ZPrinter
®
150 / ZPrinter 250 User Manual
ZPrinter 150 / ZPrinter 250 Overview
4
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11/1/12
1.4 How 3D Printing Works
The 3D Printing System is based on the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's patented 3DP
®
Technol-
ogy (3D Printing). The 3D Printing process involves:
•
Importing a solid 3D modeling file into the ZPrint Software
•
Setting up your files to print in the ZPrint/ZEdit Software
•
Printing the part
•
Powder removal, and drying the part
•
(Optional) Applying post-processing materials to the printed part
To start, the ZPrint Software takes a three-dimensional design file, (ZPrint is compatible with most 3D mod-
eling software files) and converts it into cross-sections, or layers, that are between 0.0035" - 0.004" (0.089
- 0.102 mm) thick. Before printing, ZPrint evaluates the part geometry and checks if there are enough
materials in the printer to print the number of layers required to build the part. If there are, the printer then
prints each layer, one after the other, from the bottom of the part to the top. If not, ZPrint will prompt you to
add powder, to add binder, or to change a print head before it will start the print job.
During printing, binder is first applied with a higher saturation to the edges of the part, creating a strong
“shell” for the part exterior. In a color printer, this shell will contain the colors. Next, an infrastructure that
works like strong scaffolding is created for the part walls, which are also built with a higher saturation of
binder for added strength. The remaining interior areas are printed with a lower binder saturation, which
gives the part its stability.
