Cartridge Dispensing
The following information applies to the Cox Dual-Drive Dispenser except where noted.
Dispensing resin from cartridges requires the use of a compatible dispenser. An appropriate mixing tip is installed on the cartridge, which is then placed in the dispenser. The dispenser then simultaneously pushes out the resin components from each compartment of the cartridge. As the components move through the mixing tip, they are blended into the final resin. The mixed resin comes out of the mixing tip into the cassette and is ready for printing.
- Cox Dual-Drive resin dispenser or legacy dispenser
- Included accessories
- 3 sets of cartridge clips (2 each for 1:1, 4:1, 10:1)
- Stand
- Adaptable ratio plates
- Protective shroud
- Battery
- Battery charger
- Carrying case
- Mixing tip
- 10:1 Orange
- 1:1 White
- Resin cartridge
- Printer cassette
- Or container to transfer resin from dispenser to cassette
- Foil on the table is recommended if a mat is not used
RPU 130 cartridges are only compatible with the Cox Dual-Drive dispenser.
Go to Accessories & Supplies for purchasing information on available dispensers and dispenser accessories.
Downloadable handouts are available. Print one out and use it in the lab as a quick reference guide.
Cox Dual Drive Dispenser
Cox Single Drive Dispenser
Legacy device
Albion Single-Drive Dispenser
Legacy device
Cox Dual Drive Dispenser
Cox Single Drive Dispenser (Legacy)
Albion Single-Drive Dispenser (Legacy)
Before dispensing, cover the bench with an absorbent mat or layer of foil. This will catch any drips or spills, making cleanup much easier.
To reduce resin spills on the printer, dispense resin on the lab bench and carry the cassette to the printer.
1. Ensure that the dispenser battery is charged.
- Press button 2 or 3 bars must light up.
- If at least 2 bars are not lit, charge the battery.
2. Set the speed according to resin protocol (varies per resin and per dispenser).
- Turn the dial on top of the dispenser to adjust the speed.
Do not use higher speeds.
Check battery
- Press button and all four bars must light up.
Set speed
- Turn the dial on the side of the dispenser.
Check battery
Change to a fully charged battery daily.
Set speed
Turn the dial on the back of the dispenser.
- Align stand, with the taller side on the left, viewed as shown. Position the stand at the
- Position the stand at the front-most end of the rods, closest to the mixing tip.
- Snap onto both of the lower metal rods
If a replacement stand is needed, a new one can be printed in RPU 130. Download the file below and print a replacement.
Cox Dual Drive Dispenser Stand
- Locate the 2 clips marked with the ratio you need.
- Snap into place, equally spaced along the metal rails.
The Cox Dual-Drive dispenser supports adaptable plate configurations for the ratios of all Carbon resins: 1:1, 4:1, 10:1.
Refer to the chart below for the correct plate and clip sizes per resin.
1. To remove the pre-installed plates, turn them counterclockwise to unscrew them from the plunger mechanism.
- Use a 13 mm wrench on the nut to assist if the plate is very tightly installed.
- Ensure that the threads on the plunger mechanism are clean and free of cured or uncured resin.
2. Align the correct plates with the narrow and wide sides of the dispenser, respectively.
3. Screw on each plate to the plunger rail clockwise until hand tight.
4. Confirm that the plunger plates are aligned flush with one another.
- This ensures that Part A or Part B in the cartridge dispense at the same time (do not exhibit lead-lag) during dispensing.
- Adjust the height of the installed plates by twisting the securing nut forward or backward with the plate until the correct position is reached.
- When the position is finalized, use a 13 mm wrench on the nut to fully tighten the plates in place.
RESIN | DISPENSING SPEED | RATIO PART A: PART B | RATIO PLATES | MIXING TIP COLORS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
EPX 82 | 1 | 1:1 | A:A | White |
SIL 30 | 3 | 1:1 | A:A | White |
EPX 86FR | 1 | 2:1 | A:D | White |
RPU 130 | 1 | 4:1 | B:D | Orange |
EPU 40 | 3 | 10:1 | E:F | Orange |
FP3D | 3 | 10:1 | E:F | Orange |
FPU 50 | 3 | 10:1 | E:F | Orange |
MPU 100 | 1 | 10:1 | E:F | Orange |
RPU 70 | 1 | 10:1 | E:F | Orange |
- The dispenser is not adaptable to multiple ratios.
- 10:1 and 1:1 ratios are separate dispensers.
- Adaptable plates support 1:1 and 10:1 ratios.
- Install the ratio plates to match the largest plate size that fits the cartridge component size.
- Ratio plates for the Cox Single-Drive are not labeled.
The following video shows the technique used to dispense two-part resins from cartridges, with proper burn-off technique.
Always refer to the information specific to the resin you are using, including protocol sheets and reference grids.
- Applies to all two-part resin cartridges.
- Shown with the Cox Dual-Drive Dispenser. Other dispensers are similar except the tilting movement to remove bubbles.
This video shows the Cox Dual Drive Dispenser.
The burn off procedure ensures that the resin dispensed into the cassette is properly mixed and suitable for printing. The burn off procedures:
- Remove air bubbles
- Level plungers
- Eliminate any unmixed resin from the early stages of dispensing
The burn-off procedure aligns the plungers in the cartridge and requires discarding (burning off) the first 10 mL of resin.
- The plunger ends within the cartridge packaging may be slightly out of alignment.
- The dispenser naturally pushes the plungers into alignment, but the initial flow of resin will not be properly mixed as one plunger begins moving first.
In most cases, the plunger ends are misaligned in the cartridge (exaggerated for emphasis).
Due to the misalignment of the plungers, parts A and B will usually begin dispensing at different slightly times, with one component coming out before the other. In this case Part A (1) comes out after Part B (2).
The unmixed resin needs to be burned off as it is not suited for printing.
Procedure
- Create a small disposable “cup” with aluminum foil.
- Pull the trigger on the dispenser and hold it until 10 mL of resin has passed through the mixing tip into the foil.
- Discard the resin-filled foil.
- Continue dispensing.
The shroud is installed over the mixing tip to keep the mixing tip from swelling during dispensing. The clear plastic of the mixing tip can be pushed outwards by the resin, thus preventing the resin from fully mixing within the internal plastic mixers.
- The shroud is required when using the Cox Dual-Drive and the Cox Single-Drive dispensers at speeds greater than 1.
- For the Albion Dispenser, the shroud is not necessary. If used, it will not affect results.
If replacement or additional shrouds are needed, they can be printed in UMA 90. Download M1 and M2 .carbon files below.