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3D Systems cube User Manual

This printer is portable with a plug and print design that enables everybody in the family to express their creativity like never before
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Cube®
3
Generation
rd
Personal 3D Printer
User Guide
Original Instructions

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Summary of Contents for 3D Systems cube

  • Page 1 Cube® Generation Personal 3D Printer User Guide Original Instructions...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    UNPACKING AND SETTING UP YOUR CUBE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  • Page 3 Applying Cube Glue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
  • Page 4 Updating the Cube Firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

  • Page 5: Introduction

    . With multiple material colors to choose from and two types of materials, enjoy the freedom to print in your true colors or mix it up . With its ready-to-print technology, the Cube provides a new dimension to your imagination and helps you share your creations with others in the Cubify community at Cubify .com .

  • Page 6: Warranty

    3D Systems . You may be instructed to ship the defective 3D Printer, or certain parts of the 3D Printer, to 3D Systems . Please retain your Cube or CubePro packaging so that it may be used if You need to ship the 3D Printer . You can learn more about 3D Systems’...

  • Page 7: Important Safety Information

    Adult supervision is required; observe children closely and intervene as necessary to prevent potential safety problems and ensure the Cube’s appropriate use . Ensure small 3D prints are not accessible to young children . These 3D prints are potential choking hazards for young children .

  • Page 8: Cube 3D Printer Features

    CUBE 3D PRINTER FEATURES The print jets heat print materials and produce thin, flowing streams of melted plastic creating layers that adhere 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 process continues until the last layer on top of the creation has been printed .

  • Page 9: At A Glance

    AT A GLANCE Print Jets On / Off Button USB Inlet Port Print Jet Tubes (Mass Storage Device) Material Cartridges Power Inlet Print Pad Refuse Bins USB B Port Print Platform (for future use) Touchscreen Display 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 10: Specifications And Requirements

    SPECIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS WEIGHT Maximum Cube Weight (with cartridges): 17 lbs . (7 .7 kg) Maximum Box Weight: 23 lbs . (10 .43 kg) SOFTWARE Complimentary Cubify software for Windows and Mac OS X as well as iOS and Android mobile applications . These applications generate .cube3 file for printing on your printer.

  • Page 11: Dimensions

    DIMENSIONS 13 .3”H x 13 .3”W x 11” D / 33 .5 x 33 .8 x 28 cm Front View Side View 11” (28 cm) 13.3” (33.5 cm) 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 12: Unpacking And Setting Up Your Cube

    Device Wrench *Depending on the Cube model and configuration, up to two cartridges may be included. Not every printer will be packaged with two cartridges . NOTE: The sandpaper should only be used for lightly sanding the print pad when prompted by the touchscreen display .
  • Page 13 NOTE: There must be a minimum of 4” (102 mm) space in front of and behind the printer . Front View Top View 8” (203 mm) 4” (102 mm) Back Front 4” (102 mm) Hand Clearance Around the Printer Build Plate Travel Area Remove the top insert . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 14 Manually raise the print platform (A) and remove the spacer (B) from the printer . Open the accessories box and unpack the material cartridge(s)*, the USB mass storage device, the power supply and cord, and the bottle of Cube Glue . NOTE: Keep all packing materials for future repacking .
  • Page 15 10 . Connect the power cord to utility power and to the power supply . NOTE: Ensure the connection is secure . 11 . Power on the printer by pressing the button next to the touchscreen display . 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 16: Initial Setup Of The Cube

    SKIP to bypass this step . NOTE: You can name your printer at any time . Navigate to the System 1 screen, select CUBE NAME and follow the instructions on the touchscreen display . NOTE: Selecting the button toggles between lowercase letters, uppercase letters and numerals .
  • Page 17 . NOTE: Connection to a network is confirmed by a checkmark to the left of the network name . If the network is secure, a lock icon will appear to the right of the network name . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 18 Take note of the serial number. You will need it to activate your printer . Select the checkmark to continue . NOTE: This illustration provides an example of a serial number . Do not use this number to activate your printer . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 19 NOTE: Once the printer has been activated, you may press and release the button next to the touchscreen display to return to the main menu . This will bypass the print pad calibration and test print . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 20 . 14 . Mount the cartridge on the left side of the printer and select the checkmark continue . NOTE: It may become necessary to slightly rotate the cartridge to seat it properly . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 21 17 . Rotate the print jet clockwise until the dots align . Select the checkmark continue . NOTE: As you rotate the print jet, ensure the print jet tube is tucked under the top of the printer cover . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 22 21 . It is recommended that Auto Level is performed prior to the first print. Ensure the print pad is clean and installed properly and then select the checkmark continue to Auto Level . NOTE: When installed properly, the print pad magnetically attaches to the adjustment knobs . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 23 . The lock screw for adjustment knob A can be accessed from behind the printer . NOTE: Follow the instructions on the touchscreen display . Once the adjustments have been made, select the checkmark to continue . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 24 . NOTE: The value presented on the touchscreen display is the absolute print pad position . Note and refer to this value when performing the Manual Level procedure . Your number may differ from the illustration . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 25 . Select the checkmark continue . 26 . Gently squeeze the bottle and apply two thin layers of Cube Glue to the print pad . Select the checkmark to continue .
  • Page 26 27 . Select the checkmark to go to the main menu . NOTE: You may also press and release the button next to the touchscreen display to return to the main menu . 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 27: Menu Overview

    AUTO GAP Following AUTO LEVEL, is an automated procedure that measures the distance between the print pad and the print jets. If the gap is out of specification, the user can perform the Manual Gap procedure . 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 28: Network

    . This Test Print is the same Welcome Message test print that is printed when first setting up and activating your printer. CUBE NAME CUBE NAME is a utility that allows you to change the name of your printer .

  • Page 29: Installing A Material Cartridge

    . Follow the same concept to replace the right material cartridge if applicable . NOTE: The printer will begin to heat . Wait for the printer to heat and then follow the user prompts in the touchscreen menu . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 30 . The left cartridge has been installed . Select the checkmark to complete the procedure . NOTE: Once the cartridge has been installed, allow the print jet to cool down before continuing . 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 31: Printing Your Creation

    . Wireless transfer of print files usually takes more time than USB mass storage device transfer . Using the arrows, navigate to the file name of your creation. NOTE: The file name will appear at the top of the display. 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 32 . NOTE: If the file was built with color(s) that are not installed, the printer will assign a color from one of the installed cartridges that match the material type . Select the checkmark to continue . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 33 Apply two thin layers of Cube Glue to the center of the print pad . Select the checkmark to continue . NOTE: Ensure that the area where glue is applied is larger than the dimensions of the base of your creation .
  • Page 34 CAUTION: Do not touch the print jets until they have cooled to room temperature . Finishing Your Creation Refer to the section titled for information about removing your creation from the print pad, cleaning the print pad and cleaning the part . 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 35: Finishing Your Creation

    Removing Rafts A raft is the flat support structure that is attached to the base of your creation if you enabled that option when building the .cube file. Though it is recommended that printing be done without a raft, some larger, more complicated parts may require one .

  • Page 36: Cubify Software

    . Go to www .cubify .com/en/cube/activate . Select WINDOWS . Navigate to the Downloads folder. Double-click the Cube installation file and select Run . NOTE: The Cubify InstallShield Wizard will begin to install .
  • Page 37 User Name Organization Next Enter a in the provided fields. Select continue . Select Next to install the application in the listed location or select Change browse to a different location . Select Install to continue . 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 38: Installing Cubify Software For Apple Os X

    NOTE: Apple OS X computers can only communicate with printers that are connected to the same wireless network . Go to www .cubify .com and log in with your username and password . Go to www .cubify .com/en/cube/activate . Select MAC . Double-click the Cube software .dmg installer file. 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 39: Installing Cubify For Android

    Cubify icon . Installing Cubify for Android NOTE: Android devices can only communicate with printers that are connected to the same wireless network . Open the Play Store from your Android browser . Select the Search icon . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 40 Enter Cubify in the search box . Select the Cubify application and install it . 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 41: Installing Cubify For Ios

    NOTE: iOS devices can only communicate with printers that are connected to the same wireless network . Locate the Cubify application from the App Store and select it . Download the application to your iOS device . 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 42: Cubify Software Overview

    . Cubify is an application for the Cube that can connect to your www.cubify.com account. Users can find free creations or purchase other creations from a large number of available 3D models. Cubify imports 3D content files (such as .stl, .ply, etc.) and readies them for printing with your printer .

  • Page 43: Account Settings

    . Select your unit of measure to either inches or App Settings millimeters . Help Application documentation About View the software version number Terms of Service Read the Terms of Service Privacy Policy Read the Privacy Policy 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 44: Design Feed Tab

    For some creations, you may select the option to have Cubify print it for you . For more information, please visit www .cubify .com . NOTE: Items shown without a Cube icon are not printable on a Cube printer . NOTE: Some models can be purchased . To purchase a creation, select the option to add to the cart .

  • Page 45: Shop Tab

    The store is organized into several categories . Select a category from the Shop menu to view the available sub-categories . This allows for quicker access to your favorite design types . Category Dropdown Select a category from a dropdown list . Featured List Select a category from a list . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 46 Select the category dropdown list to narrow your search . Categories are divided into product types and collections . After selecting a category, you can select a collection or a type . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 47 After selecting a creation, you can find more information about the item, purchase it, print it (free files only) or add it to your shelf. Some models have multiple views . Select the navigation buttons (A)* to see other views . *Not an available feature for mobile applications . 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 48: My Shelf Tab

    You can add items to your shelf . Add Files* You can select an item to print . Item Selection The Cube icon indicates an optimized .cube3 printable Cube File file. This Cube icon represents a print-ready .cube3 file.
  • Page 49 Remove an item from My Shelf Print Now Select Print Now to prepare the item for printing . The checkmark indicates that the item has been Selected selected . *Not an available feature for mobile applications . 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 50: Print Tab

    Center the model on the print pad Transfer the print file to the printer Print using the wireless connection to your network . Zoom In* Zoom in on a model *Not an available feature for mobile applications . 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 51: Settings

    SETTINGS Select Settings to change your print settings or view Cube Information . Choose between Custom, Standard, Premium and Print Settings Draft build settings . Update your printer firmware and review the printer Cube Info system information . About View the software version number .

  • Page 52: Print Settings

    Shorter print time Supports • Supports are structures that are automatically printed under overhanging parts of your model . Raft • Rafts are printed during the first few layers to help the model adhere to the print pad . 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 53: Print Settings - Custom

    Select Custom to view the current print settings . You can personalize the settings by selecting a category and then selecting one of the presented options . Layers: • 0 .070 mm • 0 .200 mm Density: • Hollow • Strong • Almost Solid Fill Pattern: • Honeycomb • Diamonds • Lines Supports: • • Rafts: • • 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 54: Print Settings - Standard

    Print Settings - Standard Select Standard for strong prints that do not require fine detail. Layers: 0 .200 mm Density: Strong Fill Pattern: Diamonds Supports: Rafts: 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 55: Print Settings - Premium

    Print Settings - Premium Select Premium for prints that require strength and fine detail. Layers: 0 .070 mm Density: Strong Fill Pattern: Diamonds Supports: Rafts: 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 56: Print Settings - Draft

    Print Settings - Draft Select Draft for prints that do not require strength or fine detail. Layers: 0 .200 mm Density: Hollow Fill Pattern: Lines Supports: Rafts: 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 57 Cube Info If new firmware is available for your connected Update Firmware printer, select Update . Refresh Find other printers on your network Enter IP Find a printer manually by entering an IP address 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 58: Connecting Cubify To Your Printer

    (A) . Select Settings (B) . Select Cube Info (C) from the pop out menu . If the name of your printer does not appear in the Printer Name (D) area, select Refresh (E) from the pop out menu .
  • Page 59 For mobile applications, press and hold the color wheel and then drag it to the part you want to color . For models with multiple parts, press, hold and drag the color wheel to the part of the model you want to color . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 60 Exact Move field, selecting the X-axis or Y-axis, and selecting Move. When finished, close the Move toolbar and select the Move button to deselect it. *Not an available feature for mobile applications . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 61 200 will double the size of the model . The value 100 will have no effect . When finished, close the Scale tool and select the Scale button to deselect it. *Not an available feature for mobile applications . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 62 Y-axis, or Z-axis and then select either the right or left arrow . You can also rotate the model by selecting an axis and entering a value in the Exact Rotate field. Select Rotate to rotate the model to the specified amount. When finished, close the Rotate tool and select the Rotate button to deselect it. *Not an available feature for mobile applications . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 63 To remove the model from the print pad, select the Remove Model* button . Select to confirm your decision. You can find the model again by selecting Shelf . *Not an available feature for mobile applications . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 64 Center Model Tool Select the model and then select the Center Model* button to center the model on the print pad . *Not an available feature for mobile applications . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 65 Change Views Select Change Views and then select the viewing angle . 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 66: Printing A Model Via Wireless Connection

    Select an item from My Shelf and select Print Now . Drag a color wheel to the model to color the part . Scale and position the model and select Print . NOTE: Cubify will generate a print file. 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 67 NOTE: Cubify will transfer the file to the printer. Apply two thin layers of Cube Glue to the print pad and select OK . Select PRINT on the printer’s touchscreen display . Select the checkmark to continue . NOTE: For best results, allow the glue to dry before printing .
  • Page 68 NOTE: The print jets will heat to operating temperature . NOTE: The printer will begin to print . checkmark When the printer has finished printing, select the to continue . NOTE: Follow the steps in the section titled Finishing Your Creation . 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 69: Printing From A Mobile Application

    NOTE: Transferring a print file over a wireless network may take more time than transferring a print file from a USB mass storage device . The model view can be changed by using the following gestures: Zoom Out: Zoom In: Rotate the Print Pad: Move Model: 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 70 Select an item from My Shelf . Select Print Now . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 71 Press, hold and drag a color wheel to the model to change the color . Select Print . NOTE: The printer will generate a .cube3 file and then transfer it to the printer over the wireless network . Select PRINT on the printer’s touchscreen display . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 72 Apply two thin layers of Cube Glue to the print pad . Select the checkmark continue . NOTE: For best results, allow the glue to dry before printing . NOTE: To ensure proper adhesion, the glue area should be larger than the base of your printed creation .

  • Page 73: Saving A Model To A Mass Storage Device

    Select a color wheel to set a color for your model . Select a color and then select to continue . NOTE: For a list of available colors and material types, please visit www .cubify .com . Color, scale and position the model on the print pad . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 74 Once the file has been generated, browse to the USB mass storage device and select Save . Select OK . Refer to the section titled Printing Your Creation for information about printing from a USB mass storage device . 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 75: Operation Procedures

    APPLYING CUBE GLUE Cube Glue contains water-soluble glue that adheres the part to the print pad . It is important that glue is applied to the print pad before starting any print to ensure that the creation does not move during the printing process .

  • Page 76: Replacing A Material Cartridge

    CHANGE CARTRIDGE . Select the material cartridge to change . NOTE: This procedure illustrates changing the right cartridge . The same concept applies to the left side . NOTE: The print jet will begin to heat . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 77 . Mount the new cartridge to the right side of the printer . Select the checkmark continue . NOTE: Ensure the print jet tube is tucked under the top of the printer cover . 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 78: Setting Up A Wireless Connection

    SETTING UP A WIRELESS CONNECTION Wireless connections can be made with a Wi-Fi network or an ad hoc network . Setting Up A Wi-Fi Connection Select SETUP . Navigate to the Network screen and select WIFI . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 79 NOTE: If your network requires a password, use the navigation arrows to browse to the characters that make up your password and select them . Select the checkmark to continue . NOTE: The printer will attempt to connect to the network . 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 80: Connect To An Ad Hoc Network

    . An ad hoc network is deleted when the user has disconnected from it or is out of range of other devices on the network unless it has been made a permanent network . Select SETUP . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 81 Center . Select Set up a new connection or network . 10 . Select Set up a wireless ad hoc (computer-to-computer) network . 11 . Select Next . 12 . Follow the steps in the wizard . 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 82: Cube Maintenance

    Waste material from the printing process can accumulate inside the printer . Using a slightly damp, lint-free cloth, wipe the interior of the Cube, including the print pad and anywhere else you might find pieces of plastic waste material. Print material can also collect around the belt area on the left side of the printer .

  • Page 83: Replacing The Jet Wipers

    . Select the checkmark continue . NOTE: If you have replaced the jet wiper, select the checkmark reset the printer count . Press SKIP to be reminded later . Procedure Remove the purge bin assemblies from the printer . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 84 Install the new jet wiper onto the purge bin and reinstall the purge bin assembly into the printer . NOTE: Ensure the jet wiper is fully seated before reinstalling the purge bin assembly . checkmark Select the to confirm the replacement of the jet wiper. 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 85: Print Pad Calibration

    NOTE: The Auto Level procedure will begin . checkmark Once the Auto Level procedure has completed, select the to verify the Z-Gap (Step 8) . If the print pad is out of range, continue with the procedure . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 86 When prompted, tighten the lock screw enough to ensure the adjustment knob does not easily turn . Select the checkmark to continue . Caution: Do not over-tighten the lock screw . This can damage the adjustment knob and void the manufacturer’s warranty. 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 87 NOTE: If Auto Gap is still not successful, select MANUAL GAP ADJUSTMENT . Refer to the section titled Manual Gap Adjustment for more information . Once the Manual Gap Adjustment procedure has been performed, note the final reading for future reference. 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 88: Gap Verification

    The bottom of the first layer will appear very smooth and shiny with almost no visible lines. NOTE: If the bottom of the part appears shiny, make sure all glue has been removed and then reinspect it . Caution: Damage to the print pad can occur if the gap is too narrow . 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 89: Manual Gap Adjustment

    Caution: Exercise caution to prevent the print jet from pressing into the print pad . Once you feel a slight resistance in the Gap Gauge as it moves between the print pad and the left print jet, the gap is correct . 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 90: Print Pad Maintenance

    NOTE: It is most important to lightly sand all shiny areas of the print pad so the print pad surface appears matte in texture . Clean and dry the print pad thoroughly . Reinstall the print pad . Perform the Auto Level and Auto Gap procedures . 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 91: Test Print

    . Apply two thin layers of Cube Glue to the print pad . Select the checkmark to continue . NOTE: Apply enough glue to cover a square area of 5” (15 cm) .

  • Page 92: Cube Name

    . CUBE NAME Cube Name allows you to change the name of your printer . CUBE NAME . Select Enter a name for your printer . Scroll through the letters by pressing the arrow symbols on each side of the screen .

  • Page 93: Updating The Cube Firmware

    UPDATING THE CUBE FIRMWARE The printer firmware can either be updated via wireless connection or by using a USB mass storage device. NOTE: Whenever a firmware update is performed, you must perform the Auto Level procedure and then the Auto Gap procedure .
  • Page 94 NOTE: If no new firmware is available, select the checkmark continue . NOTE: If the firmware download fails, select RETRY to start the download again . Select CANCEL if you do not want to update the firmware. 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 95 . NOTE: It may take a minute for the display to turn on . Perform the Auto Level and Auto Gap procedures . NOTE: For more information, refer to the section titled Print Pad Calibration . 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 96: Updating Firmware Using Usb

    USB mass storage device. Select SETUP . Navigate to the System 3 screen and select FIRMWARE . Select KEY . Insert the USB mass storage device into the printer and select the checkmark continue . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 97 NOTE: The firmware will begin to install. The blue bar is a progress indicator . NOTE: The installation could take a few minutes . WARNING: DO NOT POWER OFF OR DISCONNECT THE PRINTER FROM UTILITY POWER DURING THE UPDATE PROCESS . 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 98: Repacking The Printer

    . Securely repack all of the accessories into the accessories box . NOTE: Refer to the contents list in the section titled Unpacking and Setting Up Your Cube . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 99 NOTE: The top insert is designed to keep the sides of the lower insert pressed outward . Place the printer in the protective bag and then place it in the lower foam support in the box . 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 100: Contacting Support

    11 . Close the box and install the clips in the cutouts on top of the box . 12 . Place the printer box into the outer box and seal the outer box . CONTACTING SUPPORT Support for the Cube is available at cubifysupport@cubify .com . 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 101: Cubify Sustainability Program

    CUBIFY SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAM By its very nature 3D printing is a sustainable technology empowering 3D Systems’ printers to produce affordable products one layer at a time using only the necessary amount of material required for each part with near zero waste in an energy efficient process.
  • Page 102 3D Systems, Inc . 333 Three D Systems Circle | Rock Hill, SC 29730 | USA www .Cubify .com | www .3dsystems .com ©2014 3D Systems, Inc . All rights reserved . PN: 390184-00 Rev . D | FW: v1 .08...

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