ZPrint™ Software Manual Version 7.10 Part Number 09598 Rev B Copyright© 2009 11/30/09 zcentral.zcorp.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Notices Copyright and Trademarks Copyright © Z Corporation 1995-2009. All rights reserved. The information in this document may not be duplicated or transmitted in any way without the express written consent of Z Corporation. The information contained herein is for the use of Z Corporation customers, who are permitted to create brief excerpts for the purposes of training and review.
ZPrint™ Software Manual and its officers, directors and employees harmless from and against any and all claims, losses, damages, costs and expenses resulting from any use of the Equipment other than for the production of early-stage appearance models and prototypes.
ZPrint™ Software Manual ZPrint™ Software Manual TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.1 New In ZPrint 7.10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.2 File Formats You Can Import And Print With ZPrint. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.3 Computer System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ZPrint™ Software Manual 5.6 Align Parts in Build . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.7 Translate (Position) Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.8 Rotate Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.8.1 Rotate in Active View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.
ZPrint™ Software Manual 8.5.2 Rendering Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.5.3 Import/Export Tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.5.4 Fixtures Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.5.5 Show Layers Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.5.6 Email Tab . . . .
ZPrint™ Software Manual 1 Overview Overview ZPrint is a Windows-based software program designed to easily and quickly manipulate, annotate, and preview 3D modeling data before printing it on a Z Corporation 3D Printer. ZPrint includes the latest version of ZEdit - an easy-to-use tool designed to optimize color output when applying texture maps, templates, text, or paint to a part. ZEdit also includes several diagnostic tools for isolating and correcting simple file problems prior to printing a job.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Overview 1.2 File Formats You Can Import And Print With ZPrint NOTE: The quality of data read through each of these file types is highly variable due to the way the source programs treat their data. Current file types supported: • .zbd files are build files created by the ZPrint Software. • .zpr files are part files created by ZEdit Software, and by a number of software packages from other companies. ZPrint supports versions 1, 2, and 3. • .
ZPrint™ Software Manual Overview 1.3.2 ZPrinter 650 Recommended System: • ZPrint 7.10.3 or later • Operating Systems Supported: • Windows 7 32-bit • Windows Vista 32-bit or 64-bit, Business, Ultimate or Enterprise • Windows XP Professional • Processor: Intel Core2 Duo Desktop Processor E8200 2.66Ghz or better • Memory: 4GB or better • Video: 512MB Video card (recommend nVidia Quadro series or better) • Hard Drive: 1 GB free space • Network: Ethernet 10/100 Base T 1.3.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Overview • Graphics card accelerated for OpenGL • 1GB of free hard drive space after OS and utilities are loaded • Ethernet port (10/100 Base T) 1.3.5 Spectrum Z510 / DESIGNmate Cx (Z510/Cx) Recommended System: • ZPrint 7.10.3 or later • Windows 2000 Professional or Windows XP Professional operating system • 3.
ZPrint™ Software Manual • 1024 X 768 pixels, or better • Graphics card accelerated for OpenGL Overview 1.4 ZPrint/ZEdit Installation IMPORTANT: To avoid problems that may occur during printing, ensure that all screen savers and your power management software are turned off on the computer driving your 3D Printer. Most screen savers and power management software can be turned off in the main Windows screen settings.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Overview • Click Close when finished. The ZPrint Splash screen appears. This screen will close on its own after a moment, or you can click OK to close it immediately. • Next, the Open dialog appears where you select a file to load in ZPrint. Browse to the directory on your system where your files are located. The next time access the Open dialog, it will show the path you last browsed to for selecting files. • Select a file and click Open.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Overview 2. The Port Type field should display Network. To select a different printer, choose Select Printer and follow the steps below. 3. When Select 3D Printer dialog opens, choose either Serial Port or Network. The printer your computer is connected to will show up as an option. Select your 3D Printer and click OK. • If connecting to a printer on a network, click the Find button and select the printer from the Network Printers drop-down list.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Overview NOTE: If you experience difficulty locating your printer through ZPrint, please contact your local Reseller, or visit the support section of our Web site: zcentral.zcorp.com. 1.7 Check The Default Powder Type Settings 1. In ZPrint, select Settings > Powder Settings. • The Powder Settings dialog opens and lists each printer previously selected in the Default Printer Type dialog.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Overview 3. When finished, click Close. zcentral.zcorp.
ZPrint™ Software Manual 2 ZPrint Main Window ZPrint Main Window The ZPrint Main Window has two viewing modes - 3D and 2D (Cross-Sectional). Explore the features of the Main Window in the sections below. Section 2.1 “The 3D View” Section 2.2 “The ZPrint Toolbar” Section 2.3 “The ZPrint Toolbar Descriptions” Section 2.4 “Keyboard/Mouse Shortcuts” Section 2.5 “3D View Menu Display Options” Section 2.6 “The 2D (Cross-Sectional) View” 2.
ZPrint™ Software Manual ZPrint Main Window • The Side View is a 2D representation of the Build Bed in the Z-X plane. • The 3D View is an interactive representation of the Build Bed where you can quickly change the angle from which the part is viewed using one of the View icons. A description of each View icon can be found in Section 2.3 “The ZPrint Toolbar Descriptions”. • To resize any view, point the cursor on the vertical or the horizontal borders.
ZPrint™ Software Manual ZPrint Main Window 3D Print: Displays the Printer Status dialog (ZPrinter 450) or the Printing Options dialog (all other Printers). 3D Print Setup: Displays the 3D Print Setup dialog where you check or change your Printer, Powder Type, Layer Thickness, or Bleed Compensation settings for the current build. Cut: Select a part and use Cut to remove the part from the view without deleting it. Copy: Select a part and choose Copy to copy the part.
ZPrint™ Software Manual ZPrint Main Window Layer Selection and Number: Use the single and double Up and Down arrows in 2D view to view cross-sectional layers. Single arrows represent moving up/down one layer at a time; double arrows represent moving up/down ten layers at a time. The Layer Number field displays the current layer you are viewing. You can also enter a number and press Enter to view the specified layer.
ZPrint™ Software Manual ZPrint Main Window Front View: View the part in 3D View from the front. Side View: View the part in 3D View from the side. Top View: View the part in 3D View from the top. Isometric (3D) View: View the part in 3D View as 3D (Isometric). Flip View: Flips a part in 3D View to its opposite side. Start ZEdit: Opens a selected part in ZEdit with the same orientation it has in ZPrint. Use ZEdit to add annotations, engineering templates, labels, paint, and texture maps to a part.
ZPrint™ Software Manual ZPrint Main Window Ctrl + Left Mouse Button Select a part without moving it in Side or Top View. Drag the mouse to Zoom the Build Bed in 3D View. Ctrl + Z Ctrl + Y Undo last action Redo last action 2.5 3D View Menu Display Options Display Layer in 3D View: Check to highlight the currently selected layer in 3D View. Display Build Box: Check to toggle the display of the wire frame that represents the printer Build Box in the 3D View. The Build Box is also called the Build Bed.
ZPrint™ Software Manual ZPrint Main Window 2.6 The 2D (Cross-Sectional) View 2D View displays a part as a cross-sectional layer and has all the operations that are available in 3D View such as zooming and moving a part. Click the 2D icon on the Toolbar to switch the view from 3D to 2D. Use the arrows on the Toolbar to move through the part layers one or ten layers at a time, or drag the Layer Handle (in the Side View) up and down to view layers.
ZPrint™ Software Manual 3 EZ Print For ZPrinter 310 Plus/DESIGNmate Mx EZ Print For ZPrinter 310 Plus/DESIGNmate Mx EZ Print will print a single part using the settings for your default materials. It’s the quickest and simplest way to get printing. EZ Print mode can only be used with the ZPrinter 310 Plus/DESIGNmate Mx printer. • Ensure the Firmware is version 10.138 or higher.
ZPrint™ Software Manual EZ Print For ZPrinter 310 Plus/DESIGNmate Mx 3. Select the display units for viewing the part in ZPrint and click Next. If you need to go back to the previous step and start again, click the Back button. 4. If the part is too big to fit in the Build Bed, ZPrint will prompt you to change the scale. 5. Once the part is loaded, ZPrint will ask if you want to proceed. Select Next to continue, or Back to return to the previous dialog. zcentral.zcorp.
ZPrint™ Software Manual EZ Print For ZPrinter 310 Plus/DESIGNmate Mx 6. When Next is selected, the software creates a Fixture. It will perform Collision Detection to make sure the Fixture and the part are not touching. If any collisions are found, ZPrint will regenerate the Fixture with a higher accuracy level. 7. After the Fixture is created, the Ready To Print dialog appears. Click 3D Print.
ZPrint™ Software Manual EZ Print For ZPrinter 310 Plus/DESIGNmate Mx 8. The software will take you through several steps to prepare the printer. Complete the steps in each dialog that appears. If you need help, or do not understand a step, click the Picture or Video buttons. a. Fill feed piston with powder from the overflow bin. b. Fill feed piston with fresh powder.
ZPrint™ Software Manual EZ Print For ZPrinter 310 Plus/DESIGNmate Mx c. Prepare build area. Complete the steps and then click Next. d. Clean service station. Complete the steps and then click Next. zcentral.zcorp.
ZPrint™ Software Manual EZ Print For ZPrinter 310 Plus/DESIGNmate Mx e. Check fluid containers 9. When all the steps to setup the printer are complete, the software will start printing your part. ZPrint saves your .zbd file prior to printing. 10. When the print job is completed, ZPrint begins a drying cycle and starts to countdown the time before you can remove the part from the Build Bed. 11. When the part is ready to remove, ZPrint displays the dialog shown below.
ZPrint™ Software Manual zcentral.zcorp.
ZPrint™ Software Manual EZ Print For ZPrinter 310 Plus/DESIGNmate Mx 3.2 Change The Default EZ Print Settings Select the General Preferences > Settings > EZ Print tab to change the default settings for EZ Print mode. See Section 8.5.7 “EZ Print Mode Tab” for complete information about changing the EZ Print preferences. zcentral.zcorp.
ZPrint™ Software Manual 4 ZEdit ZEdit ZEdit™ Software was developed by a team of software developers and application engineers as a tool to help those who use HD3DP™ (high-definition 3D printing) to optimize the color output of their models. ZEdit works in conjunction with ZPrint. Use ZEdit to apply color to a part with a texture map, engineering template, text, or paint. ZEdit also has several diagnostic tools for locating and correcting simple file problems before you start the print job.
ZPrint™ Software Manual ZEdit ZEdit zcentral.zcorp.
ZPrint™ Software Manual 5 Setup The Build Setup The Build The first part of this section will introduce you to the file types ZPrint handles, and the basics of opening a file. • Section 5.1 “Overview Of Part And Build Files” • Section 5.2 “Part Orientation” • Section 5.3 “Opening and Selecting Files” • Section 5.4 “The Right-Button Pop-Up, Edit, And Transform Menus” The next section will show you how to perform the most frequently-used functions, such as scaling and translating the part.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Setup The Build file as a Build file to keep all of the modifications that you have made to the part(s), along with the printer/ powder settings you have selected for that build. You cannot open a combination of Build files and Part files into the ZPrint main window. Only one Build file at a time can be loaded into the main window. If you try to open more than one .zbd file into the same window, ZPrint will ask you to select a single document (Build) file, or several Part files.
ZPrint™ Software Manual • Setup The Build Accuracy. The accuracy of your part depends on how clean the printer is, your printer/powder settings, and the materials you choose for post-processing. You can also employ ZPrint features like Anisotropic Scaling to adjust for expected shrinkage and bring your parts into true scale. 5.2.3 Parts Containing an Opening or Hollow Area Automated vs.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Setup The Build An example of a part with two Fixtures to support the overhangs 5.2.5 Parts Containing Cylindrical Features Cylindrical features will be more accurate when the cylindrical axis is parallel to the Z-Axis. 5.3 Opening and Selecting Files 5.3.1 Open Files In ZPrint When you launch ZPrint, the Open dialog displays for you select a file to print. Use the Open dialog to load a single Build file (.zbd, .bld), or one or more Part files, (.3ds, .wrl, .stl, .ply, .zpr, .
ZPrint™ Software Manual • Setup The Build Fast Render parts larger than 300 thousand facets. To change this option, see Section 8.5.2 “Rendering Tab”. If a Part file is created with dimensions that are too large for display in ZPrint, ZPrint evaluates the file and determines the largest units that can be used for displaying the part. Choose to change the units in the Choose Units dialog, or keep the selection that ZPrint chooses and click Next to proceed.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Setup The Build If a Part file opened in ZPrint is rendered dark and the slices are not visible in the cross-sectional (2D) view, it often means the back facets of the file are showing. If this is the case, the part will not print properly. To correct the file in ZPrint, select the part (see next section) and then select Edit > Normals > Invert All Normals. Normals Inverted Normals Corrected 5.3.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Setup The Build • To de-select a single part, left-click once on any area in the Build Bed that does not contain the part. When multiple parts are selected, hold down the Shift key and click directly on a part to deselect. • To de-select multiple parts at the same time, click once on any area in the Build Bed that does not contain a part. 5.3.4 Selection List Another way to select a part is by using the Selection List, which is accessed on the ZPrint Toolbar.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Setup The Build 5.4.2 Edit Menu • To make additional copies of your part in ZPrint, select the part, then choose Edit > Copy, or press Ctrl-C on your keyboard. Paste the file by choosing Edit > Paste, or by pressing Ctrl-V on your keyboard. You may copy and paste between different open windows within the same ZPrint session. • Any copied part is kept on the clipboard until the clipboard is emptied.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Setup The Build 5.5 Transform The Part ZPrint allows you to transform an individual part, or a group of parts. When transformed individually, the center of transformation is located in the middle of the part. When a group of parts is transformed, the center of transformation is located in the middle of the group. Following is an illustration to help clarify the differences between individual and group transformations. zcentral.zcorp.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Setup The Build • Here, two parts are shown in the 3D View. • When both parts are selected and Transform > Rotate is chosen, the parts will rotate and reorient relative to their individual centers. • When both parts are selected, and Transform > Rotate is chosen, the parts will rotate and reorient themselves relative to the center of the group, as shown below. zcentral.zcorp.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Setup The Build 5.6 Align Parts in Build Aligning the parts in the build volume places them in the most efficient location for printing. For example, assume the original constellation of parts looked like the screenshot below. Selecting Transform > Align Parts in Build will line up the parts for the fastest printing, as shown below. zcentral.zcorp.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Setup The Build 5.7 Translate (Position) Parts You can translate (or position) a part manually using the mouse, or you can use the Translate dialog. • Manual: Select the part(s) in the ZPrint Top or Side Views. Press the left mouse button and drag the mouse to reposition the part. • Translate Dialog: Select Transform > Translate and enter the distance to move the part in the X, Y, and Z fields. The default values of 0,0,0 represents the lower-left corner of the Build Bed.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Setup The Build • Select one or more parts in the Top or Side Views. • Choose an option on the Transform > Rotate in Active View submenu. 5.9 Scale Parts Select the part and choose Transform > Scale. If you scale a part and it does not fit into the Build Bed, ZPrint prompts you with a warning telling you an object is extending beyond the Build Bed boundaries and draws a red wire frame around the part. See Section 5.11.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Setup The Build If you are working with more than one part (either Grouped or simply selected) The Scale dialog will only offer the Relative scaling option. • Scale a group of parts by selecting the parts, then selecting Transform > Scale. Change the Relative value and click OK. 5.10 Mirror Parts The Mirror feature will inverse the orientation of a part in the X, Y, or Z Axis. The software does this by placing a plane in the center of the part.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Setup The Build 5.11 Justify Parts The Justify feature will align a part to a specified location in the Build Bed. Select the part and choose Transform > Justify. You may justify the part to the center, left, right, front, back or bottom of the Build Bed. To justify a group of parts, first select the parts and then choose Transform > Justify. 5.11.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Setup The Build 1. Select View > Collision Detection. 2. Check the Display layers during collision detection option and click OK. It takes the software a few minutes to analyze all the part layers. 3. If a collision is detected, a warning appears and identifies which layer the collision is detected on. Correct the collision by adjusting the part position, then run Collision Detection again. Continue in this manner until there are no collisions reported by ZPrint. 4.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Setup The Build 5.15 Make Label ZPrint can make a label (raised or flat) on the surface of a part in a variety of fonts and colors. If the part is an .stl file (monochrome), the label will be the same color as the part, if color is applied. 1. In the ZPrint 3D View, select the part you want to label. 2. Orient the view so the surface receiving the label is facing you. 3. Select Edit > Make Label to display the Label dialog. zcentral.zcorp.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Setup The Build 4. Type in the label text, choose a font color, size, and enter the height to raise the label from the surface of the part. (If you want a flat label, enter a zero (0) in the Height from the surface field.) The label text appears in the top, left corner of the 3D View. 5. Click Place Label. 6. In the 3D View, point the mouse on the label text and press the left mouse button. Drag the text to the area of the part you want the label to appear.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Setup The Build 7. When you are satisfied with the label placement, click OK in the Label dialog. If you need to start over, select Edit > Undo Label. 5.16 Make Solid Make Solid is a feature that generates a solid base for a single rectangular surface. We recommend generating a solid base when printing GIS (Geographical Information Systems) files. 1. Open a .gis file in ZPrint and select the part. 2. Select Edit > Make Solid. 3.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Setup The Build 4. ZPrint generates the base. Because a solid base is heavy, it is recommended that you justify the part placement to the bottom of the Build Bed, so it is resting on the Build Bed platform and not on powder. 5.17 Make Fixture 5.17.1 Overview A Fixture is a grid-shaped object with a top surface between the bottom-most surface of the part (without actually touching the part) and the bottom of the Build Bed.
ZPrint™ Software Manual • Setup The Build Helps prevent “squash” effects for hollow cylindrical parts, or parts with overhangs. NOTE: “Squash” effect results from an overhang being supported only with unprinted powder. For example, if a part is a hollow round cylinder, the weight of the powder above the cylinder will cause it to “squash” to something slightly less than round, if there is no support underneath. 5.17.2 Create a Fixture for an entire part 1. Select the part in ZPrint. 2.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Setup The Build 4. Click OK. The Fixture is generated. The fixture is shown in white on the screen. 5. Select View > Collision Detection to ensure the Fixture is not touching the part. If the Fixture is touching the part, do the following: • Select the fixture and press Delete on your keyboard. • Open the Make Fixture dialog and increase the Accuracy Coefficient value by 1 (one). • Click OK to regenerate the Fixture. • Run Collision Detection again. 5.17.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Setup The Build • To Resize: Click on the box and drag the mouse to resize the box. • To Rotate: Click on the box, press Ctrl and drag the mouse to rotate the box. 4. When you have positioned the box, click OK in the Make Fixture dialog. The Fixture is generated for the specified area. The fixture is shown in white on the screen. 5.17.4 Default Fixture Settings The default Fixture settings are located on the Settings > General Preferences > Fixture tab.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Setup The Build 5.18 Witness Part In situations where the color and surface quality must be the best possible, ZPrint gives you the ability to generate a “witness part”. A witness part is an additional thin shell of grey material that is created with a small offset from the actual part. It is situated along the surfaces of the part that the printhead first approaches as it is printing.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Setup The Build • Clearance is the spacing between the part and the witness part. • Thickness is the thickness of the witness part 5. Click OK. The witness part is generated. 5.19 Save Your Work When you work on a Part file and exit ZPrint, or make changes to a Part file and need to save, ZPrint will prompt you to save the file as a Build file (*.zbd).
ZPrint™ Software Manual 6 Print The Build Print The Build After you have finished working on your part in ZPrint, it is time to set up the printer and print your part as described in the following sections. • Section 6.1 “3D Print Setup” • Section 6.3 “3D Print With The ZPrinter 450 and 650” • Section 6.4 “3D Print for Older Printers” • Section 6.5 “Obtain Information About The Build” 6.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Print The Build 6.2 3D Print With The ZPrinter 350 The following instructions are for the ZPrinter 350 only. If you have a ZPrinter 450 or 650, see Section 6.3 “3D Print With The ZPrinter 450 and 650”. All other printer types are described in Section 6.4 “3D Print for Older Printers”. 1. After confirming the printer and powder settings for the current print job, select File > 3D Print, or select the icon on the Toolbar. The Printer Status dialog opens. 2.
ZPrint™ Software Manual • Print The Build If you changed the print head, the printer will perform an automatic purge on that head to prepare it for binder, then print a purge block to help flush any remaining black ink out of the HP11 print head. 6. The Printing dialog opens and reports the build status. 6.2.1 The Printing Dialog The Printing dialog opens after the build is started.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Print The Build 6.3 3D Print With The ZPrinter 450 and 650 The following instructions are for the ZPrinter 450 and 650 only. All other printer types should skip this section and go to Section 6.4 “3D Print for Older Printers”. 1. After confirming the printer and powder settings for the current print job, select File > 3D Print, or select the icon on the Toolbar. The Printer Status dialog opens. 2.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Print The Build • The printer will automatically fill the Build Bed with powder and spread a layer to ensure the top surface is smooth. • The printer will service the print heads. If you changed an HP11 print head, the printer will perform an automatic purge on that cartridge to prepare it for binder. • The printer will run a print head alignment before the build if the text message Will Be Performed is shown in the Printer Status dialog. See Chapter 7 for more information.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Print The Build 6.4 3D Print for Older Printers This section applies to the Z406, ZPrinter 310 Plus/Mx, Spectrum Z510/Cx, and Z810 Printers. The 3D Print Setup dialog may show different options available depending on the type of printer you are using. Always check your settings in this dialog before starting a print job. 3D Print Setup Dialog for the Spectrum™ 510/Cx 1. Select File > 3D Print Setup to open the 3D Print Setup dialog.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Print The Build • Layer Print Range: Choose to print the entire build or a range of layers. • Delay start time: If you check this option, the Delayed Build dialog displays after the Printing Options dialog closes. Input how many hours and minutes to delay your build, or use the up/down arrows to select the hours and minutes. The estimated finish time will change as you input values for the hours and minutes.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Print The Build 5. After each item is confirmed and checked, the OK button is enabled. • When the printer is ready to print, it runs a system status check. For example, with the Z406 and the Z810 3D Printers, if you are printing a color model but are in Monochrome mode, ZPrint displays a prompt explaining you are in Monochrome mode and asks you to confirm that you want to continue printing the part.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Print The Build mation Report. The Full Report includes everything in the Brief Report plus the part file name, width, depth, height, volume, and area dimensions. 6.5.2 Calculate Part Statistics Select View > Calculate Part Statistics to view the surface area and volume of a build, prior to printing. 6.5.3 View Log File The Log File is a record ZPrint maintains of each print job run on your printer.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Print The Build is printed several times, a new text file is written for each print job, and the files are distinguished by number. The View Detailed Report dialog acts as a simple file manager for each report generated. It allows you to view the list of files, to sort them by File Name or Date/Time, to view the contents of each file, and to delete files. ZPrint will generate a Detailed Report for every build.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Print The Build 1. Select File > Print 3D Image Preview to display the Print Image dialog. Choose options for printing your build report, such as font type and size, a list of parts in the build or a summary, print image options, and any comments or notes you wish to add to the printout. 2. When you click OK, a print preview window similar to the following screen shot opens. 3. To see an image of the current build, click the Two Page button on the print preview window.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Print The Build The Print 3D Image window showing the two-page layout 4. Select File > Print 3D Image to skip opening the print preview window and print only the build information. zcentral.zcorp.
ZPrint™ Software Manual The Printer Status Dialog (ZPrinter 350/450/650 7 The Printer Status Dialog (ZPrinter 350/450/650 Only) The printer status dialog provides valuable information about what’s happening with your printer, including the amount of binder and powder available, and whether or not there is enough of each to complete your build. This status dialog is only available with the ZPrinter 350, ZPrinter 450 and the ZPrinter 650. The status dialog is described in the sections that follow.
ZPrint™ Software Manual The Printer Status Dialog (ZPrinter 350/450/650 7.1.1 Status Dialog - ZPrinter 350 Only In the example above, the Printer Status dialog on the left is ready for printing. Notice that each item shows OK and the Print button is enabled. From here you would choose your Print Job Options and click Print to start the job.
ZPrint™ Software Manual The Printer Status Dialog (ZPrinter 350/450/650 7.1.2 Status Dialog - ZPrinter 450 and 650 In the example above, the Printer Status dialog on the left (a ZPrinter 450) is ready for printing. Notice that each item shows OK, (except for the Build Temperature), and the Print button is enabled. From here you would choose your printing options and click Print to start the job.
ZPrint™ Software Manual The Printer Status Dialog (ZPrinter 350/450/650 7.3 Change Print Heads ZPrint checks the status of the print head(s) before every build. If a print head needs to be changed, ZPrint displays CHANGE PRINT HEAD in the Printer Status dialog. You will not be able to start the build until you have changed the appropriate print head. • Do not change the print head(s) unless prompted to in the Printer Status dialog.
ZPrint™ Software Manual • The Printer Status Dialog (ZPrinter 350/450/650 The gantry reparks and the printer goes Online. Color printers will run an auto-alignment pattern before starting the next print job to properly align the print heads. 7.4 Add Binder ZPrint evaluates the geometry of a part and determines if there is enough binder to complete the job. If not, ZPrint displays ADD BINDER in the Printer Status dialog. You cannot start the build until you add binder to the printer.
ZPrint™ Software Manual The Printer Status Dialog (ZPrinter 350/450/650 Do not add powder unless all of the powder in the Build Bed, Overflow (front and rear), and Deck has already been returned to the Feeder, via a vacuuming operation. NOTE: The instructions below are a general summary of the actual steps required. The steps will vary somewhat depending on the printer you are using. Refer to the Hardware Manual for your printer. 1.
ZPrint™ Software Manual 8 Advanced Settings Advanced Settings This section explains more advanced functions of ZPrint, such as creating custom Powder Types and exporting files. Section 8.1 “Create Custom Powder Types” Section 8.2 “Saturation Values Overview” Section 8.3 “Anisotropic Scaling Overview” Section 8.4 “Bleed Compensation Overview” Section 8.5 “General Preferences Settings” Section 8.6 “Export .ZPR, .ZPR2, .PLY, or .STL Files” 8.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Advanced Settings 3. Enter new values for the Layer Thickness, Shell and Core Saturation Level, Bleed Compensation, and the Fixture Clearance. • If you need to discard the new settings and return to the original settings, click the Reset Powder Params button before you save your changes. After you click the Save Powder Params button, the Reset Powder Params. button is disabled. The example above shows the new settings for the custom powder type - ZP130A 4.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Advanced Settings 8.2 Saturation Values Overview • In general, the saturation settings for high performance powders are constant for all parts. The default saturation values, suggested by ZPrint, are designed to successfully print a majority of parts. • In general, bulkier parts will print more successfully with a lower saturation setting and delicate parts will print better with a higher saturation setting. • Default values are defined in terms of percentage.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Advanced Settings 8.4 Bleed Compensation Overview Binder printed on powder has a tendency to spread slightly, causing surfaces of a part to migrate outwards. This is known as “bleeding” and to compensate for this, it is necessary to determine the Bleed Compensation value to apply to a part. Once that value is determined, a small amount of thickness is shaved off of all surfaces during the printing process to keep the part in true perspective.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Advanced Settings 8.5.1 General Tab Units: Inches and Fahrenheit are the defaults. The Unit settings tell ZPrint the way that part dimensions and layer thicknesses are displayed in the software, but they do not change the underlying dimensions for the part. Start in 3D View: Checked by default. Opens your files in ZPrint in 3D view. At times, parts may take a long time to load and open due to facet size.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Advanced Settings 8.5.2 Rendering Tab Offer fast rendering for parts larger than: Check this option to have ZPrint prompt you to use fast rendering before drawing a part with more than the designated number of facets entered in the Thousand Facets field. You may override these setting for an individual build by selecting Fast Rendering on the View menu. NOTE: If you have a very fast computer video display, set the facets threshold higher, or uncheck this option.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Advanced Settings 8.5.3 Import/Export Tab Save slice data in .zbd files: Unchecked by default. When checked, saves the slice data of a part. Normally, when you save a build file (.zbd), the slice information is discarded and the part is resliced when the file is opened. This is generally the best strategy for saving files as file size is significantly smaller and will take less time to open. However, once the file is opened, you will have to wait while the file slices the data.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Advanced Settings 8.5.4 Fixtures Tab Max Top Thickness: The maximum thickness of the top surface. Min Top Thickness: The minimum thickness of the top surface. The lower this value is, the better the fixture will cradle the part. Wall Thickness: Sets the thickness of the Fixture wall. Distance between walls by X: The distance between the Fixture walls in the X direction. Distance between walls by Y: The distance between the Fixture walls in the Y direction.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Advanced Settings 8.5.5 Show Layers Tab Display layers while moving layer handle: Check this option to view layers in real time while moving the layer handle up or down in the front view of the main window in either 2D or 3D view. Display layers during collision detection: Check this option to display layers while running collision detection. Delay between layers in collision detection: Input a value for displaying layers while running collision detection.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Advanced Settings 8.5.6 Email Tab If the name of your printer is not recognized as a valid Sender address, enter an email address for the computer that controls the printer, or leave the Sender field blank. In the latter case, the recipient email address will be used as the Sender. SMTP server IP-address: This field should be left blank unless email notification is not working properly. Consult your system administrator and enter an IP address of your company’s SMTP server.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Advanced Settings 8.5.7 EZ Print Mode Tab In EZ Print Mode, the process of printing a part is streamlined. Setup the EZ Print Mode tab and choose the options you want to have ZPrint prompt you with before you start a print. Be sure to check the EZ Print checkbox on the Open dialog, to activate EZ Print Mode in ZPrint.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Advanced Settings 8.5.8 Print Tab Default to printing in monochrome: Check this option to print all builds in monochrome. Spectrum Z510 show pictures and videos: Check this option to view pictures and videos for setting up your Z510 printer. The tutorials begin after you press 3D Print.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Advanced Settings 8.6 Export .ZPR, .ZPR2, .PLY, or .STL Files ZPrint has file export capability for .zpr, .zpr2, .ply and .stl files when you need to export a part from the build and alter it. You can only export one .ply, .zpr, or .zpr2 file at a time. You can export multiple .stl parts and keep them relative to each other when they are imported into a third-party software application. To export a part as a .ply file or a .zpr file: 1. Select the part. (Only one .ply or .
ZPrint™ Software Manual 9 Service Menu Service Menu The Service Menu is where you will find everything you need to maintain and update your printer. ZPrint communicates with the printer during routine service procedures. You can also view status information directly at your 3D Printer, and activate several service functions, should there be a need. The ZPrinter 350/450/650 Service Menu is described below.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Service Menu Auto Alignment. Aligns the print heads after they have been changed (color printers). Purge Print Heads. Select after changing a print head and before running the alignment test. This runs binder through the print head, replacing the HP ink with binder. Print Purge Block. Prints a small flat block under the part to help flush the last remnants of black ink out of the HP 11 print head (monochrome printers). Check Powder Level.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Service Menu Prime Wash Line. Select to push wash fluid through the fluid lines when you first start up your Printer or when you have run out of wash fluid. Stripe Test. Select to print a stripe test to check the functionality of the print heads. Toggle Roller On/Off. (Shortcut Key: F4) Select to activate the roller independently for easy cleaning. Check Status.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Service Menu Empty Overflow. Select to empty the overflow bin before each build. Lube Fast Axis. Select to have the system position the gantry so the fast axis bearings can be lubricated. It also moves the gantry back and forth to lubricate the entire fast axis rail. (NOTE: This feature is only available for Z810 3D Printers with serial numbers of 80050 and up.) Lube Slow Axis. Select to have the system position the gantry so the slow axis bearings can be lubricated.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Troubleshooting 10 Troubleshooting If you should experience any problems using your ZPrint software, look through the topics here for solutions. If you still have trouble, contact your local service provider. Online, you can find our Knowledge Base in the Support section of our Web site at zcentral.zcorp.com. The Troubleshooting topics covered in this sectio9n are as follows: • Section 10.1 “The ZPrint Software Crashes” • Section 10.2 “Black Area on Screen” • Section 10.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Troubleshooting 10.2Black Area on Screen If a new window is created while all or part of it is off-screen, the area that is off-screen will not be drawn and may not refresh when the window is moved back onto the screen. To fix this rendering issue, force a refresh by maximizing and then restoring the window, or select Refresh on the View menu. zcentral.zcorp.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Troubleshooting 10.3Errors with E-mail Notification 10.3.1 Error with DNS Lookup When the computer does not detect an Internet provider, the following dialog box appears. Check your Internet connection and try again. If you continue to experience problems, please contact your network administrator or your local service provider. 10.3.
ZPrint™ Software Manual Troubleshooting 10.4Errors When Printing If the computer freezes during printing or displays a ‘low memory’ or ‘out of memory’ error, uncheck (deselect) the box for “Always use full rendering” (go to the Settings > General Preferences > Rendering tab). You can also try reducing the detail for rendering. Change the fast rendering mode to display every 150 facets. Continue to increase this number if you find that it takes too long to render at this setting. zcentral.zcorp.
ZPrint™ Software Manual INDEX INDEX EZ Print Mode Preferences, 81 Numerics F 2D View, 16 3D Print, 53, , 55 3D Print Image, 61 3D Print Setup, 52, , 57 3D View Start in 3D View, 74 Fast Rendering Preferences, 75 File Formats PLY Files, 2 SFX Files, 2 STL Files, 2 VRML Files, 2 WRL Files, 2 ZBD Files, 2 Fixture, 46 Fixture, Create for a part portion, 48 Fixture, Create for entire part, 47 Fixture, Holes between walls, 47 Full Rendering Print Status Window, 75 A Anisotropic Scaling, 72 B Base Creatin
ZPrint™ Software Manual INDEX O Printer Change for Build, 52, , 57 Open Crash, 87 Open or hollow area of part, 29 Orient for Faster Print Time, 76 Orientation, Part, 28 Overhangs, Parts with, 29 R Refine Texture Preferences, 76 Refresh, 54, , 56 Rendering Artifacts, 87 Rotate, 38 Group, 38 In Active View, 38 Rotate Elevation Grid, 76 P Part accuracy, 29 Part Orientation, 28 Part placement, 28 Part Statistics, 60 Part strength, 28 Parts With Overhangs, 29 Parts, Cylindrical, 30 PLY Files, 2 Powder Chan
ZPrint™ Software Manual INDEX Resize, 11 Witness Part, 50 Clearance, 50 Create, 50 Thickness, 50 WRL Files, 2 Z Z810 Service Menu, 85 ZBD Build Files, 2 zcentral.zcorp.
