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3D SYSTEMS, INC
.
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PRINTING PARTS WITH DURAFORM
®
PROX PA MATERIAL
DuraForm ProX PA is an engineered production plastic for use on 3D Systems’ ProX SLS systems. It is a general-purpose
material that is best-suited for printing parts with fine features and where smooth surface finish is desired. This guide describes
how to use your SLS system to print parts using 3D Systems’ proprietary DuraForm
®
ProX PA material. This chapter describes
the printing process. It includes the following topics:
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Safety Notice: Materials
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How the DuraForm ProX PA Plastic Process Works
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Build Modes for DuraForm ProX PA
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Preliminary Prints and Part Prints
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Setting Up a Print
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Part Placement and Orientation Guidelines
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Before Every Print
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Restarting a Terminated Print
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Sifting Material
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Recycling Material
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Cleaning Up the SLS System
SAFETY NOTICE: MATERIALS
DuraForm ProX PA has been designed for and tested in 3D Systems’ ProX SLS systems.
Material Safety Datasheets (SDS) may be found at:
http://infocenter .3dsystems .com/production-printer-material/laser-
sintering-sls
.
Caution: Using any material other than those certified by 3D Systems may cause health hazards and may
limit the warranty of the SLS system .
HOW THE DURAFORM PROX PA PROCESS WORKS
The DuraForm ProX PA material process has the following characteristics:
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The material is heated to slightly below its melting point.
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The material is processed in an inert, nitrogen-rich atmosphere (5.5% maximum oxygen).
After the initial nitrogen purge, there is make-up nitrogen gas flowing at a constant rate through the print chamber during
the print process. There is also nitrogen gas flowing across the laser window and the IR sensor head, and nitrogen gas is
used to transport material from the Feed Overflow back to the Feed Hopper.
•
The material’s melt transition allows it to be transformed from a solid to a low-viscosity liquid using a small amount of laser
energy.
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Printing with the material consists of 3 stages:
1.
Warm-Up Stage
2.
Print Stage
3.
Cool-down Stage
