Facility Requirements

This section provides you with information on how to properly prepare your facility for the printer. It also introduces you to the printer machine and other system components — including lists of other support equipment and supplies that you will find helpful in setting up your facility.

Additional chapters include guidelines for the following:

Site Selection - gives information on how much space the printer requires and the necessary services and equipment needed for a highly efficient, ideal location for your printer and its components.
System Delivery - provides information about preparing for the delivery of your printer.
System Installation - explains the process of, and requirements for, installing the printer in your facility.
Considerations for Material - gives you guidelines for proper storage, handling, and safety for FabPro/NextDent materials.
Third-Party Equipment and Supplies - provides a summary of the optional equipment and supplies that 3D Systems recommends for efficient and complete part building, part processing, and finishing.

3D Sprint Software

Included with the system is 3D Sprint™ part preparation software. 3D Sprint™ is installed on a separate, customer-supplied computer. The following computer specifications are the minimum requirements for the 3D Sprint computer:

	Minimum	Recommended
Operating System	Windows^® 7 (SP1)/8.1/10 (64-bit)
CPU	Intel^® or AMD^® processor with a minimum of 2.0GHz	Multiple core processor. Hyper-threading and clock speeds above 3GHz can be beneficial but should be paired with a good balance of cores.
RAM	4GB	8GB or more
Hard Drive	7GB of available hard-disk space. Additional space may be required for cache. Temporary file cache requires about 3GB free disk space for every 100 million points.	Solid-State Drive
Display/GPU	OpenGL 2.1 and GLSL 1.20 enabled graphics card Screen resolution 1280x960 Graphics card: Intel HD or Iris (HD 4000 or newer), or Nvidia GeForce GTX 285, Quadro 1000 or newer, or AMD Radeon HD 6450 or newer	OpenGL 3.2 and GLSL 1.50 enabled graphics card. NVidia or AMD GPU with 1GB of RAM or more Screen resolution 1280x1024 or higher
Other	Three-button mouse with scroll Keyboard Internet Explorer 9 or newer Microsoft .NET Framework 4.6.1 (installed with application)	Google Chrome or Internet Explorer 11

	NOTE: You may have to update your graphics card driver. See the 3D Sprint installation guide for more information.
	NOTE: For supported 3D files, see the included help in the application.
	NOTE: Starting the application through a remote connection does not utilize OpenGL hardware acceleration.

Site Selection - FabPro 1000

This section provides the requirements and recommendations to determine the most appropriate location for a highly functional, efficient printer workspace, with room for other equipment and supplies. To help you choose a location, the Initial Site Survey Checklist provides the attributes that you need to select the best location for your installation. After narrowing the list of possible locations, consider each requirement carefully before making a decision about your final placement site.

Part 1

Space Requirements

User preferences, building codes, and equipment configuration will help you to define the total platform area that your printer will need. The FabPro system should be located in an environmentally controlled room. Locate the secondary post-processing equipment and supplies in the same room or in an adjoining room, if possible. The figure below shows an ideal site configuration that minimizes the required movement of parts after part building. It assumes you will have an ultrasonic cleaner and the LC-3DPrint Box. The section Weights and Measures shows the minimum dimensions of the printer. Your site layout will vary.

Optimal Site Layout (top view). Measurements for ultrasonic cleaner are for sample purposes only.

printer dimensions

Floor Area and Surface

You will need to place the printer on a table or countertop that is at a comfortable level for working with the printer. The printer has been designed to work will with normal table and countertop heights. Floors and counter spaces in the FabPro work area should be non-porous and suitable for cleaning with solvents. The feet of the system must be on a non-resilient surface such as bare concrete or a sturdy, level table, counter, or desktop. The printer should not be on or above carpeted floors, as material spills on carpet are very hard to clean up. If you will have the printer on a floor, remove any non-porous flooring where the feet of the FabPro system will be placed. The system should not straddle any floor/table/desk seams. The maximum permissible floor/table/desk incline is 2.5 cm/12 m (1 in/40 ft).

Floor Vibration and Shock

To ensure part quality and accuracy, choose a ground floor location with a thick concrete pad, which will minimize vibration. FabPro equipment is slightly self-damping, and should not be affected by normal or incidental environmental vibration; however, the area should be isolated, either via location or some other physical or mechanical means, from any significant internal or external vibration sources such as heavy machinery, airplanes, or trains, which could cause unacceptable shock or vibration levels.

It is recommended that the amount of vibration/shock from the floor not exceed the SPIE 1991 VC standards of VC-A. This corresponds to a max floor velocity of 50 m/sec over a 4-80Hz bandwidth. Users are responsible for verifying the level of vibration in their facility.

Floor/Desktop-Bearing Capacity

The printer is 37.5kg (82.7 lbs). Additional equipment, such as a UV oven or ultra-sonic cleaner, will each have their own loads for your setup to bear. Refer to the section Weights and Measures to determine the total weight of the equipment to be housed in your room to ensure that you do not exceed the maximum load-bearing capacity that your printer-staging area can support.

Electrical Requirements

Electrical voltage requirements for the printer:

Printer: 24VDC, 3.75A, 90W
With Adapter: 100-220 VAC, 50/60Hz, 2A

Power for the printer must be on a surge-protected circuit. UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) usage, while not required, is recommended in areas where power fluctuations are frequent, as surges and spikes can cause damage to electronic components, and loss of power can result in failed builds or potential damage to the FabPro system. For specific information on a suitable UPS, contact a UPS manufacturer and provide the voltage rating, current draw, and desired backup time. The manufacturer can recommend an appropriate model.

Connection to AC Power

In the United States, a standard 10-amp wall outlet is required. The system connects to a 110VAC power outlet through a standard 110VAC power cord.
In Europe, a standard 10-amp wall outlet is required. The system connects to a 220VAC power outlet through a standard 220VAC power cord. Country destination kits are available with the proper wall-power connections.

Part 2

Heat Dissipation

The printer is not expected give off significant heat under normal operating conditions.

Temperature

The temperature in the room or location where the FabPro system resides should remain stable to allow for optimal system operation and optimal part quality.

FabPro™ and NextDent^® materials should be kept between 18°C-28°C (64.4°F-82.4°F)*. Since there is material in the print tray, this guideline applies also to the temperature of the room the printer is in. Be sure to follow the temperature specifications set forth in your material's Instructions for Use/SDS.

*For Figure 4 FLEX BLK 10 print material, printing temperatures outside the range of 10-30°C (50-86°F) can cause printed-part properties to change.

Humidity

The optimal humidity in the printer build chamber and lab will depend to a certain degree on the FabPro/NextDent material selection. Regardless, the humidity should always be non-condensing and should not vary outside the range of 30 to 70% RH*. Review your FabPro/NextDent material information (SDS, product datasheet, and product labeling) for specific information on recommended humidity levels.

*For Figure 4 FLEX BLK 10 print material, humidity outside the range of 10-65% RH can cause printed-part properties to change.

Altitude

The FabPro system is capable of operating correctly up to an altitude of 3000m (9843 ft.) above mean sea level.

Overall Sound-Pressure Level (OASPL)

The sound of the FabPro system will not exceed 85 db.

Part 3

Air Cleanness

The room housing the FabPro system does not require special ventilation beyond air conditioning. Reasonable care should be taken to minimize dust and smoke which could contaminate the FabPro/NextDent material and cause deterioration of optical surfaces. Avoid temperature fluctuation. Since dust, smoke and temperature fluctuations can affect the performance of the machine and the quality of the parts, an area with filtered air flow is recommended. Avoid proximity to machine shop areas, or where milling, grinding, or sanding is performed.

Lighting

Standard fluorescent lamps with clear plastic diffusers are recommended to minimize ultraviolet exposure, which could negatively affect the FabPro/NextDent material. Sunlight, quartz-halogen lamps, and high-intensity incandescent lamps are not suitable; and UV-intensive lighting or ultraviolet exposure through windows should be avoided. UV filters are available for windows and exposed fluorescent lamps. Any exposure of the material to any of the light sources described in this section is likely to cure the material, thereby wasting it and forcing a difficult cleanup.

Door or Other Method of Preventing Access to Room

The site should be able to be isolated from other employees or personnel during emergency situations, such as a major material spill. The system is safe and does not present hazards to properly trained personnel operating the system in accordance with our specifications. However, the system should be installed in an area that can be cleared of untrained personnel during cleanup of a spill or response to other emergency situations.

Network Access

The printer controller computer includes an Ethernet port, which can be connected to a 10/100/1000 MBit/s Ethernet network to offer network access to the FabPro system. An RJ45 cable is packaged in with the printer. Remote operation of the printer is not available.

Telephone Service

Dedicated telephone lines are not required for normal operation of an FabPro system. However, you may wish to install a dedicated telephone line in the FabPro system installation area to facilitate discussions with 3D Systems Customer Service personnel while the machine is in operation, should the need arise.

Site Selection - Post-Processing Equipment

Locating the post-processing equipment is similar in many respects to locating the printer. The equipment includes, but is not limited to: two stainless steel containers (included) and UV-curing oven. The following abbreviated site specifications are for the recommended post-processing equipment:

Space and Location Selection

You may choose to locate the part-washing, drying, and curing stations in the same room as the printer or in a room adjoining the printer.

With either option, please consider the following:

The further the distance the build part is being moved from the printer to the post-processing area, the longer the opportunity for the build part to get damaged by dropping, bumping into objects, and other environmental factors.
The further the distance the build part is being moved, also longer is the opportunity for uncured material to drip onto the floor. If floors are porous, such as carpeting or some tiles, they can absorb the spilled material and would need to be professionally cleaned or replaced.

Refer to the section Space Requirements for a suggested post-processing area layout. Refer to the section Weights and Measures for weights and measurements of the LC-3DPrint Box. Consider the following additional specifications when selecting the location for your post-processing equipment.

Dimensions for the LC-3DPrint Box, the recommended UV oven for post-curing parts for the printer.

Staging-Area Surfaces

Flooring, tabletops, or desktops under the post-processing equipment should be non-porous and suitable for cleaning with solvents. Carpeted floors are not recommended, as any spilled material can soak in and is difficult to completely clean up.

Electrical Requirements

LC-3DPrint Box

Power configuration: 110V/230V – 50/60Hz – 2.6A/1.3A

Electrical power for the LC 3D-Print Box must be on a surge-protected circuit. A UPS, while not required, is recommended in areas with frequent power fluctuations, as surges and spikes can damage electronic components and power loss can damage the unit.

Ultrasonic Cleaner (Optional)

Power configuration: An example of the power configuration for a consumer-grade ultrasonic cleaner is 120W at 40Hz. There are ultrasonic cleaners of many sizes, from around 2.5L (0.66 gal.) to upwards of 757L (200 gal.) Determine which size ultrasonic cleaner is best for your needs.

You must also get an ultrasonic cleaner that is rated to use flammable solvents like IPA or Ethanol. Failure to do so could present a fire hazard.

Electrical power for an ultrasonic cleaner must be on a surge-protected circuit, particularly for a bigger (not desktop) cleaner. A UPS, while not required, is recommended in areas with frequent power fluctuations, as surges and spikes can damage electronic components and power loss can damage the unit.

Connection to AC Power

The LC-3DPrint Box is designed to plug into a standard power outlet in different countries. Smaller ultrasonic cleaners will also plug into standard wall outlets; bigger ones, however, may require a custom power outlet.

Ventilation (Ductwork)

The post-processing equipment may be vented outside if required by your facility; however, ventilation is not required by 3D Systems. Contact your Facilities Manager for your requirements.

CAUTION: Never disconnect a ducting system that is connected to an external extraction system.

System Delivery

After placing your order, the printer will be shipped to you. Ensure that the area you intend to place your printer system is ready to move the system into, and that you have two or more people available to help lift the printer, before scheduling the delivery. The following information will guide you through this preparation phase.

Preparation for Receiving

Moving and positioning the boxed printer on its pallet requires the use of a pallet jack, as the unboxed printer on a pallet weighs 54.9kg (121 lbs). If moving the package by hand, first remove the boxed printer from the pallet. You will then need to team-lift it.

NOTE: While some printers from 3D Systems require a certified field technician for installation, the installation of the FabPro 1000 is performed by the customer.

Transporting the printer

Once you have unpacked the printer, a team-lift-and-transport system works best for moving it.

Shipment Arrival

Shipment Contents

The printer will arrive in a single box on a pallet. Before opening the shipping box, you should visually inspect the packaging for any damage it might have incurred during shipping. Please see the section Setting Up Your Printer for photos and descriptions of what comes in the printer box.

NOTE: If the packaging is damaged, notify your authorized print-material provider immediately. DO NOT proceed with the unpacking until you have discussed the damage with your authorized print-material provider.

Optional Accessories Not Included With Shipment

Glass containers for part cleaning, according to your preferences. Stainless-steel containers are included.
Air compressor
NextDent^® LC-3DPrint Box or other equally effective UV oven
NextDent^® LC-3DMixer or other equally effective material stirrer
Ultrasonic cleaner

Once your shipment arrives, inspect it to make sure that everything that should have shipped is there. If anything is missing, stop unboxing the printer and contact your authorized print-material provider. After successful inspection, officially receive the items into your inventory.

Inspect Exterior of Printer

After you have unpacked the printer, visually inspect the interior and exterior of it for any damage that might have incurred during shipping. Notify your authorized print-material provider immediately if anything is evident at this point. DO NOT proceed with the installation until you have discussed the damage with your authorized print-material provider.

Weights and Measures

The following charts list both boxed and unboxed dimensions/weights for the printer and LC-3DPrint Box. Verify your order and compare to the listed items below. Box or pallet dimensions and weights may vary.

	Boxed Specifications
Product	Width	Depth	Height	Weight
Printer - Brand-New w/ Pallet	62cm (24.5 in)	62cm (24.5 in)	101cm (39.75 in)	54.9 kg (121 lbs)
LC-3DPrint Box	54.5cm (21.5 in)	57.5cm (22.6 in)	59.5cm (23.4 in)	28.9 kg (63.8 lbs)

	Unboxed Specifications
Product	Width	Depth	Height	Weight
Printer	43cm (16.9 in)	43cm (16.9 in)	61.2cm (24.1in)	37.5 kg (82.7 lbs)
LC-3DPrint Box	41cm (16.1 in)	44cm (17.3 in)	38cm (15 in)	22 kg (48.5 lbs)

Third-Party Supplies and Equipment

3D Systems™ provides this partial list of equipment and supplies/accessories that are useful for handling, processing or finishing FabPro parts. You should keep a list of preferred vendors for any 3D-print-related products you may order. Equipment and supplies are not limited to this list, as you may find other products and methods that more suit your needs.

NOTE: Customers are responsible for consulting local health, safety, and environmental regulations to determine additional site requirements. No information that is contained in this document constitutes legal advice regarding such requirements. 3D Systems™ has no responsibility to determine whether or not the customer is in compliance with applicable laws, nor do we guarantee the accuracy or quality of the supplier product.

Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) - While a UPS is not required for use with the printer, you may wish to use one for battery backup of your printer in the case of a power surge or outage.

UV Filter Screens - While these are not required, you may need to install filters over windows and lights so as not to cure any exposed print material before printing.

Disposable Lint-Free Paper Towels - You will use lint-free paper towels for assisting in cleaning printed parts, printer components, and material spills.

CAUTION: It is necessary to use lint-free paper towels, as lint from other types of paper towels can stick on the printed part or printer component. Lint on the printed part can cause improper final part curing in the UV oven. Lint on printer components can contaminate the material on the print platform and in the print tray, causing the printed part to lose accuracy or causing a build to crash.

Cellulose Wadding - This absorbent material is useful for covering your FabPro workbench, as well as for absorbing solvents during air drying of printed parts.

Chemically Resistant Gloves - 3D Systems recommends the use of 100% nitrile gloves whenever handling uncured material, partially cured printed parts, and solvents.

Eye-Wash Station - This may be designed specifically for eye-washing or may be an adapter that fits onto an existing faucet.

Fire Extinguisher - NFPA Class B such as CO₂, dry-chemical, or foam

Hazardous-Materials Waste Can - While it is optional to get a fire-proof waste can, you must have a waste can approved to contain FabPro/NextDent materials, according to all local, state, and federal regulations.

Storage Cabinet - This is for storing material bottles and other FabPro-related equipment. You may choose to get a fire-proof cabinet; but it is not required to be fire-proof.

Lab Coats - Optional measure to protect your clothes/skin from uncured print material and solvents.

Neoprene-Coated Gloves - If you choose to use TPM as your cleaning solvent, these gloves are recommended for handling the chemical.

Cleaning Solvent - Cleaning solvents are used in cleaning printed parts, printer components, and areas where material has spilled. Please refer the Cleaning Chart to determine which solvent(s) to order.

Safety Glasses (405 nm radiation blocking) with side shielding - The printer operator should not be exposed to hazardous radiation from the printer or curing oven. However, in the case of an emergency where radiation emits from these devices, it is recommended to wear eye protection.

NextDent^® LC-3DPrint Box - Please see the section LC-3DPrint Box for more information.

NextDent^® LC-3DMixer - Please see the section LC-3DMixer for more information.

Ultrasonic Cleaner - Used to clean excess liquid material off the printed part before final UV curing. Order this from your local supply house.

System Installation

Installation of your system encompasses three separate steps:

Purchase and arrival of third-party equipment or supplies you may have ordered.
Delivery of your FabPro system shipment.
Unboxing and installation of your FabPro system components.

System Unboxing

Please see the section Unpacking the printer.

Preparing for System Installation

In preparing your facility for FabPro system placement, you must consider three main factors:

Make sure that you have the necessary doorway and passageway clearance to move either the boxed or unboxed components to their final destinations.
Make sure that you have another person to help team-lift the system up to its staging area, boxed or unboxed.
Be sure that the desk/countertop/table the printer is staged on can handle the weight load of the printer and other ordered components. Please see the section Weights and Measures for more information.

Minimum Passageway and Door Openings

Most standard doorways and hallways provide adequate access for moving the system. Each doorway and hallway must be wide enough to move and turn a box measuring 62 x 62 x 101 cm (24.5 x 24.5 x 39.75 in), while also allowing room for the people carrying it. Determine the pathway from where you will receive the boxed components to where your FabPro system will be installed. Walk this path, and measure any critical doorways or passageways to ensure that the equipment can be moved through the area. If a passageway or doorway is too small for the boxed FabPro system, it may be necessary to remove the FabPro system from its box before moving the unit. Since the printer is only 61.2 cm (24.1 in) high, the height limitations of most any door will not be an issue.

Considerations for Material

You are responsible for ensuring that the facility where your FabPro system and print materials are housed is properly configured for safe operation of the printer system and of the materials used in that system. Personnel who operate the equipment or use the materials must comply with all relevant safety codes and applicable regulatory requirements and laws, particularly those that relate to usage of hazardous chemicals, UV radiation, and disposal of regulated material. The printer complies with CE requirements.

NOTE: You are responsible for determining whether additional supplies and equipment are necessary according to local, state, federal or other regulatory laws that govern your location.

FabPro/NextDent material Usage

Print materials in the liquid state require use of surgical-type 100% nitrile gloves and other equipment to protect the user from direct contact with uncured print material. In general, material is fully cured only after adequate exposure in the LC-3DPrint Box or other similar UV oven. Only after being fully cured do the parts no longer require protective gloves to handle. The LC-3DPrint Box has been designed especially for NextDent^® materials. As such, you must use the LC-3DPrint Box in order to achieve medical certification of your parts printed with NextDent material.

Material Disposal

FabPro and NextDent print materials are regulated and, as such, are subject to disposal requirements by your local, federal, or other regulatory agencies. Follow applicable disposal guidelines. Contact a local waste management company for recommendations on disposal requirements that affect your facility.

If your area requires regulated waste disposal, consult with and retain a waste-management company to periodically pick up regulated waste. Your local waste management company may recommend that you set up a dedicated waste container to dispose of liquid material and of any materials (such as paper towels or gloves) that may have come into contact with the uncured liquid material.

After final part curing in the LC-3DPrint Box, fully cured printed parts may be disposed of in regular trash receptacles.

NOTE: Inspect printed parts after curing in the LC-3DPrint Box to ensure they are fully solidified. Part-surface tackiness and visible areas of liquid material indicate the part is not fully cured.

Storage and Usage Guidelines

Always wear appropriate safety equipment, such as 100% nitrile gloves when handling uncured liquid material. Protect your body from any direct contact with uncured liquid FabPro/NextDent material.

Always read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) prior to use of any print material.
Always use the oldest print material first. All materials have a shelf life that is listed on its bottle. Using the oldest material first helps you to use all your purchased materials within that period of time. The expiration date of a material will be printed on its bottle.
During storage, shield the print material from sunlight or other sources of UV radiation, such as fluorescent or mercury vapor lights. Exposing the material to UV radiation increases product viscosity and chance for polymerization, and may make the print material unsuitable for part building. Storing material above the maximum recommended temperature can also make the material unsuitable for part building.
Store containers of FabPro or NextDent materials indoors between 18°C-28°C (64.4°F-82.4°F). Storing material at conditions below 18°C or above 28°C could render the material unusable for part building.

Please see the section Material Handling and Safety for more information.

Individual Material Guidelines

Each material has a different chemical makeup that gives it the desired properties as a solid 3D part. As such, each material has its own set of instructions regarding safety, usage in the printer, post-processing, and usage of parts printed with it. Please read the SDS and Instructions for Use that came with each of your material bottles to ensure that you understand each material's unique needs.

Checklists

Please download the printable checklists by clicking on the link below:

FabPro-1000-Initial-Site-Survey-Checklist.pdf

FabPro-1000-Pre-Installation-Preparation-Checklist.pdf