Stratasys FDM Vantage Series, Vantage i, Vantage X, Vantage S, Vantage SE User Manual

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FDM Vantage

User Guide

Version 1.7

™

Notice FDM Vantage User Guide

Notice

The information in this document is subject to change without notice. This User Guide is published for informational purposes only and the information so provided should not be considered as all-inclusive or covering all contingencies. If further information is required, Stratasys Inc. should be consulted.

STRATASYS INC. MAKES NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND WITH REGARD TO THIS MATERIAL, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Stratasys Inc. shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material.

This document is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be photocopied, reproduced, or translated into another language without the prior written consent of Stratasys Inc. Printed in the USA.

Trademarks

• FDM Vantage™, WaterWorks™, Insight™, and Smart Canister™ are all trademarks of Stratasys Inc.

•FDM® and Stratasys® are registered trademarks of Stratasys Inc.

•Krytox® , Ultem® , Lexan® , TriGEL® , Windows NT® , and Windows 2000® are registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Stratasys Incorporated

14950 Martin Drive

Eden Prairie, MN 55344 USA

Tel: 1.800.937.3010 (US toll free)

952.937.3000 (local) Fax: 952.937.0070 www.stratasys.com

Publication Number: 104503-0008 Publication Date: November, 2006

FDM Vantage User Guide Notice

About the FDM Vantage

Welcome to the FDM Vantage™. Built on the proven T-class high performance platform, the Vantage systems allow you to configure your system based on the materials you want. See the table below for system/material compatibility.

This system incorporates the latest in innovative technologies to provide you with precise prototypes from a CAD design. Stratasys’ Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology provides prototype parts, including internal features, that can be used to field-test form, fit, and function. The Vantage features a servo/belt driven XY gantry with multiple high temperature modeling material capability.

The Vantage comes in four varieties. System highlights are:

Vantage i

(initial)

Envelope Size

Model Materials

Material Bays

Build Speed

Available Tips (Slice Heights) all systems

*TI = Throughput Improvement

14 x 10 x 10 in 355 x 254 x 254 mm

ABS or PC Xa: ABS, ABSi, &

1 model 1 support

Non-TI* Non-TI* TI* TI*

For ALL materials:

plus For ABS, ABSi & PC-ABS:

plus For ABS & ABSi

Van tage X

(Xa and Xp)

14 x 10 x 10 in 355 x 254 x 254 mm

PC-ABS

Xp: PC-ABS, PC & PC-ISO

1 model 1 support

T12/.007” (.178 mm) & T16/.010” (.254 mm)

T10/.005” (.127 mm)

T20/.013” (.330 mm)

Vantage S

(speed)

14 x 10 x 10 in 355 x 254 x 254 mm

ABS, ABSi, PC-ABS, PC & PC-ISO

1 model 1 support

Vantage SE

(speed + envelope)

16 x 14 x 16 in 406 x 355 x 406 mm

ABS, ABSi, PC-ABS, PC & PC-ISO

2 model 2 support

The Vantage S and SE models come with TI speed. The TI speed can range as high as 125 percent faster than non-TI speed, but the exact speed improvement depends on factors such as material type, layer thickness, model geometry, model size, and support style. On average, the speed-up is over 50 percent. Not every combination of factors will result in significant speed improvement.

Vantage SE’s expanded build envelope (or build chamber) has 150 percent more volume, allowing bigger prototypes. The extra canister bays, to build with an additional model and support canister, allow you to leave the machine unattended for longer time periods.

Vantage Xp, S and SE users also benefit from PC-ISO material. PC-ISO meets both ISO 10993-1 and USP Class VI standards. Class VI is the most stringent of the six USP ratings.

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Notice FDM Vantage User Guide

There are five major components that make up the Vantage Modeling System:

• Insight Slicing Software

• A Computer Workstation (not sold by Stratasys)

• The FDM Vantage Modeling Machine

• Modeling Material

• Support Material

About This Guide

This guide is your introduction to building prototypes using a Stratasys rapid prototype system. Typically learning about a high-tech machine can be a long, difficult process. But with this guide, you can make that learning process much easier. This guide was designed as a learning and reference tool that explains system operation in an easy to understand, step-by-step, process. This guide is specifically written for controller software version 2.4.0. Screen descriptions may be different for other versions.

How to Use This Guide

This guide is divided into easy-to-follow chapters. The tabs allow you to quickly and easily find the information you want. You can read this user guide chapter by chapter or use the tabs, Table of Contents, and Index when you need to quickly find specific information. Keeping this user guide close to your system will efficiently allow you to troubleshoot and maintain the system.

Conventions Used in This Guide

The following conventions are used in this guide.

• When you see text in italic, it indicates that this is a menu item that can be selected from the Operator Panel Screen. For example, select Build Last Job.

• If you see text in BOLD CAPS it indicates that this is a key located on the Operator Panel keypad. For example, From the Main Menu select Build Job and press ENTER.

• If you see boxed blue text, it indicates that this information is being shown on the Operator Panel Screen. For example:

Build Job.. >Operator Control.. Modeler Status.. Maintenance..

|*Tips: Model T16 |* Support T16

FDM Vantage User Guide

Notice

Service & Support

FDM Vantage Service ................................................................................................ 1 - 1

Software Support ....................................................................................................... 1 - 1

Consumable Orders................................................................................................... 1 - 1

Safety Instructions ..................................................................................................... 1 - 2

Hazard Classifications ............................................................................................1 - 2

Product Safety Signs ..............................................................................................1 - 2

Specific Safety Practices ........................................................................................1 - 3

Guard Door Interlocks.............................................................................................1 - 4

General Safety Practices ........................................................................................1 - 4

Setup & Installation

Preparing Your Facility for Installation ....................................................................... 2 - 1

Identifying Your Machine............................................................................................ 2 - 1

Making the Network Connection................................................................................ 2 - 1

Making the Power Cable Connection ........................................................................ 2 - 2

Using the Main Circuit Breaker.................................................................................. 2 - 2

Using the Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) ......................................................... 2 - 2

Thermal Cut-Out Fuses ............................................................................................. 2 - 3

Initial Network Configuration (IP Address)................................................................. 2 - 4

Upgrading Software or Downloading a Code.................................................................. 5

Moving the Machine................................................................................................... 2 - 8

Machine Components

Accessing Machine Components .............................................................................. 3 - 1

Opening the Hood...................................................................................................... 3 - 4

FDM Vantage User Guide

XY Gantry Assembly.............................................................................................. 3 - 4

Head Assembly.............................................................................................................. 5

Liquefier Tips and Slice Heights............................................................................. 3 - 5

Head Buttons for Unplugging Tips ......................................................................... 3 - 8

Z Stage & Oven Components .................................................................................... 3 - 9

Opening the Oven Door ......................................................................................... 3 - 9

Oven Lights.......................................................................................................... 3 - 10

The Platen 11

Moving the Head and Z Stage using “Move Relative”...........................................3 - 11

Lowering the Z Stage........................................................................................... 3 - 13

Material & Canisters

Materials Used in the Vantage ................................................................................... 4 - 1

Material Compatibility............................................................................................. 4 - 1

Accessing the Canister Bays ..................................................................................... 4 - 2

Canister Bay Components ......................................................................................... 4 - 2

Canister Bays......................................................................................................... 4 - 2

Canister Drive Levers............................................................................................. 4 - 3

Interpreting the LED Indicators .............................................................................. 4 - 3

Canister Auto Changeover (For Vantage SE only) ................................................ 4 - 4

Smart Canister 5

Storing Canisters........................................................................................................ 4 - 5

Changing Canisters ................................................................................................... 4 - 6

Installing a Canister................................................................................................ 4 - 6

Removing an Empty Canister .............................................................................. 4 - 10

Removing a Partially Used Canister .................................................................... 4 - 10

Loading Material Filament to the Liquefiers ..............................................................4 - 11

Unloading Material Filament from the Liquefiers ..................................................... 4 - 12

Purging Blue Material from Liquefier.................................................................... 4 - 13

Changing Material Type or Tips ............................................................................... 4 - 13

Recovering From a Head Plug................................................................................. 4 - 19

Moving the Head to the Head Service Bracket (Service Location) .......................... 4 - 20

FDM Vantage User Guide

Operating the Machine

Using the Operator Control Panel.............................................................................. 5 - 1

Keypad Button Descriptions....................................................................................5 - 2

Screen Symbols......................................................................................................5 - 3

Powering Up the Machine.......................................................................................... 5 - 3

Powering Down the Machine ..................................................................................... 5 - 4

Building a Job ............................................................................................................ 5 - 5

Before Building a Job..............................................................................................5 - 5

Selecting a Job to Build ..........................................................................................5 - 6

Warnings Before Job is Built...................................................................................5 - 7

Information Available While Building.......................................................................5 - 7

Information Available If a Job Fails While Building .................................................5 - 7

Pausing or Aborting a Job ......................................................................................5 - 8

After Building a Job.................................................................................................5 - 8

Manually Removing Support Material........................................................................ 5 - 9

Removing WaterWorks Support Material................................................................... 5 - 9

Working with the Job Queues.................................................................................. 5 - 10

Using the Maintenance Menu ...................................................................................5 - 11

Changing the Modeler Default Values .................................................................. 5 - 11

User Placement on Platen ....................................................................................5 - 12

Displaying Machine Status....................................................................................... 5 - 13

Finding the Temperature Status............................................................................5 - 13

Finding the Odometer Status ................................................................................5 - 13

Finding the Material Status ...................................................................................5 - 14

Finding Your Machine’s Software Version.............................................................5 - 15

Finding the Sensor, System, or UPS Status .........................................................5 - 15

Checking Air Pressure and Vacuum ........................................................................ 5 - 16

Changing the Build Sheet ........................................................................................ 5 - 16

Setting the Oven Temperature ................................................................................. 5 - 17

Operating Insight

Starting Insight........................................................................................................... 6 - 1

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FDM Vantage User Guide

Opening a .STL File in Insight.................................................................................... 6 - 1

Selecting Modeler Setup Settings.................................................................................. 2

Configure Your Modeler ......................................................................................... 6 - 2

Part Build Parameters ............................................................................................ 6 - 4

Orientating the Part in the Build Envelope ..................................................................... 5

Slicing the Part........................................................................................................... 6 - 5

Building Supports and a Base for the Part................................................................. 6 - 6

Saving the Job File .................................................................................................... 6 - 6

Creating Toolpaths ..................................................................................................... 6 - 6

Saving the Toolpath (.CMB file).................................................................................. 6 - 6

Flag Button Shortcut .................................................................................................. 6 - 7

Sending the Part to the Machine................................................................................ 6 - 7

Insight Status ............................................................................................................. 6 - 8

Managing Parts in the Job Queue.......................................................................... 6 - 8

Monitoring the Part Build........................................................................................ 6 - 9

Viewing Information about Built Parts ...................................................................... 6 - 10

Setting up Remote Notification .................................................................................6 - 11

Calibrating Liquefier Tips

Automatic Calibration................................................................................................. 7 - 1

Manual Calibration ..................................................................................................... 7 - 5

Maintaining the Machine

Maintenance Schedule .............................................................................................. 8 - 1

Daily Maintenance Tasks ........................................................................................... 8 - 2

Cleaning the Platen................................................................................................ 8 - 2

Emptying the Purge Bucket.................................................................................... 8 - 2

Weekly Maintenance Tasks........................................................................................ 8 - 3

Vacuuming the Build Envelope .............................................................................. 8 - 3

Monthly Maintenance Tasks....................................................................................... 8 - 3

Inspecting & Replacing the Tip Wipe Brushes ....................................................... 8 - 3

Replacing the Silicone Wiper ................................................................................. 8 - 3

FDM Vantage User Guide

Inspecting the Purge Ledge ....................................................................................8 - 4

Lubricating the XY Guide Rods ..............................................................................8 - 4

Lubricating the Z stage Lead Screws and Guide Rods...........................................8 - 4

Quarterly Maintenance Tasks .................................................................................... 8 - 5

Cleaning the Vacuum System In-Line Filter and Jar...............................................8 - 5

Cleaning the Cone Sensor......................................................................................8 - 6

As Needed Maintenance Tasks ................................................................................. 8 - 6

Platen Flatness Diagnostic .....................................................................................8 - 6

Replacing the Entire Tip Wipe Assembly................................................................8 - 6

Cleaning Exterior Machine Surfaces.......................................................................8 - 7

Cleaning the Head Tray..........................................................................................8 - 7

Cleaning the Liquefier Tips .....................................................................................8 - 7

Cleaning the Oven Door Removable Glass............................................................8 - 7

Replacing an Interior Lamp.....................................................................................8 - 8

Troubleshooting

Getting Help............................................................................................................... 9 - 1

Finding a Remedy...................................................................................................... 9 - 2

Index

Appendix

FDM Vantage User Guide

FDM Vantage User Guide Service & Support

Chapter 1

Service & Support

FDM Vantage Service

If you have a problem with your FDM Vantage that is not covered in this user guide, please contact Stratasys Customer Support:

• Call (800) 801-6491 (7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. C.T.)

• E-mail us at support@stratasys.com

When calling in for service, always have your machine’s software version (see “Finding Your Machine’s Software Version” on page 5-15), and hardware serial number available (see “Identifying Your Machine” on page 2-1). You may also need access to your Insight workstation to provide a diagnostic file from your hardware.

Software Support

If you have a software problem that is not covered in this user guide, please contact Stratasys Customer Support:

• Call (800) 801-6491 (7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. C.T.)

• E-mail us at support@stratasys.com

When calling for support, please have your system’s serial number and software version available.

Consumable Orders

If you need to order consumables for your FDM hardware, contact Stratasys Consumable Orders by using one of the following methods:

• Call (800) 801-6491 (7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. C.T.)

• Email us at consumables@stratasys.com

• Fax a copy of your request to Consumable Orders: +1.952.906.2727

When ordering consumables, always have your system’s serial number and software version number available.

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Service & Support FDM Vantage User Guide

Safety Instructions

Hazard Classifications

Stratasys recommends that all services be performed by qualified personnel. All personnel working on or around this machine should be knowledgeable of what the following hazard classifications mean throughout this guide.

CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not

avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.

WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not

avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not

avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

Product Safety Signs

We make every effort to ensure that our machines are safe and reliable at all times. However, there will be times when you must access areas of the machine where potentially high voltages, hot temperatures, and/or moving mechanical components could cause severe injury.

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Note: Always read and adhere to safety statements, and be aware of the

following safety signs when you see them on the machine.

Personal Injury Sign. The personal injury sign indicates that you are

near moving mechanical parts, and severe personal injury is possible. Always use extra care. Do not wear ties, loose clothing, or dangling jewelry. Keep long hair tied up and away from any moving parts.

High Voltage Sign. The high voltage sign indicates the presence of high voltages. Always stay away from any exposed electrical circuitry. It is recommended that all jewelry be removed.

FDM Vantage User Guide Service & Support

Hot Surface Sign. The hot surface sign indicates the presence of devices with high temperatures. Always use extra care when working around heated components. Always wear the safety gloves and safety sleeves provided in the Vantage Startup Kit.

Note: Head temperatures in this machine can exceed 350° C (662° F).

Gloves & Sleeves–Required Sign. The gloves sign indicates that if

you enter the area specified by the symbol you must wear safety gloves and sleeves approved for high temperatures provided in the Startup Kit.

Sharp–Object Sign. The sharp object sign indicates the presence of sharp objects. Do not touch sharp objects as they may cause a loss of body parts.

Crushed–Hand Sign. The crushed hand sign indicates that a hazard exists where you could get your hand crushed between two objects. One or more objects move in the area that you are working.

Specific Safety Practices

The following components and areas of the machine are highlighted as potential safety hazards that may cause machine failure or reliability problems if proper safety procedures are not followed.

Oven............... The oven temperature is extremely hot and controlled by a safety

thermal breaker that shuts the machine off when temperatures reach 170° C (338° F).

Note: When you open the oven door, the heaters turn off.

WARNING: Always wear safety gloves and sleeves when working

inside the oven. Components are very HOT!

XY Gantry......... Beneath the top lid of the machine is the XY Gantry. This area

houses the mechanical drive components of the X and Y axes. Use extreme caution whenever accessing this area of the machine. The servo drive system, including the motors, pulleys and belts are extremely powerful, and care must be taken.

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Service & Support FDM Vantage User Guide

WARNING: Never wear a tie, loose clothing, or dangling jewelry. You

risk the possibility of severe injury.

The XY pinch hazard between the timing belts and pulleys is minimized by locking the hood while building and disabling the motors when the hood is open.

Z Stage............. The drive belt, pulleys and Z stage servo motor can cause

severe injury. The Z stage crushing hazard is minimized by locking the door during Z stage moves and disabling the Z motor when the door is open.

Note: These servo motors are disabled when the hood door and/or hood lid is

opened.

DANGER: High voltage is present in the machine even if the system is

Off and the power cord is unplugged. This is due to the Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS).

Guard Door Interlocks

The state of the oven door and hood can be detected by the interlock switches. For safety reasons, the hood door and lid, and the oven door must be closed when the X, Y and Z motors are moving. The only exception to this is during the Z Stage Zero with Shim Calibration procedure, shown on page 7-5. During this calibration, the oven door must be open while the tip is shimmed to the build sheet. Only movements of less than 0.10 inches (2.45 mm) are allowed to minimize the safety hazard.

General Safety Practices

Abide by these general safety practices when working with this machine.

DANGER: Only use an OSHA or CE approved step stool when

accessing the area under the hood located at the top of the machine.

WARNING: Always wear safety gloves and sleeves when working in

the oven or with the head or liquefier tips. These components are very hot.

CAUTION: Always level the machine prior to operation. Improper

leveling could cause the door to swing closed while you are working in the oven.

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FDM Vantage User Guide Setup & Installation

Chapter 2

Setup & Installation

Preparing Your Facility for Installation

Follow the T-Class Site Preparation Guide to ensure that your facility is effectively and safely prepared for the system to be installed.

Identifying Your Machine

Use the following two tags to identify your machine:

• Serial Number Tag this number when requesting service.

• Model Tag. The model number, the power requirements, and the company’s address and phone number are given on the tag. All patent numbers associated with the machine are listed on the lower left part of the tag.

Both of these tags are located on the back side of the machine near the bottom. They are typically placed near the machine’s power connection. Use the information on these tags when identifying your machine.

. Refer to

Model TagSerial Tag

Making the Network Connection

Processed job files are transferred to the FDM modeler through your facility’s Ethernet network. An RJ45 network connector is located in the lower left corner of the back panel for the network connection.

RJ45 Connector

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Setup & Installation FDM Vantage User Guide

Making the Power Cable Connection

This machine requires a high voltage connection, which is made behind the machine near the bottom. High voltage is applied to the machine via a Delta connection. Stratasys recommends that the power cable connection be made by a licensed electrician. The main breaker must be off until a Stratasys Service Technician has verified the connection. This machine is only provided with a Delta connection.

High Voltage Power Cable Connection

Main Circuit Breaker

High Voltage Power Cable Connection

UPS Switch

Using the Main Circuit Breaker

If the machine encounters a high current surge, the main circuit breaker trips, protecting the machine’s electrical and electronic components. The circuit breaker is located behind the machine in the bottom right corner. To place the machine back into operation, you must reset the circuit breaker. This is done by pushing the circuit breaker handle all the way down and then back up.

Using the Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

The UPS unit is a battery standby system that supplies AC voltage to the processor and cooling fans in the event of an AC voltage power loss. It does not run the entire machine. You can access it from the back of the machine. In the event of an overcurrent condition, the UPS is protected by a combination on/off switch and circuit breaker located directly above the main breaker.

• It shuts itself off if power is not restored to the machine.

• If power is lost to the machine you may need to manually power the unit back up. However, this should not be necessary unless the UPS has been manually turned off. To regain power, hold the “On” button on the front of the UPS unit until a beep is heard and/or LED lights appear.

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FDM Vantage User Guide Setup & Installation

• The LED display shows the UPS status.

On/Off (Hold in for 2 seconds to activate)

Mode Indicator Lights

UPS 5125

The UPS also has the purpose of cooling the system when power is lost or turned off. The UPS keeps the blowers running to carry the heat away from the heating elements. If the heating elements are not sufficiently cooled at power-off, the thermal protection circuits may open. In addition to the thermal protection circuits failing, the machine may be damaged by high concentrations of thermal energy.

WARNING: High voltage is present in the machine even if the power

cord is unplugged. This is due to the UPS.

Load Level Indicators

On Button

Off Button

Reset Button

UPS Switch

Note: See “Powering Up the Machine” on page 5-3 for more information.

Thermal Cut-Out Fuses

There are two thermal cut-outs installed on the machine. When a cut-out reaches its set temperature, it opens, and power to the machine is removed. This is to prevent damage to the machine and facility in case of an overheating condition. Contact Customer Support if a thermal cut-out opens.

Note: Allow the machine to cool down before unplugging the power cable to

prevent the oven cut-out from opening. If the cut-out opens, call Customer Support.

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Setup & Installation FDM Vantage User Guide

Initial Network Configuration (IP Address)

Before operating the machine, you must enter the IP, Netmask, and Gateway addresses.

1. Power up the machine, as shown on page 5-3.

2. From the Ready screen, select Maintenance and press ENTER.

Build Job.. Operator Control.. Modeler Status.. >Maintenance..

3. Select Administration and press ENTER.

Modeler Default.. >Administration.. Reboot Machine..

4. Select Network Configuration and press ENTER.

>Network Configuration.. Receive Software Upgrade or Code..<E> Field Service.. password:

5. Select IP and enter the address using the keypad. Press ENTER. You can use the DEL key to erase incorrect entries.

6. Select MASK (Netmask) and enter the address. Press ENTER.

| *Tips: Model T16 | * Support T16

7. Select GW (Gateway) and enter the address. Press ENTER.

>IP : [172.16.70.10] MASK: (.none found) GW : [172.16.100.1]

Note: See your system administrator if you do not know the IP, Netmask, or

Gateway address.

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FDM Vantage User Guide Setup & Installation

Upgrading Software or Downloading a Code

The system’s software and unique code can be downloaded from an Insight workstation. Only Insight v4.0 and later supports the code download process.

1. Verify that the machine is idle.

2. Place the machine in the Upgrade mode.

• From the Main Menu select Maintenance and press ENTER.

Build Job.. Operator Control.. Modeler Status.. >Maintenance..

•Select Administration and press ENTER.

Modeler Default.. >Administration.. Reboot Machine..

•Select Receive Software Upgrade or Code and press ENTER. The machine is now ready to receive the new software upgrade or code from the Insight workstation.

Network Configuration.. >Receive Software Upgrade or Code..<E> Field Service.. password:

>Waiting for Software Upgrade or Code Press MENU key to Cancel

| *Tips: Model T16 | * Support T16

3. To install a software upgrade:

Note: You will automatically be notified when a new upgrade file is available for

download. Download the upgrade file and follow this procedure for installation.

• Open the Administration program.

• In the administration application, select the system to upgrade.

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Setup & Installation FDM Vantage User Guide

• Click on the “Install new software to the modeler” icon button.

The administration software verifies that the system is in the Upgrade mode and displays a File>Open dialog box.

• Navigate to the location of the upgrade file. Upgrade files (UPG) are downloaded into the ‘Stratasys’ folder on your workstation.

Note: The default location for the ‘Stratasys’ folder is directly below the

‘Program Files’ directory. This location may be different on your workstation depending upon choices made during previous software installations.

• Select the Upgrade file (.UPG file) from the dialog box.

• Confirm that you want the download to begin and click Yes to acknowledge that the machine will need to reboot. Downloading begins, a progress bar appears showing you the downloading progress.

• Select “Reboot and Install Software Upgrade <E>” and press ENTER.

• Press ESCAPE on your keyboard to cancel the upgrade.

The system reboots and upgrades the file. The system is now in its normal power up state. Log files and calibration files are preserved by the upgrade installation process.

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FDM Vantage User Guide Setup & Installation

If downloading a code:

• In the Insight administration application, select the system to upgrade.

• Click on the Setup button.

• Enter the code (case-sensitive) in the Setup code field.

• Click on the green check box to download the code.

Note: If you get an error message, you entered an invalid code. Click OK and

re-enter the code.

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Setup & Installation FDM Vantage User Guide

The screen will now read:

>Install New Setup Code.. <E> Press <ESCAPE> key to cancel

• Press ENTER. The system configures and the system powers up.

Moving the Machine

If you need to move the machine to a different location, use the following steps to correctly move the machine.

1. Unload material filament from the liquefiers as shown on page 4-12.

2. Remove the material canisters as shown on page 4-6.

Lower the Z stage as shown on page 3-9.

4. Shut down power to the machine by pressing the red power down button on the operator panel. The blowers will operate for approximately five minutes after power down. Always allow the machine to complete this cycle to avoid thermal damage to the machine.

CAUTION: Before unplugging the machine always make sure the oven

is cool to avoid blowing the oven thermal cut-out fuses.

5. Unplug the power cable from the power source.

WARNING: Power is present in the machine after the power cable has

been disconnected. This is due to the UPS.

6. Secure the Z stage and XY gantry:

• Remove all panels on the machine by loosening the Pan Head Phillips screws

on the panels.

• Grasp the Z stage drive belt and the lower Z stage until the end plates rest on

the lower hard stops.

• On each end of the machine, wrap a large wire tie around the end plate and

the lower bearing mount plate.

• Pull the wire tie tight.

• Using a small ladder, open the hood door and hood lid.

• Manually position the gantry in the left front corner of the XY table.

Red Power Down Button

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FDM Vantage User Guide Setup & Installation

• Using several wire ties, secure the head to the frame.

WARNING: Do not use the head service handle. Damage to the head

could occur.

• Reinstall all panels and tighten the Pan Head Phillips screws.

7. Raise the leveling feet located near each caster by loosening the locknut on each foot.

Locknut

8. Move the machine to its new location.

Note: If the machine will be rolled over any seams or bumps in the floor, do not

roll on casters, use a lifting device.

CAUTION: If you use a forklift to lift the machine, use it according to

the specifications in the T-Class Site Preparation Guide.

9. Lower the feet and lock them in place using the locknut.

10. Level the machine.

11. Cut the wire ties securing the Z stage and XY gantry.

12. Plug the power cable into the available power source.

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Setup & Installation FDM Vantage User Guide

2 - 10

FDM Vantage User Guide Machine Components

Chapter 3

Machine Components

Accessing Machine Components

This machine has been designed with easy access to the most frequently accessed areas on the machine. The areas you will need to open or remove to access machine components are:

• The hood (hood door and hood lid)

• The oven door

• The canister bay door

• Side panels

Left Side Panel (upper)

Left Side Panel (lower)

Hood Door (hood lid inside)

Right Side Panel (upper)

Oven Door

Right Side Panel (lower)

Canister Bay Door

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Machine Components FDM Vantage User Guide

Hood Door. Allows access to the hood lid.

Hood Lid. Where the XY Gantry

Hood Lid

resides and allows access to the head assembly as well as four cooling fans to cool the upper area of the XY Gantry

Hood Door

and head area. The two fans on the left draw cool air into the machine and the two fans on the right draw warm air out of the machine.

WARNING: Turn power Off and disconnect the power cable before

removing any of the access panels.

DANGER: High voltage is present in the machine even if the system is

Off and the power cord is unplugged. This is due to the Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). Make sure you follow the correct shutdown procedure. See

“Powering Down the

Machine” on page 5-4.

Right Side Panel (Upper). Allows access to the right side Z stage components. There

are four Pan Head Phillips screws that must be loosened, not removed, before the panel can be removed.

Oven Door. Allows access to the platen, parts, tip wipe assembly, and the purge bucket.

Right Side Panel (Lower). Allows access to some of the electronic bay components such as the computer case, CD-ROM, in-line vacuum filter, keyboard, monitor connectors, and the vacuum system. There are four Pan Head Phillips screws that must be loosened, not removed, before the panel can be removed.

The vacuum pump generates a source of vacuum used to hold the build sheet to the platen while a part is being built. The amount of vacuum being generated by the pump can be read using the vacuum gauge located above the waste basket. There is an inline vacuum filter to remove debris from the oven. See “Cleaning the Vacuum System In-Line Filter and Jar” on page 8-5 for cleaning instructions.

Canister Bay Door. Allows access to the material canisters, storage area, vacuum gauge, pressure gauge, canister levers, and canister LEDs.

Left Side Panel (Lower). Allows access to the air compressor, material drying system, flow meter, and some electronics bay components. You do not need to access any of these components.

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FDM Vantage User Guide Machine Components

The material drying system consists of the components shown in the illustration below. The air compressor forces dry air through the filament material tubes to keep the filament dry. The compressed air is forced through a twin-tower regenerating dryer where the air is dried to -40° F dew point. The dried air is diverted between two dryer elements every 30 seconds.

Note: Dryer elements have an expected life of six to seven years.

After being dried, the compressed air is controlled and measured by a regulator/ pressure gauge and flow meter, which is located in the canister bay. We recommend a setting of 36-40 psi. Any captured moisture or debris is fed through the filament tubes and out the bottom of the machine. An air flow meter is mounted directly below the air compressor.

Material Drying System

Air

Pressure Relief/ Adjustment Valve

Compressor

Located behind lower left valve

Dryer System

Drain

Flow Meter (located behind the lower left door - not operator accessible)

Left Side Panel (Upper). Allows access to the left side Z stage components. There

are four Pan Head Phillips screws that must be loosened, not removed, before the panel can be removed.

WARNING: The access panels on the rear of the machine should only

be removed by a Stratasys Service Technician.

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Machine Components FDM Vantage User Guide

Opening the Hood

You can open the hood, located on the top of the machine, to access the XY Gantry and the Head. The hood consists of two separate entry doors, the hood door and the hood lid. Both doors share a safety switch and a continuous solenoid. The hood doors remain locked at all times and can only be unlocked by performing an Open Hood/

Door command, which allows you to manually open the hood doors. The Open Hood/ Door command also unlocks the oven door allowing you to manually open it.

Once the hood lid or hood door is opened, the machine cannot be resumed nor can any manual move command be sent until both the hood lid and hood door are closed. To inform you of this, the screen will flash Hood/Door not closed. Once the hood lid and hood door are closed, the screen will return to its previous state and you will need to re-enter your last command.

Note: The hood lid must be closed before closing the hood door.

XY Gantry Assembly

The Gantry maneuvers the head in the X and Y directions when building a part. The XY Gantry assembly is located under the top hood of the machine. The entire gantry is outside of the oven. Only the bottom of the head protrudes into the oven. The gantry and its drive motors are thermally shielded from the oven via bellows.

To move the head, the XY gantry utilizes one X and one Y servo motor attached to timing belts, as shown in the following figure.

Y Axis Servo Motor

Y Carriage Assembly

X Axis Servo Motor

X Carriage Assembly

Head Assembly

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FDM Vantage User Guide Machine Components

Head Assembly

The Headworks head assembly has been designed for various materials. The board inside the head provides direct heater and thermocouple control. The head extrudes modeling material and support material with two identical liquefiers. The support liquefier moves up and down via a solenoid.

Note: You must replace each liquefier tip and tube assembly when you load a

different type of material.

The liquefier tips are clamped directly between the heated block and liquefier clamp block with two screws.

HeadWorks Head

Assembly

Liquefier Tips (2 screws)

Liquefier Tips and Slice Heights

The head assembly uses a support liquefier tip and a model liquefier tip. When building with WaterWorks (WW), use the T12 WW tip for support when using T10, T12, & T16 modeling tips or use the T20 for support when using the T20 modeling tip. The standard tip is used for Break-Away Supports (BASS) and modeling materials.

• There are five tips available:

- T10, T12, T12 WW, T16, & T20

Model Material Liquefier Tip

Support Material Liquefier Tip

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Machine Components FDM Vantage User Guide

• Tips are a replaceable consumable item. To order tips, see “Consumable Orders” on page 1-1. To change tips, see “Changing Material Type or Tips” on page 4-13.

• When changing tips you will be guided through resetting the tip odometers.

• The user interface automatically prompts you to replace the tips. Changing tips helps prevent plugs as well as maintain part quality. See

“Finding the Odometer

Status” on page 5-13 for more information on viewing tip status.

Tip Compatibility & Selection

Table 3-1 shows the available material and tips for your system.

Table 3-2 lists the slice heights for the three model tips.

Table 3-3 provides approximate Tip Life - based upon the amount of material used.

If you are building with WaterWorks: use a T12 WW support tip with T10, T12, & T16 modeling tips (the T12 WW tip has a finned flange); use a T20 support tip with a T20 modeling tip. The standard tip is used for Break-Away Supports (BASS) and model material. The tips for the HeadWorks head are 3.045” (77.34 mm) long. See “Tip Identification” on page 3-8 for more information.

Table 3-1: Available Tips

Material

ABS T10 T12 WW x x x

ABS T12 T12 WW x x x

ABS T16 T12 WW x x x

ABS T20 T20* x x x

ABSi T10 T12 WW x x

ABSi T12 T12 WW x x

ABSi T16 T12 WW x x

ABSi T20 T20* x x

PC-ABS T10 T12 WW x x x

PC-ABS T12 T12 WW x x x

PC-ABS T16 T12 WW x x x

PC T12 T12 x x x

PC T16 T16 x x x

PC-ISO T12 T12 x x

PC-ISO T16 T16 x x

*The same T20 Tip is used for Model Material and for WaterWorks Support Material.

Model

Tip

Support

Tip

Vantage

i (ABS)

Vantage

i (PC)

Vantage XaVantage XpVantage

S & SE

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FDM Vantage User Guide Machine Components

Table 3-2: Slice Height

Model Tip Slice Height

T10 0.005 in. (0.127 mm)

T12 0.007 in. (0.178 mm)

T16 0.010 in. (0.254 mm)

T20 0.013 in. (0.330 mm)

Table 3-3: Tip LIfe

Support

Support Tip Lifeb

(Material Used)

Model

Model Tip Life (Material Used)

Material Tip cu. in. cu. cm. Canisters Tip cu. in. cu. cm. Canisters

ABS &

ABSi

ABS &

ABSi

ABS &

ABSi

ABS &

ABSi

T10 620 10160 6.5 T12 WW 540 8910 6.0

T12 770 12620 8.5 T12 WW 590 9730 6.5

T16 920 15080 10.0 T12 WW 640 10550 7.0

T20 920 15080 10.0 T20* 640 10550 7.0

PC-ABS T10 270 4420 3.0 T12 WW 270 4420 3.0

PC-ABS T12 550 9010 6.0 T12 WW 550 9010 6.0

PC-ABS T16 830 13570 9.0 T12 WW 640 10550 7.0

PC &

PC-ISO

PC &

PC-ISO

a. ABS & ABSi model material requires ABS_SS support material (WaterWorks) - use T12 WW support

tip with model tips T10, T12, & T16; use T20 Support Tip with T20 model tip.

PC-ABS model material requires PC-ABS_S support material (WaterWorks) & T12 WW support tip.

T12 740 12060 8.0 T12 370 6030 4.0

T16 830 13570 9.0 T16 460 7540 5.0

PC & PC-ISO model material uses PC_S support material. Support tip size will match model tip size.

b. Tip Life is directly related to the amount of material that passes through the tip. The amounts listed

above are approximates of how much material will pass through a tip before the tip will need to be replaced. Because other factors can affect tip life, the material amounts are only approximates.

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Machine Components FDM Vantage User Guide

Tip Identification

Standard HeadWorks tip

3.045” (77.34 mm)

T12 WW Headworks tip

T12 WW tip has a finned flange

Head Buttons for Unplugging Tips

You can use the two buttons on the top of the head to manually unplug tips.

•

The left button unplugs the model liquefier.

• The right button unplugs the support liquefier.

Each button has two functions:

• Depressing the right side of each button moves the material forward.

• Depressing the left side of each button moves the material backward.

Manual Unplug Button (model material)

Manual Unplug Button (support material)

The head buttons are ONLY used when unplugging the head. The tip is brought up to temperature the first time you press a head button. The buttons are only active after performing the Unplug Tips command from the operator panel screen.

For more information, see “Recovering From a Head Plug” on page 4-19.

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FDM Vantage User Guide Machine Components

Z Stage & Oven Components

The Z stage assembly moves the platen, located in the oven, up or down. This is done with two belt driven lead screws, which you can access by removing the upper right and left panels. See “Accessing Machine Components” on page 3-1. The majority of the left and right Z stage assemblies are mounted outside of the oven to keep them away from heat.

Guide Rods

Lead Screws

Bearings & Shafts

Platen & Build Sheet

• The platen and build sheet. They provide the build surface. Replace the build

sheet every time you build a new part.

• The tip sensor. The tip sensor is located on the right side of the platen. It

provides a reference point for calibrating the model and support tips into the correct starting positions.

• Bearings and Shafts. These components are located on both sides of the oven.

They provide the structure for moving the platen up and down.

• Z Stage Servo Motor. This motor is mounted beneath the oven. It provides the

power to move the platen up and down.

• Drive Belt. The drive belt is located beneath the oven and synchronizes the

platen movement on both sides of the oven.

Tip Sensor

Z Stage Servo Motor

Drive Belt

Opening the Oven Door

The Oven Assembly (also called the Oven Bay) includes the oven door and everything that you see through the front door. This bay is where you build parts. Like the hood doors, the oven door has a continuous solenoid. The Unlock Hood/Door will release the solenoid allowing you to open the door.

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Machine Components FDM Vantage User Guide

To open the oven door, use the Operator Panel command Unlock Hood/Door. This command is only available while the machine is paused or in an idle state. Therefore you do not have access to this command while the gantry is moving.

To unlock the oven using the Unlock Door command:

1. From the Main Menu select Operator Control and press ENTER.

Build Job.. >Operator Control..

| *Tips: Model T16

| * Support T16 Modeler Status.. Maintenance..

2. Select Unlock Door and press ENTER.

>Unlock Door <E> Load/Unload Matl.. Change Tips/Matl..

| Calibrate..

| Temp Control..

| Move Head/Stage..

3. If the temperature is high, a warning screen may appear. Put on the safety gloves and sleeves, provided in the Startup Kit, and press ENTER again.

Note: Once any of the doors are unlocked and/or opened, the machine

operation cannot be resumed, nor can any manual move command be sent until all three doors are closed. When all doors are closed, the solenoids reactivate and you can resume operation.

Oven Lights

There are two incandescent oven lights mounted in the two front upper corners of the oven. The lights are rated at 240 volts and 40 watts. There is a light switch on the keypad, which you can use to manually turn the light ON or OFF. Before replacing the bulb, you must remove the protective glass cover.

3 - 10

WARNING: Oven lights are hot! Do not touch without wearing approved

safety gloves.

FDM Vantage User Guide Machine Components

The Platen

The platen is the surface on which parts are built. A plastic build sheet is held to the 17” x 15” aluminum platen by the vacuum source. The platen has a waffle pattern machined into the top surface. This allows vacuum to pull across the entire surface. A silicone rubber o-ring, that runs around the perimeter of the platen, helps seal the build sheet to the platen.

A debris screen is placed across the vacuum port, located at the center of the platen, to prevent material particles from entering the vacuum lines.

Vacuum Port and Debris Screen

Waffle Pattern

Silicone O-Ring

The platen is mounted to the Z stage cross beams with three adjustment screws. This allows the platen to be leveled. The tip sensor (shown above) is used when performing a Auto tip-to-tip calibration.

Tip Sensor

Moving the Head and Z Stage using “Move Relative”

To change the amount to move the Head and Z stage using Move Relative:

1. From the Operator Control Panel, select Operator Control and press ENTER.

Build Job.. >Operator Control.. Modeler Status.. Maintenance..

|*Tips: Model T16 |* Support T16

2. Select Move Head/Stage and press ENTER.

Unlock Door <E> Load/Unload Matl.. Change Tips/Matl..

| Calibrate.. | Temp Control.. |>Move Head/Stage..

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Machine Components FDM Vantage User Guide

3. Select Move Relative and press ENTER.

Move Head to Service Location <E> Move Head to Center-Front Location<E> Move Z Stage to Bottom <E> >Move Relative..

4. Select Set Distance and press ENTER.

This toggles between 0.001, 0.010, 0.100 and 1.000 inches (0.01, 0.10 and 1.0 and 10 mm).

>Set Distance= 0.100 in <E> *Move Head: +X <6> -X<4> +Y <2> -Y <8> *Move Z Stage: +Z <9> -Z <3> *Current: X: 0.000 Y: 0.000 Z: 0.000

Moving the Z Stage

To move the Z stage up or down, from the Operator Panel:

CAUTION: When moving the Z stage, be careful not to run it into the

head. When the Z stage gets close to the top, toggle the set distance to 0.010 (0.254 mm) or 0.001 inches (0.0254 mm).

• Press <3> to move it up.

• Press <9> to move it down.

Moving the Head

To move the head left, right, back, or forward, from the Operator Panel::

• Press <4> to move it left.

• Press <6> to move it right.

• Press <2> to move it back.

• Press <8> to move it forward.

Note: The current position of the head and stage are displayed on the last line.

The current values are based on the following coordinate system. Z = 0.0 when the model tip is on the build sheet, X = 0.0 on the left side of the oven, and Y = 0.0 at the front of the oven.

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FDM Vantage User Guide Machine Components

Lowering the Z Stage

1. From the Operator Control Panel, select Operator Control and press ENTER.

Build Job.. >Operator Control.. Modeler Status.. Maintenance..

2. Select Move Head/Stage and press ENTER.

Unlock Door <E> Load/Unload Matl.. Change Tips/Matl..

3. Select Move Z Stage to Bottom and press ENTER.

Move Head to Service Location <E> Move Head to Center-Front Location<E> >Move Z Stage to Bottom <E> Move Relative..

|*Tips: Model T16 |* Support T16

| Calibrate.. | Temp Control.. |>Move Head/Stage..

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Machine Components FDM Vantage User Guide

3 - 14

FDM Vantage User Guide Material & Canisters

Chapter 4

Material & Canisters

Materials Used in the Vantage

The Vantage systems use high strength polycarbonate material (PC and medical grade PC-ISO), ABS, ABSi and PC-ABS - the last 3 are used with WaterWorks supports.Table 4-1shows the material build temperatures.

Material Compatibility

System/Material compatibility can be found in “About the FDM Vantage” on page i iii. or in “Tip Compatibility & Selection” on page 3-6.

Table 4-1: Material Build Temperatures

Material

ABS & ABSi 315° C (599° F) 95° C (203° F)

PC-ABS 330° C (626° F) 110° C (230° F)

PC & PC-ISO 390° C (734° F) 145° C (293° F)

Note: All materials use the same canister type. Extrusion and oven

temperatures are automatically set by the modeler.

Maximum Extrusion

Temperature

Maximum Oven

Temperature

4 - 1

Material & Canisters FDM Vantage User Guide

Accessing the Canister Bays

You can access the canister bays by opening the canister bay door (lowest door) on the front of the machine. The door has a magnetic seal allowing you to easily open it.

Note: These doors are not equipped with any type of

safety interlock.

Canister Bay Components

The figure below shows the canister bay components:

Vacuum

Air Pressure

Canister LED Indicators

Canister Drive Levers

Model Material Canister

Support Material Canister

Spare Canister Bays

These are active in Vantage SE only

Storage Area

Canister Bays

The Vantage systems, except the Vantage SE, have two active bays and two inactive storage bays.

The Vantage SE has four active bays with Auto Changeover capability, which automatically loads a second canister and continues building when the first canister runs out of material. See “Canister Auto Changeover (For Vantage SE only)” on page 4-4 for more information.

4 - 2

FDM Vantage User Guide Material & Canisters

The middle left bay holds modeling material and the middle right bay holds support material. The two active bays in the middle must have canisters installed with filament preloaded into the drive block to allow the material drying system to operate. You can store canisters in the outer spare bays but filament does not need to be preloaded (loaded to the liquefiers) in order for the machine to run.

For Vantage SE: The two left bays hold model material and two right bays hold support material. Stratasys recommends that you install a canister in all four canister bays to ensure maximum efficiency for the air drying system. If necessary, an empty canister may be installed in an inactive bay.

While building, two of the four canisters are active. An active canister has material filament loaded to the liquefiers (green LED).

Note: Modeling canisters and support canisters CANNOT be mixed. For

example, when building with ABS material, BOTH model canisters must be ABS and both support canisters must be ABS_SS.

Whether the machine is idle or building, you can replace inactive canisters without pausing the machine.

Canister Drive Levers

Each individual canister has a drive lever that is used to activate the material drive block. The drive block feeds the filament from the canisters to the liquefiers.

A drive block is located above each canister. The drive block contains a small DC motor which drives the filament up to the liquefiers. The drive block is spring loaded and moves up and down on a guide that is actuated via a lever on the front of the drive block. The spring provides compression for the seal between the drive block and the top of the canister’s plastic insert. Each drive block contains material sensors that determine the presence of material.

Interpreting the LED Indicators

There are two colored LED indicators, one above each canister (Vantage SE has four colored indicators). Each LED indicator is used to notify you of the canister’s current condition. They are defined as follows:

Drive Lever

Drive Block

4 - 3

Material & Canisters FDM Vantage User Guide

• Green – Steady. Material filament has been loaded into the liquefiers. You cannot remove the canister when the LED is a steady green.

• Green – Flashing. Filament has been fed into the canister drive block but is not loaded into the liquefiers. You can unload canisters if necessary.

• Red – Steady. The canister is empty. You can unload the canister if necessary.

• Red – Flashing. The canister has a load failure or a smart-spool-chip read/write failure. You can unload canisters if necessary.

• Off. No canister is present, or the canister is present but the filament has not been fed into the canister drive block.

LED Indicator

Canister Auto Changeover (For Vantage SE only)

Auto Changeover allows you to leave a long part build unattended. When an active canister becomes empty, the machine is paused and the canister automatically withdraws all material remaining in the tube into the empty canister. This is followed by the full canister loading into the head, and the job is automatically resumed. No interaction is required. Auto Changeover takes about five minutes. The machine will resume building when finished.

• If you press the Pause key during an Auto Changeover, the machine will remain paused after the changeover is complete. In that case, you need to select Resume on the screen to continue building.

• While the changeover is taking place, the following message screen comes up. * Auto Changing Material* * On Model Head *

Please Wait ..........

Will indicate support if support side changing.

If an error occurs during the Auto Changeover process, the machine will remain paused. You can press the HELP key to find the reason for the error. Once the error is resolved you may select Resume on the screen to continue building.

4 - 4

FDM Vantage User Guide Material & Canisters

Smart Canister

The Smart Canister gives you the information necessary to manage material resources and maximize part build strategies for long, unattended part builds.

Each canister contains an encoded chip that tracks and reports the status of the material. The status is displayed on the Operator Control Panel screen and displays the:

• Type of material

• Estimated amount of material remaining

in each canister

When you send a .CMB file to the machine, the machine verifies that the material selected is the same as the material in the canister. If not, the screen will display a warning, allowing you to switch canisters or continue. In addition, the amount of model and support material that is in the .CMB header will be compared with the amount of material in each canister. If there is not enough material to finish the part, a warning will be displayed giving you the option of replacing the canister before building a part.

Encoded Chip (SmartSpool Circuit)

Storing Canisters

The handling and storage of the filament in the canisters is extremely important to ensure proper modeling conditions. Like most engineering plastics, the filament absorbs moisture. Moisture causes poor model surface quality due to oozing.

Canisters still containing material filament must be sealed with the square foam gasket, and the thumbwheel door must be closed. In addition, the plastic cap must be on top of the insert to prevent moisture absorption. Store canisters in an upright position, do not lay them flat.

Do not remove the plastic cap until you are ready to preload the filament into the drive block. After

Cap

the filament is preloaded, and the canister door is closed, the machine constantly purges any moisture from the canister. If the thumbwheel door is not closed, the filament will be damaged.

Each canister holds 92 in The removable plastic cap and thumbwheel door

(1510 cc) of material.

Canister

provide an airtight seal for storage. The individually sealed canisters are returnable and refillable.

Note: Do not forget to re-insert the square foam gasket under the thumbwheel

door, or to place the plastic cap over the filament exit after removing the canister. In less than one hour, filament can absorb enough moisture through an open cap to be unusable.

4 - 5

Material & Canisters FDM Vantage User Guide

Changing Canisters

Installing a Canister

To install a new canister (see figure on page 4-9):

1a. If the canister is new (or locking plug is still installed), peel back the foil tape on

the side of the canister.

1b. Remove and discard the locking plug.

1c. Reseal the canister hole with the reusable foil tape by

pressing it firmly against the can to establish an airtight seal.

2a. Pick up the canister by grasping the plastic insert. The plastic

insert acts as a handle as well as a guide for the material. Rest the canister in the bay; do not fully push it in yet.

2b. Remove the plastic cap on top of the insert.

2c. Snap the plastic cap into the storage slot.

2d. Open the thumbwheel door on the front of the canister. If the

filament end is not bent, skip step 10.

3a. For first time use only, cut the filament below the bend so that

the filament end is flush with the top guide. The cut end must be square.

3b. Close the thumbwheel door; do not remove foam center from

gasket yet.

4a. Push canister fully into canister bay.

Plastic Insert

4 - 6

FDM Vantage User Guide Material & Canisters

4b. Drop the filament drive mechanism down onto the canister by pulling out the

spring plunger. Verify that the filament drive is aligned with the filament exit and completely sealed. The LED is off at this point. After about five seconds, the smart spool chip is read and the drive block motor starts turning.

Pull spring plunger. Block will drop and engage pogo pins.

Thumbwheel

Filament in canister

4 - 7

Material & Canisters FDM Vantage User Guide

5a. Open the thumbwheel door.

Preloading Filament into the Drive Wheels

5b. Feed the filament into the filament drive mechanism by pressing in and down the

the thumbwheel. Turn the wheel until you feel the filament drive motor pull the filament.

The filament only needs to be advanced 2 inches (50.8 mm) to reach the drivewheels. The filament advances through the filament tube until it contacts the filament-present switch. The drive motor stops, and the LED turns to green flashing. Filament is now “preloaded” into the canister drive.

Cassette Card

Filament Present Switch

Canister Drivewheels

Pogo Pins

Turning thumbwheel pushes filament end to drivewheels

6a. Remove the square foam gasket on the inside of the thumbwheel door, as shown

on page 4-9.

6b. Stick the gasket onto the canister. The square foam gasket prevents the

thumbwheel from moving. The gasket must only be removed while the canister is in the machine. The gasket should be replaced if storing a partially full spool.

6c. Close the thumbwheel door.

Do not discard the box or packing material. The box can be used to ship the empty canister back to Stratasys for recycling.

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FDM Vantage User Guide Material & Canisters

1a Peel back foil tape

1c Carefully re-seal foil tape

2b Remove plastic cap

3b Close Door

2d Open door

3a Cut filament below bend (square cut)

2a: Rest canister in bay

(do not push fully in yet)

4a: Push canister fully into bay

4b: Drop filament drive

mechanism onto canister

5b Advance filament by turning rubber thumbwheel

1b Discard locking plug

5a Open door

6c Close door

2c Store cap in slot

6b Save square foam center and stick to canister

6a Remove square foam center from door gasket

Repeat this procedure for the remaining bay(s). You can install canisters simultaneously.

The canister will then be active (green LED):

• While building, one model bay and one support bay will be active.

• You can remove and replace canisters in the two inactive bays while building.

• Both the active model and support canisters must have filament preloaded to the drive blocks to seal the Y-blocks.

4 - 9

Material & Canisters FDM Vantage User Guide

Removing an Empty Canister

You can remove an empty canister from the bay after it has run out of material or when filament has been unloaded from the liquefiers.

To remove an empty canister:

1. Raise the drive block off the canister by lifting the drive block lever.

2. Pull the canister out of the bay. There will be a piece of material approximately 2 inches (50.8 mm) in length that extends beyond the filament exit hole. When removing an ABS soluble support canister, this piece will break. Make sure it drops out of the drive block. If necessary, remove the drive block inlet to remove this piece of material.

Note: Empty canisters will have a small volume of material left in them that is

not usable. This leftover material allows manufacturing tolerances and ensures that Auto Changeover works properly.

3. Place the empty canister back into the shipping box.

Removing a Partially Used Canister

You can remove a partially used canister to change to a different material.

To remove a partially used canister:

1. Unload filament from the liquefiers as shown on page 4-12.

2. After “Unload Complete” is displayed, open the thumbwheel door.

3. Re-insert the square foam gasket on the back of the thumbwheel door.

4. Close the door.

5. Raise the drive block off the canister by lifting the drive block lever.

6. Pull the canister out of the bay immediately (within ten seconds) and let the filament empty freely.

Note: If you don’t remove the canister IMMEDIATELY, the filament will be forced

into the canister, making it unusable.

7. Cut the filament flush with the top of the plastic insert.

8. Remove the plastic cap from its storage location and place it over the filament hole. This seals the material before placing it in storage. The canister drive runs in reverse and material exits the drive block. Once the filament is no longer detected, the canister-drive motor stops.

4 - 10

FDM Vantage User Guide Material & Canisters

Loading Material Filament to the Liquefiers

If you are changing to a different material type or changing tips, follow “Changing Material Type or Tips” on page 4-13. Loading is done automatically through that process. If you are loading ABS blue material, see “Purging Blue Material from Liquefier” on page 4 - 13..

After preloading material filament to the drive block, the filament must be loaded all the way up to the liquefiers. Only one canister of each material can be loaded at a time. Loading material to the liquefiers is done in the Idle or Paused Mode only, not while building.

To load filament to the liquefiers:

1. From the Main Menu, select Operator Control and press ENTER.

Build Job.. >Operator Control.. Modeler Status.. Maintenance..

2. Select Load/Unload Mtl.. and press ENTER.

Unlock Door <E> >Load/Unload Mtl.. Change Tips/Mtl..

3. Select Load Material.. and press ENTER.

>Load Material.. Unload Material.. Material Status.. Unplug Tips..

4. Scroll to the desired material to load and press ENTER. The <E> indicates the

canisters that you can select.

|*Tips: Model T16 |* Support T16

| Calibrate.. | Temp Control.. | Move Head/Stage..

>M1L:ABS 92.0 in3 (Ready) M2L:PC 91.6 in3 <E> (Loaded) S1L:PC_S 92.3 in3 <E> (Ready) S2L:ABS_S 41.4 in3 <E> (Ready)

• The head warms up to the material operating temperature (Automatic - based on SmartSpool data). This step also sets the oven temperature to the correct value for the material being loaded.

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Material & Canisters FDM Vantage User Guide

• The canister drive motor starts to feed filament to the liquefier tips, which takes two to four minutes.

• When the filament gets to the drive wheels in the head, it is forced into the liquefier tip and purges. After a successful load, the LED turns to steady green. A complete load and purge cycle should take less than five minutes.

Unloading Material Filament from the Liquefiers

If you are changing to a different material type or changing tips, follow “Changing Material Type or Tips” on page 4-13. If you are unloading ABS blue material, see “Purging Blue Material from Liquefier” on page 4-13.

Unloading filament from the liquefiers is done in the Idle or Paused mode only, not while building.

To unload the filament from the liquefiers:

1. From the Main Menu, select Operator Control and press ENTER.

Build Job.. >Operator Control.. Modeler Status.. Maintenance..

2. Select Load/Unload Mtl.. and press ENTER.

Unlock Door <E> >Load/Unload Mtl.. Change Tips/Mtl..

3. Select Unload Material.. and press ENTER.

Load Material.. >Unload Material.. Material Status.. Unplug Tips..

|*Tips: Model T16 |* Support T16

| Calibrate.. | Temp Control.. | Move Head/Stage..

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FDM Vantage User Guide Material & Canisters

4. Select the material to unload and press ENTER:

M1L:ABS 92.0 in3 (Ready) >M2L:PC 91.6 in3 <E> (Loaded) S1L:PC_S 92.3 in3 (Ready) S2L:ABS_S 41.4 in3 (Ready)

• The head heats up to material temperature and the canister LED flashes

green.

• Once the necessary temperature is reached, the head drive motors and

canister drive motor turn in reverse. The material is pulled back from the head about 4-6 inches (102-152 mm).

• The head temperature lowers to standby temperature and the canister LED

turns to green - flashing.

• At this point you can change the canisters. See “Changing Canisters” on

page 4-6 for more information.

Purging Blue Material from Liquefier

ABS Blue model material doesn’t fully purge from the liquefier after unloading the material. When switching to another ABS color, the blue will bleed into the material unless you purge (load) the material at least three extra times. If switching from ABS Blue to another ABS material, you have three options:

• Replace the liquefier tip and reserve that tip for ABS Blue material only. Place the tip and the tip odometer reading in a bag labeled “ABS Blue”.

• After loading the new material, load it three more times to fully purge the blue material from the liquefier.

• Load the new material and allow the blue material to bleed into the new color.

Changing Material Type or Tips

When changing the modeler from one type of material to another (e.g. PC to ABS), or when changing tips, several steps must be taken to ensure that the system runs properly.

To change material type or tips:

1. Remove the used build sheet from the platen.

2. Clean the oven and tip wipe assembly to prevent lower temperature materials from melting in the machine.

3. Inspect the tip wipe brushes and flicker as shown on page 8-3.

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Material & Canisters FDM Vantage User Guide

4. From the Main Menu select Operator Control and press ENTER.

Build Job.. >Operator Control..

|*Tips: Model T16

|* Support T16 Modeler Status.. Maintenance..

5. Select Change Tips/Mtl.. and press ENTER.

Unlock Door <E> Load/Unload Mtl..

| Temp Control..

| Move Head/Stage.. >Change Tips/Mtl.. Calibrate..

6. Select Unload Model and Support and press ENTER.

>Unload Model and Support.. <E> *2. Insert new canisters (if required) *3. Install tips Select Materials/Tips..

The head heats up to material temperature and the canister LED flashes green.

• Once the necessary temperature is reached, the head drive motors and canister drive motor turn in reverse. The material is pulled back from the head about 4-6 inches (102-152 mm).

• The head temperature lowers to standby temperature and the canister LED turns to green - flashing, which means you can now remove the canister(s).

7. If changing material type, change the canisters as shown on page 4-6.

8. Choose Select Materials/Tips.

Unload Model and Support.. <E> *2. Insert new canisters (if required) *3. Install tips >Select Materials/Tips..

Note: If you are changing to a different type of material, you must change the

tips.

9. Change the liquefier tips:

a. Open the top hood to obtain access to the liquefier tips.

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FDM Vantage User Guide Material & Canisters

CAUTION: Always use an approved ladder or step stool when working

with high components.

b. Loosen the two captive screws that secure the head to the gantry, and secure

the head in the service bracket with the two captive screws.

c. Evenly loosen, one-half turn at a time, the two captive screws that clamp each

liquefier in place, and remove the tips.

d. Place the new liquefier tips in the head and tighten the clamp screws in place,

one-half turn at a time. Install the tips with the exposed portion of the tip shield facing the front of the machine. See

“Liquefier Tips and Slice Heights” on

page 3-5 for tip selection and material compatibility.

Incorrect: Tip not fully inserted into block.

orrect: Tip fully

inserted into block

Install the tip with the exposed portion of the tip shield facing the front of the machine.

e. Place the head back in the machine. Tighten the two captive screws and

close the top hood.

10. The top menu line on the screen shows the model and support material loaded along with the status of each canister, shown inside the brackets. Select Review Materials to Load.. to choose which filament you want to load.

Model M1 M2 S1 S2 Support

*M PC [R | * | * | R ] PC_S S* >Review Materials to Load.. Select Tips <E> T12 T12 Reset Tip Odometers..

Inside brackets: *=Selected to load R=Ready to load E=Empty bay If slot is blank, filament not preloaded to drive block.

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Material & Canisters FDM Vantage User Guide

11. To select a material, move your cursor to that line and press ENTER. The canister status will be displayed to the far right of the screen. You can change your selection or press MENU to continue.

>M1L:ABS 92.0 in3 <E> (Ready) M2L:PC 91.6 in3 (*Ready) S1L:PC_S 92.3 in3 (*Ready) S2L:ABS_S 41.4 in3 (None.)

*Ready=Selected to load Ready=Ready but not selected None.=Filament not preloaded to drive wheels.

If you select materials that aren’t compatible, you will see the following screen with an “Invalid Material Combo” message. Reselect the appropriate materials.

*M PC [R | * | * | R ] PC_S S* >Review Materials to Load.. Select Tips !Invalid Material Combo! Reset Tip Odometers..

If you do not have a material cannister loaded in a model bay AND a support bay, you will see the following screen - “Install model, support!”. Make sure that a nonEmpty model canister AND a non-Empty support canister are installed.

*M PC [E | * | * | * ] None S* >Review Materials to Load.. Select Tips !Install model, support! Reset Tip Odometers..

12. Arrow down to Select Tips and press ENTER to toggle through the available types of tips for the installed material.

13. Select Reset Tip Odometers.

*M PC [R | * | * | R ] PC_S S* Review Materials to Load.. Select Tips <E> T12 T12 >Reset Tip Odometers..

• Press ENTER for the odometer for each tip. If you are changing to a used tip

of a different size, you can enter the extruded volume or wipe count of the used tip with the number keys and (.) keys before pressing ENTER. If any parts remain on the build sheet, you must unlock the door and remove the parts before continuing.

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FDM Vantage User Guide Material & Canisters

14. If user placement is ON:

• Arrow down to Select Calibration Part Position.. and press ENTER.

>Reset Model in3 <E> 633.5 () Reset Supp. in3 <E> 182.7 () Select Calibration Part Position.. Unlock Door <E> ! Part on Sheet

• Make the user placement selections. For more information see “User Placement on Platen” on page 5-12. Then select Load and Calibrate..

Locate Part Start.. Demo Bounding Box <E> >Load and Calibrate..

If user placement is OFF:

• Reset the odometers and then select Load and Calibrate..

>Reset Model in3 <E> 633.5 () Reset Supp. in3 <E> 182.7 () Load and Calibrate.. Unlock Door <E>

15. Select Unlock Door and insert a new build sheet.

* Waiting h:mm to stabilize * ** Actual 100 C Setpoint: 225 C ** >Unlock Door <E> | * Calibrate Immediately <E>

The oven will stabilize. Oven stabilization times for the material you are running are listed in Table 4-2.

Table 4-2: Oven Stabilization Times

(in hours)

Material Type Being Installed

Current Oven Temp.

Room temp. 4 4 4

ABS/ABSI & Auto Cool-Down

PC-ABS 4 --- 4

PC & PC-ISO 4 4 ---

ABS & ABSI PC-ABS PC & PC-ISO

--- 4 4

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Material & Canisters FDM Vantage User Guide

Once oven stabilization is complete, the system automatically does the following:

Note: The build sheet must be inserted with proper vacuum before the system

will continue.

• Performs Auto Z Zero calibration

* Auto Z Calibration Activity * Please Wait ...

If the Auto Z Zero calibration fails, you need to run the Z Stage Zero with Shim calibration shown on page 7-5. You then have to walk through the screens to get back to this step.

• Loads model and support material

*Loading. Please Wait... * Current Setpoint * Model : 234°C / 325°C * Support : 234°C / 325°C

If model or support loading fails, manually load or unload the material shown on page 4-11 and page 4-12. You then have to walk through the screens to get back to this step.

• Performs Auto Tip-to-Tip Calibration

* Tip to Tip Calibration Activity * Please Wait...

If the Auto Tip-to-Tip Calibration fails, you can manually perform the calibration as shown on page 7-9. You can manually build the calibration job shown on page 7-1.

• Builds the Calibration Job

*Job: Calibration Job (Building) *Build Time: 0:04 hr of 0:08 hr *PC 0.1 in3 PC_S 0.0 >Modeler Status.. 0.010 of 0.050 in

If the Calibration Job fails, you can manually build the calibration job shown on page 7-1.

Next you will check the Calibration Job for any tip offset corrections. See “Auto Tip-to-Tip Calibration (AutoCal Tip Offset)” on page 7-1 for more information.

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FDM Vantage User Guide Material & Canisters

Recovering From a Head Plug

A head plug occurs when filament is no longer coming out of a liquefier tip and the drivewheels are stalled or slipping on the filament.

CAUTION: Always use an OSHA or CE approved ladder or step stool

when accessing components that are too high to reach.

The head buttons can be used during the “unplug” procedure. They are active only when performing the Head Buttons command on the operator control panel.

Some users may find it easier to use the Load Material screen and the Unload Material screen instead of using the manual load/unload buttons on the head. See “Loading Material Filament to the Liquefiers” on page 4-11 and “Unloading Material Filament from the Liquefiers” on page 4-12 for more information. The same procedure below is followed except the loading and unloading is done through the user interface rather than the head buttons.

To recover from a head plug:

1. Move the head to the service location as shown on page 4-20.

2. Open the hood door and hood lid.

3. If not installed, insert the head service bracket into the gantry, as shown on page 4-20.

4. Loosen the two head mount screws.

5. Loosen the two captive screws while holding the head in place, and place the head in the service bracket. It will help to pull out some slack for the material tubes and head cable to get the head on the bracket.

6. Clean out any excess material if necessary.

7. From the Main Menu, select Operator Control and press ENTER.

Build Job.. >Operator Control.. Modeler Status.. Maintenance..

8. Select Load/Unload Mtl.. and press ENTER.

Unlock Door <E> >Load/Unload Mtl.. Change Tips/Mtl..

|*Tips: Model T16 |* Support T16

| Calibrate.. | Temp Control.. | Move Head/Stage..

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Material & Canisters FDM Vantage User Guide

9. Select Unplug Tips.. and press ENTER.

Load Material.. Unload Material.. Material Status.. >Unplug Tips..

***** Head Purge Buttons Activated ***** MODEL (0) Support (-2) ** Model Warming to 320° C (now 300° C) ** ** Supp Warming to 190° C (now 190° C) **

10. Select the appropriate Unload Button to activate the liquefier. The temperature status is displayed when the head button is momentarily pressed.

11. After the modeling temperature is reached, hold down the Unload Button until the material has been removed from the head’s drivewheels.

12. Remove the plastic material tube from the head fitting and hold down the “Load” position until the damaged material protrudes from the tube. Snip the material square and flush to the end of the tube and then re-install the tube into the fitting.

Note: If the material is backed up into the tube, use the Head button to advance

the material until it protrudes from the tube. Snip the material flush with the tube and re-install the tube into the fitting.

13. Clean out the plug if necessary. Loosen the two liquefier clamp screws, one-half turn at a time, and pull out the liquefier. Clean out as much of the plug from the tube as possible (you may have to replace the liquefier), then replace the liquefier and re-clamp the screws one-half turn at a time.

14. If the liquefier tip was removed or replaced, run an Auto Z Stage Zero and Auto tip-to-tip calibration.

15. Hold down the Load Button until the material loads and purges. The load command from the load/unload menu may be used at this point.

16. Place the head back in the machine and tighten the two head mount screws. Push back the cable and material tubes if necessary.

Moving the Head to the Head Service Bracket (Service Location)

1. From the Main Menu select Operator Control and press ENTER.

Build Job.. >Operator Control.. Modeler Status.. Maintenance..

|*Tips: Model T16 |* Support T16

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FDM Vantage User Guide Material & Canisters

2. Select Move Head/Stage and press ENTER.

Unlock Door <E> Load/Unload Mtl.. Change Tips/Mtl..

| Calibrate.. | Temp Control.. |>Move Head/Stage..

3. Select Move Head to Service Location and press ENTER.

>Move Head to Service Location <E> Move Head to Center-Front Location <E> Move Z Stage to Bottom <E> Move Relative..

4. Open the hood door and hood lid.

5. Loosen the two #8 socket head cap screws on the head.

6. Place the head in the service bracket by aligning it with the bracket pins.

7. Tighten one of the #8 socket head cap screws on the head.

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FDM Vantage User Guide Operating the Machine

Chapter 5

Operating the Machine

Using the Operator Control Panel

The Operator Control Panel consists of a four-line by 40 character display located on the front right panel. A keypad is located just below the display. The Operator Control Panel is easy to use and is menu driven.

Display Screen

Keypad

The operator control panel allows you to:

• Access material loading and unloading functions along with access to calibration.

• Open the oven door.

• Monitor machine functions like temperatures and spool status.

• Turn the machine’s power ON or OFF.

• Access the network configuration.

• Display the machine status.

• Access the job queue allowing you to change the build order.

• Access the sample job queue.

• Monitor the current mode of the machine (Building, Pause, Idle etc.).

• Monitor material status (type loaded and amount).

• Monitor job status (number of hours completed, number of hours total, current

build height and total build height, and the name of job currently being built).

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Operating the Machine FDM Vantage User Guide

Keypad Button Descriptions

The Operator Control Panel has the following keypad buttons.

Button Description

Menu This button returns back one menu, unless stated otherwise. It also

returns you out of the Help system.

Up Arrow This button moves the cursor up one line at a time.

Down Arrow This button moves the cursor down one line at a time.

ENTER This button activates the selection made on the screen.

Dot <.> This button shows details of the current job selected in the queue on

the build job page, toggle between all jobs or just jobs for tip and material configuration.

ESCAPE This button takes you to the Main Menu, unless noted.

LIGHT This button toggles the Oven Light ON or OFF.

PAUSE This button pauses the current job being built, you must use the

Resume Build command to resume build. To activate Pause, hold button in for 2-3 seconds.

HELP This button displays Help information about the current menu being

displayed.

1 While in job queue, moves a job to the top of the queue.

2, 4, 6, 8 These buttons can move the axes: <6> (X right), <4>

(X left), <2> (Y back), <8> (Y front).

3, 9

DEL This button deletes items, such as a job in the job queue, the

These buttons can move the Z stage: <3> (Z up), <9> (Z down).

When in job queue, copies the job to the sample queue.

sample queue, or other characters.

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FDM Vantage User Guide Operating the Machine

Screen Symbols

The following screen symbols are used in the menu lines shown on the screen.

Symbol Description

<E> Tells you to push ENTER to execute the command line. The cursor “>”

must be on the same line.

<E>.. Tells you to push ENTER to execute command line. Also pushes you

into another menu.

".." Tells you that this line is a menu change. It implies that you may return

without executing a command.

":" Shows that this command line changes in value.

" = " Tells you that the value displayed in the command line is user

changeable.

" * " Indicates that this is a comment line. Symbol is shown at beginning of

line.

(!) When at the end of a line in the job queue or sample queue display it

means insufficient material available, wrong type of material, or wrong tip installed. Select line and use (.) key to show further details.

" ! ! " Warning lines begin with this symbol.

C Temperatures are displayed in Celsius only.

Powering Up the Machine

To power up the machine after it has been powered down for a period of time:

1. Turn the machine on by pressing the flashing

green button located on the display panel.

Power up messages display on the screen.

FDM Vantage Initialization

Vx.x.x

Please Wait

Note: If a built part remains in the machine, select Unlock Hood/Door <E>, and

remove the part from the machine. Install a new build sheet and close the door.

2. Allow the oven to stabilize for at least four hours.

Power Up Button

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Operating the Machine FDM Vantage User Guide

3. Verify that the air pressure gauge, located above the canister bays, reads between 36-40 psi.

4. Select AutoHome XYZ and press ENTER. The machine will find the home position for the X, Y, and Z motions. This must be done before any parts can be built.

* FDM Vantage * >AutoHome XYZ <E> Unlock Door <E>

* Homing XY Gantry and Z Stage*

Please Wait...

* Press <ESCAPE> to Abort Homing*

Note: If a built part remains in the machine, select Unlock Door <E>, and remove

the part from the machine. Install a new build sheet and close the door.

Powering Down the Machine

To power down the machine press the red button below the display screen:

• The oven lights go off.

• After a couple minutes, a series of shutdown messages flash on the screen.

• The screen will show: It is now safe to turn off your machine.

• After a few minutes, the green light on the panel will flash steadily.

- Always wait five minutes before powering the machine on again.

- If you unplug the machine, the head and oven blowers on the machine will continue to operate off the UPS for approximately five minutes. The only way to turn the blowers off is to turn the UPS off.

CAUTION: It is not recommended to turn the blowers off prior to the

five minute time-out as damage to the machine may result.

WARNING: High voltage is present in the machine even if the power

cord is unplugged. This is due to the UPS.

Power Down Button

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FDM Vantage User Guide Operating the Machine

Building a Job

Before Building a Job

Before you build a job, you must first send the file to the machine from Insight. Jobs are sent in a CMB format and placed in the queue on the machine’s hard drive. The header of the .CMB file contains basic job information (material type and amount, tip size, etc.) that can be used to verify compatibility with the machine. See “Operating Insight” on page 6-1 for more information.

The following items must be completed prior to building a job:

• Machine must be powered up.

• If the machine has not been calibrated since new tips were installed, run an Auto Z Stage Zero calibration and an Auto Tip-to-Tip calibration.

• The active model and support canister bays must have filament loaded to the liquefiers (steady green LED).

• The loaded filament should match the material in the .CMB file (the screen warns you if materials do not match, but allows you to override and continue). Change material type if necessary, as shown on

• Remove any previous jobs and change the build sheet.

• Verify that the correct build sheet is properly installed. See “Changing the Build Sheet” on page 5-16.

• Verify that the vacuum gauge reads -15 Hg or higher. The job will not start if the vacuum level is not adequate. See page 5-16.

• Verify that the tips and brushes are clean.

• Verify that the purge bucket is not full.

• Allow the oven temperature to stabilize for at least four hours if using Auto-Cool Down, Energy Saver, or when switching material type.

• At this time you can also change the modeler default values and oven temperature settings:

Modeler Default Values: Display units and User Placement on Platen. If user placement on platen is ON, the machine will automatically perform an Auto Z Stage Zero calibration before the job starts. See page 5-12 for more information.

Oven Temperature Settings: See “Setting the Oven Temperature” on page 5-17.

page 4-13.

“Checking Air Pressure and Vacuum” on

“User Placement on Platen” on

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Operating the Machine FDM Vantage User Guide

Selecting a Job to Build

1. From the Main Menu select Build Job and press ENTER.

>Build Job.. Operator Control.. Modeler Status.. Maintenance..

2. Select from one of the following:

• Build Next Job, Build Last Job, Show Job Queue, or Show Sample Job Queue

>Build Next Job: motor housing <E> Build Last Job: rotor <E> Show Job Queue.. (6 Jobs) Show Sample Job Queue..

* Job: motor housing (Building) * Build Time: 0:01 hr of 0:02 hr * ABS 0.1 in3 ABS_SS 0.1 Mode:Normal * Modeler Status.. 0.010 of 0.950 in

|*Tips: Model T16 |* Support T16

Building the Next Job

After a job has been built, use the following steps to build the next job:

1. Remove the part(s) from the oven and change the build sheet.

2. Verify that the vacuum gauge reads -15 or higher.

3. From the Main Menu select Build Job and press ENTER.

4. Select Build Next Job and press ENTER. The platen moves into position, the head heats up, material purges, and the head performs a tip wipe.

Building the Last Job

To build the last job that was built:

1. From the Main Menu select Build Job and press ENTER.

2. Select Build Last Job and press ENTER. The previous job built by the machine will show on the screen. If no previous job was built, the screen will show No Previous Job.

Building a Specific Job in the Queue (Show Job Queue):

1. From the Main Menu select Build Job and press ENTER.

2. Select Show Job Queue and press ENTER.

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FDM Vantage User Guide Operating the Machine

3. Select the part to build and press ENTER. For more information on the job queue,

“Working with the Job Queues” on page 5-10.

see

Building a Sample Job in the Queue (Show Sample Job Queue)

1. From the Main Menu select Build Job and press ENTER.

2. Select Show Sample Job Queue and press ENTER.

3. Select the part to build and press ENTER. For more information on the sample job

queue, see

“Working with the Job Queues” on page 5-10.

Warnings Before Job is Built

If you see the following warning screen, one or more of the conditions is preventing the part from being built. See the following text on how to correct the condition(s):

>Replace Worn Model Tip.. Model Canister to ABS.. Change Support Canister to ABS_S.. Need both canisters present.. Need More Model Mat’l ( 9.1 more).. Need More SUPPORT Mat’l ( 8.2 more).. Model / Support Mat’l Incompatibility.. Replace Model tip with T12.. Replace Support tip with T12.. Vacuum not present - Please check build sheet Continue..

To correct the condition(s):

a. Select the condition and press ENTER.

b. Perform the action required. The job will continue once you properly fix the

condition. You can press MENU several times to return to the warning screen.

Note: “Continue..” may be selected to bypass warnings and continue to build a

job, but this is not recommended. If a warning cannot be removed, contact Customer Support.

Information Available While Building

The following information is available while building a job:

• The elapsed and estimated build time are displayed in hours and minutes.

• The material types and amounts to build are displayed on the third line.

• The current and final Z height of the job is displayed to the right of the last line.

Information Available If a Job Fails While Building

If a job fails, you can determine the last layer built. From the system interface choose:

Modeler Status > Machine State > System Status

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Operating the Machine FDM Vantage User Guide

Pausing or Aborting a Job

You can only pause the machine while building a job, in the following two ways:

• Automatically (canister runs out of material, failure detected, etc.)

• Manually from the operator panel.

Note: If an Automatic pause occurs, press the HELP key to view the cause.

When the machine is paused, the current tool path is completed, the Z stage is lowered slightly, and the head is parked. The word (Building) in the upper right hand corner of the building screen changes to (Pausing) after the Pause key is pressed. You must hold down the Pause key for 2-3 seconds for the pause to activate.

* Job: clip4 >Resume Build <E> Modeler Status.. Operator Control..

Once in Pause mode, you can make the following selections:

• Resume Build. Continues building the part. The screen will display “Can’t Resume (Help)” if the door, hood, or hood lid is open, or if vacuum is not present.

• Modeler Status. View the Job Status (time, amount of material used, job name, etc.) and Canister Status (material type and amount left on canisters).

• Operator Control. Unlock the hood and door, clean tips, change materials (including load/unload and canister insertion and removal), and move the head and the Z stage.

• Abort Job. Aborts the current job.

• Auto-Cool. The auto-cool down setting can be changed for the current job only. The mode can be toggled to OFF or AFTER. The Auto-Cool Down settings made in Operator Control>Temp Control will control the next job.

(Paused) | Abort Job.. | Auto Cool: OFF

After Building a Job

After the current job has been built, the following machine actions take place:

• The Z stage is lowered and the head is parked.

• If Auto Cool-Down is on, the oven automatically cools to the standby temperature.

“Setting the Oven Temperature” on page 5-17 for more information.

See

• The screen displays Done, and asks you to remove the job. If the part is terminated abnormally, press HELP to list the reason for the termination.

Perform the following steps:

1. If Auto Cool-Down is active, allow the oven to cool to the standby temperature before removing the part.

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FDM Vantage User Guide Operating the Machine

2. Remove the part from the machine.

• Open the oven door.

• Remove the build sheet from the platen.

• Carefully peel the part off of the build sheet. If the part does not peel easily, use the metal scraper included in your Startup Kit to carefully pry off the part.

CAUTION: Surfaces in the build chamber will be very hot. Wear safety

gloves and sleeves when inside the oven.

Note: The build sheet is intended to be discarded after one part build. DO NOT

FLIP OVER A USED BUILD SHEET TO PLACE ON THE MODELING TABLE. Any material residue on the sheet could adhere to the modeling table or clog or interfere with the vacuum.

3. After removing the part, press ESCAPE to return to the Main Menu.

• The Build Job screen allows you to repeat the last job or start a new job.

• If Auto-Cool Down is on, the oven will automatically cool down to the standby temperature. See

4. If you’d like to remove the supports at this time, see the next two headings.

“Setting the Oven Temperature” on page 5-17.

Manually Removing Support Material

PC material only uses break-away supports, called BASS, which need to be removed manually. Wearing safety gloves, carefully peel the part off of the build sheet. If the part does not peel easily, use the plastic scraper included in your Startup Kit to pry the part off of the build sheet.

Carefully remove the support material. The support material should break away fairly easily. If necessary, use a needle nose pliers, probes, Exacto knife, or a pick to remove the supports, especially for sections of the part that are fragile or thin.

Removing WaterWorks Support Material

WaterWorks is used with ABS and PC-ABS material. After building a part, you can remove supports using a solution of water and WaterWorks soluble support material along with either an Ultrasonic or Circulation tank. After the tank is prepared, the part is placed into the tank with the correct amount of concentrate added to it, and the tank is set to the correct temperature.

For more information on WaterWorks, refer to the WaterWorks User Guide located on Stratasys’ Customer Extranet.

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Operating the Machine FDM Vantage User Guide

Working with the Job Queues

The job queue contains files downloaded from Insight. The sample job queue contains files that are helpful for testing the machine.

To view the jobs in the queues:

1. From the Main Menu select Build Job and press ENTER.

>Build Job.. Operator Control.. Modeler Status.. Maintenance..

2. Select Show Job Queue or Show Sample Job Queue and press ENTER. The total number of jobs currently in the queue is displayed at the end of the line.

Build Next Job: motor housing <E> Build Last Job: rotor <E> >Show Job Queue.. (6 Jobs) Show Sample Job Queue.. (jobs for cfg)

a. Show Job Queue menu:

• A total of four jobs can be displayed at once with the following options:

• Press the arrow keys to select a job and to scroll down or up if more than four jobs are in the queue.

• Press the Enter key to build the selected job.

• Press the (.) key to show the details of the selected job.

• Press 1 to move the selected job to the top of the queue.

• Press DEL to delete the selected job from the queue. For the Sample Job Queue the (DEL) key does not delete pre-installed sample job files.

• Press 9 to copy the job to the sample queue (job queue only).

|*Tips: Model T16 |* Support T16

>1) motor housing <E> 5:23 hr

2) rotor <E> 121:45 hr

3) stand <E> 15:12 hr

a. Show Sample Job Queue menu:

• A total of four jobs can be displayed at once with the following options:

• Press the arrow keys to select a job and to scroll down or up if more than four jobs are in the queue.

• Press the Enter key to build the selected job.

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FDM Vantage User Guide Operating the Machine

• Press the (.) key to toggle between (jobs for cfg) and (all jobs). Jobs for

cfg displays jobs appropriate for the installed materials and tips. All jobs displays all sample jobs regardless of installed materials and tips.

• Press DEL to delete the selected job from the queue. You cannot delete

pre-installed sample job files.

>1) motor housing <E> 5:23 hr

2) rotor <E> 121:45 hr

3) stand <E> 15:12 hr

Using the Maintenance Menu

Changing the Modeler Default Values

1. From the Main Menu select Maintenance and press ENTER.

Build Job.. Operator Control.. Modeler Status.. >Maintenance..

2. Select Modeler Default and press ENTER.

>Modeler Default.. Administration.. Reboot Machine.. Measure Flatness <E>

3. Select one of the following:

• Display Units. Inches or metric can be selected.

• User Placement on Platen. “Yes” or “No” can be selected.

> Display Units = in (Inches) <E> User Placement on Platen: No New Style Calibration Part: Yes <E>

|*Tips: Model T16 |* Support T16

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Operating the Machine FDM Vantage User Guide

User Placement on Platen

If User Placement is set to NO (default), the part will build in the center of the platen.

If User Placement is set to YES, you can change the position of the front-left hand corner of the bounding box. After the pre-part checks are complete, the head moves to the front-left corner of the bounding box as if the part was centered on the platen.

• Selecting Demo Bounding Box <E> and pressing ENTER will cause the head to move along the bounding box outline of the currently selected starting location.

• Selecting Continue.. and then pressing ENTER accepts the currently selected starting location and builds the part.

• To change the starting location select Locate Part Start.. and press ENTER.

>Locate Part Start.. Demo Bounding Box <E> Continue..

In the Locate Part Start menu:

• Selecting the 2, 4, 6, or 8 key moves the head in the –y, -x, +x and +y directions respectively.

• Selecting the 0 or 1 key selects Coarse or Fine and moves the selection indicator accordingly.

•Pressing ENTER selects the current head position and the new starting location (lower left hand corner) for the next part.

• Select MENU to return to the menu above.

The up and down arrows have no effect when this menu is displayed.

* * * Use the 2, 4, 6, 8 Keys * * * Press 1: Coarse Moves: 1.000 in >Press 0: Fine Moves: 0.100 in * * * Press ENTER to Set New XY Start * * *

Auto Z Stage Zero at Part Start

Depending on user placement settings, an Auto Z Stage Zero will run automatically:

• If user placement is ON, an Auto Z Stage Zero will be done at each part start near the center of the bounding box.

• If user placement is OFF, an Auto Z Stage Zero will be done after powering on the machine, or after switching user placement to ON. It will also be performed if the oven temperature is unstable during a six-hour time frame before a part is built. The Auto Z Stage Zero will be done near the center of the platen.

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FDM Vantage User Guide Operating the Machine

Displaying Machine Status

The user interface shows you the following statuses of the machine.

• Temperature Status

• Odometer Status

• Material Status

• Machine Software Version

Finding the Temperature Status

To find the current temperature and the setpoint temperature for the oven and both liquefiers:

1. From the Main Menu select Modeler Status and press ENTER.

Build Job.. Operator Control.. >Modeler Status.. Maintenance..

2. Select Temperatures and press ENTER.

The current and setpoint temperatures are displayed.

>Temperatures.. Material Status.. Tip Status.. Machine State

* Current Setpoint * Oven: 78° C / 80° C * Model: 198° C / 200° C * Support: 301° C / 300° C

|*Tips: Model T16 |* Support T16

Finding the Odometer Status

The software has the following two odometers that track the total amount of material extruded for the liquefier tip since it was last replaced:

• Model Tip Odometer

• Support Tip Odometer

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Operating the Machine FDM Vantage User Guide

To view the tip odometers:

1. From the Main Menu select Modeler Status and press ENTER.

Build Job.. Operator Control..

|*Tips: Model T16

|* Support T16 >Modeler Status.. Maintenance..

2. Select Tip Status and press ENTER. The current status of the tips is displayed.

Temperatures.. Material Status.. >Tip Status.. Machine State

* Mat’l amount *Model tip : 0.0 in3 *Support tip : 0.0 in3 *Tips: Model <T16> Support <T16>..

Finding the Material Status

You can find the current status of each of the canisters, including material type and the volume of material.

1. From the Main Menu select Modeler Status and press ENTER.

Build Job.. Operator Control.. >Modeler Status.. Maintenance..

|*Tips: Model T16

|* Support T16

2. Select Material Status and press ENTER. All active canisters are shown.

Temperatures.. >Material Status.. Tip Status.. Machine State

** Model 1: PC 56.4 in3 (Loaded) * Model 2: in3 (None) ** Support 1: PC_S 21.4 in3 (Loaded) * Support 2: in3 (None)

Typ e of Mat eri al

Remaining Vol ume

Status of each: None, Ready, Loaded, At Head, Empty, Misloaded, No Read

* Only active canisters are displayed (canisters feeding filament to the liquefiers).

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FDM Vantage User Guide Operating the Machine

Finding Your Machine’s Software Version

1. From the Main Menu select Modeler Status and press ENTER.

Build Job.. Operator Control.. >Modeler Status.. Maintenance..

2. Select Machine State and press ENTER to see the current software version.

Temperatures.. Material Status.. Tip Status.. >Machine State

Sensor States.. System Status.. UPS Status.. >Vantage v2.x.x

|*Tips: Model T16 |* Support T16

Finding the Sensor, System, or UPS Status

1. From the Main Menu select Modeler Status and press ENTER.

Build Job.. Operator Control.. >Modeler Status.. Maintenance..

|*Tips: Model T16 |* Support T16

2. Select Machine State and press ENTER.

Temperatures.. Material Status.. Tip Status.. >Machine State

3. Select Sensor, System, or UPS Status and press ENTER.

>Sensor States.. System Status.. UPS Status.. Vantage v2.x.x

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Operating the Machine FDM Vantage User Guide

Checking Air Pressure and Vacuum

1. Open the canister bay door.

2. Check the air pressure gauge (right). Readings should be 36-40 psi. If the reading is not close to this, call Customer Support for further instruction.

3. Check the vacuum gauge (left). The gauge should read -15 Hg or higher. If the gauge does not read correctly, call Customer Support for further instruction.

The machine will not start a job without adequate vacuum pressure. If a loss of vacuum occurs during a job, the machine will pause.

Changing the Build Sheet

Always use a new build sheet when building a job.

Note: Using build sheets not provided by Stratasys may impact part quality and

machine reliability.

Note: The build sheet is intended to be discarded after one part build. DO NOT

FLIP OVER A USED BUILD SHEET TO PLACE ON THE PLATEN. Any material residue on the sheet could adhere to the platen or clog or interfere with the vacuum.

To change the build sheet:

1. Open the oven door.

WARNING: Always wear safety gloves and sleeves when placing

hands inside the oven. Components are HOT!

2. Push up on the overlapped edge of the build sheet to release the vacuum grip.

3. Slide the build sheet off the platen.

Note: Do not scrape the part off the build sheet while still on the platen.

Damage to the platen or platen level could occur.

4. Remove any debris that may have fallen onto the platen by vacuuming or by using a soft brush.

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FDM Vantage User Guide Operating the Machine

CAUTION: Use extreme care when cleaning the platen. If using a

brush, brush away from the vacuum port in the center of the platform. If debris falls into the vacuum port, it can cause a loss of vacuum, resulting in poor adhesion of the build sheet during building.

5. Remove the plastic wrap from both sides of the new build sheet.

6. Set the build sheet on the platen, making sure the sheet overlaps the rubber o-

ring equally on all sides and the sheet is against the back stops.

7. If the oven is hot, the build sheet will curl when placed on the platen. As the build

sheet warms up, it will straighten and adhere to the platen. After a minute or two at oven temperature, the build sheet may need to be adjusted.

8. Check the vacuum gauge, located above the canister bays (left gauge). Vacuum

should read -15 Hg or higher before building a part. The machine should attain this level of vacuum within about five minutes.

Setting the Oven Temperature

The oven temperature is controlled with the three settings below:

• Set Oven to Build Temp. Oven heats up to the material’s build temperature.

• Cool Down Oven to. Oven cools down to standby temperature.

• Auto Cool Oven. Oven cools down in increments until the standby temperature is reached, which takes around 30 minutes. This option works for PC, PC-ABS, and PC-ISO, mainly as an energy saver. Auto-cool down can be set to After Next Job, After Every Job, or Off.

- After Next Job: After the next job is built and auto-cooled, the auto-cool

down mode will automatically reset to OFF.

- After Every Job: After every job is built and auto-cooled, the oven

temperature will stay at the material’s standby temperature.

- Off: After every job is built, the oven temperature will stay at the material’s

build temperature.

To set the oven temperature:

1. From the Main Menu select Operator Control and press ENTER.

Build Job.. >Operator Control.. Modeler Status.. Maintenance..

|*Tips: Model T16 |* Support T16

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Operating the Machine FDM Vantage User Guide

2. Select Temp C o n t r ol and press ENTER.

Unlock Door <E> Load/Unload Mtl..

|>Temp Control..

| Move Head/Stage.. Change Tips/Mtl.. Calibrate..

3. Select one of the temperature parameters (as shown below) and press ENTER.

Set Oven to Build Temp: 145° C <E> Cool Down Oven to: 85° C <E> >Auto Cool Oven: OFF <E>

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FDM Vantage User Guide Operating Insight

Chapter 6

Operating Insight

Starting Insight

To start Insight, select Start>Programs>Stratasys>InsightVxx>Insight. You can also double-click on the Insight shortcut desktop, if it was installed.

Opening a .STL File in Insight

To open the file for the part you wish to build:

1. Click File>Open.

2. Select the directory that contains the file you wish to access.

3. Click on the file you wish to select with the left mouse button.

4. Click Open with the left mouse button. You can also open a file by double clicking on the file name with the left mouse button.

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Operating Insight FDM Vantage User Guide

Selecting Modeler Setup Settings

Configure Your Modeler

The first step in preprocessing is to configure your modeler.

1. Click the Modeler button located in the Modeler Setup window (right side of screen) of the Operations Panel. The Configure Modeler dialog box opens. You

can also access the Modeler Setup window by selecting Modelers>Setup.

Options Icon

Save Settings

2. Select your modeler from the Modeler Field. Choose from the following:

• Vantage i

• Vantage X

• Vantage S

• Vantage SE

3. Select a modeling material (the Support Material field is automatically filled in).

“Liquefier Tips and Slice Heights” on page 3-5 for modeler/tip compatibility.

See

4. Select a model tip size (the Support Tip field and the Slice Height field is automatically filled in).

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Cancel Changes

FDM Vantage User Guide Operating Insight

5. To reduce curl on large, thick, ABS T12 or T16 parts, click the options icon. Select

Brick Mode from the pop-up.

6. Do one of the following:

• Click the green check button to save the settings. This closes the dialog box.

• To cancel changes, click the red “X” button. This closes the dialog box.

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Operating Insight FDM Vantage User Guide

Part Build Parameters

The second step in preprocessing a model is to choose the part build parameters. The part build style will determine the type of fill pattern used to build the part. The part interior style will determine whether the interior of the part is solid or not. The support style will determine the type of supports.

1. Select a part fill style. Typically you will use the perimeter/rasters selection.

2. Select a part interior style. Solid - normal will be stronger; solid - doublewide will use wide rasters for faster build; sparse will build faster and use less material.

3. Select the Visible surfaces. Fine rasters may improve surface finish while reducing build time on some geometries.

4. Select a support style.

5. For Vantage S and SE: Select Normal or Draft build mode (ABS T16 & PC T16 tips only).

• Normal mode creates smoother surfaces and less seam variation; draft mode

is faster.

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FDM Vantage User Guide Operating Insight

Orientating the Part in the Build Envelope

The modeling build envelope box displayed in Insight indicates the size of the part relative to the build envelope inside the FDM Vantage.

1. Select the Orient STL button . The Orient STL menu appears.

2. From the Orient STL menu, click “Rotate”.

3. Select the rotation parameters in the STL Rotate Operation window.

Slicing the Part

Before the part file is sent to the FDM Vantage, the file must be sliced into the layers that the FDM Vantage will extrude to construct the part.

Click the Slice button to create slice curves for the part. Red slice curves are displayed in the graphics window.

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Operating Insight FDM Vantage User Guide

Building Supports and a Base for the Part

Most parts require supports and a base to increase part stability while building and optimize the surface finish of parts.

Click on the Create Supports button to create supports.

Note: Depending on part size and your computer’s processor speed, Insight

may take several minutes to several hours to generate supports.

Saving the Job File

Now that the part has been sliced and supports and a base created, you should save the Job file. The Job file will save slice, support and part geometry information, and the .CMB file that is sent to the machine. Click File>Save.

Creating Toolpaths

Before sending the part to the FDM Vantage, you must create a toolpath for the part. Toolpaths are the paths along which the heads will extrude each layer of model and support material to build the part.

Click the “Toolpath” button .

Saving the Toolpath (.CMB file)

Now that the part file is sliced and ready to send to the FDM Vantage, it must be saved as a .CMB file, which can be received by the machine.

1. Click File>Save As>Toolpath.

2. Enter the File Name and Directory. Click Save.

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FDM Vantage User Guide Operating Insight

Flag Button Shortcut

The Flag button can be used as an automated shortcut to performing the following procedures:

• Slice the Part

• Build Supports and a Base for the Part

• Save the Job File

• Create Toolpaths

• Save the Toolpath (.CMB file)

Sending the Part to the Machine

You are now ready to send the file to the FDM Vantage. This requires that you use the “Status” software.

1. Click Start>Programs>Stratasys>Insight Vxx>Status or from the Insight menu

select Modeler>Status. This opens the Status software.

2. Click “Yes” to establish the initial connection.

3. Click the Pack and Download button . This opens the Pack & Download

window. With this window a single .CMB file or multiple .CMB files can be sent to the FDM Vantage.

Note: You need to recreate the toolpaths in your .CMB files in Insight software

version 3.7 or later before sending the file to the machine. A warning message will appear if you send a .CMB file that has not been updated.

4. Click the “Add Job” button .

5. In the Pack Job file dialog box navigate to where the .CMB file was saved. Select

the xxx.cmb file and click Open. This adds the .CMB file to the current build.

6. Click the Download button to send the current build to the machine. The

job is now in a Build Queue in the machine.

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Operating Insight FDM Vantage User Guide

Insight Status

Managing Parts in the Job Queue

The job queue is a storage location on the machine used to store information about parts that are in line to be built. The building of these parts can be managed from the queue window. A job may be selected by clicking the job name with the mouse.

From the job queue you can:

• Change the order in which parts are made.

• Delete Jobs/Parts.

• View information about each job.

Note: The job queue window on the display panel and the one on your

workstation are the same. Queue’s can be managed from the Vantage or from any workstation on the network.

To manage parts in the queue:

1. Click Start>Programs>Stratasys>Insight Vxx>Status.

2. Click the Manage Queue button to open the job queue window where you can see the Job Name, Owner, Submit Time, Estimated Build Time, Estimated Finish Time, Model Tip, Support Tip, Model Material, Support Material, Model Canister, and Support Canister.

From the job queue screen you can:

• Update the queue display with the refresh button.

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FDM Vantage User Guide Operating Insight

• Obtain detailed information about a job that may have a conflict with

material or tip size being used. These jobs are flagged at the beginning of the line. In addition, if the job is packed, the information button will display the list of individual job names in the pack.

• Move a job up or down in the queue.

• Move a job to the top of the queue.

• Delete a job from the queue.

For more information, refer to the Status help menu or see “Viewing Information about Built Parts” on page 6-10.

Monitoring the Part Build

1. Click Start>Programs>Insight Vxx>Status. The status window tells you basic

information like the:

•Job Name

• Time Remaining

• Percent Complete

|More details about the part build are available in the status Detail window.

2. Click the Status Details button . This opens the Status Detail window.

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Operating Insight FDM Vantage User Guide

Viewing Information about Built Parts

The system software keeps track of the details from past jobs that have been built. These details can be viewed in the Build Log.

To access the Build Log:

1. Click the Status Details button .

2. From the Status Detail screen or the queue display on the machine, click the Build Log button.

3. To obtain the packing list for a packed job, select the job and select the “i” button.

This information can be used to make customized reports. This allows you to track jobs by owner, material usage, or machine usage.

To save this information as a text file click the Save Build Log button. This text file can be imported into virtually any program such as Excel. To purge this list, use

the Administration program on the Insight workstation.

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FDM Vantage User Guide Operating Insight

Setting up Remote Notification

If you enter an E-mail address or pager number, notification can be sent when the current job build is interrupted or complete. To setup remote notification:

1. From the Status Window select the Setup Remote Notification button.

2. In order to enter an E-mail address or pager number, select the check box

adjacent to those fields and type the information. Use the prefix if your phone system requires an addition number, such as “9” to access an outside line.

3. To test these settings, click the Test Remote Notification button.

Note: For details and limitations, see the Online Help System available from the

Status Window.

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Operating Insight FDM Vantage User Guide

6 - 12

FDM Vantage User Guide Calibrating Liquefier Tips

Chapter 7

Calibrating Liquefier Tips

Automatic Calibration

Note: The system automatically performs the following calibrations after the

tips are changed or after a material type change.

If the Automatic Calibrations fail, then the same calibrations must be run manually - starting with

1. Auto Z Stage Zero Calibration

Note: Z Stage Zero Calibration sets the model liquefier tip to the Z zero location

on the build sheet.

“Z Stage Zero with Shim Calibration” on page 7-

A. Auto Z Stage Zero is done automatically after changing tips or material, and at

the start of a job:

1) If user placement is ON

• Before each job is built

• Performed near the center of the part’s bounding box.

2) If user placement is OFF

• At power-up and when turning user placement ON.

• Performed near the center of the platen.

• If the oven temperature was unstable within six hours of a job building or if the previous job was started when the oven temperature was unstable.

B. The vacuum level under the build sheet is detected before the calibration

begins.

• If the level is inadequate, a warning screen will be displayed allowing you to check the build sheet and obtain the adequate vacuum level in order to continue the calibration.

2. Auto Tip-to-Tip Calibration (AutoCal Tip Offset)

Note: Auto Tip-to-Tip Calibration calibrates the tips in the X, Y, and Z directions.

A. The system automatically performs this calibration after the tips are changed

or after a material type change.

7 - 1

Calibrating Liquefier Tips FDM Vantage User Guide

B. Proper calibration allows the system to toggle material tips and place the

current tip at the precise coordinate necessary to continue accurate part build.

3. XY Offset and Z Calibration

Note: The XY offset is the distance the support tip must move along the X and Y

axes to align with the model tip. The support line should be centered on the model at “0” for both X and Y of the calibration model.

Z Calibration sets the Nominal Support Z Thickness for the Model Tip size being used.

A. The system automatically builds the calibration model.

B. Remove the build sheet from the platen and allow it to cool.

C. Determine the XY Offset Adjustment (Figure 7-1: or Figure 7-2:)

1) View the relationship between the support calibration toolpath and the alignment indicators to determine the X and Y Axis calibration.

• Use a magnifier.

• Hold the build sheet up to the light, a light-colored wall, or a light-

colored piece of paper.

2) Determine where on each axis the support toolpath is most centered between the X-Y alignment path.

3) Read the Offset Adjustment Value closest to the centered location for each location.

• This value represents the adjustment value to be entered into the

system - increments of .002 of an inch or .05 mm.

• If the value is 0, then the system is calibrated for that axis - an entry is

not required.

4) Enter the Offset Value from the Tip Offset menu (See "Enter the XY Offset

and Z Calibration Adjustment Values", on page 7-5)

5) If an adjustment entry for either axis is required, re-run the calibration model on a clean build sheet (refer to Manual Calibration, para. 4 on

page 7-10).

6) Perform steps B through C until the calibration toolpath is centered at 0 for the X and Y axis.

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FDM Vantage User Guide Calibrating Liquefier Tips

+ X

- Y

Example: Best Centered Position

+ Y

Figure 7-1: Calibration Model - English Units

- Y

Tip Offset Adjustment Indicators

X - Y Support Calibration Tool path

X - Y Alignment Indicators

- X

Z Calibration Box

This example requires an adjustment to Y of - .002 in. The X axis requires no adjustment.

Example: Best Centered Position

+ Y

Figure 7-2: Calibration Model - Metric Units

X - Y Support Calibration Tool path

X - Y Alignment Indicators

Z Calibration Box

This example requires an adjustment to Y of - .05 mm. The X axis requires no adjustment.

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Calibrating Liquefier Tips FDM Vantage User Guide

D. Determine the Z Calibration Adjustment

Note: Do not measure for Z Calibration until the Calibration Model shows the

XY Offset to be 0 for the X and Y axis.

1) Peel the Support layer from the Z Calibration box.

2) Measure the thickness of the Support layer with a caliper or micrometer.

3) Subtract the measured value from the slice height of the Model Tip being used (See Table 7-1)

• If the measured value is within ±0.0005” (0.01 mm) of Model Tip slice

height, no adjustment is necessary.

• If the Model Tip Slice minus Measured Support thickness is a positive

number, the Z correction is +Z in 0.001 inches.

• If the Model Tip Slice minus Measured Support thickness is a negative

number, the Z correction is -Z in 0.001 inches.

• Example: (Figure 7-3:) For a T16 Model Tip - slice height of 0.010”

(from Table 7-1); measured thickness of Calibration Box = 0.012”; Calculation 0.010 - 0.012 = - 0.002; Enter 0.002 in the - Z menu option (para E.4) ).

Z Up

Support

Model

0.012”

Z Down

Figure 7-3: Z Calibration Example

4) Enter the Z Adjustment Value from the Tip Offset menu (See para."Enter

the XY Offset and Z Calibration Adjustment Values", on page 7-5).

5) If an adjustment entry is required, re-run the calibration model on a clean build sheet (refer to Manual Calibration, para. 4 on page 7-10).

6) Perform steps B and D above until the Support layer matches the Model Tip slice height ±0.0005”.

Table 7-1 : Model Tip Slice Heights

Model Tip Slice Height

T20 0.013”

T16 0.010”

T12 0.007”

T10 0.005”

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FDM Vantage User Guide Calibrating Liquefier Tips

E. Enter the XY Offset and Z Calibration Adjustment Values

1) From the Main Menu select Operator Control and press Enter.

Build Job.. >Operator Control.. Modeler Status.. Maintenance..

2) Select Calibrate and press Enter.

Unlock Door <E> Load/Unload Mtl.. Change Tips/Mtl..

|*Tips: Model T16 |* Support T16

| Temp Control.. | Move Head/Stage..

>Calibrate..

3) Select Tip Offset Value and press Enter.

Set Z Stage Zero.. AutoCal Tips <E> >Tip Offset Value.. AutoHome XYZ <E>

4) Using the arrow keys, select the direction and axis to change.

*Delta X:0.0000 Y:0.0000 Z:0.0000 >-X 0.00 <E> | +X 0.00<E>

-Y 0.00 <E> | +Y 0.00<E>

-Z 0.00 <E> | +Z 0.00<E>

| Calibration Job <E>

5) Enter the adjustment value and press Enter.

• The adjustment value will appear on the top line.

Manual Calibration

1. Z Stage Zero with Shim Calibration

Note: If the Auto Z Stage Zero calibration fails, Z Stage Zero with Shim Calibra-

tion must be performed. This procedure manually sets the model liquefier tip to the Z Zero location.

A. Install a new build sheet and verify that vacuum is present.

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Calibrating Liquefier Tips FDM Vantage User Guide

B. Run Z Stage Zero with Shim Calibration

1) From the Main Menu select Operator Control and press Enter.

Build Job.. >Operator Control.. Modeler Status.. Maintenance..

2) Select Calibrate and press Enter.

Unlock Door <E> Load/Unload Mtl.. Change Tips/Mtl..

|*Tips: Model T16 |* Support T16

| Temp Control.. | Move Head/Stage..

>Calibrate..

3) Select Set Z Stage Zero and press Enter.

>Set Z Stage Zero.. AutoCal Tips <E> Tip Offset Value.. AutoHome XYZ <E>

4) Select Auto Z Zero Calibrate and press Enter.

>Set Z Zero with Shim <E> Modify Current Z Zero.. Auto Z Zero Calibrate <E>

| Calibration Job <E>

7 - 6

5) The head will begin to move and the display will show:

*Positioning. Please Wait ...

6) After the head completes its move the display will show:

>Unlock Door <E> Set Distance = 0.100 in <E> Set Z Stage = 0 <E> (Z: 0.010) *Move Z STage +Z<9> -Z<3>

FDM Vantage User Guide Calibrating Liquefier Tips

WARNING: USE CARE WHEN WORKING INSIDE THE OVEN. BURNS

DUE TO HIGH OPERATING TEMPERATURE (AS HIGH AS 250° C) CAN OCCUR.

7) Unlock and open the oven door.

8) Place the zero calibration shim between the tip and the build sheet (Figure

7-4:).

Zero Calibration Shim

Figure 7-4: Zero Calibration Shim

WARNING: PERSONAL INJURY CAN OCCUR WHEN WORKING IN-

SIDE THE OVEN COMPARTMENT WITH THE DOOR LOCK BYPASS TOOL IN PLACE - IT ALLOWS THE MOTOR DRIVES TO OPERATE WHEN THE OVEN DOOR IS OPEN. KEEP HEAD AND HANDS CLEAR OF THE OVEN AREA WHEN THE Z-STAGE IS MOVING.

9) Insert the door lock bypass tool (Figure 7-5:).

Door Cheater

CAUTION: AS THE PLATEN APPROACHES THE SHIM, SET THE

Inside of Oven

Insert Door Cheater Here

Figure 7-5: Door Lock Bypass Tool - Vantage

DISTANCE INCREMENT TO THE SMALLEST SETTING (0.001 INCH OR .025 MM) TO AVOID DAMAGE TO THE HEAD AND TO FACILITATE SETTING THE Z STAGE ZERO.

Unlock Door <E> >Set Distance = 0.001 in <E> Set Z Stage = 0 <E> (Z: 0.010) *Move Z STage +Z<9> -Z<3>

7 - 7

Calibrating Liquefier Tips FDM Vantage User Guide

10) Raise (3 on the operator panel number pad) the platen until there is a light drag on the calibration shim - if necessary, lower the platen (9 on the operator panel number pad) to achieve the appropriate amount of drag.

Note: Use the calibration shim as a feeler gauge, slide the shim fore and

aft as the platen is raised .

11) Select Set Z Stage = 0 and press Enter.

• The Z Zero coordinate is read and stored. The head will move to the

park position.

Unlock Door <E> Set Distance = 0.001 in <E> >Set Z Stage = 0 <E> (Z: 0.010) *Move Z Stage +Z<9> -Z<3>

12) Remove the zero calibration shim.

13) Remove the door lock bypass tool.

14) Close the oven door.

15) Run the Auto Tip-to-Tip Calibration See “Auto Tip-to-Tip Calibration

(AutoCal Tip Offset)” on page 7 - 9.

2. Auto Z Stage Zero Calibration

Note: Manual initiation of Auto Z Stage Zero Calibration will be necessary after

running “Z Stage Zero with Shim Calibration” on page 7-5 or before run- ning “Auto Tip-to-Tip Calibration (AutoCal Tip Offset)” on page 7-9.

A. Make sure a build sheet is installed and verify that vacuum is present.

B. Run the Auto Z Stage Zero Calibration

1) From the Main Menu select Operator Control and press Enter.

Build Job.. >Operator Control.. Modeler Status.. Maintenance..

2) Select Calibrate and press Enter.

Unlock Door <E> Load/Unload Mtl.. Change Tips/Mtl..

|*Tips: Model T16 |* Support T16

| Temp Control.. | Move Head/Stage..

>Calibrate..

7 - 8

FDM Vantage User Guide Calibrating Liquefier Tips

3) Select Set Z Stage Zero and press Enter.

>Set Z Stage Zero.. AutoCal Tips <E> Tip Offset Value.. AutoHome XYZ <E>

4) Select Auto Z Zero Calibrate and press Enter.

Set Z Zero with Shim <E> Modify Current Z Zero.. >Auto Z Zero Calibrate <E>

5) Auto Z Zero Calibration is performed. If Auto Z Zero Calibrate fails, the Z

Stage Zero with Shim Calibration will need to be performed.

3. Auto Tip-to-Tip Calibration (AutoCal Tip Offset)

Note: Manual initiation of Auto Tip-to-Tip Calibration is necessary if the initial au-

tomatic calibration fails.

Auto Z Stage Zero Calibration (page 7-8) must be performed before running the Auto Tip-to-Tip Calibration.

A. Run Auto Tip-to-Tip Calibration

1) From the Main Menu select Operator Control and press Enter.

| Calibration Job <E>

Build Job.. >Operator Control.. Modeler Status.. Maintenance..

2) Select Calibrate and press Enter.

Unlock Door <E> Load/Unload MT.. Change Tips/MT..

|*Tips: Model T16 |* Support T16

| Temp Control.. | Move Head/Stage..

>Calibrate..

3) Select AutoCal Tips and press Enter.

Set Z Stage Zero.. >AutoCal Tips <E> Tip Offset Value.. AutoHome XYZ <E>

| Calibration Job <E>

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Calibrating Liquefier Tips FDM Vantage User Guide

4) The system automatically calibrates the tips in the X, Y, and Z directions. Calibration time varies from 15 to 20 minutes. While running, the display will show:

* Tip to Tip Calibration Activity * * Press <ESCAPE> to Abort Calibration *

5) At completion of the calibration, the display will show:

* Tip to Tip Calibration Activity * * Calibration Done: Press <MENU> Key *

B. Run XY Offset and Z Calibration (page 7-10).

4. XY Offset and Z Calibration

Note: If the support layer is not centered on the model layer, an XY Offset and Z

Calibration should be performed.

A. Build the Calibration Model

1) From the Main Menu select Operator Control and press Enter.

Build Job.. >Operator Control.. Modeler Status.. Maintenance..

2) Select Calibrate and press Enter.

Unlock Door <E> Load/Unload Mtl.. Change Tips/Mtl..

|*Tips: Model T16 |* Support T16

| Temp Control.. | Move Head/Stage..

>Calibrate..

3) Select Calibration Job and press Enter.

Set Z Stage Zero.. AutoCal Tips <E> Tip Offset Value.. AutoHome XYZ <E>

B. At completion of the calibration model, calibrate the system by accomplishing

paragraphs 3.B., 3.C., and 3.D. of "Automatic Calibration", on page 7-1.

|>Calibration Job <E>

7 - 10

Stratasys FDM Vantage Series, Vantage i, Vantage X, Vantage S, Vantage SE User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Notice

Table of Contents

Service & Support

FDM Vantage Service

Software Support

Consumable Orders

Safety Instructions

Hazard Classifications

Product Safety Signs

Specific Safety Practices

Guard Door Interlocks

General Safety Practices

Setup & Installation

Preparing Your Facility for Installation

Identifying Your Machine

Making the Network Connection

Making the Power Cable Connection

Using the Main Circuit Breaker

Using the Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

Thermal Cut-Out Fuses

Initial Network Configuration (IP Address)

Moving the Machine

Machine Components

Accessing Machine Components

Opening the Hood

XY Gantry Assembly

Liquefier Tips and Slice Heights

Head Buttons for Unplugging Tips

Z Stage & Oven Components

Opening the Oven Door

Oven Lights

The Platen

Moving the Head and Z Stage using “Move Relative”

Lowering the Z Stage

Material & Canisters

Materials Used in the Vantage

Material Compatibility

Accessing the Canister Bays

Canister Bay Components

Canister Bays

Canister Drive Levers

Interpreting the LED Indicators

Canister Auto Changeover (For Vantage SE only)

Smart Canister

Storing Canisters

Changing Canisters

Installing a Canister

Removing an Empty Canister

Removing a Partially Used Canister

Loading Material Filament to the Liquefiers

Unloading Material Filament from the Liquefiers

Purging Blue Material from Liquefier

Changing Material Type or Tips

Recovering From a Head Plug

Moving the Head to the Head Service Bracket (Service Location)

Operating the Machine

Using the Operator Control Panel

Keypad Button Descriptions

Screen Symbols

Powering Up the Machine

Powering Down the Machine

Building a Job

Before Building a Job

Selecting a Job to Build

Warnings Before Job is Built

Information Available While Building

Information Available If a Job Fails While Building

Pausing or Aborting a Job

After Building a Job

Manually Removing Support Material

Removing WaterWorks Support Material

Working with the Job Queues

Using the Maintenance Menu

Changing the Modeler Default Values

User Placement on Platen

Displaying Machine Status