====== 3D Printer Procedures ======

==== Download the PDF ====
  * [[http://www.cs.purdue.edu/cgvlab/internal/3d-printer.pdf|Download the PDF]]

==== Power-on/Recover-from-standby ====
  * Use KVM to switch to the printer computer:
    * If printer is “fully powered-down”, turn on (switch in back), then do following
    * To go from standby to online, start Alaris30 application and then make sure the 3D printer is online (big dot should be “green”)
  * Use KVM to switch to the host computer (stew1):
    * Log in to host machine using CS account

==== Printing ====
  * If needed, clean printer (see below)
  * Make sure the printer door is closed (magnetic lock)
  * Use KVM to switch to the host machine (stew1):
    * Use the software ObjectStudio to load the model in STL format
    * Place model onto printing bed with appropriate scale, translation, and rotation in the software
    * Optionally use the auto placement to automatically place multiple objects
    * Save the tray file
    * Make sure the remaining material is more than want is needed (need to switch to printer-computer view and compare to job requirement on host machine); when putting in material, make sure to put them in the same way to prevent leaking
    * Press build tray to send the model to the printer
    * Build time varies from 0 to 10 hours in practice.
  * The printer will warm up before printing
  * During printing, one can pause, stop and resume
    * After stop, the last layer number is shown when you resume
    * After pause, the last layer number is required for resume the operation
    * You can look at the printer interface for the last layer number

==== After-printing ====
  * Remove the object using spatula
  * Wash object:
    * Open water valve near wall and behind wash station, place object inside station, press foot pedal
and power-wash until supporting material removed. When all done, close water valve again.
  * **__Important: Perform the clean printer procedure (see below)__**

==== Cleaning the Printer ====
  * After each use:
    * Clean the printing bed with alcohol and lint-free cloth
    * Run wizard for printer head and roller cleaning
      * When cleaning, wash from middle to outside
  * **Weekly cleaning**: (after several prints, e.g., after paper submission)
    * Clean the bath on the left for the printer head (run the wizard)
  * **Monthly cleaning**: (e.g., after several projects/papers)
    * Clean the bath on the right for the roller – see Prof. Aliaga for this more involved process

==== Power-down/goto-standby ====
  * To go to standby:
    * Switch to printer computer and “X” close the Alaris30 application; printer fans should stop and noise-level is significantly reduced
  * To power down:
    * Switch to printer computer and use the shut down wizard to shut down the printer appropriately