3D Systems sPro, User Manual

Page: 169 / 280

SLS p r o c e s s 1 6 9 I R S & I P C
u s e r ’ s g u i d e l o a d i n g v i r g i n p o w d e r
3
Powder flow. To ensure smooth powder flow,
the IRS keeps the IPC inflated above
minimum pressure with both continuous and
pulsed air streams. The IRS monitors the time
that the IPC pressure falls below the
minimum pressure and above the maximum
pressure setpoints. If either time limit is
exceeded, or if the IRS Virgin bin is full, the IRS
shuts down the IPC; i.e., shuts off air flow to
the IPC and powder flow to the IRS.
4
Shutdown. The IRS lets the pressure in the IPC
drop below minimum. As soon as it does, the
IRS blows pulsed air in the IPC to clear the
powder line. This prevents the powder line
from clogging when the next unload batch
starts.
IPC overpressure safety shutdown
The pressure sensor line at the top of the IPC
connects to an overpressure sensor inside the
IRS. This sensor is completely independent of the
IPC batch unload air flow controls. If the sensor
detects air pressure in the IPC greater than 1.8 psi
above the maximum IPC pressure setpoint, the
IRS shuts down the IPC and air cannot enter the
IPC from any source.
L
Minimum and maximum IPC pressure setpoints
are set at the factory and must only be changed
by a certified
3D S
ystems Customer Support
Technician or Authorized Service Provider.
light and display a message on the LCD. It will
still continue to feed powder to the Sinterstations
during this time, but no blending cycle will be
initiated until a sufficient amount of powder is
present in both the Used and Virgin powder bins.
To load Virgin powder the Intelligent Powder
Container (IPC) is first connected to the system.
Second, the UI panel menu option “
IPC Status ” is
used to start the unloading process. Once
started, it will automatically continue until the
IPC is empty, although it may be interrupted by a
blending cycle from time to time.
See Step 1: Connect a full (or partially full) IPC to
the IRS on page 163