3D Systems sPro, User Manual

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SLS p r o c e s s 1 4 4 I R S & I P C
u s e r ’ s g u i d e h o w t h e I R S & I P C w o r k
The following table shows the destinations for
both Powder Manifolds on the IRS.
OPERATION
Each transfer follows the same sequence. Below is
an example sequence when conveying powder
from the Blender to the SLS system outlet:
1
Select Destination. Valve N5_S5V2 actuates
to open the pinch valve allowing powder
flow to the SLS system outlet.
2
Load Transporter. Valve N5_S7V2 opens to
turn on the Blender L-Valve to allow flow
from the Blender into the Right Transporter
collector funnel. The plug valve is normally in
an open position which allows the powder to
flow by gravity directly into the transporter.
3
Turn off L-Valve: When the level sensor LVL-R
on the transporter senses that the
transporter is full, valve N5_S7V2 closes and
the IRS delays to allow the powder flow to
stop. If a timeout period elapses without the
level sensor turning on, the transfer will also
begin.
4
Pressurize Transporter. Valve N5_S2 switches
to actuate air cylinder N66 to close the Right
Transporter plug valve. Note that N5_S2 is a
4-way valve. After a short delay, valve
N5_S10V4 opens and the pressure in the line
is characterized using the pressure sensor
mounted directly on the I/O board and
sensed through line N302.
5
Transport Powder. Once the line has been
determined to be clear (not plugged), valve
N5_S10V2 opens until the line pressure rises
to a setpoint and then opens and closes to
maintain the pressure at this setpoint. A
certain backpressure corresponds to a given
line loading of powder. If the ratio of powder
to air gets too large, the line will plug. When
the line pressure falls below a minimum
conveying pressure for a certain length of
time, the IRS moves to Shutdown.
FROM... LOCATION TO...
Left powder
manifold
transporter
Rear of
Services
Panel
Blender
Used
Powder Bin
Auxiliary
Outlet
Right powder
manifold
transporter
Front of
Services
Panel
Blender
Virgin
Powder Bin
SLS system
Outlet