User manual

Z Corporation Z406 System User Manual
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mm). This increases the binder to powder ratio and wets more of the resins in the powder
system. As you increase the strength of the part in this manner you are also inceasing the
amount of time to dry the part. Use of the removable build plate and oven drying the part are
recommended.
1.6.1.2 Gross and Fine Depowdering
• Become familiar with where the parts are placed and how they are oriented in the build box
so you do not accidentally bump or brush against a fragile part during the depowdering
process.
• When performing the gross depowdering (removal of excess powder in the build box) do not
plunge the vacuum nozzle into the powder bed. Begin at the outer perimeter of the build box,
slowly work your way into the build. Hold the tip of vacuum nozzle approximately 0.25” (6.4
mm) to .375” (9.5 mm) away from the powder and allow the vacuum to pull the powder up.
Slanting the vacuum nozzle will enable you to control the suction. This will decrease the
chance of breaking a part that is hidden beneath the surface of the powder.
• While fine depowdering in the depowderer, always start with a low air pressure and gradually
increase the pressure as the fine details and features of the part become visible. When the
top and sides of the part are completely depowdered tilt the part onto one of its sides.
Handle the part carefully. The part may be fragile and brittle before infiltration. If none of the
sides of the part will be able to support the weight of the part you can apply a small amount of
resin or epoxy to strengthen it. You want to be careful not to let any of the infiltrant come into
contact with any unprinted powder that may still be on the part. Let the infiltrant dry before
continuing to depowder.
1.6.1.3 Use of the Removable Build Plate
• The removable build plate is an excellent tool for the new user. It allows you to quickly
remove the part from the build bed and begin printing again. The build plate also allows the
user to easily transport the part to the oven (at temperatures below 150
o
F or 66
o
C) or the
depowdering station without ever having to handle the part.
• If you choose to use the removable build plate keep in mind that you want to orient the parts
so that the part does not collapse when powder flows out from the sides of the part after the
removable build plate is lifted from the build bed.
1.6.1.4 Oven Dry the Part
• Although the part can be handled when it is not completely dried, the part reaches full
strength when dried. Placing the part in an oven at temperatures less than 200°F (93
o
C) for
2-4 hours will dramatically increase the strength of the part. This is only recommended for
plaster-based powders. If using the removable build plate, remove the part from the
removable build plate before placing in the oven.
1.6.2 PART INFILTRATION
1.6.2.1 When Using Z-Bond
TM
Resin
• Always infiltrate the most delicate features of the part first. Z-Bond resin gives almost
immediate strength to the area of the part that has been infiltrated. As you handle the areas
of the part that have been infiltrated it will be less likely to break it.
• Try to avoid infiltrating the part by applying Z-Bond resin from spot to spot. Pick a good
starting place hold that area upward relative to the rest of the part. With your free hand,
place the tip of the Z-Bond bottle against the part and allow the cyanoacrylate (CA) to flow
from the bottle. It is important that the CA flows at a uniform rate making it easier for you the
judge how quickly it will flow from the tip of the bottle before it wicks into the part. By seeing
how quickly it wicks into the part you will be able to judge where and how quickly to move the