Stratasys FDM 2000 - Dry Filament Measurement Procedure; Drying P400 ABS Filament

Procedures
F2/3/8000-30
FDM 2000/3000/8000 Manual
10MAY01
If the modeler is left idle for several hours with material loaded,
the material may back up and form a hard ring around the fila-
ment, or buckle, preventing further flow. This is called
“backflow.” To help prevent this, make sure your liquefier is
always up to the recommended material temperature before you
load, and always make sure the filament is loaded before you place
a new nozzle on the FDM head. When not using the modeler for
more than a day, it is best to unload the material and lower the
temperature.
Dry Filament Measurement Procedure (Ooze Test)
When using P400 ABS plastic, it is important to make sure the filament is dry
for the material to model properly. The test is as follows:
1) Set the modeling liquefier to the recommended modeling temperature.
2) Use a 0.012 inch tip.
3) On the keypad, press the “LOAD” button and let it run for 60 seconds.
4) Press “LOAD” again to stop the flow. Wait exactly 20 seconds and wipe
the tip.
5) Leave the flow off for 10 minutes.
6) Measure the length of the ooze.
7) Repeat steps 1 through 6 for the support material.
Totally dry filament has less than 0.25 inches of ooze after 10 minutes.
Filament is acceptable with less than 0.50 inches of ooze after 10 minutes.
Do not use wet filament. Filament must be dried in a vacuum
drying machine. The vacuum dryer must be capable of maintain-
ing 20 mm Hg pressure and 175
o
F.
Drying P400 ABS Filament
1) Set the vacuum dryer to 20 mm Hg.
2) Preheat the material to 175
o
F.
3) Place the material in the vacuum dryer for 2-3 hours.
Spools can be sent to Stratasys for drying. Contact your sales representative
or call Stratasys Customer Support.
Usage—Modeling Operations