Operating Instructions RF100 XL 3D printer, fully-assembled Item No. 1592461 RF100 XL Plus Item No.
Table of contents Page 1. Introduction...........................................................................................................................................................4 2. Explanation of symbols.........................................................................................................................................4 3. Intended use.....................................................................................................................................
b) Attaching the filament...................................................................................................................................30 c) Loading the filament.....................................................................................................................................30 d) Removing the filament..................................................................................................................................32 e) Changing/replacing the filament...
1. Introduction Dear customer, Thank you for purchasing this product. This product complies with statutory national and European regulations. To ensure that the product remains in this state and to guarantee safe operation, always follow the instructions in this manual. These operating instructions are part of this product. They contain important information on setting up and using the product. Please consider this if you give the product to a third party, and keep the instructions for future reference.
3. Intended use The 3D printer is shipped pre-assembled and ready to use. It can be controlled with the computer software provided or the built-in touchscreen colour display. It features a powder-coated metal housing to ensure a long lifespan. The printer can print objects up to a size of 200 x 200 x 200 mm and comes with bright built-in LEDs that enable you to monitor the printing progress. The SD card comes with 100 preset 3D models that can be printed in a few mouse clicks.
5. SD card contents • The SD card contains the following folders: -- "3D models" -- "Config" -- "Manual" (user manual) -- "Software" To view the contents of the SD card, connect the 3D printer (with the SD card inserted) to your computer. The control panel on the printer only gives you limited access to the SD card.
• Load the configuration file in "Cura" to print an object using the corresponding material (see “e) Loading configuration files (Windows®)” on page 52 for details). The contents of this folder are not displayed on the control panel. These config files are recommended for use with the supplied filaments. You can also use "Cura" to create your own configuration files. c) Operating instructions • The quick start guide is saved to the "Manual" folder.
7. Working principles of the 3D printer • The 3D printer requires a file containing the three-dimensional data of the object that you wish to print (.stl is a standard format). • You can create these files using suitable software or a 3D scanner. You can also download ready-to-use print files from the Internet to print objects quickly. • The printer software converts the three-dimensional data into a .
8. Safety instructions Read the operating instructions and safety information carefully. If you do not follow the safety instructions and information on proper handling in this manual, we will assume no liability for any resulting personal injury or damage to property. Such cases will invalidate the warranty/guarantee.
• If you have questions which remain unanswered by these operating instructions, contact our technical support service or other technical personnel. b) Setup • Place the 3D printer on a level, horizontal surface of a sufficient size. • Install the 3D printer in a location that is out of the reach of children. • Ensure that the power switch on the printer is easily accessible so that you can switch it off quickly in the event of a fault.
• Before conducting any repair or modification work, disconnect the printer from the mains and computer and allow it to cool down. • Do not touch the mains cable if there are any signs of damage. If the mains cable is damaged, isolate the mains socket (e.g. switch off the circuit breaker and RCD), and then unplug the mains plug from the mains socket. Do not use the printer with a damaged mains cable. d) Operation • Do not use the 3D printer outdoors.
9. Control elements and components a) 3D printer Front 1 1 Filament tube 2 Extruder 2 3 4 5 3 Nozzle 4 Printer bed (item no. 1592620) Printer bed with hot plate (item no.
b) Accessories A O B N C M L D E F K J I H G A ABS filament (for item no. 1592461) B Small power adapter (for item no. 1592620) C Large power adapter (for item no. 1592461) D Mains cable E USB cable F Scraper G SD card H Tweezers I 2 / 2.
10. Before installation • Carefully remove all parts from the packaging. • Remove the protective film from the colour touch display. • Cut the cable ties on both sides using a wire cutter. • Ensure that no parts are missing or damaged. Do not use the printer if parts are missing or damaged. 11. Assembly a) Setting up the 3D printer When choosing a location for the 3D printer, ensure that the power switch is easily accessible so that you can switch it off quickly in the event of a fault.
1 • Insert the print bed. 2 Only for item no. 1592461 • Remove the protective cover on the hot plate power socket ( 1 ). • Plug the hot plate power cable into the socket ( 2 ). • Secure the connection: Turn the lock nut onto the hot plate connection. 3 Only for item no. 1592461 • Insert the hot plate cable into the cable holder (on the bottom of the print bed). 5 • Insert the SD card with the label facing downwards. 4 • Use two screws and the 2.
8 7 • Connect the mains cable to the power adapter, and then connect the power cable to the 3D printer. • Plug the mains plug on the power cable into a mains socket. • The printer light will turn on. • < ReadyPrint > will appear on the touchscreen display. The 3D printer is now ready for use. • Move the on/off switch to the I position to switch the 3D printer on. 12. Control panel • The following explanations apply to printer firmware V2.1. Newer versions may have different functions.
b) Menu options and functions Icon Menu option Function Main menu < ReadyPrint > (3D printer is ready for use) < Preheat > Go to the < Preheat > menu to adjust the temperature of the nozzle or hot plate. < Filament > Go to the < Filament Change > menu to insert or remove a filament. < Fan > Go to the < Fan > menu to set the fan speed. < Print > Go to the < ChooseFile > menu to select a preset printing model. < Move > Go to the < Move > menu to set the position of the X, Y and Z axes.
Icon Menu option Function < 10°C > < 5°C > The temperature can be set in 10/5/1 % increments. Touch an icon to select one of these options. < 1°C > < Turn Off > Switches off the nozzle (for item no. 1592461, 1592620) or the hot plate (for item no. 1592461). < Back > Return to the previous menu (< ReadyPrint >). < Filament Change > menu < Load > < Unload > < Normal > Load filament into the extruder. The nozzle temperature must be higher than 170 °C. Remove filament from the extruder.
Icon Menu option Function < 50% > Reduces the fan speed by half. < 75% > Reduces the fan speed by 25%. < 100% > Sets the fan speed to maximum (default setting). < Back > Return to the main menu (< ReadyPrint >). < Print > menu See “5. SD card contents” on page 6 for details. < gcode > Before printing: Select a print template in .gcode format. During printing: Display the printing status and view/configure the parameters. < PageUP > Return to the previous page.
Icon Menu option Function < Printing > menu, displayed during the printing process < Pause > Pause the printing process. < Resume > Resume the printing process. < Stop > Stop the printing process. The nozzle and print bed will return to their initial position. The extruder will start the cooling process. It may take several seconds for the extruder to stop moving. Set the temperature of the nozzle or hot plate. < Temp. > You can choose a nozzle temperature between 0 and 260 °C.
Icon Menu option Function The filament loading speed can be set from 10 to 300 %. The standard setting is 100%. < Flow> The loading speed depends on the print speed. The nozzle may become blocked if the loading speed is too high. < 10% > < 5% > The speed can be set in 10/5/1% increments. Touch an icon to select one of these options. < 1% > < Back > Return to the previous menu (< Speed >).
Icon Menu option Function < Z- > < Back > Select the amount of movement for the Z-axis: The extruder will move upwards along the Z-axis. Return to the main menu (< ReadyPrint >). < Home > menu < Home All > The print bed and extruder will return to their initial position. < Home X > The extruder will return to the zero position along the X-axis. < Home Y > The extruder will return to the zero position along the Y-axis. < Home Z > The extruder will return to the zero position along the Z-axis.
Icon Menu option Function < FileSys > menu Select "Print from the SD card" (default setting). < SD Card > < USB drive > < Back > Touch to confirm your selection. The icon will be highlighted in yellow. The 3D printer must be disconnected from your computer. If necessary, unplug the USB cable from your computer. Select "Print from a USB stick". Touch to confirm your selection. The icon will be highlighted in yellow. Return to the previous menu (< Set >). < Connect > menu < 9600 > No function.
Icon Menu option Function < Third > Set the third calibration point for the print bed. The extruder will move to the third calibration point. < Fourth > Set the fourth calibration point for the print bed. The extruder will move to the fourth calibration point. < Back > Return to the previous menu (< Set >).
d) Menu overview The menu structure may vary depending on the firmware version. Add Dec Preheat Extruder Heatbed 10°C 1°C 5°C Fast Slow 75% 100% TurnOff Back Load Filament Filament Change Unload Normal Preheat Stop Back Fan Turnoff 50% Back Ready Print Resume Pause Stop Temp.
X+ Y+ Z+ Move 10 mm 0,1 mm XYZBack Home All Home X Home Home Y Home Z Back Ready Print Motor OFF USB Settings FileSys Setting SD Card USB drive Back Select Source 115200 Connect Back 25000 First Set Second Leveling Third Fourth Back About Back 26 1 mm
13. Tips for 3D printing Never disconnect the power supply, USB cable or SD card during the printing process. • The print quality depends on numerous factors. These include: -- Print speed -- Layer thickness -- Printer bed calibration -- Nozzle temperature -- Hot plate temperature (for item. 1592461) -- Filament loading speed -- 3D model structure • These factors mean that it is not always possible to achieve a satisfactory result after the first print attempt.
c) Layer thickness • The layer thickness determines the height of the individual layers and therefore the resolution and quality of the printed object. • Thinner layers produce higher quality prints, but result in longer printing times. • Thicker layers result in lower quality prints and shorter printing times. Experiment with the aforementioned parameters until the printer produces a satisfactory result for your chosen material.
14. Preparation a) Calibrating the print bed 2 1 • Tighten the 3 levelling screws under the print bed as far as they will go. • Place an A4 sheet of paper between the nozzle and the print bed to use as a measurement guide. 4 3 • Go to the < ReadyPrint > menu. Select < Set >, and then select < Levelling >. • Touch < First >. The nozzle will move to the first point. • Repeat step 3 for the second, third, and fourth point (calibration sequence and motion direction of the nozzle are shown above).
b) Attaching the filament 1 • Mount the filament on the spool holder. 2 • Insert the filament tube into the tube holder. 3 • Insert the filament into the tube until approximately 5 cm is visible at the end of the extruder. c) Loading the filament 1 • In the < ReadyPrint > menu, select < Move > and then press < Z+ > twice to increase the distance between the nozzle and the print bed. 30 2 • Go to the < ReadyPrint > menu. Select < Filament >, and then select < Preheat >.
4 3 • Go to the < Filament Change > menu and wait until the current temperature (in this case 221 °C) has reached the target temperature (220 °C). • will appear on the touchscreen display. The 3D printer is now ready to load the filament. • Touch < Load >. 6 5 • Gently slide the filament forwards until it is slowly pulled into the extruder. • Release the filament. • If filament comes out of the nozzle, touch < Stop >. • Use the tweezers to remove excess filament.
d) Removing the filament • Ensure that the nozzle temperature is not higher than 170 °C. Do not touch the nozzle – burn hazard! 1 • Go to the < Home > menu and select < Home All >. The print bed and extruder will return to the initial position. 3 • Go back to the < ReadyPrint > menu. Select < Filament >, and then select < Preheat >. 5 • Wait until the actual temperature (in this case 220 °C) has reached the target temperature.
8 7 • If the filament can be pulled out of the top of the extruder, select < Stop >. • Go back to the < Preheat > menu and select < Turn off >. • Carefully remove the filament and filament tube from the top of the extruder. • The extruder will stop heating. < OFF > will be displayed in place of the target temperature. • Use the tweezers to remove filament residue from the nozzle. e) Changing/replacing the filament Change the filament when you want to use another colour or material.
15. Printing from the SD card/USB stick The printer may produce smoke or steam during the heating process. This is normal. Ensure that there is sufficient ventilation. Never expose the print bed to mechanical stress, as this may cause it to break. Printing directly from an SD card/USB stick (USB stick not included) is only possible via the control panel. The software does not need to be installed. If the 3D printer is connected to a computer, it must be disconnected before printing.
5 • Select < 115200 > to control the 3D printer via the control panel. b) Printing from a USB stick By default, the printing source is set to the SD card. If you want to print from a USB stick, follow the steps below. 1 • Go to the < ReadyPrint > menu and select < Setting >. 3 • Select < USB Drive > as the print source. 2 • Select < USB Settings >. 4 • Go back to the < Set > menu and select < Select Source >.
5 • Select < 115200 > to control the 3D printer via the control panel. • The icon will be highlighted in yellow for confirmation. c) Starting the printing process 1 • Go to the < ReadyPrint > menu and select < Print >. Keep touching < PageDown > until the < 3D Models > folder is displayed. • Open the < 3D Models > folder. 36 2 • Select a ready-to-print model (e.g. < RF100. gcode >) from the < 3D Models > folder.
4 3 • Touch < OK > to confirm. • < Printing > will appear on the touchscreen display. • The print bed will move towards zero along the Z-axis. The nozzle will move to the starting position and start to heat up. • Printing will start when the target temperature (e.g. 210 °C) has been reached. • The printing progress is displayed in percent. 5 • Let the object cool down for a few minutes when it has finished printing.
e) Configuring parameters during the printing process Only recommended for experienced users. • Go to the < Option > menu and select < Printing > to set the print speed, nozzle/hot plate temperature and fan/ filament loading speed. Print speed: Observe the printing process and adjust the print speed accordingly. The print speed affects the print quality for certain objects and filaments. For example, if the print speed is too high, the printed object may not adhere properly to the print bed.
16. Printing with the "Cura" software General information • The 3D printer is compatible with the "Cura" software, which is available for Windows® and Mac OS. Visit https://ultimaker.com/ for more information on operating system and hardware requirements. Ensure that your computer meets the minimum requirements. • Due to space limitations, it is not possible to provide instructions for all functions of the software in this manual. Visit https://ultimaker.com/ for detailed instructions.
b) Setting up the software (Windows®) Connecting the 3D printer • Connect the 3D printer to a USB port on your computer using the USB cable provided. Switch the 3D printer on. Keep the 3D printer switched on when it is connected to the computer. • When you connect the 3D printer to your computer for the first time, the operating system will automatically detect the new hardware and search for a suitable driver.
1 1 Select the desired language (e.g. English). 2 Click "Next".
3 3 Select "Other". 4 Click "Next". 4 5 Select "Custom...". 6 Click "Next".
7 8 7 E nter the parameters as shown. For the RF100 XL Plus, select "Heat bed" (hot plate). 8 Click "Finish" to close the configuration wizard.
c) Setting up the software (Mac OS) • Ensure that you set up the printer profile in the software before connecting the printer to your computer. 1 When the installation is complete, right click on the "Cura" symbol in the "Applications" folder. Select "Show Package Contents". 2 Search for "Resources/ machine_profiles". 3 Select the profile file ("RF100 XL.ini" or "RF100 XL plus.ini") on the SD card and copy it to the "machine_profiles" folder.
4 Launch the "Cura" software. 5 Go to the "Machine" menu and select "Add new machine", 6 Click "Next >".
7 Select "Other". 8 Click "Next >".
9 10 9 Select the 3D printer model. 10 Click "Next >".
11 Click "Finish". This completes the installation process. 11 d) Software settings (Windows®) You can also configure additional settings. These settings are intended for experienced users. Refer to the online software help for more information on these functions. Configuring the incorrect settings can damage the 3D printer or result in defective prints. Beginners should use the basic settings. 1 Start the software. 2 Select "Machine". 3 Select "Machine settings".
4 Select the serial port to which the 3D printer is connected. The port number is independent of the system (see “Connecting the 3D printer” on page 40 for details). Set the "Baud rate" to "115200" (for both 3D printer models). Set the "Serial port" to "COM3" (for the RF100 XL) or "AUTO" (for the RF100 XL Plus). 4 5 5 Click "OK". "Machine settings" will close. 4 5 6 6 Configure the parameters under "Basic Settings" as shown. These are the parameter options for a PLA filament.
7 7 Configure the parameters under "Advanced" as shown. These are the possible parameters for a PLA filament. 8 8 Select "Open expert settings" under "Expert".
9 9 Configure the parameters under "Support" as shown. 10 Click "OK". 10 Filament diameter The filament diameter is specified by the filament manufacturer. If the filament diameter is not specified (e.g. there is no label on the filament spool) you can calculate the diameter as follows: • Measure 1 m of filament material. • Take diameter measurements at 10 different points at equal intervals (measure at least 1 m of material). Use a caliper to take the measurements.
e) Loading configuration files (Windows®) • You can load a preset configuration file for your filament from the SD card to simplify the printing process. These configuration files are also available to download from www.conrad.com. 1 1 Click "File". 2 Select "Open Profile ...". 2 3 Select the desired filament configuration file from the pop-up window and confirm your selection. The configuration files are saved to the SD card in the "Config" folder.
g) Loading model files (Windows® and Mac OS) • The "3D models" folder on the SD card contains a few examples for your first prints. You can also download a wide range of 3D models from the Internet. Alternatively, you can use a 3D program to design your own model. Ensure that the 3D model is in .stl format. • Load the model file by running the mouse over the virtual print bed in the main window, or by clicking on file will be automatically converted into .gcode format.
h) Disabling the control icons on the 3D printer • By default, the printer is controlled via the control panel. • If you wish to control the printer using the software, the connection source must be changed. 2 1 • Go to the menu and select < Setting >. • Select
j) Stopping the printing process Select "Cancel print" in the "Cura software" to stop printing. Data is buffered by the software, therefore it may take up to 1 minute for the 3D printer to stop printing. Do not select "Cancel print" when the nozzle is heating, otherwise you may have to remove the USB cable and restart the 3D printer. The nozzle temperature will be kept constant after the print task is cancelled.
• By default, the printer is controlled via your computer when the firmware update is complete. If you wish to control the printer via the control panel and print from the SD card, enable "Control the 3D printer via the control panel" and set the print source: -- Go to the < ReadyPrint > main menu and select < Setting > to open the < Set > menu. -- Select < SelectSource > from the < Set > menu, and then select < 115200 >. • Go back to the < ReadyPrint > menu. • Restart the 3D printer.
Cleaning the inside of the nozzle • Heat the nozzle. Load/remove the filament until the filament flows normally. If the nozzle does not eject enough filament, let the nozzle cool down to the melting temperature stated by the filament manufacturer (the filament must be viscous) and carefully extract the filament until it has been removed from the extruder (including impurities). Cut off the contaminated part from the filament and reload it after the nozzle has heated up again.
19. Troubleshooting Problem Possible solution The 3D printer does not switch on. The touchscreen display and printer light do not turn on. Check that the mains cable is connected properly. Check the mains socket. Is it supplied with electricity? Check that the USB cable is connected. Have you selected the correct USB port in the software? Are the required drivers installed? You cannot establish a USB connection with the 3D printer. Disconnect and then reinsert the USB cable.
Problem Possible solution When printing from the SD card, the 3D printer must be disconnected from your computer. Printing stops unexpectedly. Check the settings on your computer. It must not enter standby mode (check the power settings) or shut down (after installing software or software updates) during printing. The nozzle temperature is too low. Increase the nozzle temperature. The printed object does not adhere to the print bed.
Problem Possible solution You cannot configure any settings on the control panel. Check the connection source. Go to the < ReadyPrint > menu. Select < SelectSource >, and then select < 115200 > (to control the 3D printer via the control panel). The firmware does not update. Check whether the SD card contains the update files for the last firmware update. If so, delete these files from the SD card. 20. Disposal Electronic devices are recyclable waste and must not be placed in household waste.
b) RF100 XL Plus (item no. 1592461) Operating voltage/current......................12 V/DC, 15 A Output power.........................................Max. 180 W Hot plate temperature............................+50 to +120 °C Compatible filament materials...............PLA, elastic material, wood, copper, aluminium, ABS Power adapter Input voltage/current..............................100–240 V/AC, 50/60 Hz, 2.5 A Output voltage/current...........................12 V/DC, 15 A c) RF100 XL (item no.
This is a publication by Conrad Electronic SE, Klaus-Conrad-Str. 1, D-92240 Hirschau (www.conrad.com). All rights including translation reserved. Reproduction by any method, e.g. photocopy, microfilming, or the capture in electronic data processing systems require the prior written approval by the editor. Reprinting, also in part, is prohibited. This publication represent the technical status at the time of printing. Copyright 2017 by Conrad Electronic SE.
