3D Printer Procedures

• Download the PDF

• 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

• 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

• 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)

• 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

• 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