08798

ZPrinter 310 (DESIGNmate Mx) Flow Rate Test

Rev A
Description:
This test is to measure the flow rate in the Z310 (DESIGNmate Mx). It should be used as a
diagnostic tool to determine if the Print Head is receiving enough binder. Not enough binder flow
can cause Error 1006. The most common causes (out of binder, bad print head, air in fluid line,
clogged binder cap etc..), should be explored first. The flow rate test is designed to test whether
the system may have a kinked or blocked fluid line, or a clogged binder filter.
There are many ways to measure a flow rate and every way can result in different values. It is
VERY IMPORTANT to follow this procedure closely otherwise the flow rate numbers will not
match correctly.

Prerequisites:

There must be some binder in the binder bottle

Purge any air out of the line as in normal use (some small air bubbles may still be present
near the bottle as in normal use)

This procedure requires the use of part number 06775 (3/32 tube with fittings). This part is
standard in toolkits shipped after April 2006. The tube attaches to the syringe in the toolkit, and is
very useful for this test. If you have an older toolkit that does not contain this part, please order
the part before using this procedure.

Equipment / Parts Required:

20ml syringe (in toolkit) (10674)

Test hose with luer fitting on one end and HP fitting on the other (06775)

Clamp or hemostats (15237 or equiv.)

Syringe w/ Part
#06775 tube with
fittings
Note-Remove
plunger before
starting test!

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Procedure:
Test Procedure:
1. SET UP: From ZPrint, choose Unpark from the service menu (this will move the carriage
away from the service station, and prevent it from auto parking when you close the top
cover.
IF YOU DONT HAVE ACCESS TO ZPRINT OR COMMUNICATION WITH THE
PRINTER:
The safest option is to power down the printer and manually move the carriage to the
front, right side of the deck.
2.
3.
4.
5.

CHECK: Make sure there is some binder in the bottle.

INSERT: Clamp the test tubing near the bottom and insert the fitting onto the septum
PRIME LINE: Carefully open the clamp to allow the test tubing to fill with binder
Dangle the tubing (still clamped) outside of the machine; using a shim (syringe plunger)
close the cover making sure the seal doesnt compress the testing tube.
6. Hold the tubing so the middle of the syringe is approximately the level of the deck (down
far enough that all the slack is taken out of the tubing)
7. TEST: Release the clamp and let the binder drip into the collection syringe. Re-clamp
the tube at 30 SECONDS.
8. Record and compare the amount of binder collected in the syringe (reading ml) to the
chart.
Cover propped
up to not crush
tubing

End of tube
fully extended
(do not force)

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Results:
MINIMUM FLOW RATES (ml/30sec.)
Bottle full

7-8

Bottle empty

4-5

The flow rate test is designed to test whether the system may have a kinked or
blocked fluid line, or a clogged binder filter. If you find a restriction in the flow
and feel that it may be caused by bacteria build-up in the fluid line or filter, it will
be necessary to follow the clean out procedure 08799 to make sure the bacteria is
bleached before returning the machine to operation.

9. Press OK to re-park the carriage.

Compiled by John Nein

Change History
Rev A ECN 1746 BWH 5/23/06
Z, zp, zb, ZPrinter, ZCast and the Z Corp. logo are trademarks of Z Corporation.
Information contained in this document is the confidential property of Z Corporation. Recipient
shall not disclose such Information to any third party, and shall not use it for any purpose
whatsoever other than to price or provide services to Z Corporation.
Z Corporation 1995-2006. All rights reserved

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