User`s manual

ZPrint™ Software Manual Setup The Build

11/30/09

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 win-

dow, ZPrint will ask you to select a single document (Build) file, or several Part files.

5.2 Part Orientation

5.2.1 Overview - Part Orientation

Parts that lie in the X-Y plane will be stronger than those aligned on the Z-Axis. If a part has a particularly

delicate feature, especially one shaped like a thin rod, align that feature in the X-Y plane for the greatest

strength. If a part has particularly delicate features that are supported only by unprinted powder, build a

Fixture for the part to reduce the chances of breaking the feature during powder removal.

Do not tightly pack multiple parts into the Build Bed. If multiple parts are tightly packed, it may be difficult to

lift them out of the Build Bed with proper support. If a delicate part is being built with other more solid parts,

add a Fixture to the delicate part to protect it during powder removal.

5.2.2 Speed, Strength and Accuracy

The orientation of a part in the Build Bed impacts printing speed, finished part strength, and finished part

accuracy.

• Printing Speed. The ZPrint Software automatically positions parts in the Build Bed for maximum

build speed by placing parts with the smallest dimension in the Z-Axis.

• Strength. The ultimate strength of an uninfiltrated part will be somewhat affected by its orientation

within the Build Bed. The part will be strongest along the X-Axis and Y-Axis and less strong along

the Z-Axis. This is because the cross sections are printed in continuous strips along the Y or the

“fast” axis (the print head’s direction of travel); in bands across the X or the “slow” axis (the fast

axis direction of travel); and in laminated layers along the Z-Axis. Once a part is infiltrated, it uni-

formly takes on the strength characteristics of the infiltrating product.