PhotOcentric LC Opus Resin 3D Printer User Manual

PhotOcentric LC Opus Resin 3D Printer

EU DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

1. Product model / product:
   Product: 3D Printer
   Model / type: Liquid Crystal Opus

2.  Manufacturer:
   Photocentric Ltd
   Address: Cambridge House, Oxney Road, Peterborough, PE1 5YW

3. This declaration of conformity is issued under the sole responsibility of
   the manufacturer.

4. Object of the declaration:
   Product: Liquid Crystal Opus 3D Printer for manufacturing plastic parts by curing layers
   of photopolymer resin, using UV light controlled by an LCD screen.
   Screen: 4K, 14”
   Build volume: 310 mm x 174 mm x 220 mm
   Wavelength: 410 nm

5. The object of the declaration described above is in conformity with the relevant
   Union harmonisation legislation:
   2014/35/EU Low Voltage Directive (LVD)
   2014/30/EU Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive
   2011/65/EU Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS 2) Directive

6. References to the relevant harmonised standards used or references to the other
   BS EN ISO 12100:2010 Safety of machinery. General principles for design.
   Risk assessment and risk reduction.
   BS EN IEC 61000-6-1:2019 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). Generic standards.
   Immunity standard for residential, commercial and light-industrial environments.
   BS EN 61000-6-3:2007+A1:2011 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).
   Generic standards. Emission standard for residential, commercial and light- industrial
   environments.
   BS EN 62368-1:2014+A11:2017 Audio/video, information and communication
   technology equipment. Safety requirements.

7. Additional information:
   Signed for and on behalf of: Photocentric Ltd
   Place of issue: Peterborough
   Date of issue: 22nd June 2021
   Name: Paul Holt
   Position: Managing Director

GENERAL INFORMATION

Liquid Crystal (LC) Opus is an innovative 3D printer, designed and manufactured in the UK by Photocentric Ltd. This printer uses UV light to cure photo-polymer resin and build objects layer by layer. Liquid Crystal Opus has been designed with several industry applications in mind. As 3D printing becomes more integral to optimized production, Liquid Crystal Opus is a powerful addition that will assist with boosting productivity and will quickly become an established unit in any context.

• MANUFACTURER
  PHOTOCENTRIC

• MODEL
  LC OPUS

• BUILD SIZE
  310 x 174 x 220mm

• SOFTWARE
  Photonic 3D V1.6.5

• FILE STORAGE
  25GB CAPACITY

• RESOLUTION
  3840 x 2160px

• BACKLIGHT
  410 UV

• PIXEL PITCH
  81 MICROMETER

For further information, please visit our website:

• Photocentric Studio Software download
• Comprehensive instructional videos (LC Opus Resource Hub)
•  Fully updated user manuals (LC Opus Resource Hub)
•  An online shop, for consumables, ancillary equipment, and spares
• For technical support queries, please contact the Service and Support team: support@photocentric.co.uk
• North and South American Customers – 3Dsupport@photocentricusa.com

SAFETY INFORMATION

This information must be read through carefully for Liquid Crystal Opus User Safety. Retain this information for any future reference.

• Follow all instructions displayed on the 3D printer.

• Liquid Crystal Opus weighs 38kg. Two people are required to lift it safely.
  that can safely support the weight.
  Position the 3D printer at a height that allows a comfortable posture during operation.

• Keep the 3D printer and photopolymer resin out of the reach of children.

• Liquid Crystal Opus requires a mains power supply with a voltage of 110-230VAC and a frequency of 50-60Hz.

• The main power consumption is 500W. It will draw a maximum of 3A when connected to 230VAC, or 5A when connected to a 110VAC.

• Only connect Liquid Crystal Opus to the mains socket using the power cable supplied.

• Ensure that the total current draw of all items connected to the mains circuit does not exceed the capacity of the fuse or circuit breaker.

• Always plug the power cable into the mains socket and the 3D printer before switching on the power at the back of the 3D printer. printer before unplugging the power cable from either the 3D printer or the mains socket.

• Do not place anything on top of, or resting against, the power cable.

• Do not open the printer hood whilst working parts are moving, they present a crushing hazard.

• Do not position the power cable that it causes a trip hazard or is likely to be stepped on.

• Disconnect the 3D printer from the mains socket when not in use.

• Do not operate Liquid Crystal Opus outdoors.

• Liquid Crystal Opus should not be operated in direct light from the sun or any UV light source. ambient light for long hours.

• Liquid Crystal Opus should be operated in an ambient temperature of 20°C-25°C.

• Liquid Crystal Opus should be operated in a well-ventilated room.

• Do not operate Liquid Crystal Opus with the hood open as you may be exposed to crush hazards, harmful UV light or other hazards.

• Photopolymer resin is an irritant. Always wear gloves and safety glasses when handling.

• Do not operate Liquid Crystal Opus if you display signs of sensitivity after exposure to photopolymer resin, such as skin or eye irritation.
  Do not allow photopolymer resin or any other liquid to get inside the casing of the 3D printer. Clean up any spills immediately.
  the mains socket and disconnect the 3D printer immediately.

• Do not disassemble Liquid Crystal Opus as you may be exposed to electric shock hazards, harmful UV light or other hazards.

• All repairs should be carried out either by or with the assistance of Trained Personnel.

• Discontinue 3D printer operation and contact your supplier if:

  • The power cable or plug is damaged. Liquid has got inside the casing of the 3D printer.
  • The 3D printer has been dropped.
  • The 3D printer shows signs of damage. The 3D printer does not operate correctly after following the instructions provided in this user manual.

• Dispose of waste photopolymer resin according to the SDS of the material and in line with local/national regulations. Do not dispose of this through typical plumbing systems.

• Dispose of Liquid Crystal Opus responsibly. Please recycle where possible or return to Photocentric for recycling.

BOX CONTENTS

RECOMMENDED ADDITIONAL ITEMS

• Safety Glasses
• Paper Towel
• Spray Bottle
• Sink
• Cleaning Solvent (e.g. Isopropyl Alcohol)
• Resin*
• Photocentric LC Opus
• Wash 15*
• Photocentric LC Opus
• Air Wash L*
• Photocentric Cure M+*
• Photocentric Cure L2*
• Liquid Crystal Opus
• Vat Film Pack*
• Liquid Crystal Opus Resin Vat*
• Liquid Crystal Opus
• Print Platform*

INSTALLATION

PRINTER SET-UP

By now and following Liquid Crystal Opus (LC Opus) Installation Guide, the printer should have been located in a suitable place and is now ready to be setup. The printer power socket is on the back of the machine, at the right hand-side. Only connect the LC Opus to the mains using the power cable supplied. Always plug the power cable into the mains socket, then into the printer before switching on the power button at the back (as shown below). Similarly, always the power cable from either the printer or the mains. Once LC Opus has been connected to power, the foam blocks protecting the screen need to be removed before printing.

1. Close the printer hood.
2. Select ‘Maintain’ from the Main Page.
3.  Select ‘Lift Platform’ and wait for the printer arm to reach its homing location.
4.  Once the movement is complete, open the printer hood and remove the foam blocks.
5. Remove GUI screen protector.
   . The printer is now ready to use.

NOTE: You can place the silicone mat provided on top of your printer to place delicate tools or a spare cleaned resin vat.

GUI INTRODUCTION

LC Opus GUI is the main control for users to print, maintain and connect the printer to a network.

Main Page
The ‘Main’ page is the initial display when the printer menus.
In all other menus, the option to return to the ‘Main’ page will be available.

GUI Icons overview

• Printer System Icon
  • Printer System is not ready
  • Printer System is launching
  • Printer System is up and running
• Wi-Fi
  • No Wi-Fi Connection Strong
  • Wi-Fi connection Good
  • Wi-Fi Connection
  • Weak Wi-Fi Connection
  • Poor Wi-Fi Connection
• Printer Hood Icon
  • Printer Hood is closed, and printer is ready to be used
  • Printer Hood is open
• Maintain
  • To check and maintain printer features
• Network
  • To connect printer to a Wi-Fi network
• My Printer
  • to System Log to review historic prints

A to Z Sort
Function enables prints to be arranged alphabetically or by chronological upload order.
File(s) list up and down using the scroll bar to see more.
use to best utilise printer memory and retain processing memory for faster performance of the GUI. Refresh visible on the list.

Maintain Page
The maintain printer features. It is recommended that these features are used by or with the support of trained personnel.

• Main
  • Navigate back to “Main” page.
• Disable
  • To be used by trained personnel only to enable/disable the printer.
• Light on
  • LC Opus’ light engine is working properly. The light engine will illuminate behind the screen for 10 seconds.
• Re-calibrate
  • LC Opus resin vats and print platforms are factory calibrated prior to shipping. This is to ensure layer adhesion to the print platform when printing. In the rare event that either the resin vat or print platform needs to be re-calibrated, follow the instructions on the GUI.
• Cure resin
  • Cures a full layer of resin to assist with cleaning the resin vat.
• Lift platform
  • To lift the print platform to its homing location.

Network Page
LC Opus can be connected to a network to facilitate remotely monitor prints in progress.

CONNECTING TO A NETWORK

Once your LC Opus is switched on, if you have plugged in an ethernet cable or the provided Wi-Fi dongle you can connect it to a network. This allows
Connecting to a Network via Ethernet Cable Plug an ethernet cable into the designated socket at the back of LC Opus. Once the ethernet cable is connected, you will see an IP address in the top left corner of the Main GUI page.
NOTE:
Refer to Section 5.5 for further guidance on address.
Connecting to a Network via Wi-Fi

1. Plug in the Wi-Fi dongle to the USB port at the back of the printer.

2.  On the ‘Main’ screen, select ‘Network’
   

3. Select the desired network from the list.

4.  Select ‘Connect’.

5. Select the text frame labelled ‘Password’.

6. Enter the password for this network by using the on-screen keyboard. Password characters can be displayed by selecting the lock icon to the right of the text frame.

7. Select ‘Connect’ and wait for the connection to be established.
   

8. Select ‘Main’.

9. The Wi-Fi icon at the top left of the ‘Main’ screen should now be green, and an IP address should be displayed next to it.

PHOTOCENTRIC STUDIO SET-UP

A 32GB for Photocentric Studio. This allows you to activate a perpetual license for up to two PCs. Photocentric Studio can be downloaded from this webpage: https://photocentricgroup.com/studio/ On guidance on the following:

• The minimum system requirements for Photocentric Studio
• Installing the software
• Getting started
• Updating the software

the below steps: –

1. Upon opening Photocentric Studio, select LC Opus down menu, click ‘Apply’ for the software to load. support as necessary. Please refer to the Photocentric Studio Support software videos for further guidance by following the link to the LC Opus Resource Hub. to print from the tool panel for use when setting up the print.
   your PC. Please refer to Section 5.5 for further guidance.

UPLOADING FILES

Online File Transfer

1. Connect to a Network. (See Section 5.3 for further guidance).

2. Open a web browser on your PC.

3. Type the printers’ IP address into the search bar.

4.  Select ‘Upload’.

5.  Select ‘Upload File’ and a progress bar will appear.

6. Once complete, the ‘Print Files’ list will

7. On LC Opus, go to ‘Main’ screen and select ‘Print Files’.

8. The USB port on the front of the machine.

9. Select ‘Print Files’ from the ‘Main’ page. appear.
   NOTE: its memory capacity does not exceed 32 GB.

PRINTING

1. Ensure that your LC Opus is positioned on a stable, level surface where it will not be subject to movement or vibrations during the printing process.
2. Ensure that the print platform is completely clean and dry, failure to do so may result in damage to
3. Load the print platform onto the print arm and tighten fully by turning the main knob in a clockwise direction.
4.  Ensure that the resin vat is completely clean and dry to avoid print failures or damage.
5. you have any doubt about the condition of the vat
6. Slide the resin vat into the printer, you should feel a positive click.
7. Pick the selected resin bottle, heat to 30°C and shake well before use.

NOTE: Make sure you have added the same resin as selected in Photocentric Studio. If correct resin is not used, the print will fail.

8. Add required volume reported on Photocentric Studio in addition to the 500 ml minimum level

9.  Close the printer hood, the icon in the top right of the touchscreen should show a green closed door.

10. On the ‘Main’ screen, select ‘Print Files’.

11. Your LC Opus will start the printing process.
    WARNING Do not open the printer hood during the printing process.

12. During the print, the GUI will display various information including:
    NOTE: If your printer is connected to your network (see Section 5.3), you can monitor print progress via your web browser.

13. At any time during the printing process, you can pause or cancel the print by making the relevant selection.
    Pausing Prints
    NOTE: Do not pause the print unless absolutely necessary. If needed, only pause for a short time to avoid discrepancies in printing and ensure both the resin vat and print platform are not removed during this time. Cancelling Prints

14. LC Opus does not need monitoring or supervision during the printing process, you do not need to be

15. Time will allow excess resin to drip back into the vat.

16. When you are ready to clean the print, open the hood. Refer to Section 7 for further guidance on cleaning prints.

CLEANING PRINTS Photocentric Air Wash L

To remove residual resin from printed parts, and platforms, they will need to be cleaned. Photocentric recommends using the Photocentric Wash 15 or Air Wash L.
Photocentric Wash 15

Wash 15
External dimensions are:
350 (L) x 400 (W) x 280 (D) mm.
Internal dimensions are:
120 (L) x 300 (W) x 275 (D) mm.
You can wash parts with 105mm height from the platform.
Photocentric Wash 15 can be purchased from this webpage.
The user manual for Wash 15 can be downloaded from this webpage, Or from LC Opus Resource Hub.
Here cleaning and emptying saturated resin cleaner, and overall operation.

Photocentric Air Wash L

Air Wash L
External dimensions are:
620 (L) x 400 (W) x 990.5 (D) mm.
Internal dimensions are:
330 (L) x 550 (W) x 400 (D with basket) or 450 (D without basket) mm.
You can wash parts with 220mm height from the platform.
Using bracket, one or two LC Opus platforms can be washed simultaneously.
Photocentric Air Wash L can be purchased from this webpage.
The user manual for Air Wash L can be downloaded from this webpage. Or from LC Opus Resource Hub.
Here cleaning and emptying saturated resin cleaner, and overall operation.

1. provided to remove excess resin from the top of the platform into the vat.

2. Free the platform by turning the knob in an anti-clockwise direction.
   NOTE: Handle printed parts with care as they are more fragile before post-exposure. Avoid exposing to any intense light or sunlight.

3. Grip the handles of the print platform securely and gently pull towards you to remove it.
   NOTE: After removing the print platform from the printer, it can be helpful to tilt it and hold it over the vat to
   print to your cleaning station, use paper towel or a suitable tray to catch any drips.
   WARNING prior to the Cleaning and Post-Curing steps. If of parts.

4. Place the platform into either Air Wash L or Wash shown below).

5. Please refer to the selected Photocentric Resin Cleaners’ TDS for guidelines on wash cycle time and subsequent steps.

   • Photocentric Resin Cleaner TDS
   • Photocentric Resin Cleaner 30 TDS
     Parts can be cleaned in 15 minutes using Photocentric Resin Cleaner or alternatively, in 10 minutes using Photocentric Resin Cleaner 30.

6. Once the print has been washed, rinse using water to remove excess resin and solvent. For Photocentric Resin Cleaner, rinse using hot water. For Photocentric Resin Cleaner 30, rinse using warm water.

7. Photocentric highly recommends using compressed air to dry parts thoroughly. Alternatively, leave rinsed parts aside to dry.

POST-CURING

All parts produced using LC Opus will need to be post-cured using UV light and heat to fully cure the resin and achieve the correct material properties. Photocentric recommends using the Photocentric Cure M+ and Cure L2
Photocentric Cure M+

Cure M+
External dimensions are:
440 (W) x 270 (D) 390 (H) mm.
Internal dimensions are:
350 (W) x 270 (D) x 260 (H) mm.
You can cure parts with 160mm height on the platform.
Photocentric Cure M+ can be purchased from this webpage
The user manual for Cure M+ can be downloaded from this webpage. Or from LC Opus Resource Hub.
Here, you can also browse guidance on the following:

• Using your cure unit
•  Programs
•  Maintenance
• Environmental Operating Conditions

Photocentric Cure L2

Cure L2
External dimensions are:
700 (W) x 600 (D) x 700 (H) mm.
Internal dimensions are:
500 (W) x 350 (D) x 550 (H) mm.
You can cure parts with 220mm height on
Air Wash L bracket, one or two Opus platform(s) can be post-cured simultaneously.
Photocentric Cure L2 can be purchased from this webpage.
The user manual for Cure L2 can be downloaded from this webpage, Or from LC Opus Resource Hub.
Here, you can also browse guidance on the following:

• Using your cure unit
• Programs
• Maintenance
• Environmental Operating Conditions

NOTE: Wear gloves when handling platforms with traces of liquid resin or cleaning product on the surface. Handle the parts with care.
NOTE: Wear heat resistant gloves when handling platforms after curing.

HOUSEKEEPING

To set-up for your next print, the housekeeping activities should be taken into consideration. Please see below.

CLEANING THE RESIN VAT

1. After printing, resin should be removed from the vat to ensure there are no fragments of cured resin to print.

2. Take the resin bottle used for the previous print and remove the cap.

3. neck of the bottle.
   NOTE: With some resin bottle sizes, both parts of the cap will need to be removed in order to make room for the funnel.

4. Carefully remove the resin vat from the printer.

5. Tilt the vat towards the corner with the pouring

6. Once most of the resin has poured away, use the vat cleaning tool to guide the remaining resin to the corner of the vat.

7. with paper towel.

8. Place vat on suitable clean, smooth surface (e.g. the provided silicone mat).

9. Use paper towel to soak up the last of the resin in the vat.

10. Use a small amount of suitable cleaning solvent walls. Dry them thoroughly.

11. Check for any fragments of cured resin using the soft spatula provided.

12. you have any doubt about the condition of the vat
    NOTE: Printing with a damaged vat will cause failures and leaks causing permanent damage to the printer.

13.  Check the screen of your LC Opus for any sign of resin contamination or damage.

14.  If resin is present, clean thoroughly using paper towel and the provided pallet knife if needed, this needs replacing.
    NOTE: If you believe your printer’s screen may be damaged, contact your supplier or visit the support pages of the Photocentric website.

15. Store the resin vat in the printer when not in use.
    Alternatively, use the ‘Cure Resin Layer’ feature to clean the resin vat. This function assists with the removal of debris without further damage to the following:

16. Select ‘Maintain’ from the Main Page on the GUI.

17.  Select ‘Cure Resin Layer’ from the Maintain Page.

18.  The screen will cure a layer of resin at the bottom of the resin vat.

19.  Follow steps 2-15 of the above Section, ensuring the cured resin layer is removed from the vat using the palette knife or vat cleaning tool provided.

CLEANING THE PRINT PLATFORM

After printed parts have been harvested, it is vital that the print platform is cleaned thoroughly before being used again.

1. If any Photocentric Resin Cleaner or residual suitable cleaning solvent and paper towel.

2. 2. Cured resin should be removed from the platform using the scraper provided.
   3. Ensure there is no cured resin blocking the holes
   NOTE:
   Observation of burrs or pickups on the platform indicate that it will need to be sanded. The sanding should be minimal to avoid degrading the surface of the platform and its parallelism. We recommend 60 grit sanding paper.

3. 4. If available, use compressed air to remove loose debris from the platform and platform holes to avoid
   5. When not in use, the platform should be stored inside of the printer.

MAINTENANCE

GENERAL MAINTENANCE

The main air intake for LC Opus’ cooling system is on the base of the printer. Over time, dust will overheat. This will eventually trigger the thermal cut- out and cause a print failure. The LCD screen may also be permanently damaged. is in regular use. For printers in constant use or in from the base plate and replaced without tools. To get access, you will need to elevate the front of the machine. Always make sure the vat is empty and the hood is closed before lifting or moving LC Opus. Ask another person to help you and observe proper lifting practice. The printer weighs 38 kg. Use warm has dried fully. LC Opus will work consistently as long as it is kept clean at all times. Any equipment to be used alongside this printer e.g., resin bottles, gloves, tools etc should be kept clean. For further information, please visit our website:
LC Opus Resource Hub Page

RESIN VAT RE-SKINNING

Under normal operation, Photocentric recommends is any visible damage or evidence of resin leakage. minutes if the correct procedure is followed and the correct tools are used. It is important to clean the vat body thoroughly to avoid fragments of cured resin or You will need:

• Silicone Mat
•  Paper Towel
•  Cleaning Solvent (e.g. Isopropyl Alcohol)
• Vat Film
• T25 L Shape Torx Key
• T10 L Shape Torx Key

To watch a video on Re-Skinning the vat click here.

1. Use the silicone mat and protect the vat from damage.

2. Clean the vat thoroughly to avoid dripping resin when the vat is turned over

3. Turn over the vat.

4. Remove the large torx screws using the T25 L Shape Torx Key, keep them to one side.

5. Clean the vat body thoroughly, ensuring that no cured resin or other contamination is present on the

6. Remove the small torx screws using the T10 L Shape Torx Key, keep them to one side.

7. Clean both vat rings thoroughly using paper towel and cleaning solvent.

8. Ensure the silicone mat is clean.

9. Lay the bottom ring (without notches) down.

10. it centrally over the ring.

11.  aligning the holes with those on the bottom ring.
    NOTE: times. It should not be under tension but there on all sides of the rings.

12.  Secure the two rings together using the smaller torx screws with T10 L Shape Torx Key.

13. Place the vat ring assembly onto the vat with the notched frame facing upwards.

14.  Carefully pierce holes for the larger torx screws using the tip of the torx key.

15.  Secure the vat ring assembly to the vat body using the larger torx screws with the T25 L Shape Torx Key.

PRINT PLATFORM AND RESIN VAT RE-CALIBRATION

The print platform has been pre-calibrated on our production line according to strict QC procedures. This ensures that the bottom surface of the print platform is parallel with the LCD screen. The resin vat LCD are all in contact once the platform reaches the end of its movement to the bottom. The platform and vat should not become misaligned during your time using LC Opus. In the rare event that misalignment occurs, you will need to reset the printer platform and vat to their correct positions. You will need: T25 L-Shape Torx Key
NOTE: When purchasing secondary print platforms and resin vats, they do NOT need to be re-calibrated. Both can be used interchangeably from printer to printer.
Print Platform Re-Calibration
To watch a video on Print Platform Re-Calibration click here.

1. Remove the resin vat from the printer.

2. Ensure the print platform and screen are completely clean, failure to do so could lead to damage of the screen or inaccurate homing leading to print failures.

3. Secure the print platform into the printer by tightening the turn knob.

4. On the ‘Main’ screen, select ‘Maintain’.
   

5. Select ‘ReCalibrate’.

6.  Select ‘Platform’.
   

7. Close the printer hood and select ‘Start’.
   

8. Open the hood and loosen the adjustment bolt until the platform is free to move, using the T25 L-Shape Torx Key. Ensure the platform is straight and level, then close the printer hood.

9. Select ‘Next’.

10. Align the platform so that it sits straight and level on the screen.

11. Tighten the adjustment bolt fully using the T25 L-Shape Torx Key.
    

12. Close the printer hood.

13. Select ‘Finish’, the platform will return to its homing location.

Resin Vat Re-Calibration
To watch a video on Print Platform Re-Calibration click here.

1. Ensure the resin vat is completely clean and free from debris and remove vat from the printer.
2.  On the ‘Main’ screen, select ‘Maintain’.
3. Select ‘Vat’.
4.  Loosen two bolts on the vat bracket at the rear of the printer using a T25 L-Shape Torx Key.
5. Close the printer hood and select ‘Start’.
6. Open printer hood, insert vat and apply downward
7. Select ‘Next’
8. Tighten the two bolts on the vat bracket fully using the T25 L-Shape Torx Key.
9. Select ‘Finish’.

PRINTER HOOD ADJUSTMENT

Over time, repeated use of the print hood may cause it to loosen and remove the self-supporting ability of the hood in the open position.
To rectify this issue, the hood bearing mount will need to be adjusted.
Tighten the screw in the centre of the bracket from the outside of the printer hood on each side using the T25 L-Shape Torx Key.
Tighten the nut from inside of the printer using a 10 mm spanner.

References

• Photocentric- Resin Manufacturer, 3D Printer Manufacturer, Clear Stamps
• Photocentric Inc
• Software - Photocentric 3D Printer Software, 3D Design Software

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