Asiga MAX User manual
Asiga MAX User Guide
Copyright ASIGA © 2017 VERSION 1.04
USER GUIDE
www.asiga.com
Asiga MAX User Guide
Copyright ASIGA © 2017 VERSION 1.04
Index
CHAPTER 1 – Asiga MAX at a Glance
CHAPTER 2 – Getting Started
CHAPTER 3 – Preparing a Build
CHAPTER 4 – Starting a Build
CHAPTER 5 – Web Interface
CHAPTER 6 – Post-processing Parts
CHAPTER 7 – Maintenance & Calibration
CHAPTER 8 – Spill Management
Specification
Asiga MAX User Guide
Copyright ASIGA © 2017 VERSION 1.04
CHAPTER 1
Asiga MAX at a glance
These diagrams illustrate the main User controls on the MAX.
Asiga MAX User Guide
Copyright ASIGA © 2017 VERSION 1.04
Asiga MAX User Guide
Copyright ASIGA © 2017 VERSION 1.04
Principle of Operation
The MAX is a 3D printer which builds objects from CAD data. The objects are built from
photopolymer resins which are liquid chemicals that can be solidified by exposure to light. A
physical model is built by solidifying successive layers of photopolymer against each other.
This process is called “stereolithography”.
The MAX build process employs a unique feature which is referred to as the Smart
Positioning System (SPS). The SPS utilizes an array of position encoders which detect
when a layer of correct thickness is formed. The process works as follows:
1. The model under construction is positioned above the vat of photopolymer. The vat
bottom is made from a flexible transparent Teflon film which is supported by a glass
plate.
2. The model is moved downwards to one layer-thickness above the bottom of the vat.
The movement squeezes photopolymer resin out from the gap between the model
and the Teflon film. Viscous forces oppose the motion, resulting in mechanical
deflection of the apparatus.
3. Four position encoders at each corner of the glass plate precisely monitor the
mechanical deflection between the glass plate and the model under construction.
The process monitors the deflection until it is relieved.
Asiga MAX User Guide
Copyright ASIGA © 2017 VERSION 1.04
4. A cross-sectional image of the object being constructed is projected onto the
underside of the vat film, causing photopolymer to harden in the shape of the image
5. The model is lifted out of the vat to separate it from the vat film.
6. The process is repeated until the model has finished building.
Asiga MAX User Guide
Copyright ASIGA © 2017 VERSION 1.04
The SPS process actively forms layers of precise thickness regardless of the cross-
sectional area of the model or the viscous behaviour of the photopolymer resin. As a result,
models of high fidelity are produced. The MAX is ideal for direct manufacturing
applications including medical prostheses and jewellery pattern production.
Asiga MAX User Guide
Copyright ASIGA © 2017 VERSION 1.04
CHAPTER 2
Getting Started
Unpacking
Refer to the MAX unpacking guide. This is supplied with the machine.
Note the markings on the side of the box indicating which side is the top. Open the box top
and remove the top film frame. Note that accessories may be packed inside the cardboard
frame. Then lift out the MAX machine and place it on a flat table. Unwrap any protective
film surrounding the MAX machine.
Do not discard your box. Put it in a safe place should you need to transport your MAX
machine for any reason.
Setup and Calibration
Location
Ensure your MAX is placed on a flat table top with access to mains electricity. Avoid direct
sunlight as this will degrade material left in the machine. Avoid vibrating surfaces.
Power On
Plug the power supply into the DC power input at the rear of the machine. The power
supply is designed for input between 100 – 240V AC single phase.
Turn on the MAX machine by:
1. Flipping the power switch on the back of the machine to the ON position. You will
see Standby Power LEDs on the back of the machine become illuminated.
IMPORTANT NOTE: TO SHUTDOWN THE MACHINE ALWAYS DO SO VIA THE USER TOUCH
SCREEN DISPLAY. NEVER SHUTDOWN USING THE POWER SWITCH. TO POWER OFF YOU
CAN USE THIS FLIP SWITCH BUT ONLY AFTER THE MACHINE HAS BEEN SHUTDOWN VIA
THE USER TOUCH SCREEN DISPLAY.
2. Press the ON/OFF button at the top left of the machine. The LCD screen at the front
of the MAX will turn on. Within 15 seconds the user interface will become active. The
user interface is an interactive touch-screen LCD.
Asiga MAX User Guide
Copyright ASIGA © 2017 VERSION 1.04
Choose your Language
Upon initial startup you will be given the option to select your language by scrolling through
a list presented on the LCD screen.
If the machine has already bene started, you can change the language in the menu:
Settings > Language.
Asiga MAX User Guide
Copyright ASIGA © 2017 VERSION 1.04
Enable the machine with warranty code
On first startup you will be presented with a screen to enter the warranty code.
You can obtain your warranty code by visiting:
www.asiga.com/register
You will be requested to register an account. Once your account has been activated you
will be directed to a screen where you can enter the serial number of your machine. The
warranty code registers your machine with Asiga and commences the one year warranty on
your system. Alternatively, your reseller may provide you with the warranty code.
You can operate the MAX without entering the warranty code. However, you can only
complete a maximum of five builds. After this the warranty code needs to be entered to
continue printing with the MAX.
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