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v0.2

Minor Versionm

Approved AFL Guide Approval Process

by Benjamin Gerald Hroblak

Introduction

This guide includes all the the necessary steps that must be taken before starting a print on the Fortus.

    • If you are using the Insight/Control Center combination, see this guide for slicing instructions and this guide for print management instructions

    • If you are using GrabCAD Print, see this guide for instructions

  1. If the Fortus is off, power it on by pressing the flashing green button on the control panel
    • If the Fortus is off, power it on by pressing the flashing green button on the control panel

    • Once the machine is on, select AutoHome XYZ from the startup dialog

    • Verify that the air pressure gauge reads 36-40 psi

  2. Check that the model and support materials that are loaded match what you set in the print file
    • Check that the model and support materials that are loaded match what you set in the print file

    • If necessary, see this guide for instructions on changing material

    • If the materials are correct, use the estimates from the print file to ensure there is enough material currently loaded

    • If necessary, see this guide for instructions on loading material

  3. Place the appropriate build sheet on the platen and wait for a vacuum to be achieved. The vacuum gauge should read -15 inHg or greater (more negative) Amber-colored sheets are for Ultem and PPSF. Green-tinted sheets are for Nylon 12. Clear sheets are for all other materials (ABS, ASA, PC, etc.)
    • Place the appropriate build sheet on the platen and wait for a vacuum to be achieved. The vacuum gauge should read -15 inHg or greater (more negative)

    • Amber-colored sheets are for Ultem and PPSF. Green-tinted sheets are for Nylon 12. Clear sheets are for all other materials (ABS, ASA, PC, etc.)

    • Note that the sheets are not square, so they have a specific orientation. Amber build sheets must be placed with the glossy side against the platen

    • The build sheet will need to heat up before it can create a seal with the platen o-ring. Place the sheet down on the platen, close the door, and wait several minutes before making adjustments

    • If the machine was just changed from a high temperature material to a lower temperature material, allow the oven to cool before trying to put the sheet in

    • Use the locating pins on the far side of the platen to help with positioning the sheet

    • If the build sheet refuses to seal, check the platen for debris and inspect the o-ring for damage

  4. With the oven door closed, select Build Job from the main menu on the control panel Select the appropriate option from the menu, either Build Next Job, Build Last Job, or Show Job Queue to choose a specific job in the print queue
    • With the oven door closed, select Build Job from the main menu on the control panel

    • Select the appropriate option from the menu, either Build Next Job, Build Last Job, or Show Job Queue to choose a specific job in the print queue

    • If one model canister bay and/or one support canister bay is empty, a warning will appear. As long as you have checked that there is enough material to complete the job, select Continue to bypass this

    • If desired, you can select Locate Part Start and jog the head to the point you want to define as the front left corner of the print bounding box

    • Select Continue to begin the build sequence

Andrew John Oliver

Member since: 11/01/2019

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16 Guides authored

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