3D SYSTEMS, INC.
75-D059 REV_A
7
Duplicating
When duplicating parts, pay attention to the cross-sections of
all of the parts . To avoid heavy cross-sections on a given layer,
make sure the parts are not aligned vertically . This will reduce
the chance of short feeding the part bed . To improve print
quality, try to ensure that the time required for each layer
is as consistent as possible . It is also possible to duplicate
parameters amongst parts . See the
Build Setup
help menu
documentation for further details .
Features and Stair-stepping
Orient parts to achieve desired features . Detailed features and lettering print better on the upward-facing surfaces of a part .
Downward-facing surfaces exhibit a reduced, or softened, stair-stepping effect .
Closed Boxes, Cylinders, and Shapes
Geometries that are closed on all sides but one should be placed in the print with the open side facing up . This reduces heat
buildup in the print cake and the part, making breakout easier and extending material life .
Nesting
You can nest smaller parts within larger ones to utilize more
of the print area, as long as the smaller parts can be removed
after printing . If you nest parts, you should maintain a minimum
clearance of 0 .25 inches (6 .35mm) between the closest walls of
each part . The part containing the nested parts should always be
oriented with the open side up .
Orientation for Duplicating
Orientation for Nesting
Mating Surfaces
Parts that are to be printed in more than one piece or parts that will have mating surfaces, should always be oriented the same
in the print. It is preferable that the mating surfaces be printed facing upward for flatness. If this is not possible, print the
mating surfaces in the Z-axis . The least desirable choice for orientation would be to print the parts with the mating surfaces
facing down .
BEFORE EVERY PRINT
Prior to every build, perform the Daily User maintenance tasks as highlighted below . Review the
User Maintenance Checklist
for weekly and monthly tasks .
1 . Inspect and clean the laser window as well as the Laser Window Assembly O-Rings . See
“Cleaning Up the SLS System” on
Replace the O-Rings if they look worn (PM replace ~1 year) .
2 . Inspect and clean the IR blackbody .
