Author: kiselev@anisoprint.com

Your Composer requires several assembly steps before you can start printing.

Unpack the printer and place it on a reliable flat surface, protected from strong vibrations. Adjust the printer feet to compensate for any unevenness of the surface if needed.

1. Remove blue transportation tape to release the doors and print head

2. Unpack the glass print surface, place it on the buildplate and fix with the clamping clips

3. Using a hex key from the Tool kit, attach the spool holders to the back mount of the printer

4. Install the wipe station part on the station bracket on the right for A4 and on the left for A3 Composers. The size and color may vary with the printer model

5. Plug in the power cable

6. Calibrate the buildplate with an in-built procedure: at the home screen of the printer, go to Maintenance > Calibarate > Buildplate
7. Calibrate the Z-axis with a built-in procedure in Maintenance > Calibrate > Z-axis

After switching on the Composer printer, you will see the main screen, which brief description is given below.

1 – Plastic extruder temperature settings button
2 – Buildplate temperature settings button
3 – Composite extruder temperature settings button
4 – print button. To start the print, press this button and select the file of your part from memory device
5 – Maintenance options button. Here, the following options are available:

A – Loading/unloading plastic filaments and composite fiber
B – Calibration of the buildplate / Z-axis / print head (Z offset)
C – Printer connection settings
D – Key information about the printer (serial number, version info, build date)

Also, you can control material supply. To do it press Extruders button. Here, the following options are available:

E – Composer axes positioning button. Here, the following options are available:

NOTE: these parameters directly affect the printer functionality!

 

F – Printer settings button.

G – Debug info (service information)

Items in the package:

1. Composer CFC printer – 1 pc.
2. Plastic filament spool – 2 pc.
3. Anisoprint CCF-1.5k fiber spool – 1 pc.
4. Tool kit – 1 pc.
5. Personal protective equipment kit – 1 pc.
6. Spare parts kit – 1 pc.
7. Memory card SD – 1 pc.
8. User Manual

Composite Fiber Co-extrusion (CFC) is an additive manufacturing process for production of lightweight and strong composite parts with a complex shapes and internal structures. The process is based on embedding continuous composite fiber into the fused plastic through the use of a specially developed print head. The print head shown in the figure below includes two extruders which are plastic (FFF) and composite (CFC). The composite extruder has two inlets and one nozzle. The central inlet is for composite fiber and the lateral inlet is for plastic. The CF goes through the central channel and is coated by molten plastics supplied through the lateral channel into the heat block of the extruder. The CF with the molten plastic is laying up layer by layer through the extruder nozzle on the work surface. Thus, a composite part reinforced with continuous fibers is forming. The plastic extruder has one inlet for plastic
filament and one nozzle.

The technology allows manufacturing high-quality reinforced materials while using the flexibility of shapes and a wide range of plastics.

The technology allows to use various plastics with processing temperatures up to 270°C. You can use ABS, PLA, PETG, PA, and PC plastics. The material can be varied to achieve the best operational or economic parameters of the parts depending on the goals.

The product is certified in accordance with the applicable technical regulations. The service life is 2 years from the date of purchase provided the product is not used for anything other than the intended purpose according to the rules and recommendations described
in this User Manual.

Product certificate: №181299324
Certificate is valid: from 09.11.2018 through 08.11.2021
Product and services certification authority: Technický skúšobný ústav Piešťany, š.p.

This equipment complies with Directive WEEE 2012/19/EU for disposal of electric and electronic equipment and devices. This equipment must be disposed of in accordance with the applicable local waste and safety regulations. To ensure safety when disposing the equipment it is necessary to follow generally accepted practices for safe operation when disposing of equipment and devices.

For safety reasons the following symbols can be found on the printer case.

Parts marked with this symbol heat up to high temperature and may cause skin burns

Places of grounding connections

Areas of nono-protected contacts under voltage of 220-240V. WARNING: do not take off the protective cover marked with this symbol

 

NOTE: please read this manual before using the printer. Keep this manual during the whole period of operation of the equipment
CAUTION: the manufacturer reserves the right to introduce minor changes (not affecting safety requirements and operation characteristics)  in the design of the printer! Some design changes may not be covered by this user manual

CFC 3D printing implies work with carbon fiber. Please bear in mind that carbon fiber is a good electrical conductor. The flow of current through carbon fiber leads to its instant ignition, which may result in injuries and equipment failure.

WARNING: do not place the printer next to uncovered sockets and laboratory power supply sources in order to avoid ignition of carbon fiber. Carbon fiber is a good electrical conductor.

If for some reason there occurred a breakage of the composite fiber, do not touch the place of the direct fracture with unprotected skin. Carbon fiber consists of thousands of thin and sharp threads that can easily get stuck in the skin, even intact fiber can sometimes cause splinters.

In case of fiber breaking small suspended particles may accidentally get into the eyes or respiratory system. If it is necessary to examine the components of the Composer CFC Printer at a close distance, where carbon fiber is outside the protecting tube, be sure to wear safety glasses and protecting mask.

WARNING: do not work with carbon fiber without personal protective equipment – gloves, safety glasses, and mask.

 

Carefully study all precautions before using the printer. When in operation the user should follow all operation precautions for electrical equipment.

An explanatory note to graphic symbols:
WARNING – indicates a potentially dangerous situation that may result in serious injury or fatal outcome.
CAUTION – indicates a potentially dangerous situation that may result in minor or moderate injury.
NOTE – indicates a situation that may result in equipment failure.

 

 

Basic precautions:

WARNING: do not plug the printer in without grounding!
WARNING: do not touch the print head when printing. The nozzle temperature may be up to 270°С!
WARNING: do not try to repair the printer yourself!
CAUTION: do not use the printer in facilities with ambient temperature lower than 15°C or higher than 35°C!
CAUTION: avoid penetration of water in electronic components of the printer to prevent short-circuit.
CAUTION: disconnect the power cord in case of modifications and maintenance.
CAUTION: when connecting power cord to the power line, be sure that the printer ON/OFF switch is in <O> position.
CAUTION: use the printer in ventilated locations.
CAUTION: the printer is a source of noise; do not use it in leisure areas.
NOTE: do not turn on the printer if the print head is disconnected!
NOTE: place the printer on a level and rigid surface in order to ensure convenient and easy operation with all elements.
NOTE: when in operations, do not place any objects inside the working zone and inside the printer; do not cover the printer and the air vents.
NOTE: if the printer is under warranty maintenance, it is not recommended to perform any repair independently!
NOTE: before the first operation be sure that all packaging materials are removed.
NOTE: do not use the printer without the glass at the buildplate!

Composer CFC printers were tested for compliance with 2014/30/EU guidelines. According to compatibility tests, the printer is a class A device, which means it can cause additional electromagnetic interference when used at home.