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3DMakerWorld Artifex 2 User Manual

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The User Manual of
Artifex 2
Desktop 3D Printer
http://3dmakerworld.com
Document date: July 12, 2017
(Check website for latest update)

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Summary of Contents for 3DMakerWorld Artifex 2

  • Page 1 The User Manual of Artifex 2 Desktop 3D Printer http://3dmakerworld.com Document date: July 12, 2017 (Check website for latest update)

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    6.2 Calibrating dual extruders ......6.2.1 Leveling two nozzles (Not required for assembled package) ..http: // 3dmakerworld. com...
  • Page 3 6.5 Using one extruder ....... . 7 Printing with LCD Controller 8 Support http: // 3dmakerworld. com...

  • Page 4: Introduction

    Figure 1.1: The Artifex 2 3D printer Artifex 2 All Metal (Figure 1.2) is an all metal hotend version of Artifex 2. It is equipped with E3D V6 all metal hotend to extrude up to 300C for expanded material capacity, includ- ing Nylon and Polycarbonate.

  • Page 5: Key Features And Sample Prints

    Large Build Volume: 952 (Single) / 640 (Dual) cubic inch High Layer Resolution: 50 micron Fast Print Speed: 150 mm/sec Below are some sample prints made with the Artifex 2 3D printers. Please check more sample prints and printing videos at our website. http: // 3dmakerworld. com...
  • Page 6 1 INTRODUCTION Figure 1.3: Recreus sandals (thing:404014) printed by Artifex 2 Figure 1.4: Giant hollow two color world (thing:15658) printed by Artifex 2 Duo http: // 3dmakerworld. com...

  • Page 7: Specifications

    1 INTRODUCTION Figure 1.5: Yoda bust (thing:14104) printed by Artifex 2 Figure 1.6: The T-Rex skull (thing:308335) printed by Artifex 2 Specifications The technical specifications of Artifex 2 3D printers are listed in Figure 1.7. http: // 3dmakerworld. com...
  • Page 8 1 INTRODUCTION Figure 1.7: The technical specifications of Artifex 2 http: // 3dmakerworld. com...

  • Page 9: Safety

    3D printer designs considering the build volume and foot print. The overall structure is what the Artifex and Artifex 2 3D printers were built upon. Through improved product features and expanded functionalities, we believe Artifex 2 can offer the next level of excellence to enable your 3D printing capability.

  • Page 10: Overview Of Chapters

    Chapter 4, and 5 will cover the configuration of printing parameters and printer set-up for printing with ABS and flexible filaments, respectively. Chapter 6 will discuss how to use your Artifex 2 Duo 3D Printer. Chapter 6 will list our support information for future assistance.

  • Page 11: Getting Started

    Like other device drivers, the electronics driver of your 3D printer allows your computer to recognize the printer when you connect it to the computer. The Artifex 2 3D Printer uses the RAMBo electronics from Ultimachine. No installation is required for Mac and Linux systems.
  • Page 12 Under ”Other devices”, you will find the RAMBo device, right click and select ”Update Driver Software...”. (Figure 2.2) Figure 2.2: Update driver software 5. A window will pop up, asking whether to ”Search automatically...” or ”Browse my computer...”. Select ”Browse my computer...” (Figure 2.3) http: // 3dmakerworld. com...
  • Page 13 Figure 2.3: Select “Browse my computer...” 6. In the popped up window, select the folder where you unzipped the archive file. In our case, the location is ”C: Desktop RAMBo USBdriver”. Then, click ”Next”. (Fig- ure 2.4) http: // 3dmakerworld. com...
  • Page 14 7. A security window may pop up (Figure 2.5). If so, click ”Install”. Figure 2.5: Confirm software installation 8. After the installation, you will be noticed that ”Windows has successfully updated your driver software”. Click ”Close”. (Figure 2.6) http: // 3dmakerworld. com...
  • Page 15 9. Now, the RAMBo electronics will appear under the ”Ports (COM & LPT)”. Write down the COM port which the electronics uses. We will need this information later when setting up the printing software. In our case, it is COM3. (Figure 2.7) http: // 3dmakerworld. com...

  • Page 16: Uploading Firmware

    You can skip this section. In the future, if you need to update the firmware for your Artifex 2 3D Printer, please follow steps listed in this section. For a kit package of Artifex 2 3D Printer, after you install the electronics, you need to upload its firmware.
  • Page 17 2 GETTING STARTED The RAMBo electronics used in your Artifex 2 3D Printer is an Arduino-compatible control board. The Arduino integrated development environment (IDE) software will be installed on your computer to communicate with the printer electronics. The Ar- duino IDE software runs on Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux, and can be downloaded from http://arduino.cc/en/Main/Software.
  • Page 18 Figure 2.9: The unzipped Arduino 1.0.5 files 2. Add library files for LCD controller A library is required to use the LCD controller on Artifex 2. The library can be downloaded at: https://bintray.com/olikraus/u8glib/Arduino. After unzipped, the library can be imported in Arduino IDE by selecting the menu ”Sketch Import Library...
  • Page 19 2 GETTING STARTED Figure 2.10: Unzip the Artifex 2 firmware zip file using 7-Zip Open the Arduino IDE software, arduino.exe. The software interface is shown in Figure 2.11. Figure 2.11: The Arduino IDE software http: // 3dmakerworld. com...
  • Page 20 Open...” (Figure 2.12). Figure 2.12: Open files in the Arduino IDE software Select the file “Marlin.ino” in the unzipped Artifex 2 firmware file folder “C: Desktop Artifex2Firmware1.0 Marlin” (Figure 2.13), and click “Open”. Fig- ure 2.14 shows the Arduino IDE with opened Artifex 2 firmware files.
  • Page 21 2 GETTING STARTED Figure 2.14: The Arduino IDE with opened Artifex 2 firmware files Select “Tools Board Arduino Mega 2560 or Mega ADK”. (Figure 2.15) Figure 2.15: Select the board type of Artifex 2 electronics Select “Tools Serial Port COM3”. (Figure 2.16)
  • Page 22 Figure 2.16: Select the serial port of Artifex 2 electronics Select “File Upload” to upload the Artifex 2 firmware to its electronics (Fig- ure 2.17). Before uploading, the Arduino IDE will first compile the firmware files. The progress of compiling and uploading is shown in the bottom status window.
  • Page 23 2 GETTING STARTED Figure 2.17: Upload the Artifex 2 firmware If the uploading is successful, you will see the message of “Done uploading” in the bottom status window (Figure 2.18). If the compiling or uploading is not successful, the error message will be shown in the status window as well. Common causes of uploading failure include: wrong Arduino board type, wrong serial port, or serial port conflict (e.g., the same serial port is used by your printing software,...

  • Page 24: Installing And Configuring Printing Software

    Repetier-Host can work on Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. The following steps are based on the Windows version 1.0.6. 1. Download the Repetier-Host set-up file from http://www.repetier.com/download/. 2. Run the set-up file to install the Repetier-Host software. After the installation, open the Repetier-Host. (Figure 2.19) http: // 3dmakerworld. com...
  • Page 25 In the window of Printer Settings (Figure 2.21), enter the printer name “Artifex 2” on the top, and configure settings on the “Connection” page as shown in the figure. Make sure the port number matches the serial number used by your Artifex 2 3D Printer. http: // 3dmakerworld. com...
  • Page 26 Figure 2.21: Printer Settings: Connection Configure the settings on the “Printer” page (Figure 2.22). Depending on your printing materials, the default temperature of extruder and heated bed can be set to either 185C/70C (PLA), or 230C/95C (ABS). http: // 3dmakerworld. com...
  • Page 27 2 GETTING STARTED Figure 2.22: Printer Settings: Printer Configure the settings on the “Extruder” page. (Figure 2.23) (Note: For Artifex 2 All Metal, change the extruder diameter to 0.4mm.) http: // 3dmakerworld. com...
  • Page 28 2 GETTING STARTED Figure 2.23: Printer Settings: Extruder Configure the settings on the “Printer Shape” page. (Figure 2.24) http: // 3dmakerworld. com...
  • Page 29 Figure 2.24: Printer Settings: Printer Shape Configure the settings on the “Advanced” page. Nothing to change on the page. Just click “OK” and the Repetier-Host is ready to use with your Artifex 3D Printer. (Figure 2.25) http: // 3dmakerworld. com...
  • Page 30 2 GETTING STARTED Figure 2.25: Printer Settings: Advanced Click the drop-down arrow next to the “Connect” button, and select “Artifex 2” (Figure 2.26). The Repetier-Host is now connected with your Artifex 3D Printer, as confirmed by the message shown on the bottom status bar (Figure 2.27).

  • Page 31: Setting Up Printer Hardware

    Caution: Before powering up your Artifex 2 3D Printer, check the voltage selection of the Power Supply Unit (PSU) on the bottom left of your Artifex 2 3D Printer, and make sure it matches the voltage supply in your area. (Figure 2.28)
  • Page 32 Figure 2.28: Voltage selection of PSU Insert the power cord into the AC input receptacle on the back of your Artifex 2 3D Printer. Plug the power cord into an electrical outlet, and turn on the power switch next to the AC input receptacle.

  • Page 33: Checking Mechanical Motion (Kit Package Only)

    The mechanical movement has been checked in a fully assembled Artifex 2 3D printer. The process listed in this section is only needed if you are assembling your own Artifex 2 3D printer from a kit package, although information provided here can help you gain better understanding of your Artifex 2 3D printer even you start with a fully assembled Artifex.
  • Page 34 2. Power off the printer and unplug the USB cable before you open the electronics case or flip the connector of any motor cable. 3. When opening the electronics case, be careful not to break the cable of electronics fan, which is mounted on the top cover of electronics case. http: // 3dmakerworld. com...

  • Page 35: Leveling Hbp

    Leveling HBP A 3D object is formed layer by layer by extruding the melt filament onto the last layer of object. The first layer of object is directly printed onto the printing surface. In order to http: // 3dmakerworld. com...
  • Page 36 Figure 2.33: Checking the levelness of X-axis Adjust the 3-point bed leveling thumb screws to let the bottom of hex screw be flush with the bottom of thumb screw (Figure 2.34). This operation is to ensure http: // 3dmakerworld. com...
  • Page 37 Adjust the Z-axis endstop trigger screw in the back of right X-end (Figure 2.35) so the extruder’s nozzle tip almost touches the HBP when the Z-axis endstop is triggered. You may need to raise and home the Z-axis several times to finish this step. http: // 3dmakerworld. com...
  • Page 38 Step 3 Leveling HBP Manually move the extruder to the middle of HBP left edge. Slide the 0.1mm feeler gauge provided in your Artifex 2 package between the nozzle tip and the HBP. Adjust the left leveling thumb screw until the feeler gauge can just slide between the nozzle and the HBP with some resistance.

  • Page 39: Loading Filaments

    Step 1 Feeding filament through the filament guide tube Free the end of filament from the filament spool, and cut off the bent section used to secure the filament to the spool. Feed the filament into the rear end of filament guide http: // 3dmakerworld. com...
  • Page 40 On the “Manual Control” page of Repetier-Host, there is an “Extruder” section (Figure 2.39). After the Repetier-Host is connected with your Artifex 2 3D printer, the extruder target temperature shows 185 C as we set in Chapter 2, and the extruder is turned off.
  • Page 41 Continue gently pushing the filament downwards until you feel the pulling from the extruder motor. If needed, click the DOWN buttons again to extrude out more filament until you see a steady stream of melt filament extruded out of the extruder nozzle. (Figure 2.42) http: // 3dmakerworld. com...

  • Page 42: Printing Out Your First 3D Model

    In this section, you will print out a 3D model from a pre-generated G-code file. The G-code file contains a list of instructions to control your Artifex 2 3D printer to make a 3D model layer by layer. Chapter 4 will discuss how to generate the g-code from a 3D model file to print out any 3D model of your choice.
  • Page 43 3. On the Repetier-Host interface, click the “Load” button on the top menu bar (Figure 2.44). Locate the downloaded file “CuteOcto PLA.gcode” and open it. Figure 2.44: Loading file from the Repetier-Host interface 4. The Repetier-Host interface with the loaded file is shown in Figure 2.45. http: // 3dmakerworld. com...
  • Page 44 6. After the print job is done, you will get your first 3D model printed out from your Artifex 2 3D model (Figure 2.47). Wait until both the extruder and HBP completely cool down before you take off the print off the HBP.
  • Page 45 2 GETTING STARTED Figure 2.47: Printed cute octopus 3D model http: // 3dmakerworld. com...

  • Page 46: Slicing 3D Models

    3 SLICING 3D MODELS Slicing 3D Models In this chapter, we will discuss how to generate the G-code for your Artifex 2 3D Printer from a 3D model of your choice, either downloaded from an online 3D model repository or created by your own.

  • Page 47: Generating G-Code From 3D Models

    Generating G-code from 3D models After you get a 3D model, you need to slice it into horizontal layers for your Artifex 2 3D Printer to print it out layer by layer. The instructions which command your Artifex 2 3D Printer to do the layer-by-layer printing are saved in a G-code file.

  • Page 48: Slicing 3D Models Using Slic3R

    Figure 3.1: Repetier-Host with loaded 3D model CuteOcto.stl 3.2.2 Slicing 3D models using Slic3r Click the “Slicer” page next to the “Object Placement” page on the right side of Repetier-Host interface. Select “Slic3r” in the Slicer option (Figure 3.2). http: // 3dmakerworld. com...
  • Page 49 3 SLICING 3D MODELS Figure 3.2: Slicer page on the Repetier-Host interface with Slic3r Click the “Configuration” button, and a separate window will pop up showing the Slic3r program (Figure 3.3). http: // 3dmakerworld. com...
  • Page 50 Slic3r Manual (http://manual.slic3r.org/). Some configuration examples are provided on our website for you to start with your Artifex 2 3D Printer. The process below shows how to import such configuration files into Slic3r to slice your 3D models. Once you get more familiar with the Slic3r program and the printing process, you can tweak slicing parameters to meet your specific needs for different models.
  • Page 51 Click the “Slice with Slic3r” button. Once the slicing is completed, the Repetier-Host will look like what shown in Figure 3.6, which is the same as what you saw in the last chapter when you directly loaded a pre-generated G-code file. http: // 3dmakerworld. com...
  • Page 52 G-code of your 3D models. Figure 3.7 shows the model from layer 1 to layer 92. When configuring your own slicing settings, this visualization feature will become very handy to check the slicing result before sending the job to your 3D printer. http: // 3dmakerworld. com...

  • Page 53: Slicing 3D Models Using Curaengine

    Slicing 3D models using CuraEngine Click the “Slicer” page next to the “Object Placement” page on the right side of Repetier-Host interface. Select “CuraEngine” in the Slicer option (Figure 3.8). Figure 3.8: Slicer page on the Repetier-Host interface with CuraEngine http: // 3dmakerworld. com...
  • Page 54 “Artifex2.rcp”, and imported by clicking the “Import” button. Figure 3.9: CuraEngine settings: Print Similarly, the “Filament” configuration files can also be downloaded from our website, for example “PLA.rcf”, and imported by clicking the “Import” button (Figure 3.10). http: // 3dmakerworld. com...
  • Page 55 Adhesion Type, Quality, Support Type, Speed, Infill Density, Enable Cooling can be specified for the CuraEngine slicer. In Figure 3.11, the default quality of 0.2mm, a medium speed and a 20% infill density were selected, and the cooling was enabled for PLA printing. http: // 3dmakerworld. com...
  • Page 56 Figure 3.11: Specifying CuraEngine slicing parameters for printing with PLA After setting up the slicing parameters, click “Slice with CuraEngine” button, and after the slicing is completed, the G-code is previewed in Repetier-Host as shown in Figure 3.12. http: // 3dmakerworld. com...
  • Page 57 3 SLICING 3D MODELS Figure 3.12: Previewing G-code generated by CuraEngine http: // 3dmakerworld. com...

  • Page 58: Printing With Abs Filaments

    ABS filaments, the only difference will be the default extruder and heated bed tem- peratures. Change the Default Extruder Temperature to 230 C, and the Default Heated Bed Temperature to 95 C. (Figure 4.1) Figure 4.1: Printer Settings in Repetier-Host for printing with ABS http: // 3dmakerworld. com...

  • Page 59: The Slicing Settings

    (Figure 4.2) (c) Carefully take off the glass top and place it on a flat table surface. Figure 4.2: Releasing glass plate from the HBP 2. Applying Kapton tape sheet onto glass plate http: // 3dmakerworld. com...
  • Page 60 Both PET and Kapton tapes can be used for this purpose. Included in the Artifex 2 3D printer package are 10 pieces of die-cut Kapton tape sheets. These Kapton sheets have the same size as the glass top of 250x320mm, and are thick (0.08mm, or 3mil) and sturdy.

  • Page 61: Printing With Flexible Filaments

    filaments. The NinjaFlex filaments are fully tested to work with Artifex 2. Artifex 2 Duo, which will be introduced in Chapter 6, uses the same extruder design as Artifex 2 and the settings for printing with NinjaFlex discussed in this chapter apply to Artifex 2 Duo as well.
  • Page 62 5 PRINTING WITH FLEXIBLE FILAMENTS Figure 5.1: Demo model for printing with NinjaFlex Figure 5.2: Slic3r slicing result for printing with NinjaFlex http: // 3dmakerworld. com...

  • Page 63: Printing Ninjaflex With Curaengine

    Figure 5.3: Specifying CuraEngine slicing parameters for printing with NinjaFlex After setting up the slicing parameters, click “Slice with CuraEngine” button, and after the slicing is completed, the G-code is previewed in Repetier-Host as shown in Figure 5.4. http: // 3dmakerworld. com...
  • Page 64 5 PRINTING WITH FLEXIBLE FILAMENTS Figure 5.4: CuraEngine slicing result for printing with NinjaFlex http: // 3dmakerworld. com...

  • Page 65: Printing With Dual Extruders

    Printing with Dual Extruders Printer Settings in Repetier-Host First, we need to create a printer profile in Repetier-Host for Artifex 2 Duo by following the configuration shown in Figure 6.1 to Figure 6.5. (Note: For Artifex 2 All Metal, change the extruder diameter to 0.4mm.)
  • Page 66 6 PRINTING WITH DUAL EXTRUDERS Figure 6.2: Artifex 2 Duo Printer Settings: Printer http: // 3dmakerworld. com...
  • Page 67 6 PRINTING WITH DUAL EXTRUDERS Figure 6.3: Artifex 2 Duo Printer Settings: Extruder http: // 3dmakerworld. com...
  • Page 68 6 PRINTING WITH DUAL EXTRUDERS Figure 6.4: Artifex 2 Duo Printer Settings: Printer Shape http: // 3dmakerworld. com...

  • Page 69: Calibrating Dual Extruders

    Leveling two nozzles (Not required for assembled package) If you built your Artifex 2 Duo from a kit package, you need to make sure the two nozzles are leveled before using them for printing. First, unplug the fan connectors, and unscrew the two M3 30 FHS screws on the fan assembly to take it off...
  • Page 70 6 PRINTING WITH DUAL EXTRUDERS Figure 6.6: Taking off fan assembly on Artifex 2 Duo With the fan assembly removed, perform the bed leveling process as explained in Sec- tion 2.2.2. If the two nozzles are not perfectly leveled, loose the M3 25 SHS screws to adjust the position of filament drives to level the two nozzles (Figure 6.7).

  • Page 71: Defining Nozzle Offsets

    6.2.2 Defining nozzle offsets On Artifex 2 Duo, the left extruder is defined as Extruder 1, and the right one Extruder 2. Ideally, the two extruders are perfectly aligned on the Y-axis direction, and positioned 42mm away from each other along the X-axis direction. However, the clearance allowance between mechanical components and other minor misalignments may change the offsets between...
  • Page 72 6 PRINTING WITH DUAL EXTRUDERS Download the Artifex 2 Duo Calibration G-code from our website, and load the code into Repetier-Host as shown in Figure 6.9, where the green lines to be printed by Extruder 1 and the blue lines by Extruder 2.
  • Page 73 file Configuration.h: #d e f i n e EXTRUDER OFFSET X 0 . 0 , 4 2 . 0 #d e f i n e EXTRUDER OFFSET Y 0 . 0 , 0 . 0 http: // 3dmakerworld. com...

  • Page 74: Printing With Two Colors

    Download the example models from our website, and load them into Repetier-Host (Figure 6.12). Figure 6.12: Loading two color models into Repetier-Host Select the extruder for each color (Figure 6.13). http: // 3dmakerworld. com...
  • Page 75 Figure 6.14: Merging two-color models into one object group The merged two-color model can be operated as a regular one color model. In Fig- ure 6.15, the merged model is scaled down to 60% of its original size. http: // 3dmakerworld. com...
  • Page 76 Then, the model is ready for slicing using the slicer of your choice (Figure 6.15). Figure 6.16: Slicing the two-color model After slicing, the generated G-code can be reviewed in Repetier-Host before sending it to the printer. Figure 6.17 shows the 3D preview of G-code generated by Slic3r. http: // 3dmakerworld. com...
  • Page 77 G-code generated by CuraEngine with the wipe and prime tower on the side. Both Slic3r and CuraEngine configuration files can be downloaded from our website. Figure 6.18: G-code generated by CuraEngine with a wipe and prime tower http: // 3dmakerworld. com...

  • Page 78: Printing With Dissolvable Support Materials

    6 PRINTING WITH DUAL EXTRUDERS Printing with dissolvable support materials With two extruders, Artifex 2 Duo can be used to print out difficult models with dissolvable support materials, like HIPS or PVA. The set-up process is similar to what explained in the last section for two-color printing.
  • Page 79 Figure 6.20: Defining print and filament settings for Hilbert Cube The preview of generated G-code is shown in Figure 6.21. After printed out, the HIPS support structure can be dissolved in a Limonene bath. Figure 6.21: Previewing the generated G-code of Hilbert Cube http: // 3dmakerworld. com...

  • Page 80: Using One Extruder

    6 PRINTING WITH DUAL EXTRUDERS Using one extruder The Artifex 2 Duo can also be used as a single extruder 3D printer to print with a single filament spool. In such configuration, the left extruder is the active extruder. First, create a new printer profile “Artifex 2 Duo Single” in Repetier-Host, and use all the settings of “Artifex 2”...
  • Page 81 6 PRINTING WITH DUAL EXTRUDERS Figure 6.23: Applying Artifex 2 slicing settings to Artifex 2 Duo for printing with single extruder http: // 3dmakerworld. com...

  • Page 82: Printing With Lcd Controller

    7 PRINTING WITH LCD CONTROLLER Printing with LCD Controller Artifex 2 comes with a large 128 x 64 LCD controller with full size SD card reader (Fig- ure 7.1). The printer can be operated untethered without being connected to a computer.
  • Page 83 7 PRINTING WITH LCD CONTROLLER Figure 7.3: Artifex 2 LCD controller: Prepare menu tree On Artifex 2 Duo, there are two extruders under the “Move Axis” menu to assist the filament feeding and retraction of both extruders (Figure 7.4). Figure 7.4: Artifex 2 Duo LCD controller: Prepare menu tree The LCD controller can provide great convenience to the following example tasks: Leveling the bed: Combining the commands “Home Z”...
  • Page 84 Printing large jobs: For large printing jobs, the LCD controller can free up your computer for many hours, and reduce the chance that the job gets ruined due to disconnected USB cable, automatic computer update and restart, and other unplanned interruptions. http: // 3dmakerworld. com...

  • Page 85: Support

    8 SUPPORT Support If you experience any difficulty when operating the Artifex 2 3D Printer, please contact us Email: support@3dmakerworld.com Phone: (913)897-8359 Submit your questions: http://www.3dmakerworld.com/contacts For updates of software/documents and other technical support topics, please visit us at http://www.3dmakerworld.com/support.

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