Stratasys Dimension BST 1200 User manual

BST 1200 / SST 1200
User Guide

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DimensionBST1200/SST1200UserGuide
Notice
The information in this document is subject to change without notice.
STRATASYS, INC. MAKES NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND WITH REGARD TO THIS MATE-
RIAL, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANT-
ABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Stratasys, Inc. shall not be liable
for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with
the furnishing, performance, or use of this material.
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 rea-
sonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio fre-
quency 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.
Changes or modifications to the Dimension system not expressly approved by Stratasys,
the party responsible for compliance, could void the user’s authority for use.
This document is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. Its use, disclosure, and
possession are restricted by an agreement with Stratasys per software copyright. No part
of this document may be photocopied, reproduced or translated into another language
without the prior written consent of Stratasys, Inc. Printed in the USA.
Stratasys, Dimension, and Catalyst are registered trademarks of Stratasys, Inc.
Krytox, Windows 2000, and Windows XP are registered trademarks of their respective
companies.
© Copyright 2006 Stratasys, Incorporated.
April 2006
The Dimension system conforms with the following standards, in
accordance with the EU Machinery, Low Voltage and Electromagnetic
Compatibility Directives: EU 89/392/EEC, EU 98/37/EEC, EU 73/23/EEC
amended by 93/68/EEC, EU 89/336/EEC

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Dimension BST 1200 / SST 1200 User Guide
Introduction
Dimension is designed with ultimate simplicity in mind. The system
enables you to build parts quickly, even if you’ve never used a 3D
printer before. Its display panel prompts you to press a few keys to
get you modeling quickly.
The system models with ABS plastic, so modeled parts are strong
and durable. ABS also ensures you’ll be able to drill, tap, sand, and
paint your creations. With the speed and convenience of
Breakaway Support Technology (BST) or Soluble Support
Technology (SST), your completed parts are quickly available for
review and test.
Dimension is an innovative combination of proprietary hardware,
software, and material technology.
Congratulations…
you’ve made a smart choice!

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DimensionBST1200/SST1200UserGuide
How To Use This Manual
This User’s Guide is laid out in easy to follow sections which cover
Set-up, Operation, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting of your
Dimension printer. Be sure to read each section carefully so that
you will get the best performance from your system.
Highlighted Information
The manual is written in a step-by-step format so as to guide you
through a variety of operational tasks. Information of particular
importance is presented in one of three formats
NOTE
A NOTE is used to highlight a specific point or to provide an
operational tip. While useful, a NOTE does not indicate a
procedure that can cause injury or damage if it is not
followed. A NOTE will follow the paragraph of instruction to
which it relates.
The Dimension printer guides you through operational tasks from a
User Interface (UI) on the front panel of the printer. Throughout the
User Guide, text representing messages that appear on the UI are
presented in a specific format. Interface Messages appear as
a bold, serif, fixed-pitch (mono-space) font.
WARNING
A WARNING indicates a procedure that
may cause Injury to an operator if the
procedure is not followed. A WARNING
will precede the paragraph of instruction
to which it relates.
CAUTION
A CAUTION indicates a procedure that
may cause Damage To Equipment if the
procedure is not followed. A CAUTION
will precede the paragraph of instruction
to which it relates.

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Dimension BST 1200 / SST 1200 User Guide
Sections Of The Manual
Overview...
Provides a quick reference for the layout of the printer and its
operating components. Overview also provides a quick reference
for sources of additional information and printer supplies.
Setup...
Guides you through the initial printer installation and setup. Topics
include unpacking, connecting power, installing software, and
connecting to a computer network. Generally, topics in setup are
only accomplished during installation or relocation of the printer.
Operation...
Further develops your understanding of the printer by presenting
the User Interface, Loading and Unloading of Material, Building
Parts, Removing Completed Parts, and Removing Support
Material. The tasks presented are common procedures
accomplished during the normal operation of the printer.
Maintenance...
Lists several tasks that you will need to perform to keep your
printer performing at its best. Some tasks are ‘As Needed’ while
others are determined by a set number of printer hours (CatalystEX
includes an odometer of printer hours). ‘House Cleaning’, Axis
Maintenance, Tip Cleaning Assembly Replacement, Chamber
Light Bar Replacement, Tip Area Clean-up, and Tip Replacement
are procedures that you can perform with the help of the User
Guide.
Troubleshooting..
Allows you to perform some problem diagnosis and correction
procedures in the event that your printer has a problem. A
Troubleshooting Checklist, Fault Determination Codes, and a
procedure to recover from a Loss of Extrusion are provided.

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DimensionBST1200/SST1200UserGuide

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Dimension BST 1200 / SST 1200 User Guide
Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................3
How To Use This Manual.........................................................4
Highlighted Information .................................................................. 4
Sections Of The Manual................................................................. 5
Overview...................................................................................11
Finding More Information.......................................................13
Setting up Dimension................................................................... 13
Using Dimension.......................................................................... 13
Supplies .................................................................................14
Setup.........................................................................................15
Workspace.............................................................................15
Unpacking..............................................................................16
Installing Forklift Access Covers............................................18
Power Connections................................................................18
Powering On Dimension ........................................................20
Insert Modeling Base .............................................................21
Installing Software..................................................................22
Networking Your Printer.........................................................23
Connecting Directly To Your PC............................................26
Operation..................................................................................29
Display Panel and Keypad.....................................................29
Inserting a Modeling Base......................................................30
Powering On Dimension ........................................................30
Powering Off Dimension ........................................................31
Cycling Power........................................................................31
Loading Material.....................................................................32
Unloading Material.................................................................35

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DimensionBST1200/SST1200UserGuide
Building a Test Part................................................................37
Sending Your CAD File to the System...................................37
Building a Part from Your File...................................................... 39
Chamber Lights......................................................................39
Pausing Build .........................................................................40
Resuming Build from Pause Mode.........................................40
Resuming Operations from Standby Mode............................40
Canceling a Job......................................................................41
Removing a Completed Part..................................................41
Removing Support Material....................................................42
Breakaway Supports.................................................................... 42
Soluble Supports.......................................................................... 43
Maintenance.............................................................................45
Startup Kit Tools.....................................................................45
After Each Build......................................................................46
Empty Purge Container................................................................ 46
500 Hour Maintenance...........................................................46
Clean Fan Filter............................................................................ 46
Tip Cleaning Assembly (Brush/Flicker Assembly) ....................... 47
2000 Hour Maintenance.........................................................49
Axis Maintenance......................................................................... 49
As Needed Maintenance........................................................50
Remove Debris Buildup ............................................................... 50
Vacuum Build Chamber............................................................... 50
Clean Door Glass......................................................................... 50
Chamber Light Bar....................................................................... 50
Tip Area Clean-up........................................................................ 51
Tip Shroud Replacement ............................................................. 52
Tip Replacement.......................................................................... 53

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Dimension BST 1200 / SST 1200 User Guide
Troubleshooting ......................................................................59
Troubleshooting Checklist......................................................59
Fault Determination Codes ....................................................61
Loss of Extrusion....................................................................61
Diagnosing Loss of Extrusion....................................................... 61
Recovering From Loss of Extrusion............................................. 63

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DimensionBST1200/SST1200UserGuide