In Auto Mode, the software will analyze the features of the model and add support structure to where necessary.

To Add Supports Automatically

Step 1: Resize, rotate and/or move the object as the way you want to print it.

The orientation  of the object is especially essential for a successful print. The above object was rotated to avoid below issues:

(A) Heaviest part is away from the bottom

Objects may drop easily when the heaviest part is away from the bottom due to the peeling force. Also, heavy supports may be required to hold the whole object steadily. The best practice is to rotate your object to move the heaviest part of it to the bottom. 

(B) Horizontal structures

Due to the nature of SLA printing technology, horizontal structures over the platform may result in drooping between supports.

Step 2: Setup below settings based on the features of your object.

Density: Large overhangs will require more support structure. However, more support structure will take longer for printing.

(A) Low density

(B) Medium density

(C) High density

Contact: Thicker contact point will lead to higher strength but it may require more efforts to remove them in the post-processing steps.

(A) Small contact / 0.4mm

(B) Mid contact / 0.9mm

(C) Large contact / 1.3mm

Lift: Lift the objects over the print platform is necessary for those without any flat surface or not suitable for laying on the platform. Be sure to check if the supports are enough to hold the objects on the platform before printing.

Inner Support: For objects with inner overhanging structure, supports will be added when “Inner Support” is selected. However the support at inside may not be removed easily for some structures with small openings, you may consider printing without inner support.

(A) Without inner support

(B) With inner support

Step 3: Click “Auto Generate” to add supports.

Note
» When there is more than one object on the platform, you will need to select one of the model before you can launch the support options.
» If the object is resized, rotated, or moved vertically, the support structure will be reset. Please set up the supports again.
» To change the size or location of individual support structure, please edit it in the Manual Mode.

Tree support is a new support function in XYZware_Nobel. Please update to the latest software to use this function.

Tree supports connect to your 3D objects with very small contact. It is suitable for holding the details on jewelry designs.

Structure of Tree Supports

(A) Contact Area: the area where the tree support connect to the objects. A larger contact area may be required for heavy objects.

(B) Branch: the thin support which contacts the objects directly.

(C) Trunk: the base of the tree support.

To Add Tree Supports

Step 1: Set up the trunk

Click on the desired location on the platform to add a trunk. To move a trunk, click and drag on the trunk. To delete a trunk, click on it directly.

Step 2: Set up the branches

Switch to “Branch” setup. Click on the targeted trunk with a click on it. Click on the overhangs on the model to add branches to the selected trunk.

To delete a branch, click on the thin stick to delete it.

Step 3: Click “Generate” after setting up all marks

Step 4: Adjust the contact area of the branches if necessary

To adjust the contact area of the branches, go back to the function menu “Support” > “Tree”, and select the button “Contact Area”.

Click on the targeted branch (selected branch will change to blue) and drag the slider to adjust the contact area.

Click “Done” once you have adjusted the contact area of all cones.

Tip
To adjust all connected branches to a trunk at once, please click on the button "Contact Area", and click on the trunk to select all branches.

Notice

1. When no trunk is selected, the branches will be shown as yellow marks. Simply click on a trunk, the branch marks will be connected to the selected trunk.

 

2. Branch mark should be higher than the top of the selected trunk.

3. Branch setting is disabled when no trunk is added. Please set up trunks before adding branches.

4. Branches over 45 degree slope will be shown in red, as they may be displaced in the printing process.

5. Trunk with no branch connected will be deleted while generating the supports.

Cone support is a new support function in XYZware_Nobel. Please update to the latest software to use this function.

Cone support is thicker than the original support. It is ideal for adding  sprues at the base of castable prints. When using cone support as the sprues, simply leave them on the prints for casting.

Cone support also provides better adhesion to the platform, making it helpful for holding the base of heavy objects on the platform. When the cone support is added to the object, it’s recommended to sand it away for better surface finish.

Structure of Cone Supports

(A) Contact Area; a larger contact area may be required for heavy objects.

(B) Top Diameter; minimum diameter: 2mm.

(C) Base Diameter; minimum diameter: 3mm. The base diameter of the support should be at least 1mm larger than the top diameter.

To Add Cone Supports

Step 1: Set up cone marks (shown as orange dots)

Click on the overhangs on the model to add cone marks. To delete a cone mark,  click on the orange dot to remove it.

Step 2: Generate cone structure

Generate cone: click “Generate” after setting up cone marks.

Step 3: Adjust the contact area of the cone support if necessary

To adjust the contact area of the cone support, go back to the function menu “Support” > “Cone”, and select the button “Contact Area”.

Click on the targeted cone (selected cone will change to blue) and drag the slider to adjust the contact area.

Click “Done” once you have adjusted the contact area of all cones.

Notice

1. Cone support is only available when the overhang is at least 6mm above the platform. The software will lift the object when necessary.

2. The diameter of the support is fixed once added. To adjust the support, please delete the mark, change the diameters and add the cone mark again.

Applicable printer: Nobel Superfine

The stiff and strong material demonstrates high rigidness, making it resistant to deformation. The engineering material is suitable for prototyping of thin-wall objects.

Model Design Tips

For the ideal printing result and the complete output of design details, please follow below design specifications when designing the models.

» Hole Diameter ≥1.0mm

» For the specs for other features, please follow the general design specs here.

Recommendation on Finishing

Please refer to the complete guide here for post-processing.

Applicable printer: Nobel 1.0A

The stiff and strong material demonstrates high rigidness, making it resistant to deformation. The engineering material is suitable for prototyping of thin-wall objects.

Model Design Tips

For the ideal printing result and the complete output of design details, please follow below design specifications when designing the models.

» Wall thickness ≥ 1.0mm

» Clearance ≥0.5mm

» For the specs for other features, please follow the general design specs here.

Resin Bottle Installation

The resin bottle has been changed for the compatibility of more printer model. You may find the bottle slimmer than before. Please place the resin bottle at the center of the cartidge slot for better detection of the tag.

Recommendation on Finishing

Please refer to the complete guide here for post-processing.

Applicable printer: Nobel 1.0A

The engineering resin features high toughness and impact resistance. The material doesn’t break easily under stress or strain, making it suitable for prototyping of objects that required some flexibility, such as snap-fit and assemblies.

Model Design Tips

For the ideal printing result and the complete output of design details, please follow below design specifications when designing the models.

» Wall thickness ≥ 1.5mm

» Minimum Vertical-Wire Diameter ≥ 0.6mm

» Clearance ≥0.5mm

» For the specs for other features, please follow the general design specs here.

Resin Bottle Installation

The resin bottle has been changed for the compatibility of more printer model. You may find the bottle slimmer than before. Please place the resin bottle at the center of the cartidge slot for better detection of the tag.

Recommendation on Finishing

Please follow the standard cleaning procedure here. Please also pay attention to below special requirements for this material.

Cleaning

Remove the printed parts from the platform and wash the prints with 95% alcohol AS SOON AS the printing job is completed.

Post Curing

Post cure the objects AS SOON AS the alcohol on surface has evaporated.

Post Rinse

If the surface of the printed parts feels sticky after above post-processing, rinse the objects with IPA.

 

Applicable printer: Nobel 1.0A

The properties of the castable resin are similar to those of wax. There is no ash residue after it is heated and it is suitable for lost wax casting, saving procedures, i.e. wax carving used in the conventional production process.

Model Design Tips

The properties of the castable resin are similar to those of wax in that both are structurally soft and brittle and the printout can be easily broken due to pulling force during the printing process. Please follow the design tips below for optimized printing.

» Minimum Vertical-Wire Diameter ≥0.6mm

» For the specs for other features, please follow the general design specs here.

Note
» Larger objects of dimension larger than 40x30x40 mm or a weight exceeding 6g may require more supports to stick to the platform.
» Avoid scratching the bottom of the tank with any sharp tool, or the coating may be damaged. Damaged tank surface may affect the printing quality.

Resin Bottle Installation

The resin bottle has been changed for the compatibility of more printer model. You may find the bottle slimmer than before. Please place the resin bottle at the center of the cartidge slot for better detection of the tag.

Software Settings

Settings for Printing

As with the use of the resin for general purpose, when there are overhangs in the model, or when the area of contact with the platform is small, additional support structures are required to ensure that the object can be printed out completely.

The printing software XYZware_Nobel has an “automatic support” function, which can be used to analyze the structure of the model and automatically generate bracing structures. Sometimes you may need to use the “manual” mode to add more supports to ensure the adhesion of the object.

Click here for the instructions for support functions.

If printing fails, please change the object’s position and adjust the setup of the angle and the bracing structures.

Settings for Slicing

Follow below selections for printing with this material, and select “F1” for the resin model.

Printing parameters for thin wall and solid objects are slightly different. For the best printing quality, please select “Solid Object” for printing the models with such feature.

Recommended Burnout Process

When casting the printouts, you can work based on the temperature control suggestion as described in the following diagram, in order to ensure the complete burning away of the resin and a smooth and unblemished surface of the casting object.

Recommendation on Finishing

Cleaning

After removing the printed object from the platform, please clean it with ethyl alcohol of concentration greater than 95%. During the cleaning process, you are recommended to use a scoop net to hold the printed item and to sway the scoop net in the alcohol in order to clean the resin residue from the surface of the printed item.

Spritz alcohol on the detailed structures with a spray bottle to wash away the uncured resin.

Scoop up the printed item from the alcohol after it is cleaned and wait for the alcohol on its surface to evaporate away.

Note
» Because of the brittleness of this resin, do not use a brush to scrub the printed item. Doing so may scratch the surface of the printed item.
» Do not immerse the printed item in alcohol for longer than over 10 minutes, or the alcohol may erode the item's structure and damage the item.
» It is normal for there to be fading after the printed item is immersed in alcohol. The fading will not affect the result of the casting.

Air-Dry the Alcohol on the Surface

There will be alcohol residue on the surface of the printed item after it is washed.Please keep the printed item still after it is washed and do not perform post-curing until you have confirmed that the alcohol has completely volatilized. After the alcohol has air-dried, please check carefully whether there is any resin residue in the features. Please make sure to remove the uncured resin to prevent it from blocking the design details of the original model.

Note
If curing is performed when alcohol residue is still present on the surface of the printed item, the surface of the printed item will appear white and misty, possibly affecting the result of casting.

Removing the Support

Please use tools to cut off the support instead of pulling directly (pulling can easily damage the item’s surface).

Post-Curing

The printed item produced from the castable resin must post cured using UV light to ensure the hardness for the lost wax casting.

For the best material properties, UV post-curing the printed parts in water for 5 minutes.

Recommendation
» When using XYZprinting UV Curing Chamber, post cure the printed parts in water for 5 minutes.
» Under conditions of UV wavelength 375~405 nm and radiation intensity of 14 mW/cm², when the thickness of the object's structure exceeds 7 mm, it is recommended to post cure the object for 5 minutes.

 

Preservation of the Uncured Resin

Uncured resin inside of the resin tank should not be exposed to light. The uncured resin can be stored in an opaque container after it is filtered. Pour the resin back into the resin tank prior to the next printing.

Note
» Opaque polypropylene containers are recommended for storing the resins.