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1. 3D Touch Set Up and Operations Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.1 1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.2 2. How this manual works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
D Touch 3D Touch Set Up and Operations Manual Welcome to the 3D Touch Setup and Operations Manual. This manual is designed to get you up and running as quickly as possible. It can be read either on-line or off-line (see below). Requirements To complete the exercises in this manual the user will need: All the items included in the 3D Touch box. Items should be unpacked. Unpacking instructions (which should be included in the top of the box) can be downloaded here.
3D Touch You can start reading the manual by clicking the links on the navigation bar at the left of the screen: Off-line reading Simply click on the "Export this space" button at the top left of the screen to export the manual to a PDF. Follow the on screen instructions.
3D Touch If you have a slow internet connection, it is possible to select individual sections of the manual to export, making it possile to download small sections at a time. Simply tick the boxes next to the sections you need. Alternatively, if bandwidth is not an issue, select all.
3D Touch 1. Introduction Thank you for purchasing your 3D Touch. Before first use, the 3D Touch needs careful setting up.
3D Touch 2. How this manual works This manual guides the user from basic principles to an actual 3D print.
3D Touch 3. Manual symbols CAUTION: notes to prevent damage to the machine. DANGER: notes to prevent injury to the operator.
3D Touch 4. Process overview... how the 3D Touch works Before reading this section, please ensure that the unpacking instructions have been completed. 3D Touch Tool kit The image below identifies the tools included in the tool kit.
3D Touch Creating a 3D model The images below illustrate the process of creating a 3D model.
3D Touch Note 1: Most CAD packages export to STL format. However, STL quality depends on the CAD package. Poor quality STLs may need repairing before loading into "Axon". STL fixing programs are readily available (e.g. NetFabb).
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3D Touch The extruders pull filament from the reel via the delivery tubes and drive through a hot-end to produce a thin molten filament of plastic. The extruder draws each layer with this filament. After each layer is produced the bed increments down so that a new layer can be drawn on top of the last, building up the 3D model.
3D Touch A second (optional) extruder can print support filament for printing overhanging-features. This support structure can be automatically generated in Axon if desired.
3D Touch 5. Print material We support two print materials: PLA and ABS. Both have different properties and can be used in different build/support combinations. Typically, PLA performs well as a build material with an ABS raft, and (if needed) ABS support. PLA PLA is a hard plastic with a low environmental impact. It is not a petrochemical - it is derived from renewable resources, such as starch. It is a relatively new plastic and has excellent print characteristics.
3D Touch If machine is to left unused for an extended period of time, repack filament with silica-gel sachet to maintain dryness (if present). Use within 12 months of receipt.
3D Touch 6. Pre-print checks It is essential that all pre-print checks are carried out before starting a print on the 3D touch. This section of the manual guides the user through these checks: a. Clearing the print bed b. Check the print bed is fitted correctly c. Power up d. Test all axes e. Check the hot-end nozzles are clean from plastic debris f. Check the print bed is level g. Check the bed is referenced to the extruder nozzles h. Load the extruders i. Extruder control j. Purge the extruder k.
3D Touch a. Clearing the print bed It is essential to clean the print bed before printing. This makes sure that the first printed layer makes a good contact with the bed. Remove the bed label The label on your bed needs to be removed before printing begins.
3D Touch For transit, a white stopper is fitted to the front bed keyhole. This prevents the bed from coming off the bed arms during transport. Remove this stopper and retain for future transport. Do not print attempt to print with the white stopper in place. Remove the white bed stopper before printing. Remove existing prints from the print bed We do test prints on each 3D Touch as part of our quality control.
3D Touch Ensure that all build material is completely removed from the bed. Use the model removal tool to remove any stuck-fast tracks. It is normal for prints to leave marks on the bed, and for the model removal tool to lightly scratch the surface of the bed. This will not affect the printer's operation. However, take care to avoid gouging the surface with the material removal tool – the bed must be flat.
3D Touch b. Check the print bed is fitted correctly Ensure that bed is correctly fitted to the printer. The three bed bolt heads should sit flush in the countersinks. If not, remove the bed, then refit it - as shown in the next two sections. How to remove the bed Tip: removal is easier if the bed is near the bottom of the machine. If it is too high, you can manually lower the z-axis (see "Manual move").
3D Touch How to fit the bed Tip: fitting is easier if the bed is near the bottom of the machine. If it is too high, you can manually lower the z-axis (see "Manual move"). Check all bolt heads are fitted correctly (see "Check the bed is fitted correctly").
3D Touch c. Power up Ensure the power cable is attached, and that power is being supplied to the printer. To start the printer, press and hold the function button for 2 seconds. This will boot the printer, activating the boot screen (the BFB logo). Touch the screen to show the home menu.
3D Touch d. Test all axes It is important to check that the print head can move freely in all 3 axes: X, Y and Z. This procedure makes sure that all packaging material has been removed before first use. First power up the printer, then use the manual move function to move the print head in all three axes: Get familiar with moving the axes around: Ensure that the bed is fitted properly to the machine (see b. Check the print bed is fitted correctly ).
3D Touch e. Check the hot-end nozzles are clean from plastic debris Ensure that the metal nozzle tips are clean from any plastic debris. All tips should be clearly visible. If not: Lower the bed to make access to the nozzles easy. Position the extruders in approximately the middle of the machine (see d. Test all axes), to make access to the nozzles easy. Pull away any light plastic debris away from the nozzle tip using the pliers.
3D Touch f. Check the print bed is level To get a good print, the bed must be level. We make every effort to level the bed before the machine leaves our factory. However, the bed may move in transit, therefore it is essential to check that the bed is still level. The print bed is mounted on three sprung bolts which allow adjustment of the bed height in three places.
3D Touch During each movement along the side of the bed, observe from the side of the machine any change in distance between the bed and extruder's hot-end as it moves along. Adjust the height of the bed bolts to make each side level using the 3mm hex driver from the toolkit. Caution: Ensure that the three bolts are not tightened so much that the spring starts to become spring bound.
3D Touch It may take several movements of the extruder, and consequent bolt adjustments to ensure that the bed is level.
3D Touch Use the Up and Down arrows to reduce the gap between the hot end and bed to approximately 2 mm. This will enable finer levelling. Repeat the levelling process. Press the Function button to leave the ‘Level Bed’ menu, and return to the main menu. Caution: Observe each extruder movement. The nozzle should not touch the bed. Moving the extruder with the nozzle touching the bed will damage the nozzle and the bed. If the nozzle touches the bed, immediately lower the bed using ‘down arrow’ icon.
3D Touch g. Check the bed is referenced to the extruder nozzles After levelling the bed, the nozzles must be set to the correct height, to ensure that the first printed layer sticks properly (if the nozzle is too high the filament will not stick to the bed, if the nozzle is too low the bed may block the nozzle). Use the 'Set Z Height' function to accurately adjust the height of the nozzle for the first layer.
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3D Touch h. Load the extruders Before loading a reel, the end of the filament must be prepared to prevent damage to the delivery tubes. This procedure is essential to prevent any damage to the delivery tubes, which may in turn block a nozzle. Cut the end of the filament at 45° from both sides to produce a point. Remove all sharp edges. The tip should feel smooth. Reel positions for each extruder are indicated below.
3D Touch Load the type of materials into their reel positions according to the number of extruders in the 3D-Touch: Number of extruders in the printer Material for Extruder 1 Material for Extruder 2 1 ABS or PLA 2 ABS PLA 3 ABS PLA After positioning the reels: Page 33 Material for Extruder 3 Not needed in first print
3D Touch Check the filaments exit the tubes at the correct extruders: Page 34
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3D Touch See c. Setting the extruder pressure bearings to refine the spring compression on the pressure bearing (nominally 12mm).
3D Touch i. Extruder control Make sure all extruders are loaded. Use 'Manual move' (see d. Test all axes) to move the extruders to the centre of the machine, and lower the bed. This makes it easy to clean any purged material. On the control panel select the ‘Extruder control’ function 'Extruder control' manages one extruder at a time (E1, E2 or E3) using the buttons on the control panel.
3D Touch j. Purge the extruder Before purging the extruders, position the axes using the move command: position the head in the middle of the machine, and move the bed half way down the machine, away from the nozzles. This prevents damage to the bed, and allows purging to be inspected easily. Ensure filaments are loaded into the extruders, as defined in the h. Load the extruders. Make sure the springs on the extruder pressure bearings are compressed (as detailed in c.
3D Touch k. How to start a print Before starting any print, make sure that the all pre-print checks have been completed. The following sections will ask you to run two test files: a raft check file, and a duck. When asked to print a file you will need to follow the procedure below: Insert the memory stick into the 3D Touch USB slot. Select the “Print” icon: Select the correct print file using the left and right arrow keys. Touch the name of the print file to start the print.
3D Touch l. Print a successful raft It is essential that a good raft is printed to guarantee a good build. Therefore the height of the hot-end nozzle over the bed for the first layer is critical: If the nozzle is too far away from the bed, the filament will not stick to the bed If the nozzle is too low it will not be able to extruder the filament, and there is a risk of damage to the bed and the nozzle.
3D Touch Print the raft check file If this is your first print, you can print the raft check file to gain familiarity with the print. The print files required are already included on the USB memory stick supplied in your toolkit. If you do not have these files you can download them by clicking on the icon on the left. After downloading: Unpack the files to the root of your USB stick. The printer can only see uncompressed files at the root of the USB stick i.e. do not put them inside a folder.
3D Touch Potential problems If the raft pad appears damaged, match the imperfection to the two scenarios below, and follow the corrective action suggested. Note that there may be some imperfections in the raft, but that the process is very forgiving and even the images shown below will generally not spoil a full print.
3D Touch Purge deposit Perfect the raft If analysis of the raft check file yields any problems, you will need to re-examine some of the setup stages: Error Corrective action Nozzle too high See g. Check the bed is referenced to the extruder nozzles to adjust the height at which the nozzle starts printing. Nozzle to low See g. Check the bed is referenced to the extruder nozzles to adjust the height at which the nozzle starts printing. Nozzle heights appear inconsistent across a single print See f.
3D Touch 7. Print the first model To get your BFB-Touch printer up and running as quickly as possible, we have pre-loaded a .BFB file of a duck onto the memory stick ready to print. The print files required are already included on the USB memory stick supplied in your toolkit. If you do not have these files you can download them by clicking on the icon on the left. After downloading: Unpack the files to the root of your USB stick. The printer can only see uncompressed files at the root of the USB stick i.
3D Touch 8. Essential post-print operations After a print you must: a. Print removal and post-processing b. Check print bed flatness c.
3D Touch b. Check print bed flatness New beds will distort slightly over time due to the heat emitted from the extruder. Check bed flatness with a straight edge (e.g. ruler) after each print: If the bed is bowed downwards (even slightly) turn the bed over to point the bow of the bed upwards for the next print, as shown below. The next print will restore the bed's flatness, maintaining a flat bed.
3D Touch c. Empty the waste bin After each print you will need to empty the nozzle wipe box. Lower the bed (Manual move) to access the nozzle wipe box. Remove the waste box from the machine and dispose of the plastic deposits. Re-install the waste box back into the machine, ready for your next print.
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3D Touch The part has left marks on the bed, what can I do about it? Leaving marks on the print bed is normal, and will not affect the quality of your next print. How do I remove the raft from the model? We recommend printing with dissimilar materials so that the part can be easily removed from its raft (e.g. PLA onto an ABS raft). If the same material is used for both model and raft, wear safety gloves and use a craft knife to cut the excess raft away from the model.
3D Touch 9. Further printing Now your printer is set up, you will need to visit our Technical Resources website (visit www.bitsfrombytes.com -> Support -> Technical Resources) to: Learn how to use our STL processing software, Axon 2: The Axon 2 manual is located (here). Download Axon 2 (here). Check for free updates - we issue updates regularly to continually improve printing performance. Pick up some printing tips from our online FAQ or design for printing page.
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3D Touch c. Setting the extruder pressure bearings The pressure bearing pushes the filament into the extruder drive shaft. In turn, the drive shaft pushes the filament through the hot-end. The pressure bearing setting is critical to the extrusion process during a print. It is essential to test this setting when first using the printer. Over-tightening the pressure bearing will over-deform the filament and it will jam in the nozzle tube.
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3D Touch b. Reloading the extruders See Load the extruders for all references: Remove pressure bearing. Heat up the nozzle to extrusion temperature (see Extruder control). Pull remaining filament out of extruder using pliers. After removing the remaining filament, follow the instructions inthe "Load the extruders" section to load a new filament. Purge the extruder until the old material is completely flushed out.
3D Touch d. Control panel functions After turning the 3D Touch on, the control panel presents the main menu (below). The following sections describe all the functions. Use the left and right arrow buttons to scroll through the menu. Touch an icon to enter a menu. Press the function button to return to the main menu. Run file See Start a print. Extruder mapping The extruder remapping menu allows users to reassign extruders between the .BFB file and the physical printer.
3D Touch Use the Y buttons to change the mapping. Press X+ to save, or Escape to quit without saving. The user is notified prior to printing that extruder remapping is enabled as the remapping can result in unexpected behaviour if the user is unaware of the active remapping function. The remapping configuration settings are not stored persistently as this is deemed undesirable. When the printer power is turned on the remapping reverts to 1:1 direct mapping.
3D Touch Touch the value to select the parameter. Use up and down arrows to alter the values. Press the Function button to save the setting to the printer’s memory, which is retained when the power is turned off: Incorrect values will severely affect print quality. Level bed See Check the bed is level. Set Z height See Check the bed is referenced to the extruder nozzles. General settings General settings are designed for advanced use.
3D Touch chance of the extruder hot end hitting part of the model and causing an XY shift. It also reduces the chance of the extruder hot end knocking over a small delicate pillar shape for example.
3D Touch a. Power down To turn off, hold the function button for 2 seconds when the main menu is showing.
3D Touch e. Upgrading your printer firmware Remember to visit the software section at our forum http://www.bitsfrombytes.com/forum for firmware release dates. Click Here for firmware upgrades (the software inside the control box) - Alternatively please go to: www.bitsfrombytes.
3D Touch f. Adjusting the nozzle wipe The nozzle wipe should sit slightly higher than the height of the nozzle tip, so that when the nozzle is moved over the wipe, the wipe brushes over the nozzle tip. Use 'Manual move' to position the nozzle over the nozzle wipe box. To adjust the height of the nozzle wipe, remove the nozzle wipe box and loosen the M3 nuts and bolts on the back of the wipeusing the 2.5mm hex driver supplied in the toolkit.
3D Touch g. Fine adjustment to level the nozzles Nozzles must be level for a reliable print. If one nozzle is lower than the other, it may damage the print. To evaluate if the nozzles are level: Make sure the bed is flat (see "Bed flatness") Check the bed is level. Check the hot-end nozzles are clean from plastic debris. It is common to mistake dirty nozzles as not being level – especially if the polymer in the extruder is transparent. Using "Manual move" drive the bed up to the nozzles.
3D Touch Purge the extruder.
3D Touch h. Handling a ground-out filament If a pressure bearing is poorly assembled, or the nozzle suffers from a blockage (e.g. printing too close to the bed), the back of the filament may be ground out by the extruder drive shaft. The drive shaft will then be unable to push the filament down into the nozzle, preventing the extruder from extruding. This is normally indicated by a fast build-up of plastic dust around the pressure bearing. Heat extruder to melt plastic using "Extruder control".
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3D Touch i. Handling snapped filament in the delivery tube If filament snaps in more than one place in the delivery tube, the tube needs to be flushed of any trapped broken sections before the filament can be reloaded.
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3D Touch 11. Troubleshooting Please make sure that all steps in this manual have been followed, and the user is aware of all content in Further operations. Click Here for troubleshooting guides - Alternatively please go to: www.bitsfrombytes.com > Support > Technical Resources > Troubleshoot a problem Click Here to raise a support ticket - Alternatively please go to: www.bitsfrombytes.
3D Touch 12. Specifications Please visit our website at http://www.bitsfrombytes.com to view specification sheets on the 3D-Touch.
3D Touch 13. Appendix Manual version Version Description Date 1.0.0 Original release 07/10/2011 1.0.1 Cover page formatted to remove hard-coded version number (3.3). This table now acts as version control. 09/10/2011 1.0.2 Reorder of pre-print operations 11/10/2011 1.0.
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