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3D Systems, Inc.
12
FAMILIARIZATION
Support Material
Part Material
The ColorJet Printing (CJP) technology was developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and was commercialized by ZCorpo
-
ration. With the acquisition of ZCorporation by 3DS Systems, CJP technology is now one of several professional 3D printing technologies
under the ProJet® brand. The CJP process involves:
• Importing a solid 3D model file into the latest version of 3DPrint™ software
• Setting up and positioning your 3D file(s) into the virtual build volume in the 3DPrint software.
• Printing the part(s)
• Curing the part(s) in the build bed
• Gross removal of excess core material from the build area with the vacuum hose
• Fine cleaning of excess core from the part(s) in the cleaning station
• Cleaning and servicing the printer as needed
To start, the
3DPrint
®
software takes a three-dimensional design file and converts it into 0.102 mm (0.004 in.) cross-sections, or layers.
Before printing, 3DPrint evaluates the part geometry and checks if there are enough consumable materials in the printer to print the num
-
ber of layers required to complete the part. If there are, the printer then prints each layer in order, one after the other, from the bottom
of the part to the top. If there is not enough, 3DPrint will then alert you to add the appropriate consumables before starting a print job.
During printing,
binder
is applied to the edges of the part to create a strong “shell” for the part exterior. At the same time, color can be
applied to that same shell to obtain a full-color model. When printing the interior of the part, a latticed infrastructure is created to support
and stabilize the shell and to maintain accurate part geometries.
When the part is finished printing, heaters surrounding the walls and above the
build chamber
turn on to “cure” the part(s). This heat cure
cycle is required to develop the strength of the part, and allow the user to handle the parts safely. This cycle is automatically started at
the end of the printing process.
IMPORTANT:
After curing, the user empties the build bed of most excess core material around and above the part(s) by vacuuming with
the integrated vacuum system. This vacuumed core material is filtered through the
debris separator
, and then returns directly to the
feeder for reuse in future builds. After coarse cleaning, the part can be transferred to the cleaning station on the right-hand side of the
printer, and any additional core material can be removed with the compressed air integrated into the printer. Brushing the part may help
remove stuck particles on the surface of the part(s).
Once clean, the part is complete. There is
NO
need for an infiltration step as with previous generations of CJP printers to increase
strength.
Additional steps may be taken to improve the color of the models. Please refer to the
VisiJet C4 Spectrum Post-Processing Guide
.
1. Import Part
Into
3DPrint
2. Position
Part
3. Check the
Printer
4. Press
“Build”
5. Print
6. Cure Part
7. Empty Build
Bed
8. Coarse Core
Removal
9. Fine Core
Removal
10. Clean the
Printer