MAR-000276_v.1.3
Chapter:
Creating New Print Files
Page 36 of 48
6.2
Using the PC Software
After importing a .stl file, the PC software creates a graphic illustration of the
device. It then illustrates 2D slices, a slice at a time, reconstructed from the
.stl information. The user is able to visually inspect the 2D slices to
understand the print path of the Print Head. During this stage, the user is
also able to adjust the model to decide the print orientation.
Scroll through the layers, and once satisfied, finalize the creation of the print
file. This file can then copied to a USB memory stick for transferring onto the
Fluidic Factory unit.
Within the PC software, there are 4 tabs;
1
Open File: open the file you wish to print.
2
Place/Review Design: Select the print position on the Print Bed
and review the design
3
Review Print Path: visualise the path the Fluidic Factory will take
to print the chip.
4
Export: Transfer the .phff file to a storage location on your PC or
onto a USB stick for transfer to the Fluidic Factory.
6.2.1 Open File
There are 4 user definable fields.
Design Units: Choose between metric and imperial.
Design Quality: Choose between “Fine” and “Fast”. In
“Fine” printing mode the bead size is approximately
320 µm (w) x 150 µm (h). This gives increased
operating pressure and greater fluidic sealing. In “Fast”
printing mode the bead size is approximately 400 µm
(w) x 200 µm (h). This is useful for rapid prototyping
and large size items.
Scaling Factor: Increase or decrease the overall size of
the chip in relation to the original .stl file.
Optical Clarity: At one end of the scale, the chip will be
more opaque and will have a lower pressure capacity.
At the other end of the scale, the chip will be more
transparent and will have a higher pressure capacity.
