Most instances where the BASE is not performing to expectations can be easily resolved by simple troubleshooting procedures.
Below is a list of issues that may arise during post-processing operations.
- There is a decrease in water or detergent flow, or the flow has stopped.
- Step 1) Verify that there is sufficient water pressure being provided to the facility.
- Step 2) Check the Dosatron particle filter for buildup or blockages and clean as necessary.
- Step 3) With the BASE turned on, open the front-left access panel and locate the water pressure gauge. Verify that there is sufficient analog water pressure. A minimum of 20 psi is recommended.
- Step 4) Inside the processing chamber, verify that the spray nozzles are not clogged in any way.
- Step 5) Inspect the drain below the filter screen inside the BASE tank. Clear away any buildup or blockages. See the Routine Maintenance section for information about accessing the filter.
Step 2, Dial Pressure Gauge
- The ALERTS button is lit up and the BASE will not operate.
- Please review Alarms and Warnings section of this User Manual for an explanation of the various alarm codes and the steps to clear them.
- The BASE controller touchscreen is not reacting properly.
- If the BASE touchscreen is behaving abnormally, press the POWER button to shut the system down, wait 20 seconds, then press the POWER button to power the system back up.
This action reboots the computer system and should return the touchscreen to normal operation. If this does not resolve the issue, contact PostProcess support.
- Water or liquids are leaking inside of or around the BASE.
- During manufacturing, all the BASE plumbing fixtures were affixed and sealed using construction grade materials. If any of the plumbing connections, pipes, or tubes begin to leak, shut down the BASE and contact PostProcess Support for further instruction.
- The internal passages of the part are not being fully cleaned.
- If the internal passages of your printed part are not fully cleaned during post-processing, there are a few steps that can be taken to improve the support removal process.
- Step 1) It is important for the pressure sprays and detergents to reach the areas that need cleaning. When it is a tubular structure being processed, try facing the cavity (the end of the tube or pipe structure that needs to be cleared out) towards the spray jets to get pressurized fluids into the space being cleaned.
- Step 2) For the detergents and sprays to work properly, the support material to be removed must be accessible to the liquids. One way to improve the effectiveness of detergent and pressure sprays in processing internal cavities is utilize the spray nozzle accessories. Contact PostProcess for more information.
- The filter screen and particle filter have buildup or blockages.
- The recommendation is for the Dosatron particle filter to be rinsed thoroughly with clean water every three months and an alarm will be set during the installation process to coincide with the specific application.
- Depending on that specific application, this frequency may need to be increased to bi-monthly or even monthly. Visual inspections determine how often the filter needs cleaning. The filter screen located above the BASE tank should be cleaned with a wet-dry vacuum whenever there is a visual buildup of support material. The performance of the BASE can be kept at optimal levels by maintaining the filters properly.
- The liquid temperatures are running too hot or too cold.
- The temperatures being used in the BASE play a key role in the performance of post-processing operations. This issue may be resolved by adjusting Configuration settings. Contact PostProcess for more information.
- There is excess foam in the processing chamber.
- During the installation of the BASE, the detergent and anti-foaming agent were set to the optimal levels. If over time, an excessive level of foam is developing during processing, it is necessary to check the dosing levels on each Dosatron. If the dosing levels have been adjusted or moved from the original levels, reset them according to the original installation configuration. If unsure of what the optimal levels are, contact PostProcess support for further instruction.
- The BASE is not stationary or stable
- The BASE was designed with casters with adjustable feet that can be lowered and locked in place to temporarily make the machine stationary. To prevent unwanted movement, pull out the metal ratchet on each caster, adjust them to the desired height and lock the wheels into place by pushing the ratchet back into the caster.
Adjustable caster with ratchet
- Where can I find the BASE Serial Number?
- The serial number can be found on the back panel near the upper right of the machine (highlighted in green) and will resemble the ID plate as shown below.
Location of Data Plate Example Data Plate Details
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