Hardware manual

ZPrinter® 650 Hardware Manual Setup And Print The Build

10/21/08

You can generate a Fixture for an entire part, for a portion of a part, or for a part feature that needs addi-

tional support. Fixtures also provide these benefits:

• Supports parts during powder removal process.

• Supports delicate, thin parts for easy removal from the printer and handling during post-process-

ing.

• Keeps multiple parts from bumping into each other, or into the Build Bed walls during powder

removal.

• Increases accuracy in the Z-Axis for parts with large overhangs.

• Helps prevent “squash” effects for hollow cylindrical parts, or parts with overhangs.

NOTE: Squash effect results from an overhang being supported with only unprinted powder. For

example, if a part is a hollow round cylinder, such as a scope, the weight of the powder above the cyl-

inder will cause it to “squash” to something less than round, if there is no support underneath.

2.9.1 Create a Fixture for an entire part

1. Select the part in ZPrint.

2. Select Edit > Make Fixture. ZPrint orients the part in the 3D View for building the Fixture.

NOTE: The settings in the Make Fixture dialog are the General Preference settings that are preset in

the software and the recommended settings for the printer. See the ZPrint™ Software Manual for a

description of the Make Fixture dialog should you need to change any of these settings.

3. There are two features you may choose to enable for a Fixture:

• Make Bumper: To add a bumper to a fixture, check the Make Bumper check box. A bumper will be

generated on the Fixture base.

• Holes between walls: Powder may get trapped between the Fixture and the part. You can gener-

ate a Fixture with holes at the grid intersections to allow powder to escape during automatic pow-

der removal. A zero (0) in this field means no holes are generated on the Fixture. The higher the

percentage, the larger the holes will be on the Fixture.