Author: P Zach Ali

Put on the RUBBER GLOVES included in the Zortrax M200 Kit. The kit also includes a sharp-edge spatula. Place the platform onto a secure/steady table-top. With one hand holding the platform in an upright position, (gently) guide the spatula across the platform and AWAY from your body and hand. Remove as much material as possible.

*NOTE: Please notify IDeATe Technical Staff if there is any permanent residue you are unable to remove. DO NOT replace the platform unless it is clean and prepared for the next user.

The perforated plate is mounted (with screws) to a heated build plate that attaches magnetically atop the build platform. Before printing, inspect the perforated plate; make sure the plate is free from large debris and leftover material. It is normal to have leftover material embedded within the perforations. If the perforated print platform is sufficient, continue on to the next step below.

If the perforated print platform requires cleaning, follow the instructions on removing, cleaning and replacing the Zortrax M200: Printing Platform.

i. Using the rotating control knob, browse to item labeled MODELS on the M200 display. Select this option by pressing the control knob.

ii. In the next menu, a list of [.zcode] files will appear. Scroll to your file and select.

iii. In the final menu, the display lists the selected print file’s details (Material Profile & Est. Print Time) near the bottom. Two options are available from this Menu:

> Select BACK to move to the previous screen.

>Scroll to PRINT: YOUR_FILE_NAME.zcode and select, to begin your print job.

If you select PRINT, the equipment will begin heating the build platform, print head, and the internal environment. Make sure the front panel is shut, and close any sliding doors on the 3D Printer fume hood.

After selecting the CALCULATOR button, a CALCULATOR menu will expand from the left. One value should be adjusted, before receiving a proper cost estimation:

**PRINTING MATERIAL: This value represents the total cost of a single spool. For IDeATe (Zortrax) M200 Printers, this value should be set to ’80’.

**Find and select the CALCULATE button to update the TOTAL COST OF PRINT value. This represents the total cost of the print job. In IDeATe, this averages around $0.10/gram of material used.

Find and re-select the CALCULATOR button to exit this menu.

Important Notes:

* As of JAN-17-2017, 3D Printing in IDeATe Print Lab (A5b), on Zortrax M200‘s is provided FREE OF CHARGE.

** Material pricing is based on Purchase Price, Shipping Costs, and average successful vs. failed 3D Print jobs. *You are not charged for failed print jobs.

SHELL: Prints the model with 0% infill. The top & bottom (horizontal surfaces) surface layers are also removed. When the SHELL setting is selected, an additional option menu appears directly below:

SPRIAL: Adjusts the seam/starting point of each printed layer. This is described in detail, on the previous tab SEAM. (Recommended)

WALL THICKNESS: Adjusts the wall thickness (in layers). (Recommended 2-3 Layers)

BOTTOM LAYER: Retains and prints the bottom surface layer of your 3D Model. (Recommended)

OFFSETS: These options allow you to increase the wall thickness of any vertical or hole surface geometry.

OUTER CONTOURS: Increases the wall thickness for any vertical surface geometry. The input value will increase the thickness of walls in BOTH directions. This will increase the strength of your print, but also changes the internal & external dimensions of your model.

HOLES: Increases the wall thickness for any circular openings/holes. The input value will increase the thickness of walls in BOTH directions. This will increase the strength of your print, but also changes the internal & external dimensions of the hole(s).

LAYER THICKNESS: this drop-down allows you to choose the height of one printed layer. (0.09mm/0.14mm/0.19mm/0.29mm/0.39mm) Your material selection may affect the available selection choices.

a. Finer layers (0.09mm/0.14mm) = Better surface quality + increased printing time + increased material usage. This is recommended for parts that are intricate/highly-detailed/organic/curvilinear.

b. Average Layers (0.14mm/0.19mm) = Average surface quality + average printing time + average material usage. These settings work well for most shapes and forms.

c. Thicker layers (0.29mm/0.39mm) = Less surface quality + decreased printing time + decreased material usage. These settings are recommended if your part is simple/rectilinear/square. You can also use these settings if your part is a first-stage prototype, or if you’re in a rush!

QUALITY: This drop-down option allows you to adjust the speed and quality of the 3D Print.

High Quality = decreased speed + increased code output + increased print time. This is recommended for organic or curvilinear shapes.

Normal Quality = average speed + average code output + average print time. This will work well for any form.

INFILL: Allows you to adjust how the interior of your model is printed. *See the image below and continue reading for extended description.

Maximum = High strength + increased print time + increased material usage. Use these settings if your part requires strength and durability; or if you plan on drilling/screwing screws or bolts into the part.

High = Average strength + average print time + average material usage. Use these settings if your part requires average strength; or if you plan on sanding the part afterward.

Medium = Sufficient strength + lower print time + lower material usage. Use these settings if your part is for show, study, or research.

Low = Minimal strength + minimal print time + minimal material usage. Use these settings if the interior of your object or strength doesn’t matter; or if you’re in a rush!

For instance, a support setting of 40 Degrees would print support structures for overhanging geometry that is greater-than or equal-to 40 Degrees. An example is provided in the image above.

Lower Support Setting Values = increased print time + increased material usage + increased success + increased post-processing time (removal/clipping of support material from final model)

As a second example, a support setting of 80 Degrees would print support structures for overhanging geometry that is greater-than or equal-to 80 Degrees. An example is provided in the image above. This setting would provide limited support for over-hanging structures, and the likelihood your model will print successfully is minimal.

Higher Support Setting Values = decreased print time + decreased material usage + decreased success + decreased post-processing time (removal/clipping of support material from final model)