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3D SYSTEMS, INC
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5
TROUBLESHOOTING
This chapter is organized alphabetically by issue name. It contains the following topics:
•
Introduction to Problem Solving
•
Part Bed Temp/Set Point
•
Distortion
◊
Lean
◊
Curling, visible during build
◊
Curling or warping not visible during build
°
Bottom Distortion
•
Bonus Z (Print-Through)
•
Clumping
•
Cracking of Print Bed
•
Condensation
◊
Laser window
•
Glazing, During Print
•
Growth
•
Melting, Print Bed
•
Short Feeds
•
Wash Out
•
Weak Parts/Porosity
INTRODUCTION TO PROBLEM SOLVING
While optimizing profile parameters can eliminate many problems, it is often useful to monitor a print so you can establish the
process parameters.
There are two reasons to observe a print:
•
Some parts may require attention and adjustment during the print.
•
Your profiling will become more accurate through observation. As your profiling becomes more accurate, the need for
future observation will become less frequent.
Problem Description Format
You will find the following information about each issue:
• Description:
Explains the problem and provides a visual representation of it. The description includes such things as where
and when the problem might occur.
• Theory of Cause:
Contains a brief explanation of what might have caused the problem.
• Visual Signs:
Describes any observable information that may not be covered in the Description section.
• Consequences:
Details what can happen to print quality if you do not correct the problem.
• Corrective Action:
Describes what you can do to avoid or recover from the problem.
• Related Problems:
Indicates whether this problem might interact with or be related to another problem.
Interaction of Variables
Many of the problems just described involve variables that interact with each other. For example, excessive print bed heat or
excessive laser power can cause growth. Insufficient print bed heat can cause distortion. Insufficient laser power can cause
weak parts. Refer to the sections titled
Growth
and
Weak Parts/Porosity
.
