Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- autodesk_ember:autodesk_ember [2021/04/15 07:39] – [Printer care] formlab
+++ autodesk_ember:autodesk_ember [2021/04/15 08:32] (current) – [Pre-print] formlab
@@ Line 26: / Line 26: @@
   * Start the printer
   * Do the calibration
+=== Print prep checklist ===
+Before running each print on Ember, first be sure to confirm that the following preparations have been made:
+  * The resin tray is properly anchored in place - All three of its locking tabs must be engaged on the tray's platform.
+  * The resin tray is filled with the proper amount of resin - Between the "Max" and "Min" marks on the resin tray.
+  * The resin tray's window is clear of any cured resin stuck to its surface. Feel the window with a gloved finger. It should feel smooth on its entire surface.
+  * The resin in the tray is clear of floating cured debris - Use a fine mesh paint strainer to filter out any cured debris.
+  * The build head is properly secured in place - The kinematic coupling needs to be properly engaged.
+  * The build plate is clear of cured parts - Feel the plate with your gloved finger. It should feel completely smooth.
+  * The build head is properly calibrated - If in doubt, re-calibrate.
+When all of the above are true, you're ready to roll! Hit the "Start" button on Ember's control panel to start the print.
+NOTE: Neglecting any of these preparations before running a print can cause damage to your printer.
+=== How To Add Resin ===
+  * **Resin should only be in the tray for the duration of the printing time. When the print is complete, the resin should be poured out of the tray.** This will help to extend the life of your resin tray, and will reduce the change of damage to your printer as a result of resin leaking from a damaged tray into Ember's interior.
+  * Never store trays full of resin in Ember's build chamber when Ember is not in use.
+  * Before removing the resin tray, remember to always remove the build head, to prevent resin from dripping from the build head onto the window of the projector.
+  * Warning: When handling resin wear, nitrile gloves, protective clothing (e.g., an apron or lab coat), and eye protection.
+  - Put on safety glasses and nitrile gloves
+  - Gently shake resin before use
+  - Slowly pour into resin tray
+  - Fill up to Max line of 100ml
+  - Make sure that the resin is filled above the Min line of 50ml
+Filling the resin tray above the maximum line may cause damage to your printer due to resin overflowing from the tray into Ember's interior.
+**When your print is complete**, remove the build head, remove the resin tray from Ember, **drain the resin into a resin storage bottle and store it away from exposure to light**. If there are particulates in the resin (e.g., resin shards from a failed print), be sure to use a fine mesh paint strainer to remove them before storing your resin for reuse.
+=== How to calibrate the build head ===
+Correct calibration of the build head is key to a successful print on Ember.
+{{youtube>R2_3xLAQ64Q?medium}}
+== Objective of Calibration ==
+The objective of build head calibration is to align the build head parallel and flush with the PDMS surface.
+This is important for several reasons:
+  *  To ensure that the first layer sticks onto the build head
+  *  To prevent jamming when the resin tray rotates
+  *  To ensure an even thickness of the first layer
+== Preparing for Calibration ==
+The process of calibrating the build head will only take a few minutes.
+Before starting check that:
+  - Ember is powered on
+  - The build head is clear of any previous print
+  - The build head is securely locked to the build arm
+  - There is no cured resin stuck to the PDMS
+  - There is resin in the resin tray
+  - The resin tray is properly attached to the rotating plate (and that the three tabs at at the base of the resin tray are securely locked in place).
+== Calibrating the Build Head ==
+  - Open the amber access door, loosen the calibration bolt with the calibration hex key. The build head should be free to rotate in all directions and move up and down.
+  - Gently push the build head up to the top of its travel.
+  - While holding the build head in position with one hand, tighten the calibration bolt to secure the build head.
+  - Close the amber access door and click "Next" on the UI panel, the build head will move to the calibration position.
+  - Once the build head is at the calibration position, open the amber access door.
+  - Loosen the calibration bolt so that the build head is free to rotate in all directions and move down.
+  - Let the build head fall under its own weight into the resin tray so that it is flush with the PDMS surface.
+  - Rotate the build head so that it is square with the PDMS and allow it to settle in place.
+  - Tighten the calibration bolt and return the calibration hex key to its pocket.
+  - Close the amber access door and hit "Done" on the UI panel.
+You can tell if you have successfully calibrated by the build head if all the following apply:
+  * As the resin tray rotates, the build head pushes all but a very thin film of resin off the PDMS. The PDMS should look almost dry.
+  * The resin tray rotates without any jamming or skipping of steps
+Calibration is only necessary after
+  * a failed print
+  * a changed resin tray
+  * a changed build head
 ==== Post-print ====
@@ Line 261: / Line 341: @@
   * Wear goggles to protect your eyes from accidental splashes of resin
   * Wear nitrile gloves - (throw away after use, or clean them thoroughly with alcohol)
-==== Calibration ====
-Necessary after
-  * a failed print
-  * a changed resin tray
-  * a changed build head