Owner`s manual

Z Corp. System Software

1.4 SETTING USER PREFERENCES

You may change the default settings

for several software features by

selecting ‘Preferences’ from the Edit

menu.

• Units.

You may choose to have the measurements for your parts displayed in either inches or

millimeters. This will change the way that part dimensions and layer thickness are

displayed, but it will not change the underlying dimensions on the part. You will still need

to choose the proper units when opening or importing a new file.

Save slice data in ZBD files. •

•

When a build file (ZBD) is saved, the slice information is discarded and the part is

resliced when the file is reopened. This is generally the best strategy for saving files; the

file size is significantly smaller, and because it is smaller, it will take less time to reopen.

However, once the file is opened, you will have to wait while the file reslices. If you wish

to save slice data, check this box.

Orient imported parts for the fastest print times.

When this box is checked, parts are always rotated so that the smallest dimension of the

part occurs in the Z direction. Since build times are largely determined by the height of

the part, this arrangement produces the fastest build times. But if you are importing

several parts that need to be placed in a predetermined arrangement to each other, you

can uncheck this box and prevent the software from automatically rotating the part.

Offer fast rendering for parts larger than 100,000 facets.

Large parts with many facets can be slow to draw on the screen. It is often convenient to

draw the parts using "Fast Rendering," which can be selected from the View menu. When

a file is larger than a certain threshold, before drawing the part for the first time, the

software will ask you if you prefer to use fast rendering. You can still choose to use

photo-realistic rendering.

If you have a very fast video display you may want to set the threshold higher, or even

uncheck the box. If your computer is slow to draw and refresh the screen, you can set the

threshold lower. Recommended threshold is 100,000 facets.