Published on ProJet CJP x60 (260, 360, 460) (http://infocenter.3dsystems.com/projetcjpx60)

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ProJet x60 Series Overview

Welcome to the exciting world of 3D Printing with our newest 3D Printers, the ProJet® x60 Series. This series includes 5 models with different capabilities.

Model Color Cleaning Build Volume
ProJet® 160 Monochrome Separate Core Recycling Unit 7.3" x 9.3" x 5"
(185 x 236 x 132 mm)
ProJet® 260C 64 CMY colors

Separate Core Recycling Unit

7.3" x 9.3" x 5"
(185 x 236 x 132 mm)
ProJet® 260Plus Full CMY color

Separate Core Recycling Unit

7.3" x 9.3" x 5"
(185 x 236 x 132 mm)
ProJet® 360 Monochrome Built-in 8" x 10" x 8"
(203 x 254 x 203 mm)
ProJet® 460Plus Full CMY color Built-in 8" x 10" x 8"
(203 x 254 x 203 mm)

The ProJet® x60 Series incorporates many features that automate and streamline the 3D printing process. The easy-to-use, quiet, office-friendly design, combined with high-performance composite materials, makes the ProJet® x60 Series the most cost-effective 3D printers available today for rapid prototyping.
In addition, the ProJet® x60 Series share the same hardware and controls, with the only differences outlined in the table above. This commonality makes training a simple matter for facilities that have multiple machines.
This manual will instruct you on how to take care of your printer and give you an introduction to 3D Printing. In addition, you can find information about 3D printing and its many applications and techniques on our 3DS Central Web site at 3dscentral.3dsystems.com.
This Web site is tailored to both beginner and advanced customers. We recommend that you register immediately to receive free, unlimited access to this excellent resource.

Key Features

Key Features

The ProJet® x60 series are our most affordable, convenient automated 3D printers. We’ve built in the feature customers most asked for:

  • 300 x 450 DPI (max) resolution yielding excellent surface finish and resolution
  • Automated Core Recycling
  • Quick-loading binder cartridge
  • Removable Build Bed for easier cleaning of delicate parts (ProJet® 160, 260C and 260Plus only).
  • Office Friendly: Office friendly and environmentally safe materials that are safe to touch
  • Common controls and hardware across models for easier cross-training

Specifications

Specifications apply to all ProJet x60 models, unless noted otherwise.

Printer Dimensions and Type

ProJet® 160/260C/260Plus:

  • With top cover closed: 29” wide x 31” deep x 55” high. (74 cm wide x 79 cm deep x 140 cm high)
  • With top cover open: 29” wide x 31” deep x 72” high. (74 cm wide x 79 cm deep x 183 cm high)
  • Full color capability; color shell thickness = .025” (ProJet® 260C and 260Plus only)

ProJet® 360/460Plus:

  • With top cover closed: 48” wide x 31” deep x 55” high. (122cm wide x 79cm deep x 140cm high)
  • With top cover open: 48” wide x 31” deep x 72.3” high. (122cm wide x 79cm deep x 183cm high)
  • Integrated post-processing unit.
  • Full color capability; color shell thickness = .025” (ProJet® 460Plus only)

All models:

  • Floor standing model on four casters. The front two casters are lockable.
  • Integrated vacuum system.
Printer Weight (Unloaded)

ProJet® 160/260C/260Plus:

  • 365 lbs. (166 kg)

ProJet® 360/460Plus:

  • 425 lbs., 193 kg.
Network Connectivity Operating Environment TCP/IP 100/10 Base T
Ambient Temperatures
  • Maximum Temp. Range: 50-85° F (10 - 29.4° C)
  • Recommended Temp. Range: 55-80° F (12.7 - 26.6° C)
Ambient Relative Humidity
  • Maximum RH Range: 15 - 70%, non-condensing
  • Recommended RH Range: 20 - 60%, non-condensing

(May experience sub-optimal printing performance at environmental extremes.)

Build Volume (max)

ProJet® 160/260C/260Plus:

  • 7.3" x 9.3" x 5" (185 x 236 x 132 mm)
  • 340 cubic inches build capacity

ProJet® 360/460Plus:

  • 8” x 10” x 8” (203 mm x 254 mm x 203 mm)
  • 640 cubic inches build capacity
Build Speed (max) 2-4 layers per minute
Layer Thickness

ProJet® 160/260C/260Plus:

  • .004” (.102 mm)

ProJet® 360/460Plus:

  • .0035” - .004” (.089 - .102 mm)
Resolution (max)

300 x 450 dpi print resolution

ProJet® 160/260C/260Plus:

  • Minimum feature size .016” (.41 mm)
Color Reproduction ProJet® 260C:

  • Will reproduce 64 unique colors

ProJect® 260Plus/460Plus:

  • Full CMY color
Noise Levels

During Printing = 57dB
Emptying Overflow = 66dB
Vacuuming - Cover Open = 86dB

ProJet® 360/460Plus:

Fine PXL Core Removal = 80dB

Regulatory Compliance Meets CE and TUV certification standards
Power Requirements ProJet® 160/260C/260Plus:

  • 100 - 120V~, 6.0 A, 50 - 60 Hz
  • 230V~, 2.75 A, 50 - 60 Hz
  • Fuse: 6.3A 260V Time Delay

ProJet® 360/460Plus:

  • 100 - 120V~, 7 A, 50 - 60 Hz
  • 230V~, 4 A, 50 - 60 Hz
  • Fuse: 6.3A 250V Time Delay
Materials  VisiJet® PXL™ Core™ with VisiJet® PXL™ Binder 
Printhead All models:

  • HP11 clear

ProJet® 260C/260Plus/460Plus:

  • HP57 tricolor
Liquid Waste System Disposable absorbent waste tray - no liquid to spill

 

Computer/System Requirements

Color Printers (ProJet® 260C, 260Plus & 460Plus)

Recommended System:

  • Operating System: The recommended computer operating systems include: Windows® Vista, and Windows 7. 
  • Processor: Intel® Core2 or Core i5 series processor or better, dual (or more) cores; 2.5 Ghz or better
  • Video: Open GL accelerated graphics card, 256MB or more of dedicated (not shared) graphics memory (see note below)
  • Memory: 4 GB
Note.png

Note: If using a 64-bit version of Windows, 6-8 GB is recommended

  • Hard Drive: 1 GB of free space (plus space for model files)
  • Ethernet 10/100/1000 Base T
Note.png

Note: Intel built in graphics (e.g., Intel GMA and GMA HD) previous to the current version (HD Graphics 2000 and HD Graphics 3000) are not recommended due to performance and driver compatibility issues.

 

 

Software

3D Print

3DPrint™ 1.0 or later can be found here at: infocenter.3dsystems.com/projetcjpx60/software-downloads

Install 3D SPRINT™

3D SPRINT™ is the 3D Systems’ software application used for preparing CAD models to be printed on an CJP printer. It is installed on a standalone computer which is provided by the customer. Double-click the 3D SPRINT™ icon on your computer/laptop, or select it from your list of available programs loaded on your computer. For detailed information on the features of 3D SPRINT™, as well as user guides for part preparation, you can access the full help document by clicking on the help icon new.png  icon inside the 3D SPRINT™ software.

Note.png NOTE: If you do not have 3D SPRINT™ loaded on your computer you can obtain a copy at http://infocenter.3dsystems.com/projetcjpx60/software-downloads

 

How the 3D Printing System Works

The ProJet® ColorJet™ Printing System is based on the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's patented 3DP® Technology (3D Printing). This 3D Printing process involves:

  • Importing a solid 3D modeling file into the 3DPrint Software
  • Setting up your files to print in the 3DPrint Software
  • Printing the part
  • Drying the part, emptying the build bed, and removal of excess PXL Core material
  • Cleaning and servicing the printer
  • (Optional) Applying post-processing materials to the printed part

2412_2295043ProJetx60SeriesUserGuide_CET.jpg

To start, the 3DPrint Software takes a three-dimensional design file, (3DPrint is compatible with most 3D modeling software files) and converts it into cross-sections, or layers, that are between 0.0035" - 0.004" (0.089 - 0.102 mm) thick. Before printing, 3DPrint evaluates the part geometry and checks if there are enough materials in the printer to print the number of layers required to build the part. If there are, the printer then prints each layer, one after the other, from the bottom of the part to the top. If not, 3DPrint will prompt you to add Core, to add binder, or to change a print head before it will start the print job.

During printing, binder is first applied with a higher saturation to the edges of the part, creating a strong “shell” for the part exterior. In a color printer, this shell will contain the colors. Next, an infrastructure that works like strong scaffolding is created for the part walls, which are also built with a higher saturation of binder for added strength. The remaining interior areas are printed with a lower binder saturation, which gives the part its stability. See the illustration below.

ProJetx60SeriesUserGuide_CET.jpg

When the part is finished printing, the user empties the Build Bed of most of the excess Core material around and on the part by vacuuming with the integrated vacuum system. This “coarse cleaning” returns the Core to the Feeder for reuse. After coarse cleaning, the part is ready to be removed from the printer and undergo “fine cleaning”. Fine cleaning consists of blowing off the remaining Core material using compressed air and brushing the part to loosen any Core that adheres. Fine cleaning is easily accomplished in the separate Core Recycling Unit, or in a printer equipped with a Post Processing Unit.
You can evaluate the part as it is, or you can choose to post-process the part with infiltration products to give it additional strength and durability. With the finished part in your hands, you can start improving or modifying your design within the same day, and usually within hours.

Important Terms

Alignment - The proper positioning or state of adjustment of components in relation to each other

Binder - VisiJet PXL liquid binder is dispensed through the HP11 print head and applied to the VisiJet PXL Core material. The binder saturation value will vary depending on the part geometry. The 3DPrint software uses a default core and shell saturation value that is suitable for most part geometries.

Build Bed - The area in front of the Feeder where the part is printed. The platform of the Build Bed can be raised or lowered using the appropriate command on the printer LCD menu. Before each build, the printer fills the Build Bed with VisiJet PXL Core and then spreads a final layer of Core to ensure the surface of the Build Bed is completely smooth.

Build Chamber - The interior of the printer that houses the Build Bed, Service Station, the Debris Separator, the Carriage, the Fast Axis assembly, the Vacuum Hose, and the Feeder.

Carriage - Assembly that houses the Print Head and its Pogo Pin Connectors.

Consumables - VisiJet PXL Core, VisiJet PXL binder, and the infiltrants that are used (wax, salt water, ColorBond, StrengthMax). All consumables have been developed for the fastest printing speeds and lowest materials costs.

Core - VisiJet PXL Core is the white powder material used for building parts. Core is also defined as the center of a printed part.

Debris Separator - Located in the Build Chamber. Its function is to prevent chunks or particles from going back into the printer Feeder during any vacuuming operation.

Deck - Area surrounding the Build Bed.

Feeder - Printer component that stores PXL Core. Core that is vacuumed up after a build, or Core that is manually emptied from the Build Bed, is recycled and returned to the Feeder for reuse.

Fast Axis - Printer component that houses the Carriage and the Fast Axis rails on which the Carriage moves. The Fast Axis moves on the Slow Axis rails which are housed beneath the Build Chamber Deck.

Infiltration - Process of applying various post-processing products (resins, wax, epoxy, etc.) to fully cleaned parts to give them specific properties such as strength and durability.

LCD - Liquid Crystal Display.

Platform - The metal plate in the Build Bed. The platform (or Build Platform) can be raised or lowered by selecting the appropriate command on the printer LCD menu. The Build Platform is also removable for ease of moving delicate parts to the Core Recycling Unit (ProJet 160/260C only).

Pogo Pins - Gold contact pins for the print head contacts. Clean the Pogo Pins with an alcohol swab whenever a print head is removed, cleaned, or replaced.

Print Head - There is one HP11 Print Head for the ProJet 160 and 360. It prints the pattern of the part by squirting tiny drops of PXL Binder onto the PXL Core material. When a new HP11 print head is installed, the printer runs an automatic purge cycle to clean the print head of its ink and to prepare it for dispensing binder. Note: Only HP11 model C4810A Black cartridges can be used.

The ProJet 260C and 460Plus also use an HP 57 color print head. It applies colored ink to the outside of the part.

Print Head Contacts - The contact points on a print head cartridge that match up with the Pogo Pins.

Purge - Process of removing ink from the HP11 print head to prepare it for dispensing PXL Binder.

Service Station - Cleans the print head jets to remove residue that accumulates during printing. It is extremely important to clean the Service Station after every build to remove residue buildup. If the Service Station is not clean, your print head will not get properly cleaned and this will result in shortened print head life.

Slow Axis - Printer component that moves the Fast Axis front to back and is housed beneath the Build Chamber Deck.

Waste Tray - Absorbs the binder waste and will require changing only when you are prompted to in 3DPrint. Located at the bottom rear of the printer after removing the rear panel.

ProJet® x60 Components

The main components of the ProJet® x60 systems are highlighted below. Unless specified other wise, all components are the same on all three printers.

System Exterior

1.jpg2.jpg

           ProJet® 160/260C/260Plus                                           ProJet® 360/460Plus

 

 

Number ProJet® 160/260C/260Plus ProJet® 360/460Plus
1 Build Chamber Build Chamber
2 Control Panel Post-Processing Unit
3 LCD Display Arm Holes
4 Control Knob Control Panel
5   LCD Display
6   Control Knob

 

Printer Interior

460ab.png

Build Chambers (All Models)

1

Binder Cartridge
(shown removed)

2

Debris Separator
(shown removed)

3

Fast Axis Assembly

4

Vacuum Hose

5

Service Station

6

Front Overflow

7

Build Bed

8

Deck

 

Post-Processing Unit

(360 and 460Plus only)

9

 Vacuum Accessory Storage Compartment

10

Air Hose

11

Air Wand

12

Perforated Floor

 

ProJet® x60 Series Rear View

4.jpg

Number

Component

1

Rear Panel

2

Hand hold

3

Location of Vacuum Port -
External Core Recycling Unit
(ProJet® 160/260C/260Plus)

4

Electronics Box (E-Box)

5

Power Connection and
Power Switch

6

Air Vents

7

Nameplate (Serial Number)

 

ProJet® x60 Series Rear View - Connections

5.jpg

 

Number

Component

1

Power Switch

2

Power Cord Connection

3

Network Cable Connection

(Ethernet/RJ-45)

4

Diagnostic LEDs

Service Station

6.jpg

Number

Component

1

Cover

2

Wick

3

Squeegees

4

Fill Cap (Cleaning Solution)

5

Front Overflow

 

Carriage and Print Head

7.jpg 8.jpg

              ProJet® 160/360                            ProJet® 260C/260Plus/460Plus

 

Number Component

1

Cover

2

Print Head (HP11)

3

Carriage Plug

(ProJet® 360 only)

Color Print Head (HP 57) 

(ProJet® 260C/260Plus/460Plus only)

4

Printhead Tubing

 

Pogo Pins and Septum

9.jpg10.jpg

                      ProJet® 160/360                                             ProJet® 260C/260Plus/460Plus

 

 

Number Component

1

Pogo Pins - Binder Printhead
(HP 11)

2

Septum - Binder Printhead
(HP11)

3

Pogo Pins - Color Printhead
(HP 57)
(ProJet® 260C/260Plus/460Plus only)

 

Control Knob Operations

Push the Control Knob once to:

  • Bring up the LCD menu.
  • Select a menu item.
  • Open a submenu.
  • Start/Cancel/Stop a menu function.

Turn the Control Knob left or right to:

  • Highlight a menu item.

LCD Menu Overview - ProJet® CJP 160

   LCD Menu Overview - ProJet® CJP 160

Main Menu Printhead Submenu Build Chamber Submenu
VACCUUM MAIN MENU > MAIN MENU >
EXTERNAL CLEANING CHANGE PRINTHEAD RAISE PLATFORM
PREP BUILD CHAMBER FILL BED & PRINT BLOCK LOWER PLATFORM
ACCESS BUILD PLATE PRINT BLOCK ONLY SPREAD LAYER
STATUS REPORT PURGE PRINTHEAD FILL BED
PRINTHEAD >   CONTROL ROLLER
BUILD CHAMBER >    
GO ONLINE    

 

LCD Menu Overview - ProJet® CJP 260C & 260Plus

           LCD Menu Overview - ProJet® CJP 260C & 260Plus

Main Menu Printhead Submenu Build Chamber Submenu
VACCUUM MAIN MENU > MAIN MENU >
EXTERNAL CLEANING CHANGE PRINTHEAD RAISE PLATFORM
PREP BUILD CHAMBER FILL BED & PRINT BLOCK LOWER PLATFORM
ACCESS BUILD PLATE PRINT BLOCK ONLY SPREAD LAYER
STATUS REPORT PURGE HP11 PRINTHEAD FILL BED
PRINTHEADS >   CONTROL ROLLER
BUILD CHAMBER >    
GO ONLINE    

 

LCD Menu Overview - ProJet® CJP 360

             LCD Menu Overview - ProJet® CJP 360

Main Menu Printhead Submenu Build Chamber Submenu
VACCUUM/CLEANING MAIN MENU > MAIN MENU >
PREP BUILD CHAMBER CHANGE PRINTHEAD RAISE PLATFORM
STATUS REPORT FILL BED & PRINT BLOCK LOWER PLATFORM
ACCESS BUILD PLATE PRINT BLOCK ONLY SPREAD LAYER
PRINTHEADS > PURGE  PRINTHEAD FILL BED
BUILD CHAMBER >   CONTROL ROLLER
GO ONLINE    

 

LCD Menu Overview - ProJet® CJP 460Plus

            LCD Menu Overview - ProJet® CJP 460Plus

Main Menu Printhead Submenu Build Chamber Submenu
VACCUUM/CLEANING MAIN MENU > MAIN MENU >
PREP BUILD CHAMBER CHANGE PRINTHEAD RAISE PLATFORM
STATUS REPORT FILL BED & PRINT BLOCK LOWER PLATFORM
PRINTHEADS > PRINT BLOCK ONLY SPREAD LAYER
BUILD CHAMBER > PURGE HP11 PRINTHEAD FILL BED
GO ONLINE   CONTROL ROLLER

 

Where To Go For More Information

Quick Start Guide - A Quick Reference Guide is included on the 3DPrint Installation media (typically a USB memory stick) that accompanied your printer. It has pictures and simple, step-by-step instructions to guide you through a print job. Additional copies are available on our Web site at infocenter.3dsystems.com/projetcjpx60/quick-start-guide

Software User Manual - A User Manual for the 3DPrint Software is supplied on the Installation media (typically a USB memory stick) with the software. Additional copies are available on our Web site at infocenter.3dsystems.com/projetcjpx60/3d-print™-software-user-guide

Software Downloads - The latest 3DPrint software can be found at infocenter.3dsystems.com/projetcjpx60/software-downloads

Post-Processing - Learn more about the different post-processing products that are available to use with your printer, on the Materials section of our User Web site at infocenter.3dsystems.com/projetcjpx60/post-processing-guide

Consumables - To order consumables/materials, contact your local Service Provider or Reseller.

Contact 3D Systems

If you have any questions about your 3D Printer or the 3DPrint Software, please contact your local Reseller/Service Provider. If they are unable to help, contact us directly.
 

Technical Support 

US and Canada:  888-598-1438

UK and EMEA: +44  1442 279883

International:  +1 803-326-3930

 

Email Technical Support

support-us@3dsystems.com