89
TRAK Machine Tools
Southwestern Industries, Inc.
32240 - Printer and MMS - Installation & Printing Guide
5.4
Basic Setup Steps
5.4.1
Verify Correct Material is Loaded
Based on the print requirements, loading the correct material is a critical step in the printing process. In
the event that the wrong material is loaded into the printer, it can lead to printing with the wrong
temperatures which can cause print failures, nozzle clogs, or extensive maintenance and even serious
damage to printer.
5.4.2
Verify Filament Quantity
When you are preparing to print, always verify that you have enough filament for the print. If you don't,
you can replace the spool, or you can prepare for a mid-print filament change. The slicer will tell you the
estimated amount of filament needed for the print.
5.4.2.1
Without an MMS
Typically, in order to check how much filament you have left, you would have to eyeball it and
make a judgment call based on the quantity needed for the print.
5.4.2.2
With an MMS
The LCD on the MMS and the Print Server's Dashboard, will show you how much material is
currently loaded on the MMS. The MMS precisely measures the spool so you can have confidence
that your print will not be paused by running out of filament. You can trust your printer to run
longer prints and with a higher degree of guaranteed success.
5.4.3
Verify Filament Feed Path is Clear
Always verify that the spool is oriented in a way that feeds easily into the feeder and ensure minimal
friction. Also verify that there are no obstructions in the feed path.
If excess friction is placed on the filament while feeding into the feeder unit, or it gets jammed on
something, it can cause immediate print issues and feeder damage.
5.4.4
Turn HEPA Filter On
The HEPA Fi
lter is critical to one’s health when printing. Printing polymers can lead to Volatile Organic
Compounds (VOC's) that one might inhale.
5.4.4.1
Without an MMS
In order to assure the safety of our customers, TRAK provides a standalone HEPA filter even if
you do not purchase an MMS. It is not integrated into the printer; therefore, it requires its own
installation process (but it is quite simple!)
5.4.4.2
With an MMS
When you purchase a 3D Printer from TRAK, with a Material Management System (MMS), a HEPA
Filter is already built in to the MMS and ready to go! All you need to do is flip the switch ON.
5.4.5
Check the Build Plate
Make sure the Build Plate is clean, clear and properly seated.
5.4.6
Purge the Nozzles
Purging the nozzles before a print can help identify some potential issues such as partially clogged
nozzles, feeder gear issues, and/or flow path issues. A good filament purge is straight, smooth and
consistent. A bad filament purge will coil up at the nozzle tip, bubble up and/or not flow consistently, or
at all. As a standard printing step, it is highly recommended that you purge some filament before every
print.
CAUTION
Before purging nozzles, verify the default purging temperature (245°C) is acceptable for the material in
use, otherwise use a custom purging routine/temperature. The default setting is acceptable for the
ABS/ASA materials that ship with the printer.
