Manual Positioning
You can change the position of objects on the build tray—even if they were inserted with the Orient Automatically option. Tools for changing the position of objects are presented in Manipulating Objects on the Tray.
The orientation of models on the build tray affects how quickly and efficiently they will be produced by the printer, where and how much Support material is used, and whether or not model parts will have a glossy finish. Therefore, you should consider a variety of factors when deciding how to place models on the build tray, using the following positioning rules.
X-Y-Z Rule
This rule considers a model's outer dimensions.
| ➢ | Since the print heads move back and forth along the X-axis, the printing time along this axis is relatively short, compared to printing time along the Y-axis and Z-axis. From this point of view, it is advisable to place the object's largest dimension along the X-axis. |
| ➢ | Surfaces that come into contact with Support materials become matte. |
| ➢ | Since models are built up, on the Z-axis, in 16- or |
| ➢ | Since the print heads measure about 2 inches (5 centimeters) on the Y‑axis, models measuring less than this (on the Y-axis) are printed in one pass. From this point of view, it is advisable to place the object's intermediate dimension along the Y-axis. |
Tall-Left Rule
This rule considers models where, after being orientated on the build tray according to other considerations, one side is taller than the other.
| ➢ | Since the print heads move along the X-axis from left to right, taller sections on the right require the print heads to scan unnecessarily from the left until reaching them. If, on the other hand, the taller sections are positioned on the left of the build tray, the print heads only have to scan the model until printing these sections—once the lower parts have been completed. Therefore, you should position the taller side of the model, when possible, on the left. |
The following rules are based on the fact that Support material is not required on the top of the printed model.
Recess-Up Rule
This rule considers models containing surface recesses.
| ➢ | Recesses in the surface (like hollows, drill holes, etc.) should, when possible, be positioned face-up. |
Fine-Surface Rule
This rule considers models that have one side on which there are fine details (like the keypad side of a telephone).
| ➢ | The side of the model containing fine details should, when possible, be positioned face-up. This results in a smooth finish. |
Avoid Support-Material Rule
This rule considers models that have large holes or hollows, open on at least one side (like a pipe or a container).
| ➢ | It may be advantageous to print a model standing up, so Support material does not fill the hollow, even though printing the model lying down would be much faster. |
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