Stacking in the 3d printer

The 3d printer at Protospace is 20x22x26 cm, which is quite large especially when considering that printed items are stackable. The powder supports the printed items so that they do not collapse on top of each other. The z-print program automatically places and spaces items in a logical manner. It is a good idea to have your file open so that you can have a look at it while vacuuming. Touching a thin part (1mm) with the vacuum nozzle means instant destruction... Depowdering is a lot safer than vacuuming so in some instances it's wiser to move a delicate part by sliding a spatula underneath the item and moving it to the depowdering compartment, even if it is still partially covered in powder.

Having said all that, I broke quite a few helidecks while vacuuming. I reprinted a few on a sturdy base and depowdered using the technique above. Instead of dipping in superglue I opted to drip/ drizzle the glue onto the decks to avoid using glue on the support part that would be thrown out anyway. One difference between dipping and dripping is that whilst dripping the superglue tends to form a thin film across small holes (1mm and smaller) due to surface tension. Blowing at the model to push the glue out of the holes solves this.

Model parts are packed with 5mm black foamboard to keep them safe during transport. The laser settings are 100/60/500 - some pieces were not completely detached so 100/80/500 is probably a better setting.