Spectrum Z™510 3D Printer Hardware Manual
Post-Processing the Part
www.3dpuser.com
32
10/2/07
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7 Post-Processing the Part
7.1 Tips on Gross and Fine Depowdering
•
For additional information regarding post-processing, click
Applications
to go to the 3DP™ User web-
site, or
Knowledge Base
to use our searchable knowledge base on the website.
•
Become familiar with where the parts are placed and how they are oriented in the build box so you do
not accidentally bump or brush against a fragile part during the depowdering process.
•
When performing the gross depowdering (removal of excess powder in the build box) do not plunge
the vacuum nozzle into the powder bed. Begin at the outer perimeter of the build box and slowly work
your way into the build. Hold the tip of vacuum nozzle approximately 0.25" (6.4 mm) to 0.375" (9.5 mm)
away from the powder and allow the vacuum to pull the powder up. Slanting the vacuum nozzle will
enable you to control the suction. This will decrease the chance of breaking a part that is hidden
beneath the surface of the powder.
•
While fine depowdering, always start with a low air pressure and gradually increase the pressure as
the fine details and features of the part become visible. When the top and sides of the part are com-
pletely depowdered tilt the part onto one of its sides. Handle the part carefully. The part may be fragile
and brittle before infiltration. If none of the sides of the part will be able to support the weight of the
part you can apply a small amount of resin or epoxy to strengthen it. You want to be careful not to let
any of the infiltrant come into contact with any unprinted powder that may still be on the part. Let the
infiltrant dry before continuing to depowder.
7.2 Post-Processing Tools
There are six tools included in the accessories kit that assist the user with gross depowdering and cleaning
the part.
Wide Blade Utility Scraper:
This tool is
used to move powder from the build cham-
ber or deck surface back into the feed cham-
ber.
Polypropylene Scraper:
When gross
depowdering a bulky part, such as the
engine block, the user may choose to carve
powder away from the part instead of mov-
ing it away with the vacuum.
