User manual

Z406 System User Manual Z Corporation
www.zcorp-users.com
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3.3.1.2 Saturation Values
The saturation values determine how much binder is placed on the powder to print the part. The part
is made up of two areas, the shell and the core, as described in Section 1.1.2, How It Works. Thus,
there are two saturation values, one for the shell and another for core. In general, the shell saturation
is higher than the core saturation. The ZPrint Software will display the recommended values for each
powder type. The recommended settings can also be found on the Powder Fact Sheet attached to the
bucket of powder.
1. Plaster Material System
The shell and core saturation values for the plaster material system are generally constant values,
meaning that there is only one value for all geometry types.
2. Starch Material System
The shell and core saturation values for the starch material system depend on part geometry. A thick
walled part will have lower shell saturation than a thin walled part. Core saturation is dependent on the
wall thickness of the part. The thinner the wall thickness the higher the core saturation; the thicker the
wall thickness the lower the core saturation.
The ZPrint Software will recommend shell and core saturation values based on the part geometry. If
parts come out weak, increase the saturation values by 10%; if parts are difficult to depowder,
decrease the saturation values by 10%.
3. ZCast Material System
The shell and core saturation values for the ZCast material system are generally constant values,
meaning that there is only one value for all geometry types.
3.4 PRINTING THE BUILD
It is strongly recommended that the build
settings be confirmed before printing. To
check build settings, choose ‘3D Print
Setup’ under the File menu or click on the
icon located on the taskbar.
After all build settings have been
confirmed:
1. Choose ‘3D Print’ under the File
menu.
2. A dialog box will appear asking that
powder and fluid levels be checked.
3. Check off the boxes to confirm that
these have been inspected before
beginning the build.
Once the build has begun, a dialog
box will appear reporting the status of
the build.