Objet Eden260 User Manual

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Eden260

3-D Printer System

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Page 1 User Guide English Eden260 3-D Printer System...
Page 3 Copyright Copyright © 2007 Objet Geometries Ltd. All rights reserved. This documentation contains proprietary information of Objet Geometries Ltd. This information is supplied solely to assist authorized users of the Eden 3‐D printing system. No part of this document may be used for other purposes, and it may not be disclosed to other parties. The specifications on which this document is based are subject to change without notice. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means, nor stored in a database or retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from Objet Geometries Ltd. If this document is distributed as a PDF file, you may print it for internal use. Trademarks The following are registered trademarks of Objet Geometries Ltd.: Objet®, Fullcure®. The following are trademarks of Objet Geometries Ltd.: Eden, Eden500V, Eden350V, Eden350, Eden330, Eden260, Eden250, PolyJet, PolyLog, Objet Studio, Job Manager, TangoBlack, TangoGray, VeroBlue, VeroWhite, VeroBlack. Microsoft and Microsoft XP are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. All names of products and services cited in this book are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. FCC Compliance The Eden systems referred to in this guide have been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A device pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. The Eden system generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy. If not installed and used in accordance with instructions in the User Guide, the system may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of Eden 3‐D printing systems in residential areas may cause unacceptable interference to radio and TV reception, requiring the operator to take whatever steps are necessary to correct the interference. Equipment Recycling In the European Union, this symbol indicates that when the last user wishes to discard a product, it must be sent to appropriate facilities for recovery and recycling. For information about proper disposal, check your purchase contract, or contact the supplier of the equipment. Limitation of Liability The product, software or services are being provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis. Except as may be stated specifically in your contract, Objet Geometries Ltd. expressly disclaims all warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non‐infringement.
Page 4 Patents This product is covered by one or more of the following U.S. patents: 4,961,154 5,263,130 5,287,435 5,386,500 5,519,816 5,695,708 6,259,962 6,569,373 6,644,763 6,658,314 6,850,334 6,863,859 7,183,335 7,209,797 7,225,045 Objet Geometries Ltd. http://www.2objet.com DOC‐00260 Rev. A1 May 2007 DOC-00260 Rev. A1...
Page 5: Table Of Contents
Light ..............................3–4 Safety Considerations......................... 3–4 Disposal ..............................3–4 Work Environment ..........................3–5 Workstation Requirements ......................3–5 Preparing Files for Use with Eden 3‐D Printing Systems ............3–5 Converting CAD Files to STL Format....................3–5 Converting Files to SLC Format ....................... 3–6 Objet Software ............................ 3–6 4 Installing Objet Software How to Install Software for the Eden 3‐D Printing System............4–2 5 Using Objet Studio Opening Objet Studio........................5–2 Preparing Models for Production....................5–3 Arranging the Objet Studio Screen ....................5–4 Placing Duplicate Objects on the Build Tray ................. 5–6 Selecting Objects..........................
Page 6 User Alerts ............................6–5 Server Job Manager..........................6–6 Job Manager Screen..........................6–6 Job Manager Operations........................6–8 Making changes to a Job........................6–9 User Alerts ............................6–10 Sending the Tray to the 3‐D printer for Production ..............6–11 7 Operating & Maintaining the Eden 3‐D Printer Starting the Eden260 3‐D Printer ..................... 7–2 Loading Model and Support Cartridges ..................7–3 Producing Models ..........................7–4 Printing Indicators..........................7–6 Resuming Production After Printing has Stopped ............... 7–6 Changing the Model Material ......................7–8 Keeping the Eden 3‐D Printer in Idle Mode................. 7–12 Shutting Down the Eden 3‐D Printer .................... 7–12 DOC-00260 Rev. A1...
Page 7 User Guide Maintaining the Eden 3‐D Printer ....................7–14 Routine Maintenance Schedule....................... 7–14 Cleaning the Printing Heads ......................7–14 Pattern Test ............................7–17 Improving Print Quality ........................7–17 Cleaning and Replacing the Wiper ....................7–18 Aligning the Printing Heads ......................7–20 Replacing Printing Heads........................ 7–25 Replacing the UV Lamps ......................... 7–35 Replacing the Waste Container....................... 7–39 8 Handling Printed Models Cooling Models After Printing ......................8–2 Removing the Support Material ...................... 8–2 Storing Models ........................... 8–3 A Printer Elements DOC-00260 Rev.
Page 9: About This Guide
About This Guide Using This Guide..................2 For More Information ..................2 Terms Used in This Guide................3 1–1 DOC-00260 Rev. A1...
Page 10: Using This Guide
About This Guide Using This Guide This user guide provides instructions for installing, operating and maintaining Eden260 3‐D printing systems. It explains how to use features, and provides practical examples to guide you as you use the system. The text and figures in this guide are based on Eden260 version 26.0.0.2 and Objet Studio version 8.0.1.3. This guide assumes that: • all the hardware, software, and network components of your Eden system are installed, configured, and operating correctly. ® • the operator has a working knowledge of the Windows PC platform. For More Information Visit http://www.2objet.com/ for more details about Objet’s technology, products and consumables, and for service and support contacts. For other documents that relate to Eden260 3‐D printing systems, and for this document in other languages, contact your regional Objet Customer Support office. If you have any questions about the information presented in this document, or if you have any comments or suggestions for future editions, please send a message to support@2objet.com. 1–2 DOC-00260 Rev. A1...
Page 11: Terms Used In This Guide
Eden260 User Guide Terms Used in This Guide Eden printer The Eden260 3‐D printer referred to in this guide. resin The base substance from which photopolymer materials are made for use in Eden printers. In Objet and Eden software, “resin” refers to cartridges of model and support materials. model material Material used for building models. support material Material used for supporting the structure of models during production. The file type used with Objet software. (For more information, see page 3‐3.) The file type used with Objet software. (These files are bitmaps of individual slices of the object. For more information, see page 3‐3.) OTF (Objet Tray Format) The file type containing all of the information needed for a model‐building job on Objet 3‐D printers. host/server workstation The workstation on which the full version of Job Manager is installed. This workstation interfaces directly with the Eden printer and is typically positioned next to it. client/user workstation The workstation on which Objet software is installed, used for preparing build trays for production on Eden printers. (There is no limit to the number of client workstations in the local network.) Eden computer The computer inside the Eden printer that operates it. (This is ...
Page 13: Safety
Safety Safety Features....................2 Symbols and Warnings................3 Safety Guidelines..................4 First Aid for Working With Resins ............6 Waste Disposal....................7 2–1 DOC-00260 Rev. A1...
Page 14: Safety Features
Safety Safety Features Eden260 3‐D printers are designed and manufactured to comply with CE and FCC standards. It is equipped with the following safety features: Cover lock The cover is locked while the printer is working. It is released when the printer reverts to pause or stop mode. WARNING: Do not defeat the safety lock. Doing so could result in serious personal injury. If the safety lock does not function correctly, contact your service provider. Cover interlock The internal AC power supply (to the UV lamp, switch motion motors and the tray heater) is turned off when the cover is opened. WARNING: Do not defeat the interlock switch. Doing so could result in serious personal injury. If the interlock does not function correctly, contact your service provider. UV screen The transparent section of the cover blocks harmful UV radiation, allowing the operator to view the model as it is being made. Circuit breaker The main power supply is turned off by an internal switch in case of an electrical malfunction. Grounded chassis The frame and chassis of the printer are grounded to prevent electrical shock. If the Eden system is not used as specified in this guide, the safety features may not provide adequate protection.
Page 15: Symbols And Warnings
Eden260 User Guide Symbols and Warnings This following table lists the warning labels located on or in Eden printers. Warning Meaning Location Comments Symbol Hazard (general) The main label on Caution. the back of the printer. Hot surface Near head block. Risk of burns. Do not touch this surface when hot. High voltage Near UV lamp Risk of electric connectors, on shock. the rear, left and right covers of the UV enclosure. Ultra Violet Near UV lamp Risk of injury from radiation ultraviolet radiation. Always use protective eyewear during operation. Moving parts Near tray Risk of injury from ...
Page 16: Safety Guidelines
Safety Safety Guidelines The following general guidelines, together with the instructions provided throughout this user guide, ensure user safety while operating and maintaining the Eden260 system. If the system is not operated as specified, the userʹs safety may be compromised. Eden Printer Installation and removal of the Eden printer should only be done by qualified service personnel. The Eden printer should only be operated by persons trained by an Objet customer‐support representative. Service operations should be performed only by personnel who have been instructed in relevant safety precautions. All personnel operating or maintaining the Eden printer should know the location of first aid and emergency equipment and how to use it. Never block access to this equipment. Never attempt to open the main cover of the printer while it is working. Never bypass the interlock safety switch. If the interlock safety switch ever fails, or if servicing is ever necessary while the main cover is open, never stare directly at the UV lamp without glasses that screen out UV radiation. For this purpose, ordinary sunglasses with UV screening are adequate. Never connect the power plug to a socket that does not have a ground (earth) wire, and never disconnect the ground. Doing so may expose the operator to serious danger from electric shock. The power cable should be connected at an easily accessible electric socket near the printer. Never insert screwdrivers, wires, or other objects into the power supply housing. Leave a minimum of 15 centimeters between ventilation openings and walls or other objects. Several parts of the printer remain extremely hot even after it has stopped operating. Avoid touching the main power supply, the UV‐ lamp power supply, UV lamps, and the printing heads. Notify co‐workers and those who have access to the Eden system before beginning non‐routine and hazardous work. Report any potential dangers and safety‐related accidents to your safety officer or to other appropriate authorities.
Page 17: Model And Support Material
Eden260 User Guide Model and Model and support materials are made of resins. Although precautions Support must be taken when handling resins directly, all model and support Material materials used by the Eden system are handled in sealed cartridges. Normally, operators of the Eden printer should never be directly exposed to dangerous materials. Most of the following recommendations for handling resins apply to the unlikely event of a leak or spill. If this should occur, follow the specific instructions printed on the resin cartridge used. Resins are flammable. Store cartridges of model and support materials indoors, in a dry area with adequate ventilation, between 16‐27 degrees Celsius (60‐81 degrees Fahrenheit). Never expose them to flames, heat or sparks. Keep resins away from areas where food and drink are stored, prepared and consumed. Uncured resin is toxic. Ensure that resin does not come in contact with the eyes. If there is any chance that resin may splash into the eyes, wear safety goggles. Minimize direct contact with the skin to prevent irritation and other health hazards. Prolonged contact may cause burns. To prevent respiratory irritation, ventilate all areas where resins are directly handled or exposed to the air. The ventilation system should totally replace the air 20 times per hour. Clean resin spills with disposable towels or other absorbent, non‐ reusable material, such as sawdust or activated charcoal. Rinse the spill area with denatured or isopropyl alcohol (IPA), followed by soap and water. Dispose of the absorbent material in accordance with local regulations. Do not wash contaminated clothing at home; clothing should be professionally laundered. Dispose of contaminated shoes, belts and other leather items. Absorbed resin may re‐expose the user when these items are worn again. 2–5 DOC-00260 Rev. A1...
Page 18: First Aid For Working With Resins
Safety First Aid for Working With Resins In general, try to avoid direct contact with uncured resin. If skin or eyes comes into contact with resin, wash the area immediately and thoroughly with water, and follow the first‐aid instructions below. Contact with If uncured resin comes in contact with skin, wash the affected area Skin immediately and thoroughly with soap and cool water, then remove contaminated clothing. Pay particular attention to flushing the hair, ears, nose and other parts of the body that are not easily cleaned. Use cool water to prevent skin pores from opening, so that the resin does not easily penetrate the skin. Do not use solvents to clean skin. If large areas of skin have been exposed to resin, or if prolonged contact results in blisters, seek medical attention. Avoid the accidental transfer of resin from the hands to other areas of the body, especially to the eyes. If protective cream was used, do not reapply it until the skin has been completely cleansed. Contact with If uncured resin comes in contact with the eyes, flush immediately with Eyes large amounts of water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Avoid sunlight, fluorescent light, and other sources of ultraviolet radiation. The wearing of contact lenses when working near resin is not recommended. If resin splashes into the eyes when contact lenses are worn, immediately remove the lenses and flush the eyes with water. Clean and disinfect the contaminated lenses. Do not wear contact lenses until eye irritation disappears. Ingestion If resin is swallowed, refer to the cartridge label for specific instructions. Seek medical attention immediately.
Page 19: Waste Disposal
Eden260 User Guide Waste Disposal Fully cured resins present no special safety or health‐related issues. However, check if local regulations regard cured and partially cured resins as hazardous industrial waste, and comply with all applicable regulations governing their disposal. When removing the waste container from the Eden printer, protective gloves are not required. When directly handling uncured resins, neoprene or nitrile gloves are recommended. When handling cured materials that may not be completely cured on the surface, common latex gloves are adequate. Even if not classified as hazardous industrial waste or otherwise regulated, resin materials must be packaged and disposed of in a manner that prevents human contact with the waste. Therefore, take steps to prevent the contamination of both groundwater and surface water. Empty resin cartridges are sealed to prevent leakage. Do not attempt to reuse them, and do not puncture them. Discard contaminated clothing, shoes, empty containers, etc., in accordance with any applicable laws and regulations. 2–7 DOC-00260 Rev. A1...
Page 21: Introducing The Eden 3-D Printing System
Work Configurations ...................2 Source Files ....................3 STL Files ......................3 SLC Files ......................3 Resins ......................4 Storage ......................4 Shelf Life ......................4 Light ......................... 4 Safety Considerations ..................4 Disposal ......................4 Work Environment..................5 Workstation Requirements ................5 Preparing Files for Use with Eden 3‐D Printing Systems.......5 Converting CAD Files to STL Format ............5 Converting Files to SLC Format..............6 Objet Software....................6 3–1 DOC-00260 Rev. A1...
Page 22: Work Configurations
Introducing the Eden 3-D Printing System Figure 3-1: The Eden260 3-D Printer Work Configurations The Eden260 3‐D printing system can be set up as a single‐station system or as a multi‐station system. When connected to a local computer network, the system can serve multiple users. In such configurations, each user workstation (client) prepares files with Objet Studio software for production. A server (host), typically next to the 3‐D printer, acts as a job manager that sends production jobs to the printer for production. Figure 3‐2 shows the Eden260 printer set up in a multi‐client configuration. Client workstations Eden server KVM switch Printer workstations Eden printer Figure 3-2: Multi-client network configuration 3–2 DOC-00260 Rev. A1...
Page 23: Source Files
Eden260 User Guide When installing the Objet software, you choose whether to install it as a client station or as a master station (server or standalone station). The Objet software arranges the jobs it receives according to their priorities, resin type, and other factors. In multi‐workstation configurations, the operator of the server—typically the production administrator—has total control over the jobs sent to the 3‐D printer, and can prioritize and delete jobs, review job history and reprint a job, and so on. Source Files Eden 3‐D printing systems produce three‐dimensional models designed with most 3‐D CAD tools and with other job‐specific 3‐D applications. Eden systems accept: • STL files • SLC files Eden systems feature the capability of producing both types of model files simultaneously. STL Files STL is short for 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. For example, a square can be described as two triangles; a cube (six squares) as 12 triangles. Curved surfaces need more triangles to describe them. The higher the tolerance (for smooth surfaces), the more triangles are needed. The result is that high‐quality object descriptions mean very heavy files. Most CAD software can export STL files. The Eden system utilizes these files for building models (rapid prototyping), and also for directly making molds for mass‐producing items. STL files are ASCII (text) files. The content of each file begins with “solid” and ends with “end‐solid” (both lower case). Between these keywords is a list of the triangles that describes the faces of the solid model. Each triangle defines a single normal vector directed away from the solid’s surface, followed by its X‐Y‐Z coordinates. These are expressed as Cartesian coordinates and are floating‐point values. The coordinates of all triangles ...
Page 24: Resins
Introducing the Eden 3-D Printing System Resins Model and support materials used for producing models with Eden printers are made of resins, which are composed of reactive monomers and oligomers. Care must be taken when storing and handling them, both to protect operators and the environment, and to ensure their effectiveness. Signs of premature polymerization in the resin cartridge include bulging, leaking, the emission of heat, and unusual odor. Exposure to heat can cause resin to gel in the cartridge. To prevent this, observe the following guidelines when handling and storing Eden modeling and support materials. Storage Resins used with Eden systems are supplied in UV‐proof cartridges. • To ensure product stability, do not allow resins to come into contact with metal. Plastics made from monomer‐soluble materials (such as polystyrene or polyvinyl chloride) are not suitable for storing resins. • When not in use, keep resin cartridges tightly sealed to prevent contamination, the effects of exposure to UV radiation, and accidental spillage. • Store cartridges of resins indoors, in a dry area with adequate ventilation, between 16–27 degrees Celsius (60–81 degrees Fahrenheit). If exposed to heat or flames, cartridges may burst or ignite. • Make sure that resins are stored in accordance with all local regulations and other applicable requirements. Shelf Life Eden resins have a limited shelf life. The expiry date on the label is valid when properly stored in an undamaged, unopened cartridge. Always rotate your stock of resin, so that the cartridge with the earliest date is used first. Light When resin is not in its sealed cartridge, make sure to shield it from ...
Page 25: Work Environment
Eden260 User Guide Work Environment Extreme heat and humidity conditions can adversely affect the operation of the Eden 3‐D printer. Therefore, it is recommended that you use ventilation or air‐conditioning systems, if necessary, to keep the work area within the following ranges: • 18°–25° C (64°–77° F) • 30%–70% relative humidity Workstation Requirements Server/ Client Workstation Stand-alone Station Processor Pentium 4, 3.0 GHz (min.) Pentium 4, 3.0 GHz (min.) Operating System Microsoft Windows XP or Microsoft Windows XP or Windows 2000 Windows 2000 Graphics Card Supporting open GL, Supporting open GL, with 256 MB of memory with 256 MB of memory 2 GB (min.) 1 GB (min.) CD Drive IDE CD ROM IDE CD ROM...
Page 26: Converting Files To Slc Format
4. In the file format option, choose binary or ASCII. (Binary files are smaller than files saved in ASCII format; they are, however, functionally identical in Objet Studio.) Save 5. Click or Converting When converting files to SLC format, it is recommended that you set a layer Files to SLC thickness of 15 microns (0.015 mm). Since SLC files cannot be orientated in Format Objet Studio, it is important that models are properly orientated before being saved as SLC files. Considerations for suitable model orientation are explained in “Model Orientation” on page 5‐9. Objet Software Objet software for the Eden 3‐D printing system consists of two applications: • Objet Studio • Job Manager Objet Studio With Objet Studio, you prepare source files for production in Eden 3‐D printers. Objet Studio offers you a wide variety of file‐preparation options, but always consists of the following basic procedure: 1. Inserting one or more objects on the build tray 2. Positioning the object(s) on the tray 3. Configuring object and tray parameters 4. Saving the tray configuration as an otf (Objet Tray Format) file 5.
Page 27 Eden260 User Guide Using Job Manager is described in detail in chapter chapter 6, “Using Job Manager. Client computers can be connected, via the local network, to different Eden 3-D printers, but only to one at a time. The client Job Manager displays the status of the 3-D printer to which the client is currently connected.
Page 29: Installing Objet Software
Installing Objet Software How to Install Software for the Eden 3‐D Printing System ....2 4–1 DOC-00260 Rev. A1...
Page 30: How To Install Software For The Eden 3-D Printing System
How to Install Software for the Eden 3-D Printing System The Objet Studio setup wizard guides you when installing the Objet software. During installation, you must choose to install either the server (“host”) application or the client application. To install Objet software: 1. Insert the Objet Studio CD into the disk drive. Start Explore 2. Right‐click the button and select (or use any other method for displaying files on the computer). Setup 3. Open the CD‐drive folder and select Figure 4-1:Objet Setup—installation wizard Welcome screen Next 4. When the Welcome screen appears, click Figure 4-2: Objet Setup—Select Components screen 4–2 DOC-00260 Rev. A1...
Page 31 • Objet Studio and Job Manager Select for the server (host) station and for a standalone station—that is, the computer directly connected to the Eden printer. Figure 4-3: Objet Setup—Choose Destination Location screen 6. In the Choose Destination Location screen, verify the destination folder Next and click . It is recommended that you do not change the default destination folder. Figure 4-4: Objet Setup—Select Program Folder screen 4–3...
Page 32 Installing Objet Software 7. In the Select Program Folder screen, verify the pre‐selected folder in which the Objet Studio icons will be installed. • To install the icons in another program folder, select it. • Next To continue, click Figure 4-5: Objet Setup—Select Printer Type screen 8. In the Select Printer Type screen, select the Objet 3‐D printer used for producing models. Next To continue, click Installation begins and the Setup Status screen appears, showing the progress of the installation process. Figure 4-6: Objet Setup—Setup Status screen 4–4 DOC-00260 Rev. A1...
Page 33 Eden260 User Guide When the Objet program installation is complete, the final InstallShield Wizard screen appears. Figure 4-7: Objet Setup—final wizard screen 9. To complete installation, you must restart the computer. To do so, Finish remove the CD from the disk drive, select “Yes…” and click The computer shuts down and restarts, and the software installs the appropriate icon(s) on the computer desktop: • Objet Studio • Job Manager (for servers and standalone stations) • Stop Job Manager (for servers and standalone stations) 4–5 DOC-00260 Rev. A1...
Page 35: Using Objet Studio
Using Objet Studio Opening Objet Studio ..................2 Preparing Models for Production ..............3 Arranging the Objet Studio Screen ............4 Selecting Objects..................... 6 Copying and Pasting Objects ............... 6 Placing Duplicate Objects on the Build Tray..........6 Positioning Objects on the Build Tray ............7 Automatic Positioning................... 7 Manual Positioning..................8 Model Orientation..................9 Selecting and Manipulating Objects on the Build Tray ......10 Selecting Objects................... 10 Object Position on the Z‐Axis ..............10 Repositioning Objects.................. 11 Valid Object Placement ................13 Grouping Objects ..................13 Using a Grid to Position Objects ..............14 Changing an Object’s Orientation.............. 15 Freezing an Object’s Orientation..............
Page 36: Opening Objet Studio
Programs selecting Objet Studio from the > menu. Objet Studio opens, displaying an empty build tray. Figure 5-1: Objet Studio opening screen The icons shown in this chapter are available only when relevant toolbars are displayed. You can control the toolbars displayed at any time, and you can re‐arrange them on the screen. To customize the toolbars displayed in Objet Studio: Toolbars 1. From the View menu, select 2. In the Customize dialog box, select the toolbars you wish to display, and click Figure 5-2: Toolbar selection dialog box 3. Click and drag the toolbars to position them as you wish on the Objet Studio screen. 5–2 DOC-00260 Rev. A1...
Page 37: Preparing Models For Production
Eden260 User Guide Preparing Models for Production To produce models from model files, you must select one or more files and position the models on the Objet Studio build tray. If you know what type of modeling material will be used to produce the models, make sure it is selected in the toolbar. Figure 5-3: Modeling material selection toolbar Note: It is not necessary to select the modeling material now, but it is recommended—each type of modeling material has unique characteristics that may affect the valid positioning of objects on the build tray.
Page 38: Arranging The Objet Studio Screen
“bounding box” surrounding the object (see figure 5-24 on page 5-17). Open 6. Click The dialog box closes and Objet Studio places the model(s) on the build tray. You can place additional models on the build tray by repeating this procedure. Arranging the Objet Studio Screen The default screen layout displays the perspective view of the build tray and the tray hierarchy pane, which lists the elements placed on the tray. Figure 5-5: 2-view (default) screen layout You can view models from different angles by changing the default screen layout. 5–4 DOC-00260 Rev. A1...
Page 39 Eden260 User Guide To change the Objet Studio screen layout: Layout From the View menu, select , then the desired number of build‐ tray views. 2 Views is the default screen layout, already displayed (see figure 5‐5). By default, the Entity Properties dialog box is also displayed. 3 Views adds top and front views to the default screen layout (see figure 5‐7). 4 Views displays top, front and right views (see figure 5‐8). 1 View expands the perspective view to fill the screen (see figure 5‐9). You can also change the screen layout with toolbar icons. Figure 5-6: Screen layout icons Figure 5-7: 3-view screen layout Figure 5-8: 4-view screen layout 5–5...
Page 40: Placing Duplicate Objects On The Build Tray
Using Objet Studio Figure 5-9: 1-view screen layout You can change the perspective of the active viewing pane by clicking any of the nine viewing icons. Figure 5-10: Viewing-pane perspective icons Placing Duplicate Objects on the Build Tray In addition to initially placing multiple copies of the object on the build tray from the Insert dialog box (figure 5‐4 or figure 5‐12), you can decide later to duplicate objects on the tray. You can, of course, insert the same object from its file more than once. An easier way, however, is to copy and paste the object. Selecting You select an object by clicking it, either on the tray or in the tray hierarchy Objects pane. Its image on the build tray changes color (to light blue) and its name is highlighted in the tray hierarchy pane. Copying and You access the Copy and Paste commands as in other Windows applications: Pasting • Edit by opening the ...
Page 41: Positioning Objects On The Build Tray
Eden260 User Guide Figure 5-11: Paste Special dialog box Positioning Objects on the Build Tray To produce models efficiently and with the required finish, it is important to carefully position objects on the build tray. Objet Studio features the automatic positioning of objects. However, you should check to make sure that the objects are orientated logically for your needs, according the considerations explained in “Model Orientation” on page 5‐9. Automatic There are two ways to have Objet Studio position the items on the build Positioning tray. • Arrange models Anytime you insert an object onto the build tray, select in the Insert dialog box. Figure 5-12: Arrange models option in the Insert dialog box Open When you click ...
Page 42: Manual Positioning
Using Objet Studio Figure 5-13: Tray before objects are properly arranged Figure 5-14: Tray after objects have been automatically arranged Because of the unique characteristics of each type of modeling material, it is recommended that you select the material before inserting objects on the tray with automatic positioning or running Automatic Placement.
Page 43: Model Orientation
Eden260 User Guide Model Orientation The orientation of models on the build tray affects how quickly and efficiently they will be produced by the 3‐D printer, where and how much support material is used, and whether or not model parts will have a gloss finish. Therefore, you should consider a variety of factors when deciding how to place models on the tray, using the following positioning rules. X-Y-Z Rule This rule considers a modelʹs outer dimensions. Since the printing heads move back and forth along the X‐axis, the printing time along this axis is relatively short, compared to printing time along the Y‐axis and Z‐axis. From this point of view, it is advisable to place the objectʹs longest dimension along the X‐axis. Since high‐resolution models are built up, on the Z‐axis, in 16‐micron layers, it is very time‐consuming to print a tall object. From this point of view, it is advisable to place the objectʹs smallest dimension along the Z‐ axis. Since the printing heads measure about 2 inches (5 centimeters) on the Y‐axis, models measuring less than this (on the Y‐axis) are printed in one pass. From this point of view, it is advisable to place the objectʹs intermediate dimension along the Y‐axis. Tall-Left Rule This rule considers models where, after being orientated on the build tray according to other considerations, one side is taller than the other. Since the printing heads move along the X‐axis from left to right, taller sections on the right require the printing heads to scan unnecessarily from the left until reaching them. If, on the other hand, the taller sections are positioned on the left of the tray, the printing heads only have to scan the model until printing these sections—once the lower parts have been completed. Therefore, you should position the taller side of the model, when possible, on the left. The following rules are based on the fact that support material is not required on the top of the printed model. Recess-Up Rule This rule considers models containing surface recesses.
Page 44: Selecting And Manipulating Objects On The Build Tray
In practice, the Eden system prints all models on the build tray on a one- millimeter bed of support material. The importance of positioning objects directly on the build tray with Objet Studio is to correctly display the objects on the screen.
Page 45: Repositioning Objects
After you manually manipulate an object with the mouse, its new properties are displayed in the Transform tab of the Entities Properties dialog box. The Entities Properties dialog box is displayed by default (see figure 5-5 on page 5-4) and whenever the screen layout is changed or refreshed (see “Arranging the Objet Studio Screen” on page 5-4). 5–11 DOC-00260 Rev. A1...
Page 46 Figure 5-16: Entities Properties dialog box, Transform tab You can make precise changes to the object on the build tray by selecting the object (either on the tray or in the tray hierarchy pane) and changing its values in the dialog box. Note: You can only change the height of the objects on the build tray if this is allowed by the Objet Studio settings (see “Object Position on the Z-Axis” on page 5-10.) The properties displayed in the Transform tab of the Entities Properties dialog box are absolute values, representing the actual position of the object on the build tray. Another way of repositioning objects on the tray using precise ...
Page 47: Valid Object Placement
Eden260 User Guide • The Relative Transform dialog box, accessible from the Object menu. Figure 5-18: Relative Transform dialog box Valid Object To ensure that models do not overlap when you position them on the build Placement tray, you can select the Dynamic Checking icon from the Tools toolbar. When selected, Objet Studio only allows the positioning of objects if they do not interfere with other objects on the tray. Note that the space occupied by an object includes the “bounding box” surrounding it (see figure 5‐24 on page 5‐17). Note: Because of the unique characteristics of each type of modeling material, it is recommended that you select the material before precisely positioning objects on the tray.
Page 48: Using A Grid To Position Objects
Using Objet Studio Using a Grid to Displaying a grid on the image of the build tray can be useful when Position positioning objects. You can make use of this feature by clicking the grid Objects toolbar icons or by selecting menu options. Icon Menu Option Result Tools > Grid Displays a grid over all build tray views. Tools > Snap to grid When moving the object, it aligns with the nearest grid line. Enables you to change the grid origin (X‐ and Y‐axis meeting point) by clicking on the build tray. Cancels the changes made to the grid origin and restores the default grid. You can review and configure grid settings—and apply them—from the Options dialog box. To use the Options dialog box: Options 1. From the Tools menu, select , and display the Grid tab. Figure 5-20: Options dialog box, Grid tab, showing the default settings The dialog box displays the current grid settings.
Page 49: Changing An Object's Orientation
Eden260 User Guide Changing an There are several methods for changing the orientation of objects on the Object’s build tray. Orientation To rotate an object: Select the object and use the Rotate icon or Object menu options (see “Repositioning Objects” on page 5‐11). To select an object’s plane and re-align it with one of six basic directions: • From the Plane Alignment toolbar: 1. Click the Select Plane icon 2. Click a plane on an object displayed on the build tray. 3. Click the appropriate align icon— Align Bottom Align Top Align Front...
Page 50: Display Options
Using Objet Studio Freezing an If you manipulate an object on the build tray, you can freeze its orientation Object’s so that it does not change when you perform Automatic Placement (see Orientation “Automatic Positioning” on page 5‐7). To freeze an object’s orientation: 1. Select a model on the build tray. Advanced 2. In the Options tab of the Entity Properties dialog box, click The Advanced Properties dialog box opens. Figure 5-21: Advanced Properties dialog box—”Lock Orientation” selected 3. Select the Lock Orientation check box. 4. Close the Advanced Properties dialog box. Display Options From the View menu, you can change the way objects are displayed on the screen. The default method for displaying models on the build tray is as solid (“shaded”) objects. Figure 5-22: Tray and model displayed in shaded view The other display options are wire frame and points.
Page 51 Eden260 User Guide Figure 5-23: Tray and model displayed in Wire frame view To revert to the shaded view: View > Shaded Select or click the Shaded icon To display objects as boxes, showing their maximum dimensions instead of the model geometry: View > Display Bounding Box Select ...
Page 52: Tray Viewing Options
Note: You can repeat this procedure for other objects, so that different objects on the build tray are displayed in different colors. Objet Studio displays objects to be produced with matte and glossy finishes in different colors. See “Surface Finish” on page 5-19 and “Object Color Codes”...
Page 53: Surface Finish
Eden260 User Guide Icon Tool Tip Name Purpose Spin Mode When used with and , the movement of the build tray continues after you release the mouse button. To stop the movement, click in the active view pane or click one of these icons. Zoom In Each mouse click zooms one step to the center of the active viewing pane. Zoom Out Each mouse click zooms‐out one step from the center of the active viewing pane. Pan Left Each mouse click moves the build tray to the left in the viewing pane by one step. Pan Right Each mouse click moves the build tray to the right in the active viewing pane by one step. Pan Up Each mouse click moves the build tray up in the active viewing pane by one step. Pan Down Each mouse click moves the build tray down in the active viewing pane by one step. Advance Forward The same as . Each mouse click zooms in to the tray displayed in the active viewing pane. Advance Backward The same as . Each mouse click zooms out ...
Page 54: Handling Completed Trays
Using Objet Studio To choose the finish type for a model: 1. Select the model. Matte 2. In the Options tab of the Entity Properties dialog box, select or Glossy or— 1. Right‐click the model on the build tray. At the bottom of the pop‐up menu, the current finish type is not enabled (that is, you cannot select it). 2. To change the finish type, select the other (enabled) option. Note: To distinguish between models with different finishes, the color of objects displayed on the build tray—when they are not selected—is different for each type.
Page 55: Object Color Codes
Eden260 User Guide Object Color To view the color code for objects displayed: Codes Constraints Settings From the Tools menu, select Figure 5-27: Constraints Settings dialog box, showing object color codes To change the color settings: 1. Click the current color displayed in the Constraints Settings dialog box. 2. From the color palette that opens, select a color and click Note: The color of objects already displayed does not change automatically.
Page 56: Printing The Tray File
To send the tray to the production queue: Build Tray From the File menu, select or— Click The tray file is sent to Job Manager. Objet Studio closes and Job Manager opens, so you can monitor the progress of your trays. Note: To return to Objet Studio, click the New Job icon Additional Objet Studio Features Dividing You can use the Split Object feature to produce objects larger than the build Objects tray by dividing the model into separate parts. You can also use this feature to produce only a specific section of a model. To split an object: 1.
Page 57: Choosing The Support Strength
Eden260 User Guide The composite parts are saved as new stl files with “Part 1,” “Part 2,” etc., added to the original file name. Note: Before printing the newly created stl files, it is recommended that you check them for defects in an STL-repair application, such as Magics, by Materialise. Choosing the When producing models, support material fills some hollow and empty Support sections (see “Model Orientation” on page 5‐9). Objet Studio allows you to Strength adjust the strength of the structure formed with the support material. This adjustment is useful when producing either large/massive models or small/ delicate models. For most purposes, the default setting provides adequate ...
Page 58: Printing The Screen Display On Paper
Using Objet Studio To display a cross section of the tray: Section 1. From the Tools menu, select or— Click on the toolbar. The Section dialog box opens. Figure 5-31: Section dialog box 2. Select the Enable Clicking check box. 3. Use the slider controls for the X‐, Y‐, and Z‐axes to cut the tray so that you see the cross section you want. Figure 5-32: Whole view Figure 5-33: Cross-section view, after using the Z-slider Printing the You can print the view displayed in the active pane on a regular (paper) ...
Page 59: Exporting And Importing Objet Build Trays
Eden260 User Guide Saving the You can save the image displayed in the active viewing screen as a graphic Screen Display file. as an Image To save the screen display as an image: File Save Bitmap… 1. From the File menu, select The Save Bitmap dialog box opens. Figure 5-34: Save Bitmap dialog box 2. At the top of the dialog box, select the appropriate folder. 3. At the bottom of the dialog box, enter a file name. 4. Open the Save as type pull‐down menu, and select the file format. Save 5. Click ...
Page 60: Advanced Features
Using Objet Studio Advanced Features The Objet Studio features described in this section are only accessible if the application is set to Advanced mode. To see the current Objet Studio setting: Open the Tools menu. Figure 5-35: Tools menu, showing Advanced mode selected If Advanced is checked, the advanced features are enabled. To change the Advanced setting: Advanced Click in the Tools menu. The following message is displayed, reminding you that the change will only take effect the next time you open Objet Studio, even though the check mark in the Tools menu appears/disappears after you make the change. Figure 5-36: Configuration-change message 5–26...
Page 61: Save Tray As
Eden260 User Guide Save Tray As… In addition to saving the tray as an otf file, for printing with an Eden 3‐D printer, you can save a group of objects positioned on the tray as an stl file. You can then use this file as any other stl file, both in Objet Studio and in other applications. You can also display this and other stl files as “floating” objects, without the build tray. This is useful for inspecting objects from every angle. To save the build tray as an stl object: Save Tray As… 1. From the File menu, select Figure 5-37: Save As dialog box 2. At the top of the dialog box, select the appropriate folder. 3. At the bottom of the dialog box, enter a file name. STL Files (*.stl) 4. Open the Save as type pull‐down menu, and select ...
Page 62: Configuring The Gl Driver
OpenGL 2. In the Options dialog box, display the Advanced tab and click Driver Configuration… Figure 5-38: Accessing GL-driver configuration Note: If the Advanced tab is not displayed, activate the Advanced setting in the Tools menu and restart Objet Studio. The dialog box that opens contains tabs that display the pixel format ID (index) for the window and the memory. Figure 5-39: OpenGL Driver Configuration dialog box You can display the values and make changes to them by clicking ...
Page 63 Eden260 User Guide To perform a test of the driver configuration and enter the suggested pixel format ID: Choose Format 1. Select . Test 2. Click Objet Studio returns the recommended pixel format ID. Figure 5-40: Recommended pixel format ID 3. Click . 4. In the OpenGL Driver Configuration dialog box (figure 5‐39), select Pixel Format ID and enter this number.
Page 65: Using Job Manager
Using Job Manager Client Job Manager..................2 Job Manager Screen ..................3 User Alerts....................... 5 Server Job Manager ..................6 Job Manager Screen ..................6 Job Manager Operations ................8 Making changes to a Job ................9 User Alerts..................... 10 Sending the Tray to the 3‐D printer for Production ........ 11 6–1 DOC-00260 Rev. A1...
Page 66: Client Job Manager
If there are several printers on the local network, client computers can connect to any of them, but only one at a time. • Job Manager installed on the computer directly connected to a specific 3‐D printer displays the queue and status for all jobs sent to that 3‐D printer by client computers on the network. It also allows editing and manipulation of all jobs, and enables re‐sending previously‐printed jobs to the printer. Client Job Manager When you open the client Objet Studio / Job Manager software for the first time, a dialog box opens prompting you to connect to an Eden server computer. To do this, the server computer must be operating and connected to the local network. Browse Click to find and select the name of the required server computer and then click to close the dialog box.
Page 67: Job Manager Screen
Eden260 User Guide Job Manager On a client computer, Job Manager displays the queue of jobs sent by that Screen computer to the Eden printer server. Print Queue Print History Figure 6-2: Client Job Manager screen Information for each of the queued jobs is displayed, including the job status: Status Meaning Waiting Printing of this job has not started. Building Printing of this job is in progress. Paused Printing of this job began, but was interrupted by the administrator before being completed. Stopped Printing of this job was terminated by the administrator, and was put in the print queue again. Error Errors occurred during the printing of this job, and it was placed in the print queue again. Objet Studio Editing This job is now being edited in Previewing The operator at the server computer is inspecting the ...
Page 68 Using Job Manager To inspect the build tray: 1. Select the job. Edit 2. Click the Edit Job icon or open the Job menu and select Objet Studio opens, displaying the build tray. To make changes to it, see “Making changes to a Job” on page 6‐9. The following operations are available from the client Job Manager interface: Icon Menu Option Purpose 3‐D Printer > Launches Objet Studio; to prepare new trays. New Job 3‐D Printer > Displays a network‐browsing dialog box, to Set Printer connect to an Eden server computer. To specify a computer, it must be operating and connected to the local network. —— Displays the status of the Eden 3‐D printer (see figure 6‐3). 3‐D Printer > Report Displays options for user messages and alerts (paper printer, e‐mail, SMS—see “User Alerts” on page 6‐5).
Page 69: User Alerts
Eden260 User Guide Figure 6-3: Eden printer status screen User Alerts Job Manager can alert you and others to the status of the jobs sent to the server for printing. The following events can be reported: • The level of model or support material is low. • The job was interrupted. • The job was completed successfully. To send messages, make sure that e‐mail software supporting MAPI is installed on the Eden server computer. To send SMS messages, the e‐mail program must convert the messages and transmit them. Microsoft Outlook, for example, can do this; Outlook Express cannot. In addition, the cellular phone service must support the transmission of e‐mail messages by SMS. With SMS alerts, only the subject line of the e‐mail message is transmitted. Note: In the e-mail program, make sure the security settings are set to “low” and add the server Job Manager to the “trusted” list (select Tools >...
Page 70: Server Job Manager
in the relevant sections. Figure 6-5: Event selection for alerts 4. Select the desired events for sending alerts and click The parameters for “Low level of material” alerts are set on the Eden server computer. Server Job Manager When you open the server Objet Studio / Job Manager for the first time, you are prompted to connect to an Eden 3‐D printer. To do this, the printer must be on and connected to the local network. If you click Yes, the Setting Network Connection dialog box opens. Figure 6-6: Eden-printer connection dialog box Browse Click ...
Page 71 Eden260 User Guide Print Queue Current Job Info Print History Figure 6-7: Server Job Manager screen Print Queue Information for each of the queued jobs is displayed, including the job status: Status Meaning Waiting Printing of this job has not started. Building Printing of this job is in progress. Paused Printing of this job began, but was interrupted by the administrator before being completed. Stopped Printing of this job was previously terminated by the administrator, and later put in the print queue again. Error Errors previously occurred during the printing of this job, and it was placed in the print queue again. Editing This job is now being edited (with Objet Studio) on the Eden server computer. Previewing The slices of this job are being displayed in a separate window. ...
Page 72: Job Manager Operations
Note: Alternatively, you can drag the job from the History section to the print queue. To manipulate jobs in other ways, see “Job Manager Operations,” below. Job Manager The following table summarizes the main operations available from the Operations server Job Manager interface. Many of the icons are active only if a job is selected. Icon Menu Option Purpose 3‐D Printer > Launches Objet Studio for preparing new trays. New Job 3‐D Printer > Displays a network‐browsing dialog box, to Set Printer connect to an Eden server computer. To specify a computer, it must be operating and connected to the local network. 3‐D Printer > Enables you to load previously‐saved jobs (otf Add Job... files). 3‐D Printer > Report Displays options for user messages and alerts ...
Page 73: Making Changes To A Job
Eden260 User Guide Icon Menu Option Purpose Job > Restart Job For a stopped job in the print queue: Starts printing the selected job from the beginning. For a selected job in the History section: Moves the job to the print queue and changes its status to Waiting. Job > Stop... Instructs the Eden printer to stop printing after curing the currently printed slice. (Printing can be continued with the Resume icon or menu option.) Job > Pause... Instructs the Eden printer to stop printing after curing the currently printed slice. Use instead of Stop when you intend to continue printing the job shortly. Job > Resume Continues printing the current job after printing was stopped with the Stop or Pause icon or menu option. Job > Delete Job... Removes the selected job from the queue. Job > Review Job… Opens a window displaying the selected tray. In this window, you can view the tray from different angles. Job > Job Info… Opens a window displaying the properties of the selected model. Job > Edit Job… Launches Objet Studio and loads the selected tray, to enable making changes to it before being printed. (See “Making changes to a Job,” ...
Page 74: User Alerts
Using Job Manager User Alerts Job Manager can alert you and others to the status of the jobs sent to the server for printing. This is especially useful during long printing jobs, when the operator is away from the Eden 3‐D printer. The following events can be reported: • The level of model or support material is low. • The job was interrupted. • The job was completed successfully. For details on how to configure alert messages, see “User Alerts” on page 6‐5. To set parameters for “Low level of material” alerts: Material Consumption…. 1. From the 3‐D Printer menu, select 2. In the dialog box that opens, set the time or the material weight remaining that triggers the alert message. Figure 6-8: Materials Consumption alert dialog box The dialog box shown above also pops up over the Job Manager screen to ...
Page 75: Sending The Tray To The 3-D Printer For Production
Eden260 User Guide Material warning icon Figure 6-9: Insufficient material warning When the time set in the dialog box triggers the remote alert message, the warning icon changes color—from a yellow to a red background. Sending the If there is a job in the print queue, it is sent automatically to the Eden Tray to the 3-D printer—as long as it is on, there is a connection to the printer, and the printer for printer is on line. Chapter 7 describes starting and operating the Eden Production printer. 6–11 DOC-00260 Rev. A1...
Page 77: Operating & Maintaining The Eden 3-D Printer
Operating & Maintaining the Eden 3-D Printer Starting the Eden260 3‐D Printer ...............2 Loading Model and Support Cartridges...........3 Producing Models ..................4 Printing Indicators ..................6 Resuming Production After Printing has Stopped........6 Changing the Model Material ..............8 Keeping the Eden 3‐D Printer in Idle Mode...........12 Shutting Down the Eden 3‐D Printer ............12 Maintaining the Eden 3‐D Printer............14 Routine Maintenance Schedule..............14 Cleaning the Printing Heads ..............14 Pattern Test....................17 Improving Print Quality ................17 Cleaning and Replacing the Wiper............18 Aligning the Printing Heads ..............20 Replacing Printing Heads ................25 Replacing the UV Lamps ................
Page 78: Starting The Eden260 3-D Printer
Operating & Maintaining the Eden 3-D Printer Printer cover Printing-materials compartment Filter compartment Waste compartment Figure 7-1: The Eden260 3-D Printer Starting the Eden260 3-D Printer CAUTION! Do not attempt to operate the Eden printer before being trained by an • Objet customer-support representative.
Page 79: Loading Model And Support Cartridges
Figure 7-2: Eden260 interface Eden installations utilize one monitor for displaying both the computer running Objet Studio / Job Manager and the computer installed inside the Eden printer. Make sure that the KVM (keyboard-video-mouse) switch is in the correct position so that the Eden printer interface is displayed.
Page 80: Producing Models
Operating & Maintaining the Eden 3-D Printer Tips about replacing cartridges: You can replace resin cartridges either before or during printing. • You can replace partially used cartridges to avoid the need for replacing • them during printing. You can load partially used cartridges, as long as they contain more •...
Page 81 Eden260 User Guide Printer set to online mode (green) Block temp. behind Block temp. behind model heads support heads Temp. of each Temp. of each model head support head Block temp. in front Block temp. of support heads in front of model heads Tray temp.
Page 82: Printing Indicators
Operating & Maintaining the Eden 3-D Printer Printing When the printer is ready, the main Eden interface screen changes (see Indicators figure 7‐4): • The mode changes from Pre‐print to Printing. • The specific activity being performed is shown in the “current activity” field. • Current job‐printing information is displayed. • The printing progress bar is displayed. • The Stop and Pause buttons are enabled. Printer mode Current Activity Stop button Job information Progress bar Pause button Maintenance message Figure 7-4: Eden interface during printing When printing begins, Job Manager sends seven slices to the Eden printer. ...
Page 83 Eden260 User Guide 3. In the Job Manager interface, click the Resume icon 4. In the Continue from Slice dialog box that appears, confirm the slice number, after checking the Eden printer interface. Printer mode Last slice printed Figure 7-5: Eden interface after interrupted printing Figure 7-6: Continue from Slice confirmation dialog box in server (Job Manager) interface 5. If, for any reason, the correct number does not appear in the dialog box, enter the number and click You cannot continue printing the model if: • The number of the last slice printed does not appear in the Eden interface, even if the server computer displays the Continue from Slice ...
Page 84: Changing The Model Material
Figure 7-7: Starting the Resin Replacement wizard from the Options menu Next 2. From the opening screen, click to display the Resin Selection screen. 3. From the drop‐down menu, choose the type of model material (resin) Next you want to install, and click Figure 7-8: Resin Selection screen Note: This selection automatically affects the resin setting in Objet Studio. 7–8 DOC-00260 Rev. A1...
Page 85 Eden260 User Guide 4. In the Resin Replacement Cycle screen, choose the appropriate cycle for the model material you want to install. Two options are available, depending on the new model material to be used: • Short Cycle, for changing to a darker and more opaque material. During this cycle, which takes about 25 minutes, the air valve is opened, and the pump purges the material from the feed tube and printing block. • Long Cycle, for changing to a lighter and more transparent material. During this cycle, which takes about 60 minutes, the feed tube and printing block are flushed with a cleansing solution after being purged of the current material. Figure 7-9: Resin Replacement Cycle screen Note: The short cycle does not require user intervention. The long cycle, however, requires user presence to replace material cartridges in the printer.
Page 86 Operating & Maintaining the Eden 3-D Printer 7. When prompted by the wizard screen, remove the model‐material cartridge. Select the check box to confirm that you have done so, and Next click • If you are performing the short resin‐replacement cycle, continue with step 10. • If you are performing the long resin‐replacement cycle, continue with step 8, below. 8. When prompted, insert the cleanser cartridge in place of the model material that you removed. Select the check box to confirm that you Next have done so, and click The wizard flushes the print heads with the cleanser. This takes about 25 minutes. Figure 7-11:Resin replacement (long cycle): flushing heads with cleanser 9. When prompted, remove the cleanser cartridge. Select the check box Next and click The wizard clears the print heads and feed tubes of the cleanser. This takes about 5 minutes. Figure 7-12:Resin replacement (long cycle): clearing heads of cleanser 7–10 DOC-00260 Rev.
Page 87 Eden260 User Guide 10. When prompted, insert the new cartridge of model material. Select the Next check box and click Figure 7-13:Insert New Model Container screen The Eden printer begins the process of filling the print heads with the new model material. This may take up to 15 minutes. Figure 7-14:Resin replacement: filling heads with new model material Done 11. When the final wizard screen appears, click to close the wizard. CAUTION: Dispose of cartridges of Eden model and support material in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. If necessary, the cartridges can be disassembled for recycling.
Page 88: Keeping The Eden 3-D Printer In Idle Mode
Operating & Maintaining the Eden 3-D Printer Keeping the Eden 3-D Printer in Idle Mode Between printing jobs, the Eden 3‐D printer can be kept on for up to one week. If the printer will not be used for more than a week, use the shutdown wizard to automatically perform the procedures that must be done before turning off the printer (see “Shutting Down the Eden 3‐D Printer,” below). When the Eden 3‐D printer stops printing models, the Eden application automatically reduces the temperature of the printing heads as follows: Time after printing Mode Change in heating of print heads 15 minutes first Standby 1 none 10 hours heating reduced (to room temp.) next Standby 2 ...
Page 89 Eden260 User Guide Next 2. In the Shutdown Wizard dialog box, click Next 3. In the next wizard screen, verify that the tray is empty and click The shutdown procedure begins, and the steps of this procedure are displayed in the dialog box that follows. Figure 7-16:Shutdown dialog box, showing first step in the procedure The Shutdown procedure may take up to 10 minutes while the following tasks are performed: a. The printing block returns to its starting point on all axes. b. The printing heads are heated. c. The printing heads are cleared of any remaining material. After these tasks are completed, the final wizard dialog box appears, in which you choose whether or not to shutdown the computer in the Eden printer. Figure 7-17:Shutdown Wizard dialog box, showing last step in the procedure 4.
Page 90: Maintaining The Eden 3-D Printer
Clean the build tray and the surrounding area inside the printer. Weekly Restart the Eden printer computer. Monthly, and after Align the print heads. See “Aligning the replacing prints heads Printing Heads” on page 7‐20. Monthly Inspect the exhaust system (duct, fan, connections). Every 2000 hours of Preventive maintenance Contact your Objet printing or once a year by authorized service support center. engineer. At least once a year Replace the activated Contact your Objet charcoal filter. support center. Cleaning the Periodic inspection and cleaning of the orifice plates on the bottom of the Printing Heads print block ensures that the printing nozzles are not blocked. A wizard guides you through the procedure, and adjusts components of the Eden printer to enable you to perform it. This procedure takes about 20 minutes, and should be done at the beginning of the work day or before a big printing job. To clean the printing heads: 1.
Page 91 Eden260 User Guide 3. Follow the instructions on the wizard screens, and select the check boxes to confirm that: • you have checked that the tray is empty. • you have closed the cover. Figure 7-18:Head cleaning procedure—step 3 Next 4. Click . 5. When the following screen appears, open the cover. Figure 7-19:Head cleaning wizard—steps 5–10 WARNING: The print head orifice plates (bottom surface) may be hot. Do not touch them with your bare hands, and proceed with caution.
Page 92 Operating & Maintaining the Eden 3-D Printer Figure 7-20:Cleaning the heads It is recommended that you use this opportunity to also clean the roller and the UV-lamp lenses (to the left and right of the print heads). 10. When you have finished cleaning, select the confirmation check box in Next the wizard screen (see figure 7‐19) and click ...
Page 93: Pattern Test
Eden260 User Guide Pattern Test The pattern test is the basic verification of the printer’s ability to produce quality models, since it demonstrates the condition of the nozzles in the print heads. Make sure, therefore, that you perform this test weekly, and whenever you suspect a printing problem. To perform the pattern test: 1. Make sure that the build tray is empty. 2. In the Eden printer, tape an A‐4 sheet of pink paper to the center of the build tray. 3. In the Eden computer interface, open the Options menu and select Pattern Test , or press The Eden printer prints a series of lines on the test paper. Figure 7-22:Sample Pattern Test 5. Carefully inspect the test paper to see if there are missing lines. Too many missing lines, especially if they are in the same area, is an indication that the quality of printing when producing models will be poor. If this is the case, see “Improving Print Quality,” below. Note: Acceptable print quality is subjective, and depends on the type and scale (size) of the models produced.
Page 94: Cleaning And Replacing The Wiper
Cleaning and A rubber wiper blade removes excess material from the printing heads Replacing the after the purge sequence. This is done automatically before each print job, Wiper and performed manually during maintenance tasks. You must periodically clean this wiper and check if it needs replacing. To inspect and clean the wiper: 1. Prepare— • isopropanol (IPA—isopropyl alcohol) or ethanol (ethyl alcohol) • disposable cleaning gloves • an Objet‐supplied cleaning cloth or equivalent • a spare wiper blade 2. Start the Clean Wiper wizard from the Eden Options menu. Figure 7-23:Starting the Clean Wiper wizard Next 3. Close the Eden printer cover, and click in the wizard screen. 7–18 DOC-00260 Rev. A1...
Page 95 Eden260 User Guide 4. Follow the instructions on the wizard screens, and select the check boxes to confirm that: • you have checked that the tray is empty. • you have closed the cover. Figure 7-24:Wiper Cleaning procedure—step 4 Next 5. Click . 6. When the following screen appears, open the cover. Figure 7-25:Wiper Cleaning procedure—steps 7–9 7. Put on the cleaning glove. 8. Inspect the wiper. • If it needs cleaning, soak the cloth with the cleaning fluid and use it to remove the debris. • If it needs replacing, grasp it and pull it up and out of its bracket. Then insert the new wiper blade, making sure that it is straight and secured well on both sides. 9. In the wizard screen, select the confirmation check box (see figure 7‐25) ...
Page 96: Aligning The Printing Heads
Operating & Maintaining the Eden 3-D Printer 11. Select the confirmation check boxes in the wizard screen and click Next Figure 7-26:Wiper Cleaning procedure—final screen Done 12. Click to close the wizard. Aligning the You should check the alignment of the printing heads— Printing Heads • once a month • after replacing one or more heads • if model quality is not acceptable even after cleaning the orifice plate on the bottom of the print block (see “Cleaning the Printing Heads” on page 7‐14) The head‐alignment procedure takes about 20 minutes. To check the alignment of the printing heads: 1.
Page 97 Eden260 User Guide Figure 7-27:Positioning the transparency on the build tray 6. Make sure that the transparency sheet is lying flat, and tape it to the tray. 7. In the wizard screen, select the check box to confirm that the Next transparency sheet is placed on the build tray, and click The Eden printer prints the head alignment test on the transparency. 8. When the following screen appears, remove the transparency. Figure 7-28:Head Alignment wizard—steps 8–10 7–21 DOC-00260 Rev. A1...
Page 98 Operating & Maintaining the Eden 3-D Printer The transparency sheet is printed with sets of vertical lines in seven columns, each column showing the results from a different print head. Figure 7-29:Part of a sample head-alignment test • The three columns on the right were printed by the heads used for applying model material. From right to left, the columns represent heads M1, M2, M3, respectively. (There is no column for head M0 because its alignment is used as a reference for aligning all other heads.) • The four columns of lines on the left were printed by the heads used for applying support material when producing models. The columns represent heads S3, S2, S1 and S0, respectively. 9. For each column of lines, use a magnifying glass or loupe to inspect pairs of consecutive rows printed on the transparency to see where the vertical lines align. Alignment-line numbering, left-to-right Row pairs Figure 7-30:Comparing rows of alignment lines Note: It does not matter which pair of lines you inspect, since they were all printed by the same head.
Page 99 Eden260 User Guide 11. In the next wizard screen, select the head(s) needing alignment, based Next on your inspection of the transparency, and click Figure 7-31:Head selection screen Note: If you select M0—the head used for the head-alignment reference— you are choosing, in effect, to align all of the other heads. The first in a series of alignment screens appears for the heads you selected. Figure 7-32:Head alignment screen 12.
Page 100 Operating & Maintaining the Eden 3-D Printer When you have finished aligning all of the heads, the following screen is displayed. Figure 7-33:Updating System Parameters confirmation screen 14. To save the alignment changes, make sure that Yes is selected, and click Next Figure 7-34:Final head alignment screen 15. In the final wizard screen, choose to either repeat the head alignment procedure or close the wizard. • If the most closely aligned vertical lines for a print head were at either extreme—the first or seventh lines—choose Yes to run the head‐alignment wizard again. The transparency test will show if the heads are now properly aligned, and—if not—the wizard will allow you to “fine tune” the alignment. • If the vertical lines for the print heads were not aligned at either extreme, choose No to close the wizard. 7–24 DOC-00260 Rev. A1...
Page 101: Replacing Printing Heads
• Tests reveal that the material printed by a printing head is underweight (that is, not enough material is being outputted). Note: Weight tests are performed only by an authorized service engineer. Replacing print heads is expensive. Replace them only after consulting with Objet customer support to determine that head replacement is necessary. A wizard guides you through the procedure of replacing a printing head, and adjusts components of the Eden printer to enable you to perform it. Only replace a printing head with the aid of the wizard. The procedure takes about 75 minutes, and consists of the following phases: A. Identifying the head(s) needing replacement. ...
Page 102 To replace a printing head: 1. Prepare— • replacement printing head(s) • isopropanol (IPA—isopropyl alcohol) or ethanol (ethyl alcohol) • disposable safety gloves (included in the head replacement kit) • an Objet‐supplied cleaning cloth or equivalent • a flat‐head screwdriver (5 mm) • the scale supplied by Objet for use in the weight test Note: Make sure that you have these items before running the Quick Head Replacement wizard. 2. Start the Quick Head Replacement wizard from the Eden Options menu (see figure 7‐23 on page 7‐18). Next 3.
Page 103 Eden260 User Guide 7. Take note of the warning screen that appears (see figure 7‐37). To prevent damage to the print block, you must install the new head Next immediately after removing the defective one. if you are ready to continue. Figure 7-37:Head Replacement warning screen 8. Open the Single Head Replacement kit, and remove the safety gloves and the instructions. 9. Put on the safety gloves. 10. When the Head(s) Replacement wizard screen is displayed, open the Eden printer cover to remove the defective printing head. Note: The Eden printer disconnects power to the heads for your safety. Figure 7-38:Replace the defective head when this screen appears 7–27...
Page 104 Operating & Maintaining the Eden 3-D Printer Removing the 11. On the print block, release the upper and lower screws that secure the Defective Head printing head in the block. (If necessary, you may use a screwdriver to loosen the screws.) Figure 7-39:Releasing the locking screws 12. Press down on the upper and lower locking screws to release the printing head. Figure 7-40:Releasing the printing head 13. Loosen the screws on the door of the compartment protecting the printing‐head driver cards (A), then pull and lift up the door (B). Figure 7-41:Opening the printing head compartment 7–28 DOC-00260 Rev. A1...
Page 105 Eden260 User Guide 14. Pull the printing‐head driver card out of its socket so that the head is free (A), and remove it from the bottom of the print block (B). Figure 7-42:Releasing the printing-head driver card to remove the head 15. Make sure that along with the head, you remove the two rubber O‐ring seals. Figure 7-43:O-ring seals on the head housing Important: If the seals are not removed with the head, they are probably stuck to the print block housing. If so, remove them.
Page 106 Operating & Maintaining the Eden 3-D Printer Installing the 16. Inspect the replacement head, and make sure that the O‐ring seals are New Head in place (see figure 7‐43). 17. Gently insert the replacement head into the vacant slot in the print block, and push the printing‐head driver card into its socket. Note: Make sure to insert the head with driver card facing its socket, in the rear of the print block. Figure 7-45:Inserting the printing-head driver card into its socket 18.
Page 107 Eden260 User Guide 22. With your fingers, make sure that the new head is level and even with the other heads. Figure 7-47:Checking the level of the new head 23. In the Installation check wizard screen, select the check box to confirm that the new head is level and even with the other heads, and click Next Figure 7-48:Installation check screen 24. In the next wizard screen, select the check box to confirm that you have removed all tools and objects from the Eden printer. Figure 7-49:Cleared-tray confirmation screen 7–31 DOC-00260 Rev. A1...
Page 108 Operating & Maintaining the Eden 3-D Printer If the installation was successful, the wizard continues by performing a vacuum leakage test. Figure 7-50:Vacuum Leakage Test progress screen If the vacuum leakage test is successful, the wizard continues by filling the heads, then heating and purging them. Continue with “Weight Calibration” on page 7‐34. If a vacuum leakage is detected, or if other problems occur, see “Installation Problems,” below. Installation • If the Eden software does not sense the replaced head, the following Problems warning screen appears. Figure 7-51: Incorrect-installation screen, showing which head(s) to re-insert If this happens: a. Open the printing head compartment (see figure 7‐41 on page 7‐28). b.
Page 109 Eden260 User Guide • If the replacement head was not factory calibrated, the following warning screen appears. Figure 7-52: “No factory data” warning screen If this happens: a. Remove the head and replace it with another one (starting with step 11 on page 7‐28). b. In the wizard screen, select the check box to confirm that you have Next installed another printing head, and click c. Contact Objet customer support about the uncalibrated head. • If the vacuum test is not successful, the replacement head was not sealed properly during installation, and the following warning screen appears. Figure 7-53: Vacuum Leakage warning screen If this happens: Next a. Click b. Follow the instructions on the wizard screens to re‐install the head.
Page 110 Operating & Maintaining the Eden 3-D Printer Weight Calibration After the successful installation of a print head, the wizard begins the first of two weight tests, in which each head prints a sample. This phase takes about 25 minutes. Figure 7-54:High-quality-printing weight test progress screen 25. Carefully remove the samples for each head, keeping track of the head that printed them. Figure 7-55:Samples printed on the Eden build tray 26. Using the scale, weigh each sample and enter the weight (in grams) for Next the corresponding head in the wizard screen. Then click Figure 7-56:Weight Test data entry screen After the high‐quality‐printing weight test, the weight test begins for ...
Page 111: Replacing The Uv Lamps
Eden260 User Guide The Eden printer calibrates itself based on the weight data you entered, and the final wizard screen appears. Figure 7-57:Final Head Replacement screen After replacing printing heads, check the head alignment (see “Aligning the Printing Heads” on page 7-20). Replacing the The UV lamp used for curing models have a long, but limited, working life. UV Lamps The Objet service engineer tests their effectiveness during regular maintenance checks, and replaces them, if necessary. If, for any reason, you need to replace a UV lamp, follow these instructions. 1. Make sure the Eden printer is in offline mode. Figure 7-58:Offline mode (red) The button at the bottom of the Eden computer interface should be red. ...
Page 112 Operating & Maintaining the Eden 3-D Printer 3. Disconnect the power connection to the UV lamp by pulling it up. Figure 7-59:Disconnecting power to the UV lamp Note: Do not disconnect the power connection to the cooling fans. 4. Loosen the screw securing the UV lamp cover , and pull the cover up , then out Figure 7-60:Removing the UV lamp cover 5. Pull the lamp reflector out of the print block. Figure 7-61:Removing the UV lamp reflector 7–36 DOC-00260 Rev.
Page 113 Eden260 User Guide 6. On the inside of the lamp reflector, a black strip covers part of the reflector. Remove this strip by sliding it off. Figure 7-62:Removing the black strip from the old reflector 7. Discard the old reflector and lamp, but save the black strip so you can install it in the new reflector. 8. Fasten the black strip to the inside of the new UV lamp reflector, on the same side as it was in the old reflector. Figure 7-63:Fastening the black strip to the right UV lamp reflector Important: The black strip must always be on the side of the reflector opposite the print block.
Page 114 Operating & Maintaining the Eden 3-D Printer UV lamp UV lamp assembly assembly Black strip Black strip Figure 7-64:Printing block and UV lamp assembly, showing correct placement of black strip 10. Replace the lamp cover by inserting it into the slot on the bottom of the housing, and tighten the securing screw on top. Figure 7-65:Replacing the lamp cover 11. Reconnect the power connection to the UV lamp. Figure 7-66:Connecting power to the UV lamp 7–38 DOC-00260 Rev.
Page 115: Replacing The Waste Container
Eden260 User Guide Replacing the The waste container contains partially cured polymeric material produced Waste during normal operation and maintenance of the Eden printer. For safety Container and environmental reasons, this material is kept in a special leak‐proof, disposable container. The container has a capacity of about eight kilograms of waste material— usually enough for several months of printer use. The Eden software displays a warning message when the container weighs 7.3 kilograms, and stops the printer when it weighs 7.8 kilograms. Above 7.3 kilograms, the software does not allow you to start a print job until you replace the waste container. You can monitor the weight of the waste container in the Maintenance screen of the Eden interface. To monitor the waste weight (and other indicators) in the Eden printer: In the main Eden interface screen, click the display toggle to view the Eden printer indicators. Waste weight Figure 7-67: Eden printer interface, showing waste weight (red background indicates operator alert) The waste container consists of a sealed bag inside a cardboard box. You ...
Page 116 Operating & Maintaining the Eden 3-D Printer To replace the waste container: 1. Locate the waste compartment under the Eden printer (see figure 7‐1 on page 7‐2). 2. Remove the two screw‐knobs securing the waste compartment panel, and remove the panel. Figure 7-68:Waste container under the printer 3. Carefully slide out the waste container, removing it from the printer. Figure 7-69:Waste container removed from the printer 4. Place the new waste container next to the full container. 5. Unscrew the cap securing the waste drain tube and connect it to the new container. 6.
Page 117: Handling Printed Models
Handling Printed Models Cooling Models After Printing..............2 Removing the Support Material..............2 Storing Models....................3 8–1 DOC-00260 Rev. A1...
Page 118: Cooling Models After Printing
3. Place the models on a flat surface, and cover them with a cardboard box or paper hood. This allows the models to cool slowly and evenly. 4. Let the models cool for several hours. Removing the Support Material After printed models have cooled, the support material must be removed. This can be done by different methods, depending on the size of the model, how delicate it is, the amount and location of the support material, and other factors. Use the following methods as a guide, and adapt them (or a combination of them) for finishing the models you are handling. Removing Excess Support Material by Hand While wearing protective gloves, break away excess support material on the outside of the model. For delicate models, use a toothpick, pin or small brush after dipping the model in water. Removing Support Material with Water Pressure For most models, 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, shown in figure 8‐1 on page 8‐3. 8–2 DOC-00260 Rev. A1...
Page 119: Storing Models
Eden260 User Guide Figure 8-1: Objet WaterJet Cleaning Unit To clean a model using this device, you place it in the chamber, and you manipulate it and the jet using the built‐in, waterproof sleeves. A pump turns ordinary tap water into a high‐pressure jet, and a wiper keeps the window clear. Use caution when cleaning delicate models with high-pressure water systems. Removing Support Material with Caustic Soda Soak models in a 2‐percent solution of caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) to remove support material from difficult‐to‐reach areas and to give the model a smooth, clean finish. The amount of time you soak the model in the solution depends on how delicate it is and how much support material needs to be removed, but it is typically between half‐an‐hour and several hours. In any case, you should remove as much support material as possible before the caustic soda treatment, and rinse the model thoroughly (with a water jet) afterwards. WARNING: Caustic soda may cause chemical burns, scarring and blindness.
Page 121: A Printer Elements
Printer Elements The following diagram shows a schematic view of the elements that make up the Eden260 3‐D printer. A–1 DOC-00260 Rev. A1...

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