Professional Documents
Culture Documents
VERSION 1.0
1
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LIABILITY STATEMENT
The information in this document is subject to change without any notice. miniFactory Oy Ltd shall not be
liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the
furnishing, performance, or use of the parts produced with this 3D printer. miniFactory Oy Ltd makes no
warranty of any kind with regard to parts produced with this 3D printer, including, but not limited to, the
implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. It is the responsibility of the
system owner/material buyer to determine that the produced parts and materials are safe, lawful, and
technically suitable for the intended application as well as identify the proper disposal (or recycling) method
consistent with local environmental regulations. miniFactory Oy Ltd shall not be responsible for any loss
resulting from any use of its products described herein.
All rights reserved. This document is protected by copyright. All drawings and information herein are the
property of miniFactory Oy Ltd. All unauthorized use is prohibited.
WARNING: This is a Class A product. This product may cause radio interference
in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.
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REVISION LOG
HDANTO
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS............................................................................................................................................ 3
1. PREFACE .................................................................................................................................................. 6
1.1 IMPORTANT .............................................................................................................................................. 6
1.2 WARNING SYMBOLS ................................................................................................................................. 6
1.3 POWER GRID CONNECTION ...................................................................................................................... 6
1.4 CHOOSING PRINTING LOCATION .............................................................................................................. 6
1.5 HEATED PARTS .......................................................................................................................................... 7
1.6 MOVING PARTS......................................................................................................................................... 8
1.7 WHAT TO DO IN PROBLEMATIC SITUATIONS ............................................................................................ 8
1.8 RECYCLING OF PACKAGING MATERIAL AND THE 3D PRINTER ................................................................... 8
1.9 DECOMMISSIONING OF THE 3D PRINTER AND RECYCLING ELECTRONICS ................................................ 8
2. 3D PRINTER INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 9
2.1 REVISION 1 (400V) ....................................................................................................................................... 9
2.2 STATUS BEAM ......................................................................................................................................... 10
2.3 OPTIONAL TOOL KIT ................................................................................................................................ 11
2.4 PREPARATIONS MADE BY A CUSTOMER ................................................................................................. 11
3.SLICING SOFTWARES FOR MINIFACTORY ULTRA 2.................................................................................... 12
3.1 CURA SLICING SOFTWARE ........................................................................................................................ 12
3.1.1 DOWNLOAD AND INSTALL Cura....................................................................................................... 12
3.1.2 CURA MATERIAL PROFILE INSTALLATION ........................................................................................ 12
3.2 SIMPLIFY3D SLICING SOFTWARE............................................................................................................... 16
3.2.1 DOWNLOAD AND INSTALL SIMPLIFY3D PRINTING SOFTWARE ........................................................ 17
3.2.2 SIMPLIFY3D MATERIAL PROFILE INSTALLATION .............................................................................. 17
4. 3D PRINTER USER INTERFACE ................................................................................................................. 18
4.1 HOMING REQUIRED ................................................................................................................................ 18
4.2 STARTING SCREEN .................................................................................................................................. 18
4.3 ANNEAL PART ......................................................................................................................................... 19
4.4 MENU ..................................................................................................................................................... 19
4.5 G.CODE LIBRARY ..................................................................................................................................... 20
4.6 AARNI DATASETS* .................................................................................................................................. 20
4.7 MANUAL MOVE ...................................................................................................................................... 21
4.8 NOZZLE ALIGNMENT ............................................................................................................................... 21
4.9 SETTINGS ................................................................................................................................................ 22
4.10 SETTINGS - SECURITY ............................................................................................................................ 22
4.11 SETTINGS – NETWORK* ........................................................................................................................ 23
4.12 SETTINGS – DATE & TIME ...................................................................................................................... 23
4.13 SETTINGS - MAINTENANCE ................................................................................................................... 24
4.14 SETTINGS – CAMERA* ........................................................................................................................... 24
4.15 REMOTE ACCESS* ................................................................................................................................. 25
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1. PREFACE
This manual introduces the 3D printer and how to operate it in detail. Ensure safe and effective operation by
reading the manual before use. Store the manual so that you have easy access to it when needed.
miniFactory Oy Ltd gives this manual no guarantee, for example, of applicability for any particular purpose or
commercial appropriability. miniFactory Oy Ltd is not liable for any specific or resulting damage caused by
use of the manual or errors in it. miniFactory Oy Ltd is not accountable for any damage, harm or danger
caused by parts or objects manufactured using the 3D printer.
1.1 IMPORTANT
Do not print objects from certain files that are against the law. 3D printer may look slightly different in real
life compared to pictures in the manual. This manual uses Metric System of Measurement. Notable details
have been highlighted with warning symbols. Familiarize yourself thoroughly with the manual before
operating the 3D printer. Remember to follow safety and operation instructions provided.
We recommend supervising the printing process, especially the first layer adhesion.
Ensure that the material temperature specifications are followed to prevent fire hazards caused by incorrect
temperatures for the material!
Safety manual is a separated document highlighting specifically the means for safe use of the machine. This
document is guiding the technical aspects of using the 3D printer.
1.2 WARNING SYMBOLS
Use only properly installed grounded power sockets with right voltage and current rating. To ensure right
voltage, inspect information provided in the power supply plate.
Know the location of equipment branch circuit interrupters or circuit breakers and how to turn them on and
off in case of emergency.
1.4 CHOOSING PRINTING LOCATION
• Make sure the room ventilation is adequate when printing. Some materials used in printing may
emit smells, fumes or micro/nanosized particles.
• Maintain the recommended range of temperature and humidity in equipment area.
• Do not use this product in an environment containing volatile or flammable compounds.
• Make sure that the 3D printer has at least 40 centimeters of space available in every direction.
• Do not operate the 3D printer unless you have familiarized yourself with this user’s manual and you
are aware of risks that are present. Untrained person may operate the 3D printer only when
supervised by a person who is trained to use the 3D printer.
1.5 HEATED PARTS
• When the printer is operating (preheating, printing, cooling down) following components are hot:
o Nozzles
o Printing bed
o Printing chamber
o Chamber door glass and frame, except locking handle
o Parts located inside maintenance hatch
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Do not touch moving parts when the printer is active or connected to power grid. Do not let your hair or
clothing get caught into the motors or moving parts.
Do not open the chamber door or do not place your hands inside the printer chamber when printer is hot or
printing process has been started.
Do not open the maintenance hatch or do not place your hands inside the maintenance hatch when printer
is powered on.
If mechanical movements jam during operation, switch power off and disconnect the 3D printer from power
grid.
Be cautious and do not hurt yourself when examining the printer trying to find out what caused a problem.
Mind your hands and make sure there are no objects blocking any moving parts to avoid risk of physical
harm and equipment damage.
1.7 WHAT TO DO IN PROBLEMATIC SITUATIONS
If the printer malfunctions, ensure your own safety first by switching power off and letting the printer cool
down for at least 30 minutes before starting troubleshooting.
When performing repairs, be extra careful not to damage your printer or injure yourself.
Check power cables regularly and make sure the cables are properly connected.
Troubleshooting guide can be found from final pages of this User’s Manual.
In case of problematic situations contact your local reseller for assistance.
1.8 RECYCLING OF PACKAGING MATERIAL AND THE 3D PRINTER
Product package is manufactured from environmentally friendly materials and can be disposed of in
compliance with recycling regulations in effect.
Inquire your local disposal or recycling service point for assistance when your printer is at the end of its life
cycle or needs to be disposed for another reason.
1.9 DECOMMISSIONING OF THE 3D PRINTER AND RECYCLING ELECTRONICS
The 3D printer has been designed to endure normal use for multiple years.
Following household waste disposal procedure is not the correct way to dispose of your 3D printer. Dispose
of it properly by delivering it to your local waste recycling point.
The 3D printer contains many valuable materials and components that can be salvaged or recycled, make
sure you deliver it to your local waste recycling point.
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2. 3D PRINTER INTRODUCTION
AIR INLETS
EXHAUST OUTLET
AIR INLETS
ETHERNET PORT
RCD SWITCH
POWER INLET
AIR INLETS
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All necessary tools for operating and basic maintenance tasks can be found in 3D printer tool kit which can
be bought as an optional.
Customer may unpack the 3D printer from the shipment box according to “Unpacking guide” provided with
ordering documents via e-mail.
• In case of an accident (the machine falls over etc.), ensure that no individuals are hurt, and if
someone is hurt, arrange help for them. Contact miniFactory for further guidance for safe use of the
machine.
Customer may move the 3D printer to desired installation location.
Customer may make the basic preparations for the 3D printer according to “Preparation guide” provided
with ordering documents via e-mail.
Important! Do not power on the printer for the first time before installation and inspection is made by
authorized person.
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* An internet connection is required for the installation and continued use of the software
Open the Cura 5.1.1 software (NOTE! If you are opening the software for the first time you might need to go
through the configuration. miniFactory devices are not on the list of printers at this point so choose a printer
(like Ultimaker S5 and navigate through the configuration)
1. Click “Help” from the toolbar -> Click “Show Configuration Folder”. This should open a separated
folder on your screen.
2. Once the Configuration folder is open on your screen, you can close Cura
3. Extract the lates profile package and copy all the folders in it
4. Paste those sub-folders to the Configuration folder (NOTE! By doing so you are not deleting any
existing files from your Cura)
5. Re-open Cura
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6. Choose the printer “miniFactory Ultra” from the dropdown list. If done correctly you should have a
view similar to the picture below with miniFactory logo in the printing plate.
7. Choose the material from the drop down list. NOTE! Extruder 1 is for the main material and Extruder
2 is for the support material. Use only the materials under “miniFactory Validated category”.
8. Open the printing profile tab from the top right corner.
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9. Click “Custom” to open up the list of materials. NOTE! This tab might report about “Configuration
not supported.” Continue with the steps regardless.
10. Choose the printing profile as per your printing requirement. Printing profile should match with the
material profile that was previously selected.
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Supported Platforms
Windows
• Windows 7 or later
• Both 32 and 64-bit installers are available
Mac OS
• Mac OS X 10.7 or later
Linux
• Ubuntu, Debian, and Fedora-based distributions are all supported
• Both 32 and 64-bit installers are available
• Recommended Distribution: Ubuntu 14.04 LTS or later
System Requirements
Recommended Requirements
• Intel® Core i7 CPU
• 8GB or more of RAM
Minimum Requirements
• Intel® Pentium® 4 CPU
• 4GB of RAM
• OpenGL 2.0 capable system
• Internet connection required*
• 1GB of available hard-disk space
* An internet connection is required for the installation and continued use of the software
Language Translations
• English
• French
• German
• Italian
• Japanese
• Spanish
• Portuguese
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2. Choose proper profile for your printed object from “Edit Process Settings”.
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NOTE: Features marked with * are only available in miniFactory Ultra 2 Pro configuration.
Homing Required – Once the machine has been booted up, UI requires the user to home all axis. Ensure that
the print bed is empty, and the axes are able to move freely before clicking “Home Now”
Choose Anneal part –Annealing process is a post-processing for semi-crystalline polymers. Annealing will
increase the level of crystallinity of the polymer.
4.4 MENU
Menu – Control file library, Find Aarni datasets*, Drive axis manually, Align the nozzles, choose post
processing settings, Adjust general settings, View remote access credentials*, Update Software, Lock the
screen.
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Choose G.Code Library – to open the internal and external libraries of g.codes
Choose Aarni datasets – to open the library of previous datasets of printed parts.
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Choose Manual move – to manually move X,Y,Z,U and V axis, activate extruders or home all axis.
Choose Nozzle Alignment– To set, reload and reset the X,Y,Z offset values of E1 and Z offset value of E0
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4.9 SETTINGS
Choose settings - to setup, network, date & time, view the need for maintenance and open the chamber
camera view.
Choose Security - To setup the Screen lock code, View Remote Access credentials* or reset authentication
Key
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Choose Date & Time - To select time zone, choose to use network time or set the date and time manually.
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Choose Maintenance - To inspect usage metrics, check the machine health and view the date of the next
maintenance.
Choose Camera - To view the chamber camera or restart the camera stream.
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Choose Screen Lock -To lock the screen with the correct code. (See. 4.10 how to set up the code)
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Printer setup – Adjust blower/fan / Adjust federate (printing speed) / Adjust flowrate (material extrusion)
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miniFactory Remote – is a computer software that allows you to monitor and control your Ultra 2 printer
remotely over LAN connection. By clicking on “Add Printer” you will open a box to fill your remote
credentials.
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Credentials – Once your Ultra 2 has been connected to LAN and configured (like shown in Chapter 4.11). You
can find your remote credentials from the menu shown in Chapter 4.15. Type the credentials to your
Remote software and click “Add Printer”. If done correctly you should now have home screen visible with
your Ultra 2 shown at its own box.
Home screen – Gives you an overview of your printers and their status.
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Choose Aarni datasets – to preview and download the datasets of your latest prints.
Choose your Ultra 2 machine view – to monitor your print process through live video feed, Aarni data and
print progress bar. Pause and Abort options can be also found from this screen
Choose live Aarni data – from the machine view to see more in depth the graphs of each monitored value.
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5. 3D PRINTING PROCESS
NOTE: Features marked with * are only available in miniFactory Ultra 2 Pro configuration.
POWER switch and EMEREGENCY STOP also works as the RESET in the 3D printer. If you are encountering
problems, switch power off and wait 30 seconds before restarting.
Make sure the power cord is plugged properly and the power source is enough for the 3D
printer. The 3D printer requires 400V/16A
5. On startup machine requires to home all axes. Make sure the printing chamber is empty of previous
prints and other foreign objects and click OK to home all axes.
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1. Minimum recommended filament drying time and temperature is 12h and 100°C.
a. Make sure the filament reel and the filament can handle that temperature.
2. Dry the filament in the Heated Filament Chamber of miniFactory Ultra 2.
3. When the Heated Filament Chamber is turned on the filament stays printable the whole time.
a. Make sure the filament reel can handle that temperature.
4. Storage printing filaments in sealed bags when not in use.
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Purpose of this document is to estimate the weight of the filament on the spool. This document provides
information only about miniFactory recommended materials.
Example. Used material is Solvay PPSU and measured total weight is 720g. The weight of the filament
is: 720g-270g= 450g
Empty spool weight: 230 g Empty spool weight: 270g +/- 20g
3. Check the estimation of the needed plastic weight for the print from Simplify3D g-code preview
(shown in picture bellow)
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When you use new nozzle, start from chapter “LOAD FILAMENT”
When you make new print with same filament and nozzle, start from chapter “SAME FILAMENT”
When you need to change filament, start from chapter “CHANGE FILAMENT”
When you don´t know which filament was previously used, start from chapter “UNKNOWN FILAMENT”
LOAD FILAMENT
11. When the material is correctly fed and moves toward the nozzle, wait around 1 minute until the
filament is coming through the nozzle. Let the filament come through 10-20cm and press OK from
touch screen.
12. Open the chamber door and remove the extra
filament. Be carefully since the nozzle is hot.
Use recommended protective equipment and
special care as the nozzle is very hot!
13. Heat up the filament chamber to prevent the
effects of moisture. Navigate to setting menu to
set desired temperature (for high-performance
materials usually 100C) NOTE! MAKE SURE THAT
THE SPOOL AND FILAMENT CAN HANDLE SUCH
TEMPERATURE.
• SAME MATERIAL
1. If the material is left in the nozzle after the previous job and you intend to use the same material,
make sure that the material has not been in place over the recommended uptime (24h). If the time
is exceeded or the material has otherwise accumulated moisture, dry the material according to the
instructions before use.
2. Choose preheat temperature according to filament used. Temperature can also be adjusted
manually by pressing – and + buttons.
3. Clean the nozzle of all dirt by using pliers and brass brush before loading more material. See more
detailed instructions in chapter 5.7. Use recommended protective equipment and special care as the
nozzle is very hot!
4. Let the filament come through 10-20cm and press OK from touch screen.
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• CHANGE MATERIAL
If you are printing with a different filament than the previous print, change the nozzle. Every filament should
have a dedicated nozzle to avoid material clocks and extrusion errors. During the change, it is very important
that the nozzle is thoroughly cleaned. It also allows reuse of the nozzle. The nozzle change is done when the
nozzle is cold. The cleaning of nozzle is done when the nozzle is hot. Use recommended protective
equipment and special care as the nozzle is very hot!
Nozzle is changed when it´s cold. Follow procedure closely and only gentle tightening is required. If too much
force is used, nozzle may bend and cause problems.
TIP! When nozzle is removed, it is good to mark it what filament was printed with it so it can be changed back
on next prints with same filament.
See video of correct nozzle replacement steps from here: https://youtu.be/DxWDoEyW6Dg
CHANGE NOZZLE
Prepare G-code with Simplify3D software and save the file to USB stick before starting print process. Make
sure the printable object meets the design rules, printing orientation is optimal and correct print profile was
used.
Note! Ultra polymers are printed in high temperature chamber and parts will shrink after the print. If high
tolerances are required, models should be scaled in Simplify3D/Cura to compensate the shrinking. More
information about scaling and shrinkage can be found on chapter 8.1
On load file screen G-code is transferred from USB stick to 3D printer internal memory. You can copy files
from internal memory back to USB stick or delete files from internal memory by accessing “Menu -> G-code
Library” from start menu, when printer is in idle mode. File already in internal memory can be re-printed.
1. Choose file from USB stick and click the right arrow to copy (File is now copied onto internal library)
2. Choose file to print from internal library and click “Print Part”.
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5.10 MATERIALS
At Print part screen, Postprocessing settings can be set, Vacuum can be turned on / off and automatic start
of the calibration after the preheat can be selected.
NOTE! Every printing material need own dedicated nozzle so if the printing material is changed, please
change the nozzle at this point before the printing chamber/printing bed is hot.
5.11 PREHEAT
At PREHEAT screen the 3D printer starts to heat up the nozzle(s), print bed and printing chamber according
to the G-Code. Nozzle temperature will be 30 Celsius below the target temperature to avoid burning in the
nozzle. Depending on the printable material heat up process may take up to 30min.
1. When entering to Preheat screen, 3D printer will home all axes, move them to correct positioning
and start preheating
2. When 100% is reached the 10-minute timer will start to count down. Once the timer reaches 0, the
calibration will start automatically.
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5.12 CALIBRATION
In calibration a probe in the extruder is levelling the print platform by measuring it from multiple points.
After that both nozzles will calibrate their Z value against the build platform to find the optimal height for 3D
printing. First layer height can be adjusted on the fly during the first layers from the touch screen. Calibration
process takes around 5 minutes.
1. The calibration will start automatically after preheating has reached 100% and 10 minutes has past
2. By doing it manually you have to confirm the start of the calibration once asked.
3. Follow and ensure the calibration process is running smoothly.
4. Press OK to move to CHECK EXTRUSION before actual print starts.
After the calibration is completed, Nozzles will now heat to the temperatures set in Slicing software. In
normal situation it is not required to check extrusion. In this screen the Aarni Process monitoring settings*
can be set. (Turn “Temperature Alerts*” “On” if you wish active alert indication during the print. Turn “Smart
Supervision*” “On” if you wish automatic abort of the print if monitored values have crossed upper of lover
limits. Alert/Smart Supervision limits are set with the “Tolerance Level*” adjustment)
1. Wait until nozzles reach their target temperature. Click “Start Print” to start print job.
a. If machine has been on preheat for long period of time extrusion can be checked before
starting the print job. If extrusion is checked, excess filament should be removed from
nozzle/bed before starting the print job. Be extra cautious and use high temperature gloves,
safety goggles and use pliers to remove excess filament. WARNING! Inner door, chamber,
bed and nozzles are extremely hot at this point.
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5.14 PRINTING
At PRINTING screen, you can fine tune first layer adhesion with “Fine tune Z Offset”. Please make sure that
first layer adhesion is optimal since it’s the most important thing for successful print job.“Fine tune Z Offset”
will automatically disappear after few layers. Layer calculator estimated printing time calculator and process
% will automatically pop up and update during the first few layers. The printing time calculator is directive
and more accurate estimation is available in Slicer software preview.
NOTE! It is possible to adjust nozzle, chamber and print bed temperatures during a print job. It is also
possible to adjust blower speed, feedrate (printing speed) and flowrate (extrusion multiplier) from the
PRINTER SETUP during a print but it is for advanced use only.
NOTE! In case of a fault situation durign printing, abort printing and shut down the heating if possible. If the
display is non-responsive, shut down the printer and let it cool down to room temperature. Contact your
local distributor for further guidance.
• Z-ADJUST
o Increase the distance between nozzle and platform by 0,05mm steps
o Decrease the distance between nozzle and platform by 0,05mm steps
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• PAUSE PRINT
b. In pause print menu it is possible to change filament during the print. Once new material is
loaded, remove the extruded material. Be extra cautious and use high temperature gloves,
safety goggles and use pliers to remove excess filament. WARNING! Inner door, chamber,
bed and nozzles are extremely hot at this point.
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• ABORT
o In case to abort print, it is not possible to continue the print after that. If abort print is used,
heated chamber and vacuum pump remains active and need to shut down separately if
printer is not used anymore.
NOTE! DON’T SHUT DOWN THE POWER IF 3D PRINTER IS STILL HOT. AFTER USE, PLEASE LET THE
TEMPERATURES OF CHAMBER, PLATFORM AND NOZZLES DECREASE BELOW 100°C BEFORE SHUT DOWN.
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After a print is complete, the part needs to cool down smoothly and evenly. Most of the high-performance
polymers has so called “holding temperature” which means the printer is cooling down to a certain
temperature below polymers Tg allowing the polymer to retreat in peace.
Warning: Wear proper safety equipment (found from the tool kit delivered with the machine) when handling
items inside the oven as surfaces within the oven can be very hot and some printed objects might be sharp
Please let the printed part / printer to cool down at least 1 hour before removing the part.
1. Press DONE
2. Go to PRINT BED OPERATIONS and put the VACUUM ON to avoid harming the seal during the
remove process.
3. Wear proper safety equipment
4. Open the chamber door
5. Remove the printed part carefully with hands and/or metal scraper.
6. Close the chamber door
7. Go to PRINT BED OPERATIONS and put the VACUUM OFF
8. With the printed part:
a. If there is a glass on the bottom of the printed object, try to remove carefully. Wear safety
equipment and use Stanley knife.
b. If glass is stuck hard, put the printed part to the freezer, let it cool down for 1-2hr and then
put in hot water. Thermal expansion should release the glass from the bottom.
c. Printed object can look like warped if there is some glass in the bottom but once the glass is
removed it should release the mechanical stress.
9. After part is removed and the 3D printer is cool, use brush to remove debris that may have been on
platform.
NOTE! If the glass has been stuck to the printed object surface, this may because the first layer was printed
too close to the bed.
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6. PRINTING SETTINGS
3D printer is not a ”smart device”, the user needs to know how different parameters affect the printed
object. When printing with different Ultra polymers, the parameters can have sizable effect on the result.
Object geometry affects printing parameters so there is not a single perfect solution which works for all
objects when it comes to settings.
Different printing materials require different temperatures and settings. We have listed the most common
printing materials and certain requirements and preferences for successful prints.
Features:
PVDF (Polyvinylidene Fluoride) is a semi-crystalline fluoropolymer with excellent abrasion resistance and
outstanding weatherability. PVDF exhibits an increased chemical resistance and compatibility among
thermoplastic materials.
Features:
Features:
Features:
Features:
PEKK (PolyEtherKetoneKetone) is a leading material in the PAEK family with excellent mechanical, thermal
and chemical resistance properties. PEKK properties are similar than PEEK with lower grade of crystallization.
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Features:
PPSU (Polyphenylsulfone) is a high-performance polymer with good resistance to certain chemicals and good
resistance to temperature. PPSU is dimensionally accurate, to better predict end-product performance.
Features:
PA CARBON (Polyamide) is ideal for high-performance and durable structural end-use parts, making 3D
printing technology a viable option for demanding racing and engineering structural applications that require
robust performance at elevated temperatures.
Features:
Features:
TPI (Thermoplastic Polyimide) is a thermoplastic polyimide. It offers extreme heat resistance and high
mechanical properties even in the most demanding environments.
Features:
PC-S (Polycarbonate) is an amorphous transparent thermoplastic. It offers high heat resistance. It is solid and
suitable for demanding applications. It is well suited for various applications, such as the manufacture of
parts in the food industry and engineering.
Features:
We have listed the most common printing materials and recommended scaling values. Size of the printed
part effects to the amount of thermal shrinkage, therefore, there is three different scaling groups listed
below. These values are only estimations.
Small part
Medium part
Big part
Printing settings can be edited in Simplify3D in Edit 3D Process. Most of the parameters all optimized for
certain materials but can be adjusted by user. Please store the original profiles.
Layer height affects the quality of object’s outer surfaces. Default layer height setting for Ultra polymers is
0,25mm. Since high temperature polymers will expand smaller layer height might cause a mess for printed
parts. By adjusting layer height from 0,25mm to 0,15mm surface quality will be smoother but the printing
process takes almost twice as long because the number of layers needed for completion is doubled. And the
quality might suffer because of the above-mentioned reasons.
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Recommended printing speed for Ultra polymers is 25-40mm/s. If higher printing speeds are used nozzle
temperature may need to be increased to allow proper melting process in nozzle. The print quality may also
suffer from higher printing speeds. Thumb rule is that smaller the object, slower the printing speed.
The Printing software creates necessary support structures underneath the object without the user
designing them. Support material structure can be created using same material used in printing the object or
specific support material designed for the purpose.
• From build platform only – Support structure will use printing bed as base (RECOMMENDED)
• Normal – Support structure will be utilized at any point where angle is more than 45 degrees.
When printing with separate support material use PRIME PILLAR to clean up the nozzle.
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Another important step for successful print is to analyse the G-code in Simplify3D before copying the G-code
to USB stick and starting the print job.
• Before creating the G-code, make sure the proper profile and scaling are activated.
• Part is located inside the print area and also prime pillar, skirt or brim stays inside the print area.
• Correct nozzle is activated.
• The first layer has enough area and brim is activated to increase first layer adhesion.
• Thin sections prints as intended. In basic settings there are 3 perimeters which means there is
~1,2mm thick walls on both sides and area between them is filled according to infill % settings.
• If support material is activated, check that structures which requires support material builds
correctly.
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7. MAINTENANCE OPERATIONS
NOTE! Maintenance tasks must be performed on a regular basis in order to maintain optimal system
operation. Before making any operation, make sure the 3D printer is cooled down to room temperature. Use
recommended tools and safety equipment.
The most important maintenance procedure is to keep the 3D printer heated chamber and build platform
clean of dust and material waste with the cleaning brush. Use vacuum cleaner with soft head to clean the
chamber of all debris.
The vacuum seal is a consumable part which can wear or broke in use.
If vacuum is not maintained well and vacuum pump operates
constantly, or vacuum gauge moves from -0.8 to -0.6 under 30 seconds
it is time to clean or change vacuum seal.
Clean the vacuum seal with water and check that seal is clean and
unbroken, dry well. Re-install the vacuum seal. If the pump operating
frequency still remains <30 seconds, it´s time to change the seal. Spare
seals are included in consumable pack or obtained from local reseller.
To install new vacuum seal, ensure the chamber and bed are cold. Start
by removing the currently installed seal. Use brush or vacuum cleaner to remove all dust/debris from
vacuum seal installation slot. Start from back corners and then set the front corners. Go through all corners
by gently pushing towards the corners to
remove extra tensions from the seal.
If coolant level drops in short period of time, there may be leak. Do not use
the machine before machine is checked by authorised technician.
Software updates for the 3D printer and Simplify3D software are published occasionally. Customers will
receive e-mail notifications of available updates. Guidance to update procedure is included in e-mail.
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8. TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSES SOLUTION
POWER/USB
3D printer does not Power cable is not Plug in power cable.
power up/display does plugged in.
not light up.
RCD is off. Turn the RCD on
3D printer does not USB flash drive is not Use original USB flash memory.
recognize USB flash compatible with the Try different USB flash memory.
memory. 3D printer. File format FAT32
VACUUM
PUMP/PLATFORM
Vacuum pump runs The vacuum seal is Clean the seal
constantly or does not dirty
hold the vacuum
The vacuum seal is Change the seal
worn out
Printing plate is not in Adjust printing plate correctly or change the printing
the top of the seal plate
Vacuum pump is not The fault condition Restart the 3D printer
reacting once activated
Contact service
OTHER PREPARATIONS
Some blower is not The fault condition Restart the 3D printer
working
Contact service
Some axis is stuck and The fault condition Restart the 3D printer and home all axis
won’t move
Contact service
PRINTING PROCESS
Printing material is not The 3D printer is not in Move to feed filament section.
coming through when I filament feeding
feed it to the nozzle. mode.
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Nozzle motor does not Make sure that the 3D printer is in feed filament
push the filament. mode.
Make sure that the filament travels all the way to the
nozzle.
Change nozzle
Printing material does Nozzle height Perform Z-adjust height calibration from touch
not stick to the printing calibration has not screen.
bed. been performed or it
was unsuccessful.
“Extruder reports too Too low/much Press OK – home z-axis – load filament manually –
little movement” movement – Jam remove extra filament carefully from the nozzle –
sensor activated continue print.
Causes
Nozzle is too close to Perform Z-adjust height calibration from touch
the printing bed when screen.
printing.
Nozzle is too cool for Check recommended printing temperature for the
the material. chosen material.
Causes
Door is open
Cooling fan speed is Modify the printing profile or decrease fan value
too high from touch screen settings.
Nozzle height
calibration was
unsuccessful
Printing process stops Power failure. Restart the print.
before completion.
G-Code file on the USB Re-create the G-Code and save the file to your
flash drive is not computer first.
complete. (page 15)
Computer is in standby Restart the print. Ensure that the computer will not
mode/restarted. go to standby mode.
(Printing using USB
cable)
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9. TECHNICAL DATA
9.2 3D PRINTING
• Number of extruders: 2
• Printing materials: PEI (ULTEM), PEKK, PEEK, PPSU, PSU, PC, ABS, PA, etc.
• Printing dimensions: 330x180x180mm
• Z Layer Resolution: 0.05-0.40mm (50 - 400 microns)
• Shell thickness: minimum 0.4mm, recommended minimum 1.2mm
• Printing material diameter: 1.75mm
• Nozzle diameter: 0,3mm, 0,4mm, 0,5mm, 0,6mm, 0,8mm and 1,0mm
• Operation accuracy(X/Y): Representative travel distance error is 0,025mm up to 400mm movements.
9.3 TEMPERATURES
• Extruder temperature: up to 480°C
• Heated bed: Yes
• Bed temperature: up to 250°C (requires chamber heating as well)
• Heated printing chamber: Yes
• Printing chamber temperature: up to 250°C
• Heated filament chamber: Yes
• Heated filament chamber temperature: up to 120°C
• Ambient temperature: 18-30°C
• Storage temperature: 10-30°C
This warranty is valid only for Products that are purchased new and unused in EU or EEA and are sourced
from miniFactory Oy Ltd or its distribution channel. miniFactory distribution channel refers to its network of
authorized distributors, dealer and retailers.
The customer must provide the original proof of purchase to receive any services under this warranty
This warranty only applies where a defect has arisen, wholly or substantially, as a result of faulty
manufacture, parts or workmanship during the Warranty Period.
The warranty does not apply where damage is caused by other factors, including without limitation:
(a) normal wear and tear; (b) abuse, mishandling, accident or failure to follow operating instructions; (c)
exposure to liquid or infiltration of foreign particles; (e) servicing or modification of the Product other than
by miniFactory, or their authorized service agents; (f) use of the Product with unsuitable printing materials;
(g) use of the Product with other accessories, attachments, product supplies, parts or 3D printers that do not
conform to miniFactory specifications; or (h) shipment or other transit.
a) Replacement of any consumables, such as nozzles, filament cartridges b) software included with printers
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You must provide miniFactory your original proof of purchase and a written description of the fault
(including image samples and any other relevant material if and when requested)
10.5 WARRANTY PERIOD
Warranty period is one (1) year counting from the day of the installation at customer's place or no later than
30 days after the shipment from miniFactory warehouse.
Replacement parts or any other things do not refresh the warranty period.
10.6 CONTACT INFORMATION
Address:
miniFactory Oy Ltd
Tiedekatu 2
60320 Seinäjoki Finland, Europe
VAT: FI25182357
E-mail: info@minifactory.fi