Re: A funny thing happened on the way to the RP lab....

From: Bathsheba Grossman (sheba@protoshape.com)
Date: Mon Jun 26 2000 - 20:44:45 EEST


On Mon, 26 Jun 2000, Tom Richards wrote:
> I go through a standard setup procedure every time I run our Sanders, which
> pays dividends with smooth running. It's logical to check out ALL of the
> systems each time. It takes me an hour to two hours or sometimes more, but
> its worth it. By the time I've calibrated the jets the usual number of times
> and finally checked the deposited weights, the jets have settled-in, and it
> runs reliably. In my mind's eye, by then the polymer strings have alligned
> and constant fluid flow and machine running conditions have been established.

I'll try to visualize that - maybe it'll have a soothing effect on the
box. I do find I often have to volume-calibrate three or four times -
the required fire voltage seems to drift up and down in a fairly
random way - but so far I have Executed the Procedures religiously,
and all has gone smoothly with my MMII.

> I've been using service centers lately to build the transportable stuff.
> However, when I run here I interrupt at least each sixteen hours to top-off
> the tanks, rebubble the support jet (inportant on the MM6B), clean the
> cutter, lube, and observe that everything is OK. By the way, the rebubbling
> takes only about two minutes, but its KEY to its continued reliable operation.

Could I ask, what's this about topping off the tanks? In the manual
it talks about adding only enough material for each build, but I've
also been told that one should only ever add material a whole bottle
at a time. A bottle of material is enough for at least 30 of my
typical builds. Should I instead add the stuff a few pills at a time?

I also find that I have to clean the cutter at least every hour of
operation if the ambient temperature is above 70F. The unit's air
conditioner has no discernible effect here: it heats the room, and it
cools the dead space below the build table just fine, but since the
cool doesn't get above the table, it doesn't do anything to keep the
cutter from gunking up. As far as I can tell, there's no reason ever
to run the a/c.

-Sheba
Bathsheba Grossman (831) 429-8224
Digital sculpture www.bathsheba.com
Tiny models from CAD www.protoshape.com

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