALS MATERIALS USED The 400mc system can use a variety of material types: • ABSi model material used with SR-20 soluble support. • ABS-M30 and ABS-M30i model materials used with SR-20 or SR-30 soluble support. SR-30 is ductile and dissolves up to three times faster than SR-20.

  • Page 28: Liquefier Tips

    Table 3-1: Material Build Temperatures Maximum Maximum Material Extrusion Temp. Oven Temp. ABSi 330°C (626°F) 85°C (185°F) ABS-M30 320°C (609°F) 95°C (203°F) ABS-M30i ABS-ESD7 320°C (609°F) 95°C (203°F) 330°C (626°F) 100°C (212°F) Nylon 12 355°C (671°F) 120°C (248°F) PC-ABS 330°C (626°F) 110°C (230°F) 365°C (689°F) 145°C (293°F)
  • Page 29 TIP COMPATIBILITY & SELECTION Table 3-2 lists the materials available for use with the 360/400mc and their corresponding tips. Table 3-3 lists the slice heights for each model tip. Table 3-4 provides approximate tip life, based on the amount of material used. •...
  • Page 30 Table 3-4: Tip Life Model Support Model Model Tip Life Support Tip Life Material cu. in. cu. cm. Canisters cu. in. cu. cm. Canisters ABSi 10160 T12SR20 4420 ABSi 12620 T12SR20 9010 ABSi 15080 10.0 T12SR20 10550 ABSi 15080 10.0 T12SR20 10550 ABS-M30...
  • Page 31 a. ABSi model material uses SR-20 support material. A T12SR20 support tip should be used (regardless of model tip size). ABS-M30 and ABS-M30i model material can use SR-20 or SR-30 support material. Use the T12SR20 tip for SR-20 material (regardless of model tip size) and use the T12SR30 tip for SR-30 material (regardless of model tip size).

  • Page 32: Oven Bay

    OVEN BAY OVEN DOOR The Oven Assembly (also called the Oven Bay) includes the oven door and everything that you see through the front door glass. The bay is where parts are built. The oven door uses a continuous solenoid. The Unlock Hood/ Door command will release the solenoid allowing you to open the door.
  • Page 33 THE PLATEN The platen is the surface on which parts are built. A plastic build sheet is held to the 17” x 15” aluminum platen by the vacuum source. The platen has a waffle pattern machined into the top surface. This allows vacuum to pull across the entire surface.
  • Page 34 Z STAGE The Z stage assembly moves the platen up or down. This is accomplished with two belt driven lead screws - accessed by removing the upper right and upper left panels (see “Access Doors and Panels” on page 12). The majority of the left and right Z stage assemblies are mounted outside of the oven to keep them away from heat.

  • Page 35: Canister Bay

    CANISTER BAY ACCESSING THE BAYS The canister bays are accessed by opening the canister bay door on the front of the system (Figure 3-13). The canister bay door is not a part of the door safety interlock system and, therefore, can be opened during system operation.

  • Page 36: Smartspool System

    CANISTER DRIVE BLOCK AND DRIVE LEVER Each individual canister bay has a material drive block and a drive lever (Figure 3-14). The drive block feeds the filament from the canisters to the liquefiers. • The drive block is located above the canister and contains a small DC motor which drives the filament up to the liquefiers.
  • Page 37 When you choose to build a CMB file (see “Sending a Part to the Modeler” on page 67), the system compares stored information within the CMB file to the canister information. The CMB file material type is compared to the system canister material type.

  • Page 38: Vacuum And Air Dryer Systems

    VACUUM AND AIR DRYER SYSTEMS ON BOARD VACUUM SYSTEM The vacuum pump generates the vacuum used to hold the build sheet to the platen. The amount of vacuum generated by the pump can be read on the vacuum gauge located above the purge waste bucket. The vacuum system also contains an in-line vacuum filter (to remove debris from the vacuum system - see “Clean the Vacuum System In-Line Filter and Jar”...

  • Page 39: Operating The System

    4 OPERATING THE SYSTEM This chapter explains basic steps in operating the Fortus 360mc/400mc system. BASIC USER INTERFACE AND OPERATIONS The Operator Control Panel consists of a four-line by 40 character display with keypad. The panel is located on the front right face of the system. The Operator Control Panel is easy to use. All user interface is menu driven.

  • Page 40: Using The Keypad

    USING THE KEYPAD The Operator Control Panel has the following keypad buttons (Figure 4-2): Figure 4-2: Keypad Buttons Button Description MENU Takes you up one level in the menu directory, unless stated otherwise. It is also used to take you out of the Help system. Up Arrow Moves the cursor up one line in the display each time it is pressed.

  • Page 41: Screen Symbols

    SCREEN SYMBOLS The following symbols are used in the menu displays. Symbol Description <E> Push ENTER to execute the command line. (The cursor “>” must be on the same line.) <E>.. Push ENTER to execute command line. Also pushes you into another menu. ".."...

  • Page 42: Powering Down The System

    POWERING DOWN THE SYSTEM Warning: Due to the UPS, High voltage is present in the system when the power cord is unplugged. Caution: Do not turn the blowers off prior to the five minute time-out or damage to the system may occur. To power down the system, press the red button (Figure 4-1).

  • Page 43: Basic Job Build Tasks

    Material residue on the sheet can adhere to the platen or interfere with the build sheet vacuum. Note: Using build sheets not provided by Stratasys may impact part quality and system reliability. Note: ABS, ASA and PC parts use a clear build sheet.

  • Page 44: Select A Job To Build

    Make sure the loaded filament matches the material requirements of the CMB file. Change material type if necessary (see “Modeling Materials and Tips” on page 17). The display screen warns you if there is a material mis-match. Make sure that the tip cleaning brush and tips are clean. Empty the purge bucket.

  • Page 45: Build Job Warnings

    is set to (system default), the part build will initiate (an Auto Z User Placement on Platen Stage Zero may be performed depending upon modeler status or settings). is set to , you are offered the following choices: User Placement on Platen Note: For more information about User Placement on Platen see “Display Units”...

  • Page 46: Information Available During A Build

    Model / Support Mat’l Incompatibility.. • Model and support materials are not of compatible types. • Load correct material. Vacuum not present-Please check build sheet Vacuum is below minimum for system operation. • • Correct condition - often the result of a poorly positioned build sheet. Continue..

  • Page 47: After A Job Build

    From Pause mode, you can make the following selections: • - the system resumes building the part. If the oven door, top door, or top hood is open, Resume Build or if vacuum is not present, the screen will display Can’t Resume (Help) - View the Job Status and Canister Status.

  • Page 48: Removing Supports

    Ultrasonic or Circulation tank containing a solution of water and WaterWorks soluble solution. For more information on WaterWorks, refer to the WaterWorks User Guide located on Stratasys’ Customer Extranet. SUPPORT MATERIAL FOR PPSF PARTS Removing supports from PPSF parts requires a slightly different support removal process than with ABS, ASA or PC, which uses BASS supports.

  • Page 49: Material, Canisters, And Liquefier Tips

    The difficulty of support removal is based on the following: part size, amount of supports, support style, and support temperature. Stratasys recommends removing the supports in the following order: Base Structures Thin horizontal sections Around small features Angle support faces...

  • Page 50: Removing Canisters

    Select the canister/material to be unload and press ENTER. M1L:PPSF 92.0 in3 (Ready) >M2L:PC 91.6 in3 <E> (Loaded) S1L:PC_S 92.3 in3 (Ready) S2L:PPSF_S 41.4 in3 (Ready) • The head warms up to the unload temperature, and the canister LED rapidly flashes green. •...

  • Page 51: Canister Installation

    Caution: IMMEDIATELY pull the canister from the bay after lifting the drive block lever. A delay may allow filament to be forced into the canister. If filament is forced into canister, cross winding is likely, making the entire canister unusable. Immediately pull the canister out of the bay (within ten seconds of lifting the drive block lever).
  • Page 52 Push canister all the way into the canister bay. Figure 4-3: Canister Installation Table 4-1: Key to Figure 4-3 Item Description Item Description Foil Tape Plastic Plug (operating position) Anti-Rotation Plug Plastic Plug (storage position) Thumbwheel Door Foam Gasket (operating position) Canister Snout Foam Gasket (storage position) Filament...
  • Page 53 Figure 4-4: Preloading Filament Filament Present Switch Drive Lever Filament Drive Wheels Filament Thumbwheel Filament PRE-LOAD FILAMENT TO THE DRIVE WHEELS Pre-loading filament to the drive wheels places a canister’s filament into position to be loaded to the liquefier tips within the head.

  • Page 54: Loading Material To The Liquefier Tips

    LOADING MATERIAL TO THE LIQUEFIER TIPS Caution: Any time the system’s material type is changed, tips must also be changed.The following information does not contain steps for changing the system’s tips. Any time you are changing material type and tips you must follow the steps within “Changing Tips or Material Type”...

  • Page 55: Canister Auto Changeover

    Select the material to be loaded and press ENTER. (The <E> indicates the canisters that you can select.) Note: Model and support materials must be compatible. If a selected material is incompatible with a loaded material, a material mis-match load error will occur. The selected material will not be loaded.

  • Page 56: Handling/Storing Canisters

    Like other thermoplastics, the filament within canisters can absorb moisture when exposed to ambient humidity. Stratasys canisters are designed to minimize moisture exposure while unopened and opened. When a canister's filament absorbs moisture a finished part's surface quality, seam quality and overall part aesthetics can be affected.

  • Page 57: Changing Tips Or Material Type

    CHANGING TIPS OR MATERIAL TYPE Note: If you are changing tips, or changing to a different material type, the user interface has a menu selection that guides you through the process. Caution: If the material type is changed, the tips must be changed. Perform the following steps to change the system’s tips/material type: Clean the oven and the tip wipe assembly.
  • Page 58 If changing material type, follow the procedures outlined in “Removing Canisters” on page 40 “Canister Installation” on page If the liquefier tips are to be changed: Warning: Always use an approved ladder or step stool when working with components under the top hood. Open the top door and top hood.
  • Page 59 Material information is displayed across the top line of the display. *M - labels the first half of the line as model information. The type of model material selected for loading to the liquefier is shown. iii. Between two brackets, ‘[ ]’, canister bay information is provided. ‘|’ separates the individual bays. Note: Selection of material for loading is made from the Review Materials to Load..
  • Page 60 • - indicates that the material is pre-loaded and can be selected for loading to the <E> (Ready) liquefier tip. • (*Ready)- indicates that the material is the current selection for loading to the liquefier tip. • (None.)- indicates that a canister is installed, but has not been pre-loaded to the canister bay drive wheels.
  • Page 61 If user placement is set to NO (system default is NO), the third line will read: Load and Calibrate.. • Press ENTER Reset Model in3 <E> 633.5 () Reset Supp. in3 <E> 182.7 () >Load and Calibrate.. Unlock Door <E> xii.
  • Page 62 The system performs Auto Z Stage Zero calibration. Note: If the Auto Z Stage Zero calibration fails, you need to run “Manual Z Stage Zero” on page 72. You then have to navigate through the screens to get back to this step.

  • Page 63: Working With The Job Queues

    WORKING WITH THE JOB QUEUES There are two, separate, job queues available on the 360mc/400mc - the Job Queue; and the Sample Job Queue. To access these queues: From the Main Menu select and press ENTER. Build Job >Build Job.. |*Tips: Model T16 Operator Control..

  • Page 64: Change Modeler Default Values

    CHANGE MODELER DEFAULT VALUES Factory presets can be changed from the menu. Modeler Default.. From the Main Menu select and press ENTER. Maintenance Build Job.. |*Tips: Model T16 Operator Control.. Support T16 Modeler Status.. >Maintenance.. Select and press ENTER. Modeler Default.. >Modeler Default..

  • Page 65: System Status

    Note: The up and down arrows have no effect when this menu is displayed. • Press the 2, 4, 6, or 8 key to move the head in the -y, -x, +x or +y directions respectively. • Press the 0 or 1 key to select Coarse or Fine movement of the head. •...

  • Page 66: Odometer Status

    ODOMETER STATUS The system tracks and displays the total amount of material extruded through a liquefier tip since it was last replaced. To view the tip odometers: From the Main Menu select and press ENTER. Modeler Status Build Job.. |*Tips: Model T16 Operator Control..

  • Page 67: System Software Version

    SYSTEM SOFTWARE VERSION The system can display the version of the software used to control the modeler (this software is installed on the modeler hard drive, not to be confused with Insight software installed on the workstation PC). From the Main Menu select and press ENTER.

  • Page 68: Miscellaneous Operating Tasks

    MISCELLANEOUS OPERATING TASKS OVEN TEMPERATURE CONTROL The oven modeling temperature is determined by the loaded material type. It is controlled by the system software and cannot be modified. However, the operator does have control of some oven temperature functions. • - The oven will heat to the system controlled build temperature for the Set Oven to Build Temp loaded material.

  • Page 69: Operator Control Of Head And Z Stage Movement

    OPERATOR CONTROL OF HEAD AND Z STAGE MOVEMENT Moving the Head to the Head Service Location (and Service Bracket). From the Main Menu select and press ENTER. Operator Control Build Job.. |*Tips: Model T16 >Operator Control.. Support T16 Modeler Status.. Maintenance..
  • Page 70 Incrementally Moving the Z Stage and Head. Set the amount of movement the Z Stage and Head will move with each movement command. From the Operator Control Panel, select Operator Control and press ENTER. Build Job.. |*Tips: Model T16 >Operator Control.. Support T16 Modeler Status..
  • Page 71 • Press <3> to move the Z Stage up. Press <9> to move the Z Stage down. • To move the Head: Note: Each time a number key is depressed, the Head will move the distance set in paragraph, 3 A. Note: Head movement is relative to the current position.

  • Page 72: Operating Insight

    5 OPERATING INSIGHT This chapter explains the procedure for using the Insight software utilized by the Fortus 360mc/400mc system. GETTING STARTED WITH INSIGHT STARTING INSIGHT To start Insight, select Start>Programs>Stratasys>InsightVxx>Insight. You can also double-click on the Insight shortcut desktop, if it was installed.

  • Page 73: Modeler Setup - Insight

    MODELER SETUP - INSIGHT CONFIGURE YOUR MODELER The first step in preprocessing is to configure your modeler. Click the Modeler button located in the Modeler Setup window (right side of screen) of the Operations Panel. The Configure Modeler dialog box opens. You can also access the Modeler Setup window by selecting Modelers>Setup.

  • Page 74: Part Build Parameters

    PART BUILD PARAMETERS The second step in preprocessing a model is to choose the part build parameters. The part build style will determine the type of fill pattern used to build the part. The part interior style will determine whether the interior of the part is solid or not.

  • Page 75: Preparing The Model - Insight

    PREPARING THE MODEL - INSIGHT ORIENTING THE PART IN THE BUILD ENVELOPE The modeling build envelope box displayed in Insight indicates the size of the part relative to the build envelope inside the 360mc/400mc. Select the Orient STL button . The Orient STL menu appears. From the Orient STL menu, click “Rotate”.

  • Page 76: Slicing The Part

    SLICING THE PART Before the part file is sent to the 360mc/400mc, the file must be sliced into the layers that the 360mc/400mc will extrude to construct the part. Click the Slice button to create slice curves for the part. Red slice curves are displayed in the graphics window.

  • Page 77: Saving The Toolpath (Cmb File)

    SAVING THE TOOLPATH (CMB FILE) Now that the part file is sliced and ready to send to the 360mc/400mc, it must be saved as a.CMB file, which can be received by the system. Click File>Save As>Toolpath. (Figure 5-6) Figure 5-6: Saving Toolpath Information Enter the File Name and Directory.

  • Page 78: Calibration

    CALIBRATION This chapter describes basic calibration procedure of the Fortus 360mc/400mc system. AUTOMATIC CALIBRATION After tips are changed the user menu will prompt you to perform a series of automatic calibrations: Auto Z Stage Zero Calibration, Auto Tip-to-Tip Calibration, and XYZ Offset Calibration Note: Perform an Autohome XYZ before initiating automatic calibration (Operator Control >...

  • Page 79: Auto Tip-To-Tip Calibration (Autocal Tip Offset)

    AUTO TIP-TO-TIP CALIBRATION (AUTOCAL TIP OFFSET) Auto Tip-to-Tip Calibration calibrates the tip to tip offsets in the Z direction. No operator interaction required. The system automatically performs this calibration after the tips are changed or after a material type change. Proper calibration allows the system to toggle material tips and place the current tip at the precise coordinate necessary to continue accurate part build.
  • Page 80 Continue to check and adjust for XY offset until the calibration toolpath is centered at 0 for the X and Y axis. Figure 6-1: Calibration Model - English Units Tip Offset Adjustment Indicators X - Y Support Calibration Toolpath X - Y Alignment Example: Best Indicators Centered Position...
  • Page 81 Determine the Z Adjustment Note: Do not measure for Z adjustment until the Calibration Model shows the XY Offset to be less than 0.002 inch (.05 mm) for the X and Y axis. Peel the Support layer from the Z Calibration box. Measure the thickness of the Support layer with a caliper or micrometer in the center of all four sides of the calibration box.

  • Page 82: Manual Calibration

    Select Tip Offset Value and press Enter. Set Z Stage Zero.. | Calibration Job <E> AutoCal Tips <E> >Tip Offset Value.. AutoHome XYZ <E> Using the arrow keys, select the direction and axis to change. *Delta X:0.0000 Y:0.0000 Z:0.0000 >-X 0.00 <E>...
  • Page 83 The head will begin to move and the display will show: *Positioning. Please Wait ... After the head completes its move the display will show: >Unlock Door <E> Set Distance = 0.100 in <E> Set Z Stage = 0 <E> 0.010) *Move Z STage +Z<9>...

  • Page 84: Auto Z Stage Zero Calibration - Manual Start

    AUTO Z STAGE ZERO CALIBRATION - MANUAL START Note: An Auto Z Stage Zero Calibration must be performed after running “Manual Z Stage Zero” on page 72. Use this procedure to manually initiate the calibration. Note: Perform an Autohome XYZ before Z Stage Zero Calibration (Operator Control >...

  • Page 85: Auto Tip-Tip Calibration (Autocal Tip Offset) - Manual Start

    AUTO TIP-TIP CALIBRATION (AUTOCAL TIP OFFSET) - MANUAL START Note: An Auto Tip-to-Tip Calibration must be performed if the initial automatic calibration fails. Use this procedure to manually initiate the calibration. “Auto Z Stage Zero Calibration - Manual Start” on page 74 must be performed before running the Auto Tip-to-Tip Calibration.

  • Page 86: Xy And Z Tip Offset - Manual Start

    XY AND Z TIP OFFSET - MANUAL START Note: If the support layer is not centered on the model layer, an XY and Z Offset should be performed. Note: Perform an “Auto Tip-Tip Calibration (AutoCal Tip Offset) - Manual Start” on page 75 before XY and Z Offset.

  • Page 87: System Maintenance

    Open the Control Center application and select the Services tab and then click Check for System Updates. The Stratasys Update Manager window will appear. The application will check to see if the Controller software is current. Follow screen prompts to update the Controller software.

  • Page 88: Cd Method (Alternate Method)

    CD METHOD (ALTERNATE METHOD) This method is for customers who do not have web access. The Controller Software Update CD containing the updated .upg file and must be obtained from Stratasys. Inc. Insert the Controller Software Update CD into the workstation computer.

  • Page 89: Maintenance Schedule

    MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE Maintenance tasks must be performed on a regular basis in order to maintain optimal system operation. Table 7- outlines the general maintenance schedule. Detailed instructions for each task make up the rest of this chapter. Warning: removing any of the Always power down and unplug the system before access panels.

  • Page 90: Daily Maintenance

    DAILY MAINTENANCE CLEAN THE PLATEN The platen is the surface on which the build sheet is placed for modeling. If debris collects on the platen, it can adversely affect the vacuum which secures the build sheet to the platen. Remove the build sheet from the platen. •...

  • Page 91: Weekly Maintenance

    WEEKLY MAINTENANCE VACUUM THE BUILD ENVELOPE Vacuum the build envelope to remove build material waste and dust. CLEAN/INSPECT TIP WIPE ASSEMBLY You should inspect the tip wipe assembly once a week. Replace parts as necessary when wear is detected. The brush and flicker can be replaced as an assembly or the flicker can be replaced individually. •...
  • Page 92 Inspect the purge ledge assembly (Figure 7-5). • The purge surface should be free from pock marks or surface irregularities. • Install a new purge ledge assembly if necessary. Inspect the flicker/brush assemblies. The top edge of the flicker should be straight. Replace the flicker if it is notched or bent - a small •...

  • Page 93: Quarterly Maintenance

    QUARTERLY MAINTENANCE INSPECT THE PLATEN O-RING Check the platen o-ring for cracks, cuts, nicks, etc. - none allowed. Replace the o-ring as necessary. Remove the o-ring from the groove around the platen. • No special tools or techniques are required. The o-ring is held in place by contact pressure. Clean dirt and debris from the platen groove.

  • Page 94: Clean The Tip Sensor Plunger

    Insight workstation. System change codes are obtained from your Stratasys Representative. Verify that the system is idle. Place the system in the Receive Software Upgrade or Code mode.
  • Page 95 If using CD, upgrade files (UPG) are found in the CD directory. • If downloaded from the Internet, upgrade files are located in the ‘Stratasys’ folder on the workstation. Select and confirm the UPG file to upload. When the upload is complete, from the modeler, select “Reboot and Install Software Upgrade <E>” and press ENTER.

  • Page 96: Platen Flatness Diagnostic

    PLATEN FLATNESS DIAGNOSTIC If a part fails to adhere to the build sheet or the tip digs into the build sheet, the platen may not be flat. Five measurements are taken for the diagnostic, one in each corner of the platen and one in the center of the platen.

  • Page 97: Troubleshooting

    8 TROUBLESHOOTING This chapter describes basic troubleshooting that can be done by the user to correct basic problems with the Fortus 360mc/400mc systems. GETTING HELP If you have problems with your system or materials, that are not covered in this user guide or in the T-Class...

  • Page 98: Finding A Remedy

    FINDING A REMEDY Condition Possible Cause Remedy Canister will not load Anti-rotation plug not removed from canister. Remove plug. Rubber thumbwheel insert not removed from Remove thumbwheel insert. thumbwheel door. Empty canister (zero volume) Replace canister. Filament stuck in canister. Remove canister from system and pull out about eight feet (two meters) of material out.
  • Page 99 Condition Possible Cause Remedy Low Vacuum The build sheet is not properly installed. Move the sheet until it overlaps the platen equally on (Vacuum gauge does all sides. not read -15 or greater) There is filament debris on the platen. Remove the build sheet and clean the top surface of the platen.

  • Page 100: Ui Menu Structure

    9 UI MENU STRUCTURE MAIN MENU 1 - Main Menu Build Job.. |*Tips: Model T16 >Operator Control.. Support T16 Modeler Status.. Maintenance.. 2 - Build Job.. >Build Next Job: “Name of Job” <E> Build Last Job: “Name of Job” <E> Show Job Queue..
  • Page 101 1 - Main Menu Build Job.. |*Tips: Model T16 >Operator Control.. Support T16 Modeler Status.. Maintenance.. 2 - Operator Control Unlock Door <E> | Calibrate.. >Load/Unload Mtl.. | Temp Control.. Change Tips/Mtl.. | Move Head/Stage.. 3 - Load/Unload Mtl.. >Load Material.. Unload Material..
  • Page 102 4 - Unplug Tips.. ***** Head Purge Buttons Activated ***** MODEL (1) Support (2) ** Model Warming to 145°C (now 85°C) ** ** Supp Warming to 145°C (now 85°C) ** 3 - Change Tips/Matl.. >Unload Model and Support.. <E> *2. Insert new canisters (if required) *3.
  • Page 103 6 - Select Calibration Part Position.. (if user placement on) Locate Part Start.. Demo Bounding Box <E> >Load and Calibrate.. 6 - The following screens display automatically: * Waiting h:mm to stabilize ** Actual 100°C Setpoint: 225°C >Unlock Door <E> | Vacuum On Calibrate Immediately <E>...
  • Page 104 5 - Set Manual Z Stage Zero.. *Positioning. Please Wait... Unlock Door <E> Set Distance= 0.100 in <E> >Set Z Stage= 0 <E> (Z: 0.010) *Move Z Stage: +Z<9> -Z<3> 5 - Modify Current Z Zero.. * Modify Current Z Zero Z: 16.250 >+ 0.00 <E>...
  • Page 105 1 - Main Menu Build Job.. |*Tips: Model T16 Operator Control.. Support T16 >Modeler Status.. Maintenance.. 2 - Modeler Status.. >Temperatures.. Material Status.. Tip Status.. Machine State 3 - Temperatures.. Current Setpoint * Oven:78°C / 80°C * Model:198°C / 200°C * Support:301°...
  • Page 106 4 - Sensor States.. Door State: -Closed- Hood State: -Closed- Sense Head Switch1: -OFF- Sense Head Switch2: -OFF- Filament at Model Head: -NOT Sensed- Filament at Support Head: -NOT Sensed- Tip Sensor: -OFF- Vacuum Switch: -Vacuum (no) Model 1 Fil: Motor OFF:Rev Filament Model 2 Fil: Motor OFF:Rev NO Filament Supp 1 Fil: Motor OFF:Rev Filament Supp 2 Fil: Motor OFF:Rev Filament...
  • Page 107 1 - Main Menu Build Job.. |*Tips: Model T16 Operator Control.. Support T16 Modeler Status.. >Maintenance.. 2 - Maintenance.. >Modeler Default.. Administration.. Reboot Machine.. Procedures.. 3 - Modeler Default.. >Display Units = in (Inches) <E> User Placement on Platen: NO 3 - Administration..
  • Page 108 4 - Receive Software Upgrade or Code.. >Waiting for Software Upgrade or Code Press MENU key to Cancel 3 - Reboot Machine.. !! Hit the 1 key to Reboot Now !! or press <MENU> key 3 - Procedures.. Measure Flatness <E>! Change Head..
  • Page 109 Customers, resellers, and Stratasys employees are encouraged to send comments about our documentation and training to c-support@stratasys.com. We greatly value your comments, review all of them, and use them to improve subsequent releases of the documentation. In your email message please include the document title, part number (located on the front cover), and page number.

This manual is also suitable for:

Fortus 400mc

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