Cube 2nd Generation User Guide 3D Printer 1
TABLE OF CONTENT INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................................................... 4 COPYRIGHT................................................................................................................................................................. 5 IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ..................................................................................................................
PRINTING YOUR FIRST CREATION ...............................................................................................................43-47 WI-FI Connection .........................................................................................................................................44-46 Cloud Printing from Cubify.com..................................................................................................................47-49 Printing From the USB Memory Stick .....................
1 INTRODUCTION Thank you for purchasing “The Cube” It’s portable, plug and print design, enables everybody in the family to express their creativity like never before.With ten different material colors to choose from, enjoy the freedom to print in your true colors or to mix it up.Cube 3D Printers ready-to-print technology provides a new dimension to your imagination and helps you share your creations with others in the Cubify community at http://cubify.com. At Cubify.
2 COPYRIGHT © 2013 by 3D Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. This document is subject to change without notice. This document is copyrighted and contains proprietary information that is the property of 3D Systems, Inc. The user does not have the right to copy, reproduce, or translate this document in any way or to any media without the prior written consent of 3D Systems, Inc. No copies of the document may be sold or given to any person or other entity.
3 EN IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Safety Symbols and Definitions Hot Surface Hazard: A hot surface is accessible in the vicinity of this sign or at the printjet; avoid contact. Hot surfaces can cause severe burns. Caution: Indicates something may happen that could cause loss of data, damage to equipment, or personal injury. Caution: Indicates a pinch point hazard that could cause person injury.
4 Cube 3D PRINTER FEATURES The printjet print tip heats the material and produces a thin flowing material of plastic creating layers that adheres to the print pad. After each layer is produced, the print pad lowers so that a new layer can be drawn on top of the last. This is the process continues until the last layer on the top of the creation is jetted. Cube 3D Printer Features • Prints objects up to 5.5 X 5.5 X 5.5 in.
5 AT A GLANCE Cube Tube Print Jet Print Tip Material Cartridge USB Connection- For Print Files Only (Right side of printer) Power Cord Connection Fuse USB Port- For firmware updates only Operator’s Touch ON/OFF Push-Button Screen Power Switch & Menu Function Button (Back of printer) 15
6 REQUIREMENTS FOR YOUR Cube Software: Complimentary Axon 2 conversion software for Windows and Mac OSX. This application converts your 3D model into layered slices (G-code), ready for printing on your machine. • Minimum Hardware Requirements: • A PC with these minimum requirements will be required to run the Cubify Software • Processor: Multi-core processor - 2GHz or faster per core • Outlet requirements: 100-240 Volts, at 50/60 Hz. • System RAM: 2 GB • Cube electrical rating: 24VDC, 3.75 amp.
7 UNPACKING AND SETTING UP THE Cube What’s Included: The Cube (1) Print Pad (1) PLA Material Cartridge Power Supply (1) (1) USB Cable (1) This cable is used to download firmware only. Quick Start Up Guide (1) Unclog Tool (1) USB Memory Cube Glue (1) Stick(1) Power Cord (1) Cube Tube (1) Cube Photo Booth Insert (1) (Use as a backdrop to display your creations.) Note: Retain packaging and Cube carton for future transporting. 1. Remove white plastic inserts from each side of box.
2. Lift foam from the top of Cube. Remove foam from the midsection and below the pad by gently pulling out from the front. 3. Lift Cube out of the box and place on table that has a flat working surface which is at least 4 times as large as base of the Cube. Remove Foam 4. Remove print pad from foam under Cube and set aside. 5. Lift foam that Cube was sitting on to access power supply and other accessories. Note: Retain packaging and Cube carton for future transporting.
6. Plug round connector into the round power receptacle located on the back of the Cube. 7. Plug cord 8 ACTIVATE YOUR Cube IN CUBIFY.COM If you have not created an account in Cubify.com, please do so now to receive your one time activation code. Once your serial number is entered in “Activate my Cube,” your activation code will be sent to your e-mail account. If your e-mail was not received because spam filtered it, please check your spam e-mail.
2. Click on “Activate my Cube” from “My Cubify “ drop down menu. Click Here 3. On the Cube Activation Form, enter your Cube 12 digit/letter serial number (located on the back of Cube) in the activation screen and click on “Activate.” Serial Number Click Here 4. Your Cube’s serial number is now activated on Cubify and your Cube will be assigned to your Cubify account. Your activation code will be displayed, and sent to you in an e-mail along with links to help you get started creating. 5.
9 UNLOCK YOUR Cube Once you have successfully activated your Cube account, next step is to unlock your Cube to begin your creations. 1. Your unique activation code appears in the ”Congratulations” screen after you activated your Cube account; your code was also sent to your e-mail account. Activation Code 2. To start your Cube, press the round button on the front panel; wait five seconds to allow your Cube to warm up. 3. Tap on the touchscreen to view the “Unlock Code “screen. 2. Press Here 3.
4. Tap in your activation code and then tap on the check box to unlock your Cube. If an error is made while entering your code, finger tap “Delete” and re-enter your code; tap on the check box. Your Cube is unlocked and you can now start your creation. You are now at the main menu. Main Menu Tap Here 10 DOWNLOAD AND INSTALL CUBIFY SOFTWARE FOR WINDOWS While your first creation is being built, download the Cubify Software to begin experimenting with the software to create your own prints.
2. Click on Setup.exe in the Cube.zip; the next screen will ask if you would like to open this file; click Yes. Click Here and then Here 3. The Cubify Setup Wizard will guide you through the steps to install the software on your computer. Select Next to start the Setup Wizard.
11 DOWNLOAD AND INSTALL CUBIFY SOFTWARE FOR MAC OSX While your first creation is being built, download the Cubify Software to begin experimenting with the software to create your own prints. • It is required to download the Cubify software so you can import .STL or .creation files into the software to convert them to a .Cube file. • The .Cube file is a machine code file that the Cube printer can read. 1. 2. 24 In the menu, Click on “Download Cube software.
3. If the “Drag to install” window did not open, locate the “Cubify” driver in your device panel. Click on “Cubify” to download software. Note: Safari users will not have to unzip the dmg.; it will unzip as it downloads.
12 DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE CREATIONS Download your free 25 Free creations by following these simple steps. 1. Click on “Download free creation;” your download will start immediately. Click Here 2. Click on “Extract” folder in the Creation zip file and extract it to your computer.
13 CUBIFY SOFTWARE OVERVIEW The Cubify Software allows you manipulate your design before sending it to the Cube for printing. It simulates the Cube’s print pad so you can orient, scale, re-size and rotate the 3D print to get the best result when printing. Become familiar with the software and understand the functions before starting your first print. Key File Types • STL Files: A 3-dimensional solid Computer-Aided Design (CAD) file that describes the geometry to be printed.
Click on “Import ”and select a creation file; your 3D print will appear on the print pad. Click on “Heal” to fix your creation. Orient your creation on the print pad in X, Y, Z axis. Rotate X- turns your creation front to back and back to front. Rotate Y- turns your creation right to left and left to right. Rotate Z- turns your creation in a circular motion. Translate X- moves the creation from side to side on the build pad. Translate Y- moves the created front to back.
These icons permit you to view your creation in various view points. After selecting a particular view, place your cursor on the part and hold the mouse button down; rotate the print pad to view different angles of the part. Isometric Right Side Left Side Front Side Back Side Top Side Bottom Side Click on “Color” and choose “Background” and select a color for your software background. To change your creation color, select “Model” and choose color.
To delete the file from the print pad, click on “Unload. A message will appear asking if you are sure you want to unload your model. Select “Yes” to delete the 3D print or “No” if you would like to continue. Allows connection between your computer and the Cube through WI-FI. It also downloads firmware upgrades to your Cube. Click on the Help button to access the Cube 3-D Printer User Guide and Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).
14 WI-FI SET-UP Set up a computer (ad hoc) network NOTE: Ad hoc will not connect to operating systems running Windows XP. An ad hoc network is a temporary connection to your Cube Printer through your computer or your wireless smart phone. Ad hoc networks can only be wireless, so you must have a wireless network adapter installed in your computer to setup or join an ad hoc network. 1. Tap on “SETUP” in the main menu and scroll until you come to the WI-FI set up screen Tap Here 2.
4. Open your “Internet Access” Located in your Network Settings. Note: Always select your Cube from your network settings before opening Cubify Software. 5. Scroll and select your Cube on the menu. Click on “connect.” This may take several minutes to connect. Once connected, you can send print files from Cubify software straight to your Cube. Set up a computer (WPS) network WPS (WI-FI Protected Setup) allow easy establishment of a secure wireless network. All new wireless-routers are set up for WPS.
Set up a computer (WPS) network (cont’d) 5. Tap on “WI-FI SETUP” Tap Here 6. Tap on “WPS” in the menu screen. The next screen will show your printer connecting to your computer and then if WPS connection was successful. If connection was not successful, unplug the power to your Cube and then plug your Cube in; Repeat the WPS WI-FI set up until you the touch screen reads “WPS Connection.” Tap Here Switching from ad-hoc to WPS connection or vice versa: 1. Close out Cubify Software.
15 Non-Wireless Computer Set Up (without WI-FI options) If you are not connected to a network, you can download your creations from your computer and save them to your USB memory stick for printing. • When printing with the USB memory stick, the file must be in the main folder located on the memory stick. If it is put into another folder it cannot be accessed from Cube screen. • Install your USB memory stick into your computer’s USB connection and save your creation to your USB memory stick.
4. Continue to hold button until “Settings Saved” and then “Cube Firmware Loader XX” appears on the touch screen. You are now in the correct mode to update your firmware. NOTE: Be sure to disconnect the USB cable after you have updated your firmware. 5. Open Cubify Software and click the “Configure” icon; click on “Load New Cube Firmware.” Once you see the pop-up message “Firmware Updated Successfully”, click OK. 6. Disconnect the USB cable from your Cube and computer; unplug the Cube power cord.
17 PRINT PAD INSTALLATION 1. Place print pad magnetic strip onto the magnetic strip on print plate. Rough side of print pad is facing up 18 SETTING PRINT JET GAP The print tip must be set to the correct distance between the print tip and the print pad to ensure the first printed layer sticks properly. When the Cube is operating, the print tip on the print jet nozzle becomes hot; avoid touching this area until it has cooled down. 1.
Finger tap “Set Gap;” The print jet and print pad will move into position to set the gap. Next, place a standard sheet of paper between the print tip and the print pad. If the paper can not slide between the print tip and print pad, tap the “down” arrow key on touchscreen. 2. Tap Here 3. Press the “Z” up key to move the print pad upward to the print tip until the paper is tight between the print pad and the print tip. Finger tap the down key until the paper slides back and forth with no resistance. 4.
19 MATERIAL CARTRIDGE INSTALLATION 1. Remove material cartridge from packaing; using scissors cut top portion of bag and remove the cartridge. 2. Tap “Setup” on Cube touch screen then select “Load Cartridge,” press Next. 3. Remove thumbscrew on the side of the material cartridge. Remove the blue tape from material. Retain screw to re-install in cartridge when you need to store cartridge again. Press Next to begin the cartridge installation. Do not pull material until thumbscrew is removed from cartridge.
3. Locate the clear tube (Cube tube) in packaging and thread the material through the Cube tube until it comes out of the other end of tube. Cube Tube 4. Insert material coming from tube into print jet; continue to hold material and press Next on the touchscreen. Continue pressing material until it feeds through the print jet.
5. Material will then be drawn into the print jet until a small amount of material comes out of the heated print tip on the bottom of the print jet. Remove the jetted material being careful not to touch “HOT” print tip. Dispose of jetted material; press Next. PRINTJET NOZZLE TIP BECOMES EXTREMELY HOT DURING SET-UP AND OPERATION. DO NOT TOUCH NOZZLE. Remove the jetted material 6. Insert Cube tube (clear tube) into print jet and press Next; loading of the cartridge is completed.
21 PRINTING PREPARATION NOTE: The Cube Glue will have to be applied on the print pad every time you start a new creation. Caution: Do not use any other type of glue other than Cube Glue. Doing so can damage your print tip and the print pad. 1. Stand Cube Glue on it’s cap until the glue flows to the cap; remove cap. 2. Remove print pad from the Cube; slowly paint a coat of glue in rows moving the bottle up and then down until the glue is evenly distributed on the entire print pad.
22 PRINTING YOUR FIRST CREATION WARNING –PRINTJET NOZZLE TIP BECOMES EXTREMELY HOT DURING SET-UP AND OPERATION. DO NOT TOUCH NOZZLE. Do not change color of material or cartridge during printing; doing so may damage the Cube. NOTE: Your Cube will have printed test creations before leaving the factory. These test creations may have been printed in a different material color than you are using. Therefore, a small amount of material may be remaining in the print jet.
2. Click on “Import” and select a file from the creation files that you downloaded from Cubify.com or a .STL file. The creation that you selected will appear on print pad. The software’s print pad is a simulation of your Cube print pad. Click here 3. In the software you can orient, scale, and manipulate your creation to ensure that you obtain the optimum printing results. Refer to Section 11, “Cubify Software Overview” to understand the different functions your software provides.
4. To prepare your creation file for printing, click on “Build” and save your creation as a .Cube file. Click here Printing with WI-FI Connection 1. 44 If have a WI-FI connection, click on “Print” and select the Cube file saved from your creation file; click on “Open” to send your file to the Cube.
2. On the Cube touchscreen, finger tap check box to start the build file or tap the X box to cancel. 3. The Cube will begin a ten minute heating process. During the heating process, the print tip and the print pad will reach the temperatures that have been preset by the manufacturer. Once these temperatures are reached, your creation will begin to print. NOTE: During printing operation, please do not place a cover over your Cube.
2. Tap “Print” on the touchscreen and use left or right arrows until you see your Cube file displayed. Tap Here 3. Tap on your .Cube file; the print touchscreen will appear showing the total time it will take to print your creation and the time left to complete it during printing. It also shows the maximum height of your creation and the current height while printing. Tap Here 4. The Cube will begin a ten minute heating process.
23 CLOUD PRINTING FROM CUBIFY.COM 1. Click on “My Cubify” and select “My Account.” 2. Click on “My Downloads.
3. If you would like to download a file to save on your computer or print using Cube software, click on “DOWNLOAD’. The file will download to the Cube software on your computer to save your creation. Click Here 4. Your file can download directly to your Cube by clicking on “PRINT ON MY CUBE;” the Select Cube Printer screen will appear and will search for available Cube printers on your network.
5. If a Cube was not discovered in your network, you can either save the Cube file to your computer or connect through an Ad hoc network. 6. If a Cube is discovered in your network, click on the printer you wish to print the file and then click “Print.” The file will transfer to your Cube.
24 REPLACING MATERIAL CARTRIDGE Do not change cartridge or material during printing; doing so can cause damage to your Cube. If your material cartridge does not have enough material to complete your creation; you will need to replace your cartridge. It is important that the same color of material that is being used must be installed. Do not change to a different color of material; doing so can cause damage to your Cube. Please follow these steps to replace the cartridge. 1.
25 FINISHING YOUR CREATION Removing your Creation From the Print Pad • Place print pad with the creation in a container (not supplied) filled with regular warm tap water and let soak approximately five minutes or until your creation becomes free from the print pad. Clean and dry print pad before next use. • Refer to the Cube User Guide for instructions for “Cleaning Print Pad” in Maintaining your Cube, to remove the glue from the print pad.
Removing Raft (If Required) • If supports are present, use small pliers first to remove support from part. Use pliers to remove the raft away from the bottom of your creation. In places where the supports are inside your creation and are hard to get to, use little wire snips or needle nose pliers to remove the supports. Removing Supports (If Required) • 52 Carefully break the supports away from your creation.
26 MAINTAINING YOUR Cube Cleaning the Exterior • Clean the Cube’s exterior with a lint free cloth and water. Dampen the cloth with water and wipe the outer surfaces of any debris that is visible. Cleaning the Print Pad • Submerge print pad in a container filled with warm city (tap) water. Please do not use well water; it contains certain minerals that may make your creation difficult to remove from the print pad. • Rinse pad under tap water and dry using a lint free wipe.
Cleaning the Touchscreen • Wipe the touchscreen with the soft, lint-free cloth. Do not spray cleaners on the touchscreen. 4 Amp Fuse Replacement Caution: Before replacing the fuse, switch Cube’s power off and unplug power cord. 1. 4 Amp, 250V fast blow fuse is located on the back left side of your Cube. 2. Using a flat screwdriver, turn screwdriver counterclockwise to remove fuse from the fuse holder. 3. Using a flat screwdriver, turn screwdriver clockwise to install new fuse into the fuse holder.
27 PRINT PAD PLATE LEVELING INSTRUCTIONS Your print pad pad may become un-leveled when transporting your Cube, If this occurs, please follow these instructions to level your print pad pad for optimum creation experience. A The print pad pad can be leveled with the two adjusting bolts located underneath the front and back of the pad. Rear Knob Bolt Front Knob Bolt B C • Press the power button on the Cube control panel. • Ensure print pad is properly installed on print pad pad.
• Touch the “clockwise” and “counter-clockwise” buttons to automatically move the print jet around the four corners of the print pad. During each movement along the sides of the print pad, observe any gaps between the pad and the print jet. If there are gaps on one side of print pad and the print jet tip is barely touching the print pad on the other side, the print pad pad is not level.
ROLL SIDE TO SIDE If the gap between the print pad and print jet tip is at the right or left side, adjust the pad using the rear adjusting knob bolt. EXAMPLE: If the gap appears on the side of print pad, the pad is too low and will need to be moved up. To Adjust: • • • If the pad needs to be moved up, turn thea front djusting knob bolt clockwise to loosen and then turn the rear adjusting knob bolt clockwise. To move the pad down, turn the rear adjusting knob bolt counterclockwise.
TILT FRONT TO BACK If the gap between the print pad and print jet tip is at the front or back of pad, adjust the pad using the adjusting knob bolt. EXAMPLE: If the gap between the print jet tip and the print pad is too low, the pad is too low and will need to be moved up. To Adjust: • • • If the pad needs to be moved up, turn the front adjusting knob bolt clockwise to loosen and then turn the back adjusting knob bolt clockwise. To move the pad down, turn the back adjusting knob bolt counterclockwise.
3D Systems, Inc. 333 Three D Systems Circle | Rock Hill, SC | 29730 www.cubify.com ©2012 3D Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. The 3DS logo and Cube are registered trademarks of 3D Systems, Inc. pn 350341-01, Rev.
