3DGence INDUSTRY F420 User manual

USER’S MANUAL
Translation of the original manual
3DGence INDUSTRY F420

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3DGence INDUSTRY F420 | version 10.2020
COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARKS
The name 3DGence and its respective logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of 3DGence.
General information: other product names, if used in this document, are for identification purposes only and may be
trademarks of their respective owners.
DISCLAIMER
No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, translated into another language or transmitted in
any form or by any means - electronic, mechanical or otherwise - without the prior written permission of 3DGence. All
information and drawings in this document are for the specific 3DGence printer only.
Neither 3DGence nor its affiliates, particularly those involved in the development, manufacture or delivery of this product,
shall be liable to the purchaser of this product or third parties for any damages (including, without limitation, incidental or
consequential damages, loss of profits, business interruption), or loss of business information) or expenses incurred by the
purchaser or a third party as a result of an accident, inappropriate or improper use of this product, unauthorised modifications
or repairs to this product, or failure to follow 3DGence's operating and maintenance instructions - even if 3DGence or its
affiliates are advised of a possibility of such damage or expenses.
3DGence shall not be liable for any damage caused using consumables of other manufacturers.
FCC STATEMENT
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation
CAUTION: Changes or modifications not expressly approved could void your authority to use this equipment
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of
the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment
is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required
to correct the interference at his own expense.
INDUSTRY CANADA STATEMENT
This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference
that may cause undesired operation of the device.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence. L'exploitation
est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes : (1) l'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et (2) l'utilisateur de l'appareil
doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le
fonctionnement."

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Contents
I INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................................................................6
1. INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................................................................6
2. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION OF THE DEVICE...........................................................................................................................6
2.1. Device identification.......................................................................................................................................................8
3. FFF TECHNOLOGY...................................................................................................................................................................8
II INSTALLATION CONDITIONS..............................................................................................................................................10
1. SECURITY MEASURES ...........................................................................................................................................................10
1.1. Symbols used in the manual.........................................................................................................................................10
1.2. General safety practices ...............................................................................................................................................10
1.3. Printer markings ...........................................................................................................................................................11
1.4. Potential areas of safety risks.......................................................................................................................................11
1.5. Moving the device ........................................................................................................................................................12
1.6. Place of installation ......................................................................................................................................................12
1.7. Connection specifications.............................................................................................................................................14
1.8. Power consumption......................................................................................................................................................15
2. PACKAGE CONTENTS............................................................................................................................................................15
3. PRINTER UNPACKING...........................................................................................................................................................15
4. STEPS BEFORE STARTING THE PRINTER ...............................................................................................................................18
4.1. Printer stabilisation ......................................................................................................................................................18
5. PRINTER START-UP...............................................................................................................................................................18
5.1. Connecting to a power source and switching on the device........................................................................................18
5.2. Connection of the air treatment and compressed air unit...........................................................................................18
5.3. Connecting a WLAN adapter ........................................................................................................................................20
5.4. Network configuration .................................................................................................................................................21
5.5. Firmware update ..........................................................................................................................................................21
5.6. Print module installation ..............................................................................................................................................21
5.7. Glass table installation..................................................................................................................................................21
5.8. Adjustment of slats and brushes of the cleaning station .............................................................................................21
5.9. Heatbed calibration ......................................................................................................................................................23
5.10. Installation of a cleaning station container ................................................................................................................23
5.11. Setting the offset between the hotends in the print module in the Z axis.................................................................24
5.12. Setting the offset between the hotends in the print module in the X, Y axes ...........................................................24
III PRINTER DESIGN ..............................................................................................................................................................25
1. OVERVIEW............................................................................................................................................................................25
2. KINEMATIC SYSTEM .............................................................................................................................................................29
3. USER INTERFACE PANEL.......................................................................................................................................................29
3.1. Display ..........................................................................................................................................................................29
3.2. Power button................................................................................................................................................................29

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4. WORKING CHAMBER ...........................................................................................................................................................29
4.1. Working chamber door.................................................................................................................................................29
4.2. Heated print bed...........................................................................................................................................................29
4.3. Slats and brushes of the cleaning station.....................................................................................................................30
4.4. Cleaning station container............................................................................................................................................30
4.5. Camera..........................................................................................................................................................................30
4.6. Lighting .........................................................................................................................................................................31
5. MATERIAL CHAMBER ...........................................................................................................................................................31
5.1. Temperature control in the material chamber.............................................................................................................31
6. SMART MATERIAL MANAGER SYSTEM ................................................................................................................................32
7. PRINT MODULE ....................................................................................................................................................................32
8. EXTRUDER MODULES...........................................................................................................................................................34
9. MATERIAL LOADING SUPPORT MODULES ...........................................................................................................................34
10. TOP COVER.........................................................................................................................................................................34
11. ACCESSORY CHAMBER .......................................................................................................................................................34
11.1. Accessories chamber door..........................................................................................................................................34
11.2. USB port......................................................................................................................................................................35
12. REAR PANEL .......................................................................................................................................................................35
12.1. LAN .............................................................................................................................................................................35
12.2. Overcurrent protection ..............................................................................................................................................35
12.3. Air connection ............................................................................................................................................................35
12.4. Main switch ................................................................................................................................................................36
12.5. Power cable inlet ........................................................................................................................................................36
13. ADDITIONAL ACCESSORIES.................................................................................................................................................37
13.1. Light tower with sound signalling...............................................................................................................................37
13.2. UPS..............................................................................................................................................................................37
13.3. Filter................................................................................................................................................................................37
IV USER INTERFACE..............................................................................................................................................................38
1. IDLE STATE MENU ................................................................................................................................................................38
1.1. Multifunction button....................................................................................................................................................39
1.2. The File screen..............................................................................................................................................................39
1.3. Materials screen ...........................................................................................................................................................40
1.4. Network settings button...............................................................................................................................................42
1.5. Settings button .............................................................................................................................................................44
1.5.1. Wait for print .............................................................................................................................................................45
1.5.2. Calibration .................................................................................................................................................................45
1.5.3. Manual control ..........................................................................................................................................................47
1.5.4. Maintenance..............................................................................................................................................................48
1.5.5. Options ......................................................................................................................................................................49
1.5.6. Service menu .............................................................................................................................................................49

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2. WORK IN PROGRESS MENU .................................................................................................................................................50
V PRINTER OPERATION ........................................................................................................................................................51
1. FIRMWARE UPDATE.............................................................................................................................................................51
2. SWITCHING THE PRINTER ON AND OFF ...............................................................................................................................51
2.1. Switching the printer on ...............................................................................................................................................51
2.2. Switching the printer off...............................................................................................................................................51
3. ACTIVITIES CONNECTED WITH PRINTING MATERIAL...........................................................................................................51
3.1. Material loading............................................................................................................................................................52
3.2. Material unloading .......................................................................................................................................................53
3.3. Change of material from the active bay to inactive bay / activating inactive material................................................53
4. PRINT MODULE ....................................................................................................................................................................54
4.1. Print module installation ..............................................................................................................................................54
4.2. Print module removal...................................................................................................................................................56
5. PRINTING SURFACE..............................................................................................................................................................57
5.1. Installing the printing surface.......................................................................................................................................57
5.1.1. Selecting the printing surface....................................................................................................................................57
5.1.2. Fitting a glass pane ....................................................................................................................................................57
5.1.3. Installation of the polymer pad .................................................................................................................................58
5.2. Replacing the glass printing surface with a pad ...........................................................................................................59
6. ACTIVITIES CONNECTED WITH PRINTING ............................................................................................................................59
6.1. Start printing from a flash drive....................................................................................................................................59
6.2. Transfer the print to the printer through the network ................................................................................................60
6.2.1. From 3DGence SLICER 4.0 through the local network...............................................................................................60
6.2.2. From 3DGence SLICER 4.0 through the CLOUD system.............................................................................................60
6.2.3. From the 3DGence CLOUD web platform..................................................................................................................61
6.3. Removing prints............................................................................................................................................................62
VI CALIBRATION...................................................................................................................................................................63
1. PRINT MODULE CALIBRATION .............................................................................................................................................63
1.1. Calibrating the offset between the hotends in the print module in the Z axis ............................................................63
1.2. Calibration of offset between hotends in the module in the X, Y axes ........................................................................63
2. HEATBED CALIBRATION .......................................................................................................................................................65
VII SOFTWARE......................................................................................................................................................................66
1. 3DGENCE SLICER 4.0 ............................................................................................................................................................66
1.1. Introduction..................................................................................................................................................................66
1.2. Quality Guarantee ........................................................................................................................................................66
1.3. Installation....................................................................................................................................................................66
2. 3DGENCE CLOUD..................................................................................................................................................................67
VIII MAINTENANCE ..............................................................................................................................................................68
1. AFTER EACH PRINT...............................................................................................................................................................68
1.1. Checking hotend tips for debris....................................................................................................................................68

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1.2. Cleaning the glass heatbed and applying an adhesive layer ........................................................................................68
1.3. Emptying the cleaning station container......................................................................................................................69
2. WEEKLY ................................................................................................................................................................................70
2.1. Cleaning the working chamber.....................................................................................................................................70
2.2. Emptying the air drier tank in the air treatment unit...................................................................................................70
3. ONCE A MONTH OR EVERY 500 HOURS OF PRINTING.........................................................................................................70
3.1. Lubricating the X axis....................................................................................................................................................70
3.2. Cleaning the extruders .................................................................................................................................................72
3.3. Setting the offset between the hotends in the print module in the Z axis...................................................................75
3.4. Setting the offset between the hotends in the print module in the X, Y axes .............................................................75
4. EVERY TWO MONTHS OR EVERY 1000 HOURS OF PRINTING ..............................................................................................75
4.1. Replacing the print tip and cover .................................................................................................................................75
4.2. Cleaning the printing module fans ...............................................................................................................................77
5. EVERY QUARTER OR EVERY 1500 HOURS OF PRINTING ......................................................................................................77
5.1. Lubricating the Y axis ....................................................................................................................................................77
5.2. Cleaning of the extruder sprocket and lubricating the extruder needle bearing.........................................................83
5.3. Checking the condition of the the hotend cleaning unit ..............................................................................................83
5.4. Heatbed calibration ......................................................................................................................................................83
6. EVERY SIX MONTHS OR EVERY 3000 HOURS OF PRINTING.............................................................................................84
6.1. Lubricating the Z axis ....................................................................................................................................................84
6.2. Adjusting timing belts tension......................................................................................................................................87
6.3. Replacing the module cooling filter..............................................................................................................................87
6.4. Checking the curtains ...................................................................................................................................................88
6.5. Print module service.....................................................................................................................................................88
6.6. Printer service...............................................................................................................................................................89
7. WHEN REQUIRED .................................................................................................................................................................89
7.1. Replacing the hotend cleaning unit..............................................................................................................................89
7.2. Replacing bulbs.............................................................................................................................................................89
7.3. Removal of residual material from the feed system ....................................................................................................90
7.3.1. Downstream the MLS to the manifold ......................................................................................................................90
7.3.2. Downstream the manifold to the extruder ...............................................................................................................91
7.4. LAS 42 filter replacement (optional accessory) ............................................................................................................92
IX TECHNICAL SUPPORT .......................................................................................................................................................99
X GLOSSARY.......................................................................................................................................................................100

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3DGence INDUSTRY F420 | version 10.2020
I INTRODUCTION
1. INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing the 3DGence INDUSTRY F420 printer. This manual will familiarise you with the industrial 3D printer in
a clear and comprehensible manner, ensuring the highest quality results and allowing you to use the device in repeatable and
safe way for a long time.
This manual contains information necessary for the correct and safe use of the device. Before you start to use the printer, read
the entire manual carefully.
It is forbidden to use the printer by persons who have not read the manual. Improper use may damage the device, cause
injury or even put the operator’s live at risk.
Starting to use the 3DGence INDUSTRY F420 printer is tantamount to ascertaining that you have read the entire manual, follow
its instructions and the warranty terms and conditions available at the manufacturer's website: www.3dgence.com.
Special care must be taken when using the device, due to the residual risk that exists despite using a safe structure
by design, precautionary measures, and additional protective measures. Attention should be paid to signs
and messages informing about hazards, i.e. stickers on mechanical elements of the device, messages on the LCD
display, light signals through the light tower and warning sound signals. Their meaning is described in this manual.
2. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION OF THE DEVICE
3DGence INDUSTRY F420 printer is an industrial device designed for printing spatial models from thermoplastic plastics based
on three-dimensional models. The 3DGence INDUSTRY F420 printer is a professional device designed for industrial applications.
It allows you to print resistant models from such process materials as: ABS, PC, PEEK or ULTEM. The system of exchangeable
print modules allows for a quick module change depending on the material required for printing. The use of an actively heated
working chamber guarantees high quality and dimensional compatibility of produced models. During printing THE materials
are stored in a stable environment thanks to a heated material chamber. And the air filter installed in the device separates
odours and ensures safe use. The technical specification of the device is presented in table 1.
Table 1 3DGence INDUSTRY F420 printer technical specification
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT
Printer (W x D x H)
915 x 980 x 1890 mm
Maximum printer dimensions with open top cover, open
access doors, open material chamber (W x D x H)
1500 x 1763 x 2230 mm (without the light tower)
1570 x 1763 x 2430 mm (with the light tower)
Printer Packaging (W x D x H)
1200 x 1000 x 2064 mm
Printer weight without packaging and additional accessories
~ 350 kg
Weight of the printer with packaging
~ 490 kg
ENVIRONMENT
Operating temperature
18 –30°C
Storage temperature
-20 –54°C
POWER SUPPLY
Required connection
Plug 3 ph 32 A IEC 60309 / 1 ph 20 A directly
The power supply
240 V AC, ~11 A, 50/60 Hz
Maximum power input
4600 W
Average power input
1500 W
Communication
Ethernet, WiFi, USB
SPEED
Print speed for idle movements (maximum)
1000 mm/s at the acceleration of 2000 mm/s2
Print speed for operating movements (maximum)
400 mm/s
3D PRINTING
Technology
FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication)
Working space (W. x D x H)
380 x 380 x 420 mm
Build envelope volume
60,648 cm3
Module hotend temperatures (maximum)
500°C

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Heatbed temperature (maximum)
180°C
Print chamber temperature (maximum)
180°C
Material chamber temperature (maximum)
50°C
Filament diameter
1.75 mm
Layer height (minimum)
50 µm
MATERIALS AND MODULES
Printing modules
3 interchangeable modules
Number of hotends
2
STRUCTURE
Construction
Free-standing with castor wheels for handling
Frame
Made of steel, the working chamber of stainless steel
Doors
Three-layer pane with passive circulation cooling
Drive
Stepper motors with closed loop position feedback
Linear components
XY: linear guides and drive belts
Z: linear guides and ball screw
Extruders
Interchangeable with flow diagnostics
Electronics
Numerical control board based on 32-bit ARM cortex
architecture
User interface board based on 32-bit ARM cortex architecture
Material chamber management board based on 32-bit ARM
cortex architecture
Heatbed surface
Glass table with a presence detector
Vacuum-sucked polymer overlays (depending on base
material)
Table surface can be changed without tools, without a
changing/disconnecting the heater
Material chamber
Fitted with a 4 x 1 kg material bay
Fitted with a semi-automatic material loading system
Automatic material spool change during printing
Reading NFC tags with the SMM system.
Heated temperature chamber
Yes
Lighting in the print chamber
Halogen filaments
Camera
2 Mpx camera built-in the working chamber
Display
7'' TFT capacitive with 800 x 400 px resolution
XY axes positioning resolution
0,008 mm
Z axis positioning resolution
0,006 mm
Additional options
Air filtration system
Uninterruptible power supply (UPS)
Light tower
Air treatment unit
Emergency stop switch
SAFETY
Filters
LAS 42 advanced filter unit (optional)
Doors
Electric lock lockable from the software
Sensors
Door open sensors
Top flap open sensor
Temperature sensors
Emergency stop switch
Systems
Emergency cut-off system for drive and module power supply.
Emergency power supply cut-off system for the power supply
unit of the logic.
A software system for printer shutdown with a user
confirmation capability.
SOFTWARE
Print Manager
3DGence Slicer 4.0
File formats supported by the printer
.3dg
Supported operating systems
Windows, macOS
Cloud system
3DGence CLOUD

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2.1. Device identification
The printer can be identified by the serial number, which can be found on the nameplate on the back side of the printer (Fig.1).
You can also check the serial number on the device display. When sending a request through the 3DGence CLOUD platform,
the 3DGence Support Department will automatically receive a serial number for the printer concerned. The serial number
starts with a symbol: S/N F420, which should be provided when contacting the 3DGence Technical Support.
Fig. 1 Rating plate of the unit
3. FFF TECHNOLOGY
The FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication) technology employed by the 3DGence INDUSTRY F420 printer works by depositing the
thermoplastic layer by layer on the heated print bed, thus bonding it to previous layers. This material is a printer consumable.
It comes in the form of a material with a strictly defined diameter, wound on a spool (Fig. 2). 3DGence INDUSTRY F420 uses
only 1.75 mm diameter material (filament).
The 3DGence INDUSTRY F420 printer can work with many types of process materials. For 3DGence printers, a Database of
Certified Materials has been developed, available at www.3dgence.com. The database contains a list of all materials tested
and recommended by 3DGence, for which print settings have been prepared in the dedicated software 3DGence SLICER 4.0.
3DGence recommends using filaments listed in the Certified Material Database. These materials are supported by the SMM
system in the 3DGence INDUSTRY F420 printer and allow for precise print parameters, automatic material type detection and
consequently guarantee high print quality. For more information on the SMM system, see Section III, point 6.
3DGence does not restrict the use of uncertified material but using them prevents the use of the SMM system. 3DGence shall
not be responsible for the quality of prints made with materials which are not listed in the Database of Certified Materials, nor
shall 3DGence be responsible for any damage caused by using such materials for printing and shall not provide support for the
quality of prints made with filaments which are not listed in the Database of Certified Materials.

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Fig. 2 Sample spool of material