Introduction
This guide includes all the the necessary steps that must be taken before starting a print on the Fortus.
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If you are using the Insight/Control Center combination, see this guide for slicing instructions and this guide for print management instructions
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If you are using GrabCAD Print, see this guide for instructions
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If the Fortus is off, power it on by pressing the flashing green button on the control panel
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Once the machine is on, select AutoHome XYZ from the startup dialog
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Verify that the air pressure gauge reads 36-40 psi
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Check that the model and support materials that are loaded match what you set in the print file
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If necessary, see this guide for instructions on changing material
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If the materials are correct, use the estimates from the print file to ensure there is enough material currently loaded
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If necessary, see this guide for instructions on loading material
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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)
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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.)
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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
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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
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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
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Use the locating pins on the far side of the platen to help with positioning the sheet
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If the build sheet refuses to seal, check the platen for debris and inspect the o-ring for damage
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With the oven door closed, select Build Job from the main menu on the control panel
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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
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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
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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
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Select Continue to begin the build sequence
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