• Printing cost estimation for "the others" readily usable Google docs or local file: printestimatesheetrev2.xls

• Maintenance Calendar: http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=vdbmr5fftdlejcdtfg0gbrlap8%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/Vancouver

Intro videos

http://www.objet.com/eLearning/eLearning2/menu5.html

• User guide: DOC-04000_A_UserGuide.pdf
• Operator training guide (basic training): 3_ObjetTrainingForOpertorDOC-04023.pdf

File types for printing:

• STL files: from the CAD app.
• SLC files: rasterized
• BMP files: Can be sent only from the printer control app, not from the host.

Mailing list for UBC end

• alaris-3d@cs.ubc.ca.
• Only for communicating with vendors.
• Admins: Wolfgang, Nasa.

Hardware

• Alaris30: The 3D printer equipment. Runs Windows XP. Installation disks supplied.
• Host machine:
  • OS: Win XP. Vista printer driver in beta.
  • RAM: 4G

Software

• Control Application: Use to set printer online.
• Objet Studio: Runs on host or clients. Used to place models on the tray, to get estimates in terms of amount of material. From the host machine, sending to print would run the job manager and start printing.
• Job manager: Does the rasterization and sends 8 layers at a time to the printer. It must be running while the printing is being carried out. Closing this application would forfeit the print.
• CAD application: (third party sortware) such as solidworks, used to create/edit models. Save in binary format, high triangulation of models would result in smooth curves. Google SketchUp (last tested with version 8) is freely available and works well for our purposes. It does not output STL files, but the plugin skp_to_dxf.rb will allow for export to ASCII STL file (via the Tools menu in SketchUp). Make sure to clean up the geometry before export, and don't export guide lines. The exported STL file must be converted to binary format for use in Objet Studio. Use the attached stl_ascii2bin.py script to convert it.

Installation

Calibration (Do only at installation, check the installation PDF for details)

• Transparency test: XY alignment, overall. Parameters page.
• Head alignment test:
• Weight test: for voltage calibration. Excel file: Alaris30_Adjustment_Ver11_Master.xls
• Pattern test: to see if nozzles are working

Maintenance

• Preventive maintenance Procedures: DOC-04005_Alaris30-PM-Kit.pdf
• Maintenance guide (primarily for vendor engineers): DOC-04204_Maintenance.pdf

Bringing up the maintenance menu

1. hide the mouse cursor at the bottom right corner of the screen
2. Ctrl+Alt+m, a confirmation window pops up
3. Hit ok.

Replacements/Cleaning

1. Waste bin:

2. Odor filter:

3. Model/support cartridge:

• MSDS (Material safety data sheet): msds_001.pdf

Each cartridge holds 1kg of liquid material. There are two model (square) and two support cartridges (rectangular) in the drawer. Once empty, replace. Replacements must be purchased in pairs. The control app shows amounts left in the cartridges.

Toxicity: Liquid form is toxic. Inhaling is not a problem, touching might irritate the skin. Never touch your eyes with it or taste it. Wear gloves when handling the liquid form. Once cured it is not toxic.

Removing the current cartridge: Pull up vertically, the rubber membrane seals off the cartridge. Don’t touch the rubber membrane Top insertion. Don’t put force, just let it slide in position, and then vertically put it down for the needles to penetrate through the rubber membrane.

Expiration: Recommended shelf life: 4 months. There is an expiry date, best if used by then.

4. Wiper blade head cleaner:

Wiper cleaning: once a week. Run the wiper cleaning wizard.

5. Knife:

6. Head:

7. Computer parts:

8. UV lamp:

Head Maintenance

Head cleaning

1. Run the head cleaning wizard. It will place the head assembly on top of the tray and lower the tray (“z axis”).
2. Put the mirror on top of the tray to be able to see underneath the assembly where the heads are.
3. Use 99% IPA to clean up the head. Remember to use a pair of gloves, IPA can irritate your skin.
4. Spray IPA into the microfiber cloth
5. Reach under the head and wipe from the middle to one end, don’t come back inward. Again start from the middle and wipe towards the other end. Do the same with the other head.
6. Also reach the roller and clean it. Wipe and roll.

Aligning print heads

Flushing the head

Shutting down the machine

• Keep the machine running at all times. Close the control app to turn off the print head fans.
• Once a week, print the business card. If needed, shut down with the shut down wizard. Shutting down may require “voltage” recalibration.