Site Selection - Post Processing Equipment
Locating the post-processing equipment is similar in many respects to locating the Figure 4 Standalone Printer. The following abbreviated site specifications are for 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 Figure 4 Standalone 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 resin to drip onto the floor. If floors are porous, such as carpeting or some tiles, they can absorb the spilled resin and would need to be professionally cleaned or replaced.
Refer to Optimal Site Layout for a suggestion for overall layout. Refer to the Weights and Measures Charts for weights and measurements of the LC-3DPrint Box. Consider the following additional specifications when selecting the location for your post-processing equipment.
NextDent LC-3DPrint Box Measurements
Floor Surfaces
Flooring/table/countertop under the post-processing equipment should be non-porous and suitable for cleaning with solvents. Carpeted floors are not recommended.
Electrical Requirements
NextDent LC-3DPrint Box
Power configuration: 110V/240V – 50/60Hz – 2.6A/1.3A
Electrical power for the LC-3DPrint 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
Power configuration: An example of the power configuration for a consumer-grade ultrasonic cleaner is 120W at 40,000Hz. 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. 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.
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CAUTION: Never disconnect a ducting system that is connected to an external extraction system. |
Third Party Supplies and Equipment
3D Systems™ provides this partial list of equipment and supplies/accessories that are useful for handling, processing or finishing Figure 4 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.
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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 Figure 4 Standalone 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 resin spills.
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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 resin on the print platform and in the resin tray, causing the printed part to lose accuracy or causing a build to crash. |
Clean-Room Swabs - You will need clean-room swabs to clean the projector lens.
Cellulose Wadding - This absorbent material is useful for covering your Figure 4 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 resin, 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 Figure 4 resins, according to all local, state, and federal regulations.
Storage Cabinet - This is for storing resin bottles and other Figure 4-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.
IPA, EZ Rinse C, Propylene Carbonate, and/or 5 wt% Elma Tec A4 Solution - These solvents are used in cleaning printed parts, printer components, and areas where resin has spilled.
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.
