Table of Contents
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Table of Contents
Related Manuals for Stratasys Connex350
Summarization of Contents
About This Guide
Using This Guide
Instructions for installing, operating, and maintaining Connex 3D printing systems.
For More Information
Details on Stratasys website, customer support, and contact for questions.
Terms Used in This Guide
Glossary of terms used in the user guide for Connex 3D printers.
Safety
Safety Features
Details on safety features like interlock switches, UV screening, and grounded chassis.
Symbols and Warning Labels
Lists and explains warning symbols and labels found on Connex printers.
Safety Guidelines
General safety guidelines for printer installation, operation, and maintenance.
Model and Support Materials
Precautions for handling chemical printing materials and storing them safely.
UV Lamps
Safety precautions related to UV lamps, including mercury handling.
First Aid for Working with Printing Materials
First aid instructions for skin or eye contact with uncured printing material.
Waste Disposal
Guidelines for proper disposal of printing materials and used cartridges.
Introducing the Connex500/350 3D Printing System
Welcome to Connex
Overview of Connex 3D printing system capabilities and benefits.
Work Configurations
Describes single-station and multi-station setups for Connex 3D printing systems.
Source Files
Explains accepted file formats like STL and SLC for 3D model preparation.
Connex Workflows
Outlines major workflows from CAD design to finished models using Connex printers.
Printing Materials
Details model and support materials, their properties, and storage requirements.
Storage
Guidelines for storing printing materials in sealed, UV-proof cartridges.
Shelf Life
Information on the limited shelf life of materials and stock rotation.
Exposure to Light
Precautions regarding exposure of printing materials to sunlight and UV radiation.
Safety Considerations
Precautions for handling uncured resins as hazardous materials.
Disposal
Procedures for disposing of used cartridges and waste material.
Work Environment
Recommended temperature and humidity ranges for optimal printer operation.
Workstation Requirements
Lists computer hardware and software requirements for running Objet Studio.
Preparing Files for Use with Objet 3D Printing Systems
Instructions on converting CAD files to STL or SLC formats for printing.
Converting CAD Files to STL Format
Step-by-step guide for converting CAD files to the STL file format.
Converting CAD Files to SLC Format
Guidance on converting CAD files to the SLC format, including orientation.
Objet Studio Software
Overview of the Objet Studio software's main screens and basic procedures.
Installing Objet Software
How to Install Software for the Connex 3D Printing System
Guides through installing Objet Studio software on printer-server or client computers.
How to Uninstall Objet Studio
Instructions for uninstalling Objet Studio software from the Start menu.
Using Objet Studio
Launching Objet Studio
Steps to launch the Objet Studio application and handle security warnings.
Objet Studio Interface
Overview of the main screens, ribbons, and panes within Objet Studio.
Ribbon Commands
Details on Tray Settings and Model Settings ribbon command groups and their usage.
Objet Studio Commands Menu
Accessing and using the main application commands menu and options.
Model Tree Pane
Explains the function and manipulation of the Model Tree pane in Objet Studio.
Preparing Models for Production
Basic steps for preparing models, including OBJDF and model files.
Placing Objects on the Build Tray
Instructions for inserting STL, SLC, or OBJDF files onto the build tray.
Opening Objet Tray Files
How to open saved OBJTF files to make changes before printing.
Quick-Access Model Commands
Accessing common commands via the Model Toolbar and context menus.
Copying and Pasting Objects
Methods for duplicating objects within or between build trays using copy/paste.
Selecting Objects
Techniques for selecting single or multiple objects on the build tray or in the model tree.
Splitting Objects into Components
Procedure to split an object into separate STL files (shells) for material assignment.
Model-Material Settings
Configuring material selections on the Tray Settings ribbon before placing objects.
Changing the Model Material
Steps to change the model material for objects before or after insertion.
Digital Materials
Using combinations of basic model materials to create digital materials with unique properties.
Assigning a Model Material to Objects
How to assign available digital materials to objects on the build tray.
Surface Finish
Options for setting matte or glossy surface finishes for printed models.
Coating Objects
Printing composite models with a surface layer of a different material (coating).
Assigning Properties to Hidden Objects
Temporarily hiding objects to assign materials and properties to hidden parts.
Positioning Objects on the Build Tray
Techniques for positioning objects on the build tray for efficient and accurate model production.
Automatic Orientation
Using Objet Studio's automatic orientation for objects on the build tray.
Automatic Placement
Arranging objects on the build tray automatically for optimal positioning and material usage.
Manual Positioning
Changing the position of objects on the build tray manually.
Model Orientation
Factors and rules to consider when orienting models on the build tray for efficient printing.
Manipulating Objects on the Build Tray
Tools and methods for positioning, moving, and rotating objects on the build tray.
Positioning Objects on the Z-Axis
Ensuring objects are positioned directly on the build tray using the Lay On feature.
Valid Object Placement
Ensuring models do not overlap or extend beyond the build tray boundaries.
Using a Grid to Position Objects
Utilizing grid features for precise object positioning on the build tray.
Measurement Units
Setting measurement units (mm or inches) for objects when inserting them.
Setting Model Dimensions
Adjusting object dimensions (X, Y, Z axes) using the Dimensions group.
Repositioning Objects
Manually moving and rotating objects on the build tray using arrow keys or mouse.
Changing an Object’s Orientation
Methods for rotating and re-aligning object planes on the build tray.
Grouping and Ungrouping Objects
Manipulating multiple objects simultaneously by grouping them into assemblies.
Freezing Model Orientation
Freezing an object's orientation to prevent automatic changes during placement.
Operating & Maintaining the Connex500/350 3D Printer
Starting the Connex Printer
Steps to power on the Connex 3D printer and launch the control program.
Loading Model and Support Cartridges
Instructions for loading and replacing model and support material cartridges.
Producing Models
Preparing the printer for model production, including build tray and material checks.
Printer Interface Color Key
Explains background colors in printer indicators for suitability and readiness.
Printing Indicators
Details on the printer interface screen changes during printing and progress indicators.
Resuming Production After Printing has Stopped
Procedure to resume printing after an interruption using the Job Manager screen.
Changing the Printing Material
Using the Material Replacement wizard to change printing materials.
Keeping the Printer in Idle Mode
Managing printer state between jobs to reduce print head heating.
Shutting Down the Printer
Using the Shutdown wizard for proper printer shutdown for extended periods.
Maintaining the Printer
Overview of routine maintenance tasks for optimal printer performance.
Routine Maintenance Schedule
Table detailing maintenance tasks, frequency, and corresponding information pages.
Cleaning the Print Heads and the Roller
Procedure for cleaning print heads and the roller using the Head Cleaning wizard.
Cleaning and Replacing the Wiper
Instructions for inspecting, cleaning, or replacing the wiper blade.
Pattern Test
Performing a pattern test to verify print head nozzle condition and print quality.
Improving Print Quality
Steps to improve print quality when pattern test results are poor.
Replacing the Roller Scraper
Procedure for replacing the roller scraper blade due to wear or ineffectiveness.
Aligning the Print Heads
Steps for checking and aligning print heads to ensure optimal model quality.
Calibrating (Optimizing) Print Heads
Procedure to test and calibrate print heads for the best working configuration.
Replacing Print Heads
Symptoms indicating print head replacement and the procedure to do so.
Testing and Calibrating the UV Lamps
Testing and calibrating UV lamps to ensure optimum curing of models.
Calibrating the Load Cells
Periodically checking and calibrating load cells for accurate weight measurements.
Replacing the Odor Filter
Guidance on replacing the built-in activated-carbon odor filter.
Replacing the UV Lamps
Step-by-step instructions for replacing UV lamps using the wizard.
Built-in Tests
Suite of tests for checking printer hardware, software, and troubleshooting.
Cleaning the Exterior Panels
Recommendations for cleaning the exterior plastic panels of the printer.
Handling Printed Models
Removing Models After Printing
Cooling and safe removal of printed models from the build tray.
Removing the Support Material
Methods for removing excess support material by hand or using water pressure.
Post-Printing Treatment for Models Printed with Objet VeroClear
Photobleaching treatment for VeroClear models to reduce yellow tint.
Storing Models
Proper storage conditions for printed models to prevent deformation.
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