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Operational Workflow (SOP) as stated in the NanoGuide

Operational Workflow (SOP)

The basic standard operation procedure (SOP) is summarized below. The titles link to pages with more detailed information.
The paragraph headers of this page link to important safety measures. Carefully read through each article to avoid harm to the operator and damage to hardware components. Additionally read through printing considerations, which provides general information for a successful print along with best practice advice.


Check the status of the printer

  • Make sure the printer components are switched on. If the laser was switched off wait for 30 min before starting a print job to ensure a stable laser output.


Import a CAD model file

  • Drag and drop an STL file (CAD model file) into DeScribe to start the import wizard.
  • Center the model and adjust the orientation as well as size. Ensure that it fits within the substrate dimensions and consider the working distance of the objective for the desired print set.
  • Choose a recipe matching the desired print set and follow the steps given in the import wizard.
  • Save the GWL print job file.
  • Preview the print job (shortcut: F5 key).
  • Alternatively, the print job can be programmed manually.
  • If the import was performed on a personal computer, copy all GWL files and the subfolder "..._files" to the control computer.


Prepare a sample and change the objective

  • Prepare the required materials for the intended print set and print job.
  • Fix the substrate to the sample holder and apply resin.
  • Check that the resin is free from bubbles.
  • Select an objective and inspect it for cleanliness. Clean it if necessary.
  • Use a clean and dry felt ring or resin stop with all objectives except for air objectives.
    • Wash felt rings with isopropanol before the first use to remove loose fibers.
  • Mount objective in the correct position. Use the touch screen to check/select the position if necessary.


Start NanoWrite and insert sample holder

  • Start NanoWrite.
  • Wait for the stage calibration warning message.
  • Ensure sure the stage will not be impeded by obstacles.
  • Ensure the microscope objective is at the lower z-drive limit.
  • When it is safe to do so, confirm the warning message by clicking Calibrate.
  • Wait for the NanoWrite initialization to finish.
  • When the Exchange Holder dialog appears, carefully insert the sample holder.
  • Select the correct sample holder and sample position from the dialog box.
  • Confirm the selection by clicking OK.
  • Switch on an illumination. Choose reflection illumination for non-transparent substrates.
  • Start AxioVision software and position it next to NanoWrite to view the print process in real-time.


Perform a sample approach

  • Ensure that the selected sample position is correct. If it is not, double click the respective position on the sample holder icon in NanoWrite.
  • Click Approach sample to move the objective towards the interface. The interface will be automatically found and the working distance set such that the interface is in focus. The result of the interface approach is displayed in the NanoWrite message log window.
  • Adjust the brightness and contrast in the AxioVision software.
  • After each subsequent movement of the stage, the interface position must be verified. Either click Find Interface to autofocus the interface again, or issue FindInterfaceAt commands in the GWL code of the print job. Imported models utilizing block splitting and stitching have the commands included automatically.


Load a print job

  • Click Load Job and choose a print job (name_job.gwl file).
  • Wait for loading to finish (indicated by name_job.gwl loaded in the message log window).
  • If compilation takes a long time, use DeScribe to perform this step (debug -> compile, or shortcut: F5)


Print your structure

  • For high-precision applications allow ~30 min for the resin and holder to reach thermal equilibrium.
  • Click Start Job.
  • Wait until the print job is finished or press Abort to immediately halt the job.


Unload the sample

  • Click Exchange Holder.
  • Wait for the Exchange Holder dialog to pop up.
  • Carefully remove the sample holder.
  • Confirm the dialog by clicking OK.


Develop the sample

  • Carefully remove the substrate from the sample holder.
  • Place the substrate in a developer bath to wash away excess liquid 2PP resin.
  • Wash away the developer.
  • Gently blow-dry the sample.
  • Cure remaining liquid 2PP resin if a shell and scaffold structure was printed.


Clean the objective lens

  • If an immersion objective was used, it is advised to clean the objective lens directly after printing. This is mandatory if a different 2PP resin will be used with the same objective, or if the print set is changed from oil immersion configuration to DiLL or vice versa.
  • Cleaning the objective lens between jobs is recommended but is not strictly required if the configuration remains the same for printing subsequent structures.
  • Objectives should be cleaned at least once a week or after printing several structures.


Leaving the printer

  • Close NanoWrite. This makes sure that used print commands are set to the default values for the next user.
  • Only switch off the laser and other printer components if the printer is not in use for a longer period of time.

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