Z Rapid SL series User manual

SL series 3D Printer
User’s Manual
Z Rapid Technologies Co., Ltd.
Ver. 1.0

Content
1 Introduction ...............................................................................................................................- 1 -
1.1 What is Stereolithography (SL)?......................................................................................- 1 -
1.2 SL Characteristic ..............................................................................................................- 3 -
1.3 The SL Process .................................................................................................................- 3 -
1.3.1 CAD Preparation...................................................................................................- 3 -
1.3.2 Print Process.........................................................................................................- 4 -
1.3.3 Post Processing.....................................................................................................- 4 -
2 Hardware of SL ...........................................................................................................................- 5 -
2.1 Hardware Introduction....................................................................................................- 5 -
2.1.1 Build Chamber......................................................................................................- 5 -
2.1.2 Emergency Button................................................................................................- 7 -
2.1.3 Temperature Controller........................................................................................- 7 -
2.1.4 Monitor ................................................................................................................- 8 -
2.1.5 Buttons & Alarm/Speaker ....................................................................................- 8 -
2.1.6 Laser Controller Cabinet.......................................................................................- 8 -
2.1.7 Main Power Switch.............................................................................................- 10 -
2.2 Start/Stop SL..................................................................................................................- 10 -
2.2.1 Start SL ...............................................................................................................- 10 -
2.2.2 Stop SL................................................................................................................- 11 -
3 Software of SL ..........................................................................................................................- 12 -
3.1 Software Introduction ...................................................................................................- 12 -
3.2 Printing Step..................................................................................................................- 22 -
4 Post Processing.........................................................................................................................- 24 -
4.1 Cleaning the parts .........................................................................................................- 24 -
4.2 Post Curing ....................................................................................................................- 24 -
4.3 Sandblasting & polishing...............................................................................................- 25 -
5 Troubleshooting .......................................................................................................................- 26 -
6 Contact Us ................................................................................................................................- 27 -
Appendix 1 RFH Laser System .....................................................................................................- 28 -
Appendix 2 Inngu Laser System ..................................................................................................- 35 -

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1 Introduction
1.1 What is Stereolithography (SL)?
Stereolithography is a three-dimensional printing process that produces
a solid plastic model. Using proprietary software, CAD output data is
sliced into very thin cross sections. The resulting slice sections are then
transformed into files to be used at the SL series Production Systems. A
laser generating a small, intense beam of Ultraviolet (UV) light is moved
by a computer-controlled optical scanning system across the top of a vat
containing liquid resin. The laser draws each layer of the part from the
data provided by the build data file.
As the laser contacts the resin, the beam photo polymerizes the resin
into a solid. When a layer is completed, an elevator lowers the part
deeper into the vat, covering it with resin. Leveling and recoating
systems establish the thickness and flatness of the liquid layer. When the
resin surface is stable, the laser draws the next layer of the part. As each
layer is drawn, it adheres to the previous layer, creating a solid part. This
process continues until the final layer has been drawn. The part is then
removed from the SL Production System, cleaned and post-cured with
high intensity UV energy to complete the polymerization process. The
part may then be finished by various methods including sanding,

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sandblasting, painting or dyeing.
Z Rapid standard range of SL Production Systems includeSL300, SL450
and SL600 (see Figures 1,2 and 3).
Figure 1.SL300
Figure 2.SL450

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Figure 3.SL600
Note: Outlook of actual machines may vary from the above pictures.
1.2 SL Characteristic
High speed printing
High quality printed parts
User-friendly
Highly automated
1.3 The SL Process
There are three major steps in stereolithography - CAD Preparation, Print
Process and Post Processing.
1.3.1 CAD Preparation
CAD preparation includes the CAD Design and the CAD Interface. These

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two steps take the design image from a three-dimensional CAD image,
directly to slice &support generation software, which then prepares the
specially-formatted computer image files(.slc) for use in
stereolithography. There are normally two files: Part.slc for the part and
s_part.slc for the support structures of the part.
1.3.2 Print Process
Turn on the machine and copy all the SLC files into the PC. Add Part.slc
file into the Zero build software. The s_part.slc will be added
automatically. Position the parts on the build plate grid in the software.
Click the Build button in Zero to begin print.
1.3.3 Post Processing
After the part has been built it requires post processing. This includes
cleaning, removing the supports and ultraviolet (UV) post curing. It may
also include final finishing, such as sanding, sandblasting, polishing,
buffing, painting or dyeing.

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2 Hardware of SL
2.1 Hardware Introduction
Figure 4.Hardware Introduction
Note: Illustration above (see Figure 4) is based on SL300 and SL450,
however, positions of indicated parts are similar on the SL600.
2.1.1 Build Chamber
The build chamber (see Figure 5) is the working space of the SL
Production Systems and it encompasses the build plate, recoater, resin
vat, etc.
The build plate is the platform upon which the parts are printed.
Build chamber
Monitor
Buttons &Alarm/Speaker
Keyboard & Mouse
Laser Controller Cabinet
Temperature Controller
Emergency Button
Vat Access Door

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The recoater sweeps the resin during printing.
Figure 5.The Build Chamber
The resin vat (see Figure 6) is located below the build plate and contains
resin.
Figure 6.The Resin Vat
Note: Open the vat access door, to locate the tap for draining out resin.
Build plate
Part
Recoater
Tap
Resin Vat

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2.1.2 Emergency Button
In the case of emergencies, push the emergency button (see Figure 7) to
stop the motion system immediately. To restart the system, rotate the
button clockwise as indicated.
Figure 7.The Emergency Button
2.1.3 Temperature Controller
To control the temperature of the build chamber.
Figure 8. The Temperature Controller
Note: The standard recommended temperature setting is 32 ℃ .However,
Set temperature
Current temperature
Increase the
temperature
Decrease the
temperature

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for resin which does not require heating, shut off the heater system.
2.1.4 Monitor
The monitor on the SL series 3D printer has a touch screen feature.
2.1.5 Buttons & Alarm/Speaker
Figure 9.Buttons &Alarm/Speaker
a) USB Slot –Insert USB to copy SLC files to computer.
b) Power indicator light –Indicates machine is on standby/220V.
c) Control On –On/Off button for 24v DC on PC, Control system, etc.
d) Laser On –On/Off button for the laser controller.
e) Heater On –On/Off button for the heater system.
f) Light On –On/Off button for the LED lights in the build chamber.
g) Alarm/Speaker –“Beeps” driven by motion controller.
Note: Push On/Off buttons to activate functions. Lit buttons indicates
functions are On/in operation. Push the lit button to turn the function off.
2.1.6 Laser Controller Cabinet
The laser controller (see Figure 10) is located in the laser controller
USB Slot
Power indicator light
Laser On
Light On
Heater On
Control On
Alarm/Speaker