You are on page 1of 47

Welcome

2009 Copyright Solido Ltd.

Specifications

Printer specifications:

Software & Requirements

Technology 3D printing - Plastic Sheet Lamination

Language English

Build Material PVC

Input File Formats Supported STL

Dimensions W18.3 x L30.3 x H16.5

Output File Supported SDM (Proprietary)

Weight without cartridge and roll 79lbs

Platforms Supported Windows 2000, XP

Power consumption 620W (maximum power, in process)

Processor Pentium lll, 500Mhz

100-120 / 200-240VAC

RAM 128MB

50/60 Hz.

HD 10MB

Operating temperature 95 F

Interface USB

Sound level Max. 65 db(A)

2009 Copyright Solido Ltd.

Capabilities

Build material: Engineered plastic

Maximum model size (XYZ):

6.3 x 8.26 x 5.3

Accuracy:

+/-0.0039 (X and Y)

Resolution:

0.0066 (Z)

Input file formats:

STL

Minimum free wall thickness: 0.039

2009 Copyright Solido Ltd.

Models

2009 Copyright Solido Ltd.

Models

2009 Copyright Solido Ltd.

Technology and operation concept


Bottom to top layer by layer build-up

Layer build-up cycle:


Preparing a new plastic sheet layer in the buffer
Glue application on the whole area
Ironing the new plastic sheet layer on the model block
Cutting the new plastic sheet layer according to the pattern
Trimming the new plastic sheet layer and roll back
Masking fluid application by the 3 AG pens

2009 Copyright Solido Ltd.

Material Kit

Plastic Material roll


Glue container
AG cassette
AG pens

NOTE:
Glue, Anti-Glue and Material Roll have to be changed all together.
NEVER mix the components of the Kit

2009 Copyright Solido Ltd.

Support Removal

Clean, dry parts, no chemicals or washes


No special tools or lab equipment required
Peeling cuts allow easy peeling of complicated geometries
Z-Fold allows fast, continuous removal of excess material

2009 Copyright Solido Ltd.

The Workflow

1.

Click BUILD and send the build file to the SD300-Pro

2.

Retrieve your model

3.

Simply peel away the support material

Youre done!

2009 Copyright Solido Ltd.

SDView application software


Toolbars
Table Box

Importing STL files


Placing models on work table
Safe Box

Scale, duplicate, rotate, chop, join, etc.


Viewing the model geometry
Placing additional cuts

Grid

Table
Axis Origin Arrows

File management (SDM format)


Build model
See SDViews User Manual under Help
for more details

Peeling Cuts

2009 Copyright Solido Ltd.

10

Glossary
Build Process (Build)

The process that begins as the model is sent to the SD300 Pro 3D printer to be constructed

CAD software

Computer Aided Design programs and systems to design detailed two or three-dimensional models
of physical objects

Chopping

Severing a model into separate sections

Peeling Cuts

Cuts made in the residual material surrounding the model to provide for easy removal of the
residual material left after the build process has completed

Safe Box

A box surrounding the models, showing boundaries based on the full volume of material needed for
building them

SDM

Native format files which retain all the characteristics present at the last save of a models work
session, such as: position, scaling and duplication

SD View

The application software supplied with the SD300 Pro for preparing and sending a model to build

STL

A universal format for 3D geometry supported by all major CAD vendors and used widely by rapid
prototyping systems

Table Box

A box surrounding the virtual table showing boundaries based on the limits of the build area
(length=210 mm., width=160 mm. and height= 135 mm.)

Table Origin

The build starting point of the virtual table (X, Y and Z coordinates located in the lower left corner of
the table as shown on screen)

Virtual Table (Table)

The surface provided in the SDview workspace for preparing models for build

Wire-frame

The wire-frame option shows the many 2D triangular surfaces that construct the 3D model
geometry

2009 Copyright Solido Ltd.

11

Send Model
To send prepared models to the SD300 for build, do one of the following:
1.

Click the Build Model button in the toolbar.

2.

Choose Build model from the File menu.

3.

Press Ctrl-B.

4.

The Build Model dialog box is displayed

Description of parameters:
Total Number of Layers: displays the total number of layers of PVC needed to complete
the build
Roll Sufficient for Build: displays a Yes/No indication of whether or not the amount of
consumable materials currently loaded in the SD300 will be enough to complete the
required build.
Estimated Build Time: displays the time estimated to complete the required build.
Draft Mode: enables users to create quicker, low-resolution sketch models. In comparison
to standard build mode, Draft Mode will create models with twice the layer thickness,
and peeling cuts will be performed two layers at a time. The build time will decrease
between 15%-25%.
No Z-Fold: When checked, this option cancels the Z-fold function. No Z-folds will be
created in built model(s) when Z-fold is cancelled.

2009 Copyright Solido Ltd.

12

Printer Status - Queue

Description of fields displayed in the SD300 Status Queue Tab:


Model Name: Name given to the model by the user when imported or saved
Owner: The name of the computer from which the model has been sent
Start Date: The calendar date when the model is due to be built
Start/End Time: Time the build was started and the estimated time of the build
Layers: The quantity of layers required to build the model and which layer it is
currently building e.g.
49th layer out of 63 layers
Roll Sufficient:
Yes The current roll (and all KIT components) is sufficient for the build.
Partial The current roll (and all KIT components) will be consumed during the
build and a new kit will have to be installed.
No The current roll (and all KIT components) will be consumed prior to start of
build for that model.
Communications: The flashing Green Dot on the top right Indicates whether
there is constant communication between the PC and the SD300 Pro.

2009 Copyright Solido Ltd.

13

Printer Status Printer info


The following information is displayed in the Printer Info Tab:
Communications: indicates whether there is constant communication between the PC and the SD300 Pro
Status: the current status of the build process
Current Layer: this is the SolidVC material layer number that the machine is currently building
Total Number of Layers: the total number of layers of SolidVC material needed to build the required models
Is Current Roll Sufficient?: whether the current SolidVC material roll, glue and Anti-Glue in the SD300 Pro
are enough to complete the build.
Estimated Completion Time: the time estimated to complete the models build

Build Information
File Name: the name of the SDM file for the current model sent for build
Owner: the name of the computer used to send the current model for build
File Size: the size of the data file of the current model sent for build
Total Build Time: the total time required to build the current model sent for build
X, Y, Z, Block Size: the size of the material block required for the current build

Material Information
Roll Left: the amount of SolidVC material left in the SD 300, in percentage
Material: SolidVC or other materials when available
Layer Thickness: The thickness of a layer of SolidVC material sheet and the adhesive material

2009 Copyright Solido Ltd.

14

Geometry capabilities What can you build ?

Full size parts Up to build spec


Thin walls and small features 0.039 free wall thickness required
Cavities and Holes
Under Cuts
Posts, snaps and pins 0.039 free wall thickness required

2009 Copyright Solido Ltd.

15

SDView
Tips and Illustrations

FEB 2010

2009 Copyright Solido Ltd.

16

Overview
The following slides will illustrate several examples of how we
may best utilize the tools given in SDView to ensure
successful and optimized model builds.

The SDView tools to focus on will be F3 Rotate Models, F6


Peeling Cut, and F7 Chopping.

2009 Copyright Solido Ltd.

17

How to properly prepare the


model for build

2009 Copyright Solido Ltd.

18

General Rule of Thumb

1.Apply the minimum amount of peeling cut needed to


achieve your peeling. Excessive Peeling cut will not only
increase your work time, but shortens the Cutting Knife
life.
2.Dont intersect too many peeling cuts together as this
will create bubbles underneath the PVC layer
3.When printing multiple models, recommend having a
2cm space between models

2009 Copyright Solido Ltd.

19

Example 1

Here we noticed there are 2 small features


pointed by arrows. We need to apply Peeling Cut
to break the area into sections for easier retrieval
of the PVC support material. In this case we
break into section 1, 2, and 3

2
1

2009 Copyright Solido Ltd.

20

Example 2

Here we see 3 openings in the Z direction,


means there could be a PVC layer going in and
out of the opening. That way, we will have a
tough time removing that PVC layer

2009 Copyright Solido Ltd.

21

Example 2

This way, we applied peeling cut in all


openings in Z direction, or we sealed
the openings.

The model can be now peeled in two


sections. 1 (inside) and 2 (outside).

2010 Copyright Solido3D

22

Example 3

Here we see 4 openings in the Z


direction, therefore we need to seal
them, or apply Peeling Cut. Also,
we always try to divide the sections
to make the peeling very
manageable

2009 Copyright Solido Ltd.

23

Example 3

If we apply 3 peeling cuts like this not


only we cut out all the openings on Z
direction, but we also neatly divide the
models into 4 parts so each part of the
peeling does not affect the others.

Also notice that no peeling cut needs to


be done to the openings lie horizontally.
(blue arrows)

2
3

2009 Copyright Solido Ltd.

Also we may lower the peeling cut if


they seem unnecessary. (green
arrows)

24

Example 4

Here besides Z openings we also observe


there is a big undercut, or ceiling. Some
PVC layer immediately below the ceiling will
be hard to remove.

2009 Copyright Solido Ltd.

25

Example 4

4
1

5
Now we chop the models in halves, and arrange the models a bit and apply
peeling cuts. We neatly divided the print job into 5 sections. Notice that area
1 and 3 will be peeled from bottom, since there are undercuts (blue arrows).

2009 Copyright Solido Ltd.

26

Example 5
A bigger models with more openings in Zdirection (blue arrows). From previous
examples we know we should divide the
object into many neat sections by peeling
cut.

2009 Copyright Solido Ltd.

27

Example 5
We now divided the model into
sections and successful sealed all
openings except the two openings
in front (blue arrows).

Notice the part marked by black


circle double check your peeling
cut accurately run through actual
geometries.

2009 Copyright Solido Ltd.

28

Example 5
The last part of this model will be this tricky feature its
got Z opening in 4 places pointed by blue arrows.

And the green arrow points out that the area under
ceiling will have to be peeled from bottom therefore its
best we enclose (surround) the tricky areas with peeling
cuts making it an individual section

2009 Copyright Solido Ltd.

29

Example 6

This example we must chop the models open in order


to take the excessive material out. And we must
rotate the model along X axis to achieve successful
chop (see photo below).

2009 Copyright Solido Ltd.

30

Example 6
Quicky arrange the two pieces side by side
to be printable at the same time, also
saving material.

Then seal the 6 openings. Optionally you


may place a peeling cut separate the two
pieces.

Finally this print jobs should be peeled from


the bottom since top is wider than bottom.

2009 Copyright Solido Ltd.

31

Example 7
This example shows a randomly shaped object
where its best to use peeling cuts to manage the
printing.

If no peeling cut applied, in the below illustration


the PVC layer will have a hard time coming out
because its pressed by the horse's legs.

2009 Copyright Solido Ltd.

32

Example 7
Therefore, we will use peeling cuts to divide the
legs to allow peeling form both sides. By the
same reason we will divide the horse nose by a
peeling cut, and the horses ear by peeling cut as
well.

Below we can see that the horse has been


divided orderly into 6 sections.

4
2

5
6

1
2009 Copyright Solido Ltd.

33

Example 8
In this example we will face many undercuts as well. So the
way we can handle the model is to apply peeling cut to
separate the areas to allow peeling from top and peeling from
bottom

2009 Copyright Solido Ltd.

34

Example 8
After the peeling cut divided each
space into two sides, follow the blue
arrow to peel from top, and follow the
green arrow to peel from bottom. (see
drawing below)

2009 Copyright Solido Ltd.

35

How to minimize build cost

2009 Copyright Solido Ltd.

36

Overview:

In order to reduce build cost we can follow the below three main
principles:
1.Reduce the model building height. This means if geometry
allows, try to orient your model in the way to minimize build
height. This can also be achieved by model chopping.
2.Arrange the model(s) to use as little depth in Y-direction as
possible. (bring the models forward)
3.If chopping or a specific orientation is not possible, try to fill the
unused space with additional models to optimize your print job.

2009 Copyright Solido Ltd.

37

Example 9
We place the model in the most
efficient way and check with
SDView, which tells us this
model takes 26% of Modeling
Kit and build time is about 8
hours.

We now look for ways to cut


this cost down by chopping the
models in halves and arrange
them appropriately.

2009 Copyright Solido Ltd.

38

Example 9
After chopping we arrange the
model a little bit (using Rotate) and
we immediately realize the material
consumption drops to 15% with
only 6 hours of build time.

If we further chop the models into 4


pieces (drawing below) and best
utilize the build zone, we may bring
down the material consumption to
8% with 4.5 hours of build time.

2009 Copyright Solido Ltd.

39

Example 10

This glasses frame takes a relatively more volume to build compare to the models actual size. However, chopping
function and a bit of arrangement can help us lower the build cost tremendously. Right now SDView tells us it takes
34% of one roll of material and it takes over 9 hours to build.

2009 Copyright Solido Ltd.

40

Example 10
Now we chop the glasses into halves by Zplane to lower the build cost.

Next we want to separate all other parts by


chopping between the parts to free them.
So later on we may move and reposition
each part individually to optimize our print.

2009 Copyright Solido Ltd.

41

Example 10

Since all parts are free to move around individually, we bring all parts toward the front to minimize our Y-axis depth.
We check the build information again in SDView and the material consumption becomes 13% while the build time is
brought down to 5 1//2 hours. As always, do not forget to apply peeling cuts

2009 Copyright Solido Ltd.

42

Other General Practices

2009 Copyright Solido Ltd.

43

Models with <1mm Features


Avoid building models with features less than 1mm as this approach the printers
physical limit. Building models with features less than 1mm can possibly cause air
bubbles to present underneath the cuts.
If a significant amount of air bubbles will present in such area, which will build up
height eventually as more PVC layers are applied in the same way, which leads to
uneven layer flatness that could cause damage to the cutting knives or ineffective
model built.
It is recommended if possible one should enlarge the model for build

1 mm

0.4 mm
0.5 mm
0.7 mm
0.6 mm

2009 Copyright Solido Ltd.

2009 Copyright Solido Ltd.

1.2 mm
1.8 mm
1.5 mm

44

Build Multiple Models Too Closely


Avoid placing models too close to each other, too frequently.

SD300Pro is capable of producing multiple models at the same build but


ensure leaving a 1 ~ 2 cm space between models. Too tightly placed models,
with excessive peeling cuts will add stress to the PVC layer flatness, and
similarly to previous examples, can cause unsuccessful model build or
damage to the printer hardware.

2009 Copyright Solido Ltd.

45

Excessive/Unnecessary Peeling Cuts


Avoid apply excessive peeling cuts crossing each other, especially when
these peeling cuts concentrate in one spot. Also avoid peeling cuts running
very close to each other (again, the 1mm limit) as these will result in the same
air bubbles as previous examples, where the model build will be affected and
possible damage to the printer hardware may occur.

2009 Copyright Solido Ltd.

46

The End

Thank you

2009 Copyright Solido Ltd.

47

You might also like