Material Change (Material Changeout Wizard)

Before Beginning this Procedure

• Check the Software Version.  The printer must be running software version xxxxxxxx or later.  Install new software if needed.
• Pre-Existing Service Issues.  If the printer has any pre-existing service issues, do not attempt to perform this procedure. Resolve any existing issues before beginning this procedure. 
• Check the Build Chamber.  Make certain the build platform and build chamber are clear from any obstructions that may prevent the free movement of the print head, (e.g. tools, parts, etc.).
• Observe the Specified Wait Times.  In several steps of this procedure you will see the statement, “This may take up to 20 minutes. Please wait”.  Please be extremely patient and wait the specified time. Although the printer may appear idle, do not deviate from the procedure.  
• Do Not Deviate from the Procedure.  This procedure must be completed in order and in its entirety.  

Caution: Modifying the procedure may cause serious damage to the printer.

 

Check for Materials on Hand
Make certain you have the following available:

• Two cartridges of MCO Cleaner 5600
• Two cartridges of the new material you are switching to
• Lint free cloth
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• 2 -2.5hrs or your time

Check the Printer State
When the printer is in an energy saving state such as Standby or Conserve, the material heaters are partially cooled and many other components are disabled.  The printer and materials must be at normal operating temperatures before the material change procedure can be performed.

 

Check the Message Bar on the user interface.  If the message displayed is STANDBY NOT PRINTING  or CONSERVE NOT PRINTING,  the printer will need time to warm up before beginning this procedure.  The amount of warm up time for each mode is:

• Standby        15 minutes
• Conserve      25 minutes

 

If you see either of the adjacent messages (outlined in red), proceed as follows:

1. Press the Start key. 
2. Cancel any prompts that appear.
3. Wait the time specified above for the printer to warm up.

When the Message Bar displays READY TO PRINT, you may proceed to the next page to begin the material change procedure.

 

1. On the touchscreen, press the Status key and verify the printer is READY TO PRINT, (not in Standby or Conserve mode.)
2. Install a new HMS waste bag, (left waste bag).

3. On the touchscreen, select Tools -> Material Change Wizard.

4. Press the grey Start key  to start the material change process.

5. You will be prompted with the adjacent dialog box "Commence Material Change?".
6. Select Yes to continue. Pressing No will terminate the material change process.

7. The system will allow you to select the Upper or Lower MDM.  For this example we will select the lower MDM.

8. You will be prompted with the adjacent dialog box.
9. Select Yes to continue. Pressing No will terminate the material change process.

10. Open the lower MDM.
11. Remove both material cartridges from the lower MDM.
12. Close the lower MDM.
13. Select Yes to continue. Pressing No will terminate the material change process.

14. Make certain the HMS waste bag is empty.
15. Make certain the platform is empty.
16. Select Yes to continue. Pressing No will terminate the material change process.

17. Make certain the waste reservoir bag (right waste bag), is empty.
18. Machine will now home X,Y & Z.
19. The printhead will move over the HMS station.
20. The system will begin pumping the existing material out of the MDM and the printhead.  

21. This process of pumping out the existing material will take approximately 20-30 minutes.
22. The status of the process is indicated by the changing progress bars.

24. When the adjacent dialog box is displayed,  open the lower MDM.
25. Use a lint free cloth to wipe out the MDM holders to remove any residual material.

WARNING: THE MDM HOLDER AND MOLTEN MATERIAL WILL BE HOT; AVOID TOUCHING THE SIDES OF THE HOLDER DURING THE CLEANING PROCESS. WEAR PROTECTIVE HEAT RESISTANT GLOVES, PROTECTIVE SLEEVES AND GOGGLES. DISPOSE OF THE MATERIAL ACCORDING TO ALL LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL REGULATORY GUIDELINES.

 

28. Install two cartridges of MCO Cleaner, into the lower MDM.
29. Close the lower MDM.
30. Wait a minimum of 20-30 minutes to allow the MCO Cleaner to warm up.
31. This dialog box is displayed if the MCO Cleaner 5600 has not been installed into the MDM.

29. This dialog box is displayed when the MCO Cleaner 5600 is being installed into the MDM.

30. Once the machine has successfully installed the cleaners, the machine will automatically begin to flush MCO Cleaner through the MDM and Printhead.

Note: If bottles are cold, warm up could take as long as 30 minutes.

 

34. When the machine has completed the cleaning process, the following prompt will appear.
35. Select Yes to continue. Pressing No will terminate the material change process.
36. Remove both of the MCO Cleaners cartridges from the MDM.
37. Close the lower MDM drawer.

36. The system will pump the remaining cleaner out of the system and into the HMS waste bag.  
37. This may take up to 10 to 15 minutes, please wait.

37. When you are prompted by this screen, open the lower MDM.

38. Use a lint free cloth to wipe out the MDM holders to remove any residual cleaner material.  Make certain you use a lint free cloth to avoid manifold contamination.

WARNING: THE MDM HOLDER AND MOLTEN MATERIAL WILL BE HOT; AVOID TOUCHING THE SIDES OF THE HOLDER DURING THE CLEANING PROCESS. WEAR PROTECTIVE HEAT RESISTANT GLOVES, PROTECTIVE SLEEVES AND GOGGLES. DISPOSE OF THE MATERIAL ACCORDING TO ALL LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL REGULATORY GUIDELINES.

45. Install two material cartridges of the new material.
46. Close the lower MDM.
47. Select Yes to continue.  Pressing No will terminate the material change process. 
48. This status screen is displayed while the new material is pumped into the system.  
49. This may take up to 40 minutes for the new cartridges to warm up. Please wait.

46. This screen is displayed when the changeover process is on the last cycle of completion.

48. This screen is displayed when the changeover process is completed.
49. Select OK.

Changing the Carbon Filter

The carbon filter will need to be replaced every 90 days to ensure the 3D printer system will perform at it’s optimal level.  The part number for the carbon filter is 318587-00.

Warning: You must wear nitrile gloves and protective sleeves when performing this procedure.

1. Make certain the 3D printer system is not building.

2. Switch the 3D printer system off as described in “3D Printer System Shutdown and Power Off.” 
3. Open the build chamber door.

4. Pull open the cover panel located below the chamber door.

5. Use a flat bit screwdriver to loosen the screws on the bracket and remove bracket.

6. Remove the carbon filter.
7. Install the new carbon filter.
8. Install bracket to secure filter and tighten screws.
9. Replace the cover panel.
10. Close the build chamber door.

 

Cleaning MDM Holders

When changing material bottles during printing, molten material may be present in the MDM holder after the bottle is removed. If a large pool of material is present (latch is submerged and walls of MDM are reached), do not place a clean material bottle into holder. The holder will require cleaning before inserting a new bottle.

WARNING: THE MDM HOLDER AND MATERIAL MAY BE HOT; AVOID TOUCHING THE SIDES OF THE HOLDER DURING THE CLEANING PROCESS. WEAR PROTECTIVE HEAT RESISTANT GLOVES, PROTECTIVE SLEEVES AND GOGGLES. DISPOSE OF THE MATERIAL ACCORDING TO ALL LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL REGULATORY GUIDELINES.

1. Make certain the 3D printer system is not building and press the pause key.
2. Insert a lint free cloth to absorb the material in the MDM holder. 
3. Using a long tool, such as tongs, remove the saturated cloth from the holder and place in a waste bag. Continue to clean the holder until all material is removed. 
4. After the holder is clean, ensure there is no debris or lint left inside of holder. 
5. Dispose of waste material and all used clothes according to your local codes.

Cleaning 3D printer system Surfaces

NOTE: Do not remove any outer panels when cleaning the 3D printer system. Panels must only be removed by qualified 3D Systems Technical Support Representatives.

 

WARNING: You must wear nitrile gloves and protective sleeves when performing this procedure.

 

• Remove dust from outer surfaces of the 3D printer system by wiping with a clean dry, lint-free cloth.
• Dust and clean the outside surfaces only. DO NOT dust inside the build area.
• Remove dirt and grease from the outer surfaces by spraying an all purpose cleaner on a clean cloth and gently wiping.
• Use only non-abrasive, alcohol-free cleaners to clean surfaces. Spray the cleaner on the cloth, not on the surface. DO NOT use all purpose cleaners containing petroleum-based polishing agents such as liquid wax.
• DO NOT use any cleaning solvents on the build chamber window as this can damage its protective UV coating.

 

Empty Waste Bags

Personal protection equipment is required before opening waste drawer. Follow all material handling and disposal guidelines. Always follow Global Health and Safety guidelines and local regulations regarding handling and

WARNING: Wear protective heat resistant gloves, protective sleeves and goggles before removing any waste material. Be careful not to spill, drop, or expose others to these materials. Dispose of the material according to your local regulatory guidelines.

 

NOTE: When removing the draped portion of the bag, be careful not to spill the material that may be on the top portion of the bag.

 

1. Make certain the 3D printer system is not building and press the pause key.
2. Open the upper left and upper right MDMs.
3. Slide both waste drawers completely out of the 3D printer system.
4. Remove waste bags from waste drawers and place into a hazardous waste container.
5. Replace the plastic waste bag for each drawer.
6. Gently scrape any material stuck onto interior surface of waste drawer bin. Use a flexible plastic scraper to avoid damaging the paint.
7. Vacuum inside waste drawer to remove scraping.
8. Wipe inside surfaces of waste drawer using a clean cloth.