3D Systems iPro 8000 SLA Center User manual

Cover Page
User’s Manual
iPro™8000 SLA®Center
iPro™9000 SLA®Center
Copyright © 2017 by 3D Systems Corporation. All rights reserved. SLA and the 3D logo are registered trademarks of 3D Systems, Inc. and
3D Sprint, 3DPrint, 3DManage, Lightyear, ProCure, Viper, iPro and Zephyr are trademarks of 3D Systems, Inc.
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Table of Contents
User’s Manual
Thank you for purchasing the iPro™ 8000 SLA ® Center. Before using this equipment, please read this guide carefully to
enjoy optimum performance and longer service life.
Introduction
What’s Inside?
iPro SLA System’s Features -RDM
Other Useful Documents
General Safety
Laser Safety
Chemical Safety
Environmental Conditions
Operations
Software Overview
View Port and View Object
Menu Bar
Tool Bar
Manual Operations
Scanner
History
Machine Window
Build Window
Mechanical Process
Troubleshooting
Customer Support
Service
Maintenance
System Block Diagram
Electronic Chassis Diagram
Legal Notices
Glossary
Specifications
Index
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Introduction to the iPro™8000/9000 SLA®Center
Stereolithography - From stereo, for three-dimensional, and lithography, for printing,
stereolithography is literally three-dimensional printing. It is the term used to describe 3D Systems’
patented fabrication process that “prints”three-dimensional, solid objects by solidifying liquid plastic
using a computer-directed, ultraviolet (UV) laser beam to cure successive layers of photo-sensitive
polymer resin in an RDM (Resin Delivery Module).
The process “builds”three-dimensional solids from the bottom up, layer by layer. As each layer is
created and super-imposed on the layer underneath, a solid object in the shape of a three-
dimensional part is created, the origination of which typically occurs in a separate, computer-based
modeling application such as CAD, CAM, or CAE. Layer thickness can range (see the specifications
for details). A laser beam solidifies the layer of resin. The vertical elevator system lowers the newly
formed slice beneath the surface of the resin at a distance determined prior to part building. A
recoating system ensures consistent layer thickness. Layers build up until all the data for the model
is processed. Then the part is drained and removed from the iPro 8000/9000 SLA Center for post-
processing. The iPro 8000/9000 SLA Center consists of an assembly of numerous discrete sub-
systems that are integrated to perform 3-D stereolithographic model generation.
Developed in 1987 by the founder of 3D Systems, stereolithography was the first commercially
available layer-additive process to enable rapid fabrication of objects pulled directly from Computer-
Aided Design databases.
Our products and services are used by marketing professionals, purchasing departments,
engineering groups, research and development efforts, and design and testing teams all over the
world... to turn their CAD, CAM, CAE designs ---their IDEAS---into solid, tangible, plastic objects.

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What’s the difference?
The numerous build configurations available from the two iPro systems featured in this manual offer
a broad range of options to produce high-definition plastic parts with unmatched quality and
accuracy. They use the same mechanical hardware, software, and methodology. The difference is
the size, and the options associated with size.
The iPro 9000 doubles the build zone of the iPro 8000 by allowing for 2 RDMs or an extra large
RDM. With the greater size, parts can be created in two separate RDMs simultaneously,
regardless of multiple part designs or resin materials. The iPro 9000 can also be used with a
combined RDM to produce parts up to 60 inches long.
The two iPro systems are designed to fit the variety of needs in production and the ever-changing
array of environments they run in.

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What’s Inside?
This manual includes the following topics:
Latest Features
“iPro SLA Center’s Features” describes the latest features incorporated into the iPro 8000/9000 SLA
Center, such as the resin delivery module (RDM), Intelligent Resin Container, Recoater, and
Scanning System. These features are improvements over previous SL models.
Many Other Useful Documents
In “Other Useful Documents” you’ll find a listing of many other documents that may be
helpful to you as you use the iPro 8000/9000 SLA Center, such as iPro 8000/9000 SLA Client Online
Help, the Facility Requirements Guide, and Material Safety Data Sheets.
Operations
“Operations” describes your new iPro 8000/9000 SLA Center. Pictures of the iPro 8000/9000
SLA Center’s components will help you understand the function of the various parts.
Software
“Software Overview” gives you a detailed overview of the software that operates your
iPro 8000/9000 SLA Center.

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Recoater System
“Recoater System” describes how to perform different operations with the resin delivery module
(RDM).
Safety
“General Safety”, “Laser Safety”, “Chemical Safety”, and “Environmental Conditions” describe
precautions that you should take when using your new iPro 8000/9000 SLA Center.
Service and Troubleshooting
In “Troubleshooting” and “Service”, you will find the troubleshooting guide and other basic
information concerning service and maintenance for your iPro 8000/9000 SLA Center.
Glossary
The “Glossary” defines terms that describe the iPro 8000/9000 SLA Center and its operations.
After the glossary, you will find the “Technical Specifications” for your iPro 8000/9000 SLA Center.

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iPro 8000/9000 SLA Center’s Features
Resin Delivery Module (RDM)
The iPro 8000/9000 SLA Center allows for the faster material changes because of the innovative
mobile design of the RDM. Not only can you now change resin in less than ten minutes, you can
also swap the resin delivery module (RDM) easily, with no tools required . All components that come
into contact with resin in the RDM are moved with the module itself. You can remove the RDM easily
and quickly and replace it with another active RDM, without having to clean any wet resin surface.
This new RDM design significantly reduces the time to swap between build materials. In addition,
you can warm up an RDM offline, enabling you to swap one resin delivery module for another that is
ready to use. Gloves, however, may be required to detach the Zephyr ™recoater blade. This new
handling method ensures that all parts that come into contact with resin under normal operation are
a part of the active RDM.
The RDM is a vital system component. It is the mobile container
that stores the resin material and is rolled into the iPro™SLA®
Center to build parts.
The older generation SLA systems referred to this container as a
“Vat”because it was basically just a square metal tub. The RDM
is much more than just a container, it stores all the components
that contact the build material as well as using identification
electronics to communicate to the iPro SLA Center. This allows
the system to detect when the RDM is installed, the type of RDM
being used, and the material contained within the RDM.

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Table 1, shown below, lists the required build envelopes that represent all RDM and platform
elevator configurations that the iPro 8000/9000 SLA Center supports. Each RDM and platform
elevator design minimizes the amount of resin that the iPro 8000/9000 SLA Center requires.
Table 1: RDM Configurations
Name Maximum Build Volume Fill Capacity
RDM 650M 650 x 350 x 300 mm (25.6 x 13.7 x 11.8 in) 148 liters (39.1 U.S. gal)
RDM 750SH 650 x 750 x 50 mm (25.6 x 29.5 x 1.97 in) 95 liters (25.1 U.S. gal)
RDM 750H 650 x 750 x 275 mm (25.6 x 29.5 x 10.8 in) 272 liters (71.86 U.S. gal)
RDM 750F 650 x 750 x 550 mm (25.6 x 29.5 x 21.65 in) 414 liters (109.3 U.S. gal)
RDM iPro 9000 XL 1500 x 750 x 550 mm (59 x 29.5 x 21.7 in) 935 liters (247 U.S. gal)
The iPro 9000 XL builds large, single-piece parts up to 60-inches long
with all of the performance attributes and accuracy that users have
come to expect from 3D Systems' high-definition Stereolithography
process. This system delivers extra-large parts with no seams for
aesthetic superiority, one-piece durability, resulting in reduced labor and
decreased cost. This RDM is only available for use in the iPro 9000
SLA Center.

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There are two operating modes for the RDM:
Stand-by Mode
In this mode, the RDM is offline and operates independently from the iPro 8000/9000 SLA Center,
permitting offline resin and module temperature stabilization when it is connected with line power
to the power umbilical. The resin can warm effectively in this mode, enabling the user to build a
part while warming resin for future use.
Build Mode
In this mode, the RDM is online and connects to the iPro 8000/9000 SLA Center for power and
I/O for full interoperability. The iPro 8000/9000 SLA Center monitors and controls the resin
temperature while connected with the active RDM. When the RDM is online, it can pump and
recirculate resin.
F e a t u r e s
Intelligent Resin Container
Each container in the iPro 8000/9000 SLA Center holds an
electronic storage device that has information about the resin
that is in the bottle and the RDM. This information enables the
iPro SLA Center to make sure that the user does not use the
wrong material, use material incorrectly, or use an empty or
expired container.

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Single Resin Delivery Module
The iPro 8000/9000 SLA Center builds with one resin delivery module,
focusing on speed and accuracy, without compromising space requirements.
Dual Resin Delivery Module
The iPro 9000 SLA Center can also build parts in two separate build zones, Build Zone A and
Build Zone B. Each zone is independently capable of supporting its own active resin delivery
module and motion axis control, enabling controlled builds in both zones simultaneously, with
each build using different resins if desired.
Extra Large Resin Delivery Module
The iPro 9000 SLA Center can operate so that two build zones combine into
a single larger build zone to create larger parts that make up a single
contiguous envelope. The extra large resin delivery module accommodates a
build zone of 1500mm x 750mm x 550mm.

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Recoating Module
IPM
The recoater system has a Zephyr ™ recoater blade with four axes of motion: The y-axis moves
the recoater blade front to rear; the z-axis moves it up and down; the theta y-axis tips or rotates the
blade about the center; the x-axis motion directs sensor motion on the blade. The recoater
system’s liquid level sensor maps the resin surface by moving around the resin surface. The
sensor calibrates the position of the blade so that the blade moves perfectly parallel to the resin
surface, enabling the build to be accurate and precise. The recoating system uses the motion axes
that are connected to the blade, enabling the system to self-calibrate and permitting a customized
setting of the blade gap, or distance from the blade’s bottom to the resin surface, for different
resins.
The iPro 8000/9000 SLA Center’s IPM (Image Projection Module), directs the laser beam using
directional, focusing optics, and scanning mirrors, along with an AOM (Acoustical Optical Modulator)
to regulate the output power. This process will accurately reproduce the input CAD data one layer
at a time.

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8000/9000 O t h e r U s e f u l D o c u m e n t s
Other UsefulDocuments
The following documents will help you to achieve maximum proficiency with your iPro 8000/9000
SLA Center.
3DPrintTM Online Help
Run the iPro 8000/9000 SLA Center software, then select Help > Help Topics in the software window
or the 3DPrint Preview window to launch iPro 8000/9000 SLA Center client online help. The online
Help provides detailed instructions on how to use the iPro 8000/9000 SLA Center software to set up,
run, and manage print jobs.
iPro 8000/9000 SLA Center Facility Requirements Guide
To see what preparation you must do at your site prior to installing the iPro 8000/9000 SLA Center,
read the Facility Requirements Guide.
For access,

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iPro 8000/9000 SLA Center Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)
Make sure that everyone in your facility who handles iPro 8000/9000 SLA Center materials reads
these MSDSs and follows the safety guidelines in them. Every resin shipment includes MSDS paper
copies. You can also find an electronic copy of MSDSs on our Web site, Material Datasheets .

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General Safety
Hazard Messages
There are four safety hazard messages in this iPro 8000/9000 SLA Center User’s Manual: Also
see “Safety Labels” for descriptions of safety labels on your iPro 8000/9000 SLA Center.
Damage
Electric Shock
UV Radiation
Irritant
Always follow the safety procedures. Do not, in any way, risk injury by working dangerously.
Safety is a part of work, and not an obstacle to it.
Machine damage, part damage, and/or data loss can result if you ignore this type of
hazard message.
Injury or death from electric shock can result if you ignore this type of hazard
message.
Eye injury or blindness can result if you ignore this type of hazard message.
Bodily irritation or allergic reaction can result if you ignore this type of hazard
message.

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The iPro 8000/9000 SLA Center was designed with safety in mind; however, improper use and
malfunctions can cause injury. To prevent unsafe operation, the iPro 8000/9000 SLA Center
automatically shuts down immediately if it detects an unsafe condition.
Follow these general safety guidelines when operating your iPro 8000/9000 SLA Center:
• Read and follow system instructions.
• Follow all safety rules in this section and heed all cautions and warnings in this guide.
• Do not attempt to open the chamber door or windows while a part job is running.
• Do not use any material without first reviewing its Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).
• Dress power and communication cables at the back of the iPro 8000/9000 SLA Center to
prevent tripping.
• Do not attempt to access, service, or adjust the internal components.
• Do not attempt to perform any maintenance procedures unless you have been specifically
trained to do so.
• Operators are trained to operate the system and to perform all the necessary tasks to build a
part.
• Certified service personnel have completed the 3D Systems service training package and are
certified to perform service tasks. Certification may occur at various levels and servicers should
only perform tasks that they are authorized and certified to complete.
• Do not ignore warning signs that are posted during service operations.

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• If you see an error message on the system’s display, refer to Troubleshooting before resuming
operation.
• To prevent potential skin irritation and sensitization due to contact with waste material, follow all
guidelines in the iPro 8000/9000 SLA Center Material Handling Safety and Material Disposal
Safety.
• To prevent pinch and crush injuries to the hand, use caution when replacing the platform inside
the build chamber. The platform carriage will not move when the chamber door is open.

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Laser Safety
The SLA Center is designated as a Class I Laser Device by the U.S. Center for Devices and
Radiological Health (CDRH). Class I devices are not considered harmful and require no special
safety precautions. Under normal operation conditions, the laser beam is completely confined. The
viewing windows in the Process Module, block the UV laser radiation from exposure outside of the
build area(s).
Radiation
Operating the equipment or performing procedures other than those specified
within this guide may result in exposure to hazardous, invisible laser radiation.
Radiation
Never stare directly into a laser beam, nor into any beam reflection, whether
diffused or from a mirrorlike surface.

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Radiation
During normal operation, and with all panels installed, the iPro 8000/9000 SLA
Center
is classified as a Class I laser device. If any of the interlocks are defeated, the
iPro 8000/9000 SLA Center becomes a Class IV device. Eye damage can occur
by looking directly into the beam or by viewing any type of beam reflection.
Radiation
Interlocks are to be defeated only by trained personnel when needed during
service procedures.
Control Switches
The locations of control switches are described in the Operations. Master and Emergency
power shut-off switches are located as described in the following paragraphs.
Master Power Shut-off
The iPro SLA Center has a master circuit breaker switch located on the electrical cabinet
module.

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Emergency Shut-off
All SLA Centers have an Emergency Shut-off button on the front panel of the Control Module/
Bay. The iPro 8000/9000 SLA Center has an additional Emergency Shut-off button inside the
Process Chamber. They are bright red with a yellow background. Pressing either switch cuts off all
electrical power to the system, including the laser. See “Safety Labels”.
Caution
This method of power shut-off is not recommended and should be used only in an
Emergency situation.
To restart the system after an emergency shut-off:
Rotate the Emergency OFF button clockwise to reset it, then press the System Enable.
Control Panel Laser LED
An LED light displays the current status of the laser power availability at the laser power supply.

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Safety Warning Labels
Safety Interlock Switches
Laser safety warning labels for the iPro 8000/9000 SLA Centers are affixed inside the process
module and RDM. On the iPro 8000/9000 SLA Center, labels are affixed on the frame behind the
RDM door and near the aperture at the top of the process chamber. These labels conform to the
requirements for Class IIIb and Class IV lasers. Refer to “Safety Labels” for their location.
Safety interlock switches protect the user from possible UV laser radiation exposure when certain
doors or panels are opened. See “Safety Labels” for their locations.