Initial set-up

  1. Prepare your workbench/table for setting up the printer. We recommend an area of at least 50x50 cm for the device and an additional working area for handling of resin and the build platform. The printer requires a power socket as well as a network connection (optional).
    Tip: Since the printer processes light-curing resins, a UV light-protected environment is highly recommended.
     

  2. Open the packaging, remove the accessories box and lift the printer with the help of the bag out of the cardboard box. 
     

  3. Unpack the printer from the bag and place the device at its prepared position.
     

  4. Open the accessories box and remove the power cable and the handle for the hood of the device.
     

  5. Open the hood of the printer and attach the handle with the provided hexagon key.
     

  6. Connect the printer with the power cable to the power supply and with the network cable to your network (optional).
     

  7. Make sure that all 4 feet of the device are in contact with the installation surface. They can be easily screwed in and out without any tool to compensate uneven surfaces.
    Tip: This step should be repeated whenever the device is moved in any way to ensure that all feet are in contact with the surface at the place of installation.

  8. Switch on the device at the rear. The platform will now move to its uppermost position.

  9. Remove the foam block from the vat and also remove the vat for set-up of the device.

  10. Select the function "Z-AXIS" in the display of the device and calibrate the build platform with the centre button in the bottom left corner. The device will guide you through this process and all steps must be carried out precisely in oder to prevent any damage to the printer.
    Tip: This step should be repeated whenever the device is moved in any way to ensure that the build platform is calibrated correctly.

  11. After the platform has moved back to its uppermost position at the end of the calibration process, the vat can be reinserted into the device. The printer is now ready for operation.

Terminology

Build job/print job

The build job is the designation of a single print process carried out by the printer.

Build platform

The build platform is the component on which the components to be printed are build. It can be taken out of the printer.

Calibration

Calibration is the adjustment of the build platform. For faultless print results, the platform must be precisely aligned in parallel to the tray bottom.

Cleaning and post-curing

Printed components must be further processed after printing. In the first step, they need to be cleaned to remove any excess resin. The following step is post-curing for ensuring the final material properties like hardness or biocompatibility.

IP address

The IP address is the unique designation of a device within a network. The address consists of four blocks of digits separated by dots. The IP address of the Sonic XL 4K is displayed in the upper left corner of the display.

Misprints/tears

Contamination of the resin by foreign particles or faulty processes can lead to misprints. Single areas or components may not be printed correctly or even tear off during the print process.

Phrozen 3D

Phrozen 3D is the slicing software for the Sonic XL 4K Qualified by Dreve.

Print profile

A print profile includes all necessary parameters for the processing of resin on a specific type of printer. These parameters include values like exposure times or dimensional stability factors. Dreve carefully developed and precisely set the print profiles for Sonic XL 4K Qualified by Dreve.

Slicer/slicing software

The slicer or slicing software is the tool required to create a file readable for the printer out of an STL file.

Support structures/supports

Support structures or supports are additional structures added in the slicer to connect components with the build platform.

Vat

The function of the vat is to collect dripping resin and it also serves as material reservoir during the print process.

Our experts

DIY: Having decided for 3D printing is an innovative step for your workflow. However, sometimes especially the implementation and getting started can be challenging, not only for beginners. Our experts for dental additive manufacturing and 3D print are glad to support you on your way. They guide you through the process so that you will succeed and get your parts printed.