| A Word from the Chair
"We are an organization For Users, By Users!" |
I hope everyone is enjoying their safe, fun-filled summer vacations. As we get through the summer, the User Group committee will begin fine-tuning the details for next year's conference. We have some interesting things in store for next year, and we look forward to everyone's participation. In the coming months, I'll begin looking for speakers, sponsors, and vendors -- all are so very important to helping us provide high-value content while keeping our costs down. We want everyone to be able to attend this great event!
In the mean time, don't forget to visit www.3dsug.org for information and links to sponsors who support our conference. The discussion forum also contains valuable content and history that can be used to help you with common questions about your technology. If you do not have an account, getting one is easy! Just look for the signup form on our website. And as always, we want to remind you that we are an organization run For Users, By Users. You have a voice and a collective group who wants to hear your ideas and suggestions. Membership is always important so tell a colleague or friend about our organization - be sure to read about our membership drive contest at the bottom of this newsletter.
Brian Bauman, DSM Somos & 2009 3DSUG Chairperson
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Question and Answers
Getting The Most Out Of Your LS Machine |
 In an interview with 3DSUG, Roger Cunningham, Technical Service Manager at Integra, discussed frequently asked questions regarding selective laser sintering technology and performance.
Q: Is there a way to avoid ramping the part bed temperature during a build?
A: Sometimes it's necessary to ramp down your part
bed temperatures during builds with large Z heights.  However, StableTempTM, a temperature stabilization upgrade for the 2000, 2500 CI, 2500 Plus and Vanguard Laser Sintering platforms can eliminate this. With new High Temp IR sensors, operating parameters and a more consistent breakout, you'll get a better build to build repeatability.
Q: Powder keeps building up on my roller, even if I clean it before every build. Is there a way to prevent this?
A: Several operators have found it beneficial to remove the roller scrapers. By removing the scrapers the roller stays clean and some operators seen an improvement achieving a smoother part bed. Not all machines have seen this benefit though. Some machines have 'clumps' that fall off the backside of the roller after it's gone by. Its best to try this on a test build to see if it will work on your machine.
Q: Why does my LS machine seem to have more issues building consistent during the warmer weather season?
A: As temperature rises in the summer air conditioning is necessary to keep room temperatures from increasing to higher then the required temperature range. The LS machine needs a stable room temperature environment of 73°F +/- 5°F (23°C +/- 3°C). Many operators run their machines overnight when air conditioning may be turned off or the temperature on the thermostat increased. This can cause the sensitive electronic controls to be exposed to higher heat and may reduce repeatability. Remember to keep air conditioning at an optimum level the entire time the machine is running day or night.
Q: Does humidity affect the LS powder?
A: Humidity plays a big part in new and used LS powder. Like the LS machine, powder should also be stored in a controlled environment to prevent the water vapor in the air from getting into the powder. The powder can exhibit lumpiness when exposed to high humidity and can affect the mechanical stability.
Q: How often do I need to clean my Laser Window and how do I properly clean it when build up doesn't come off with normal Ethanol?
A: Laser windows should be cleaned before every build. In most cases Ethanol will take off any build up that has coated the laser window but by applying some dish soap and gently using your finger will help to remove heavy build up. Use the Ethanol as a final cleaning technique before installing the window back onto the machine.
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| The Sorovetz Report
Daytona Beach March 15-19, 2008: Save the Date! |
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I cannot believe that it is already August and we are only seven months away from the start of the 2009 Conference. The Executive Board is working hard on the Agenda so if you are interested in presenting please contact Brian Bauman as soon as possible. If you are planning to present, please make sure you have all of the approvals required by your company prior to contacting Brian.
The Hilton Daytona Beach is in the process of creating a website specifically for the 3DSUG. This site will allow you to make room reservations and room modifications in place of calling the hotel directly. However, if you feel more comfortable calling the hotel directly, that option is still available. This year's room rate is $125.00 plus tax. Wireless Internet is free and available in all public spaces (with the exception of the conference rooms). The wired Internet in your sleeping room will also be free of charge (a $12.95 per day value). I'll provide you with more information about hotel registration in the next few weeks.
Also, for those of you who want to golf on Saturday March 14, 2009, the 3DSUG golf event will take place at the LPGA International Legends Course. Bob Dzugan will be sending out information in the near future.
And, for all of the anglers, the 3DSUG fishing expedition is scheduled on Sunday March 15, 2008. Additional information will be forth coming in the following newsletters.
Hope everyone is having a great summer!
Thomas Sorovetz, Chrysler LLC & 3DSUG Site Coordinator E: coordinator@3dsug.org |
| Software Headlines
News from Around the Globe |
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Materialise Innovation Forum 2008 Open for Registration
The 2008 Materialise Innovation Forum will be held on September 17 and 18 at the Provinciehuis in Leuven, Belgium. The second edition of the Materialise Innovation Forum focuses on software solutions for RP&M and CAE professionals. In several stimulating sessions the attendees will be made acquainted with the challenges, opportunities and innovations in the industry. Register for Materialise Innovation Forum...
Express Pattern First US Company to Purchase Materialise' Revolutionary Support Generation Software
 Materialise latest innovation is the e-Stage software, a fully automated and revolutionary technology for support generation. e-Stage automates the work preparation process when supporting SL parts by eliminating manual editing. The software also optimizes the build process and significantly cuts finishing time by generating its unique support structure. With e-Stage, Materialise takes a major leap forward in realizing its ambition to automate the entire RP&M process. Express Pattern, a leading supplier of rapid prototyping and manufacturing service based in the USA, was part of the beta test of the software and recently became the first US company to buy e-Stage. "This is a more robust and faster process than we have been using all along" says David Flynn, President of Express Pattern. Read Press Release... |
| Sponsor Showcase
VacuCoat Technologies, Inc. |
 VacuCoat specializes in the art and science of vacuum metallizing and injection molding for the Rapid Prototype Industry. Capabilities include the deposition of aluminum and numerous other metals providing a wide variety of appearances and is experienced in the coating of SL, LS, Epoxies, Fiberglass, Urethanes, and most rapid prototyping materials. In addition, VacuCoat metallizes a broad range of traditional substrates including: most plastics, steel, stainless steel, aluminum and zinc components. For more information, visit: www.vacucoat.com. |
| 3DSUG Membership Drive
Enter to Win Contest |
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In order to increase 3DSUG membership and attendance at the 2009 3DSUG annual users group conference, we're asking everyone to invite two new users to get involved with our organization. Increasing the number of attendees will help support our valued sponsors and attract new vendors to ensure the continued success of the 3DSUG organization.
- Do you know someone who would benefit by joining the 3DSUG? If so, please make an introduction!
- Do you use a supplier who hasn't participated in the 3DSUG vendor fair in the past two years? If so, please make an introduction!
 Contest Rules
Remember, invitees must be users of 3D Systems, Inc. equipment who have not participated in the past two years. The first two 3DSUG members or vendors who invite two new users to join will be eligible to win a 3DSUG stadium blanket and other prizes. | |
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ww.3dsug.org |
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| Congratulations!
Bruce LeMaster of Applied Rapid Technologies introduced two new users to 3DSUG and won the June Membership Drive Contest.
Nice Job Bruce! |
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| A VERY SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!
Diamond Sponsors
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| 2009 Executive Committee |
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Brian Bauman
Chairperson
DSM Somos
Guy Bourdeau
Treasurer
Huntsman Advanced Materials
Bob Zubrickie
Secretary
Tyco Electronics
Tom Sorovetz
Site Coordinator
Chrysler LLC
Sheku Kamara
Past Chairperson
Milwaukee School of Engineering | |
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| Get Your Company Featured in the
3DSUG Newsletter |
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We are always looking for announcements and story ideas for the 3DSUG Newsletter. Getting your company featured in the 3DSUG newsletter is easy!
Keep your contact information current.
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Register Before
