Renkforce RF2000 v2 Series Operating Instructions Manual
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Renkforce RF2000 v2 Series Operating Instructions Manual

Finished device dual extruder, finished device single extruder, construction kit single extruder
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Operating Instructions
RF2000 v2 Finished Device Dual Extruder (FGD)
Order no. 1563098
RF2000 v2 Finished Device Single Extruder (FGS)
Order no. 1563099
RF2000 v2 Construction Kit Single Extruder (BSS)
Order no. 1563100

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Summary of Contents for Renkforce RF2000 v2 Series

  • Page 1 Operating Instructions RF2000 v2 Finished Device Dual Extruder (FGD) Order no. 1563098 RF2000 v2 Finished Device Single Extruder (FGS) Order no. 1563099 RF2000 v2 Construction Kit Single Extruder (BSS) Order no. 1563100...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Table of contents Page 1. Introduction ........................................4 2. Explanation of symbols ....................................4 3. Intended use ........................................5 4. Scope of delivery ......................................6 a) RF2000 v2 Finished Device (Single and Dual Extruder) (FGS and FGD) ....................6 b) RF2000 v2 Construction Kit (Single Extruder) (BSS) ..........................6 5.
  • Page 3 Page 15. Inserting, removing and changing the filament ............................42 a) Inserting the filament - Mechanical part ..............................42 b) Inserting the filament via the printer menu .............................43 c) Removing and changing the filament ..............................45 16. First print of an example object from the SD card ............................46 17. General notes on 3D printing ..................................48 18. Software "Repetier-Host" .....................................49 a) Connection of the connected printer ..............................49 b) Manual operation via the software .................................51 c) Placement of a printing object in the software ............................52 d) Preparation for print ....................................56...

  • Page 4: Introduction

    1. Introduction Dear Customer, thank you for purchasing this product. This product complies with the statutory national and European requirements. To maintain this status and to ensure safe operation, you as the user must observe these operating instructions! These operating instructions are part of this product. They contain important notes on commissioning and handling. Also consider this if you pass on the product to any third party.

  • Page 5: Intended Use

    3. Intended use The 3D printer produces two-coloured 3D-objects from suitable printing files. For this, suitable raw material (filament) is melted in the two print heads and attached in the required position for the object. This product is only approved for connection to 230 V/AC, 50 Hz alternating voltage. It is intended for indoor operation only. Do not use it outdoors. Contact with moisture, e.g. in bathrooms, must be avoided under all circum- stances.

  • Page 6: Scope Of Delivery

    4. Scope of delivery a) RF2000 v2 Finished Device (Single and Dual Extruder) (FGS and FGD) • RF2000 v2 finished device (single and dual-extruder) (FGS and FGD) • Filament holder • Mains cable • SD card • Spatula • Notice sheet • Packaging instruction • Operating instructions (as a digital download) b) RF2000 v2 Construction Kit (Single Extruder) (BSS) • All necessary parts for installation of the printer (single extruder) (BSS) • Filament holder • Mains cable...

  • Page 7: Important Advice And Notes - Please Read

    5. Important advice and notes - Please read! ATTENTION Mains voltage - the connection, installation and wiring of the electrical components must only be performed by an electrician who is familiar with the applicable safety provisions. Before commissioning, inspection according to the applicable safety provisions must be performed by an electrician.

  • Page 8: Safety Notes

    6. Safety notes In case of damage caused by non-compliance with these operating instructions, the warranty/guarantee will expire. We do not assume liability for any consequential damage. We do not assume any liability for property damage and personal injury caused by improper use or non-compliance with the safety instructions.

  • Page 9: C) Operation

    c) Operation • Push the emergency off switch at once if there is any electrical or mechanical problem! The printer will be powered down by this. Only reset the emergency off switch when the problem has been removed. • Never reach into the 3D printer in operation. The mechanically moved parts within the printer pose a high risk of injury! • The print head and the printing plate grow very hot in operation. Never touch these parts during or just after operation. Let them cool down sufficiently first (approx. 60 minutes). • Disconnect the device from the mains before maintenance work or modifications (unplug the mains plug!) and let it cool down. • In operation, there will be noise and, depending on the filament material used, smells. Observe this when selecting the site of setup and the filament material. Ensure sufficient ventilation or install an extraction system. Do not inhale arising vapours. When using any other than the recommended filament material, poisonous vapours or gases may develop. • Do not touch the mains cable if it is damaged. First power down the respective mains socket on all poles (e.g. switch off circuit breaker and FI switch) and then pull the mains cable from the socket. Never operate the product with a damaged mains line. • Never touch the mains line or the mains plug with wet or damp hands. There is a risk of potentially fatal electric shock! • Never operate the device unattended.

  • Page 10: Feature Description

    7. Feature description • Printing space (W x D x H) (X, Y, Z) Single extruder approx. 200 x 290 x 185 mm; Dual extruder approx. 170 x 290 x 185 mm • Play-free profile rail guides and ball-threaded drives for maximum precision • Automatic printing plate measurement • Heated printing plate of aluminium • 1 high-precision extruder with replaceable printing nozzle and quick change function (RF2000 v2 single extruder) • 2 high-precision extruder for 2-coloured printing with replaceable printing nozzle and quick change function (RF2000 v2 dual extruder) • Extruder unit with quick-change function • Integrated long-lived industrial mains unit • Display and key pad for the device operation right at the device • Control via a computer (USB) or stand-alone operation (with SD or SDHC card) possible • Manual control of the printing parameters possible even during operation • Extremely stable by aluminium/steel mechanics • Suitable for all common standard roll filament types • Breaking and abrasion-free cable guides across energy guide chains 8. Working principle of the 3D printer For 3D print, first a file is needed that contains the three-dimensional data of the object to be printed (a common format of such a file is, e.g., a .stl-file). This file can be produced with the corresponding software or with a 3D-scanner. There are also many printing files online that can be down- loaded to print an object as quickly as possible.

  • Page 11: Overview Of The Most Important Parts

    9. Overview of the most important parts a) Single extruder Filament holder Extruder unit (3) X-plate 1 extruder (single extruder) Heating plate of glass ceramics (6) Y-plate (7) Operating button field Display Emergency off switch In the small figure, the printing directions (x, y and z) are indicated.

  • Page 12: B) Dual Extruder

    b) Dual extruder Filament holder Extruder unit (3) X-plate 2 extruder (dual extruder) Heating plate of glass ceramics (6) Y-plate (7) Operating button field Display Emergency off switch In the small figure, the printing directions (x, y and z) are indicated.

  • Page 13: Required Tools And Material

    10. Required tools and material For use, calibration and maintenance • Hex keys 2.5 mm / 3 mm / 4 mm • External hex key socket wrenches 7 mm / 8 mm • External hex key open-ended wrenches 5.5 mm / 7 mm / 8 mm / 11 mm • Special adhesive tape in order to improve adhesion at certain filaments (e.g. PLA); our recommendation: blue adhesive tape, Conrad order no. 1093104 For possible repairs • Different screwdrivers (cross-head and slotted) • Hex key 1.5 mm / 2 mm / 2.5 mm / 3 mm / 4 mm • External hex key socket wrenches 4 mm / 5.5 mm / 7 mm / 8 mm • External hex key open-ended wrenches 5.5 mm / 7 mm / 8 mm / 11 mm • External hex key open-ended wrench (flat) 10 mm A hexagon socket wrench or a hexagon spanner may be used in some cases. • Hammer • Stop angle • Calliper...

  • Page 14: First Commissioning

    11. First commissioning a) Overview of the first steps The following overview shows the first, important steps with the RF2000 v2. This is a brief summary of the subsequent chapters until your first print with the printer. • Completion of initial commissioning. Some important things are explained to you here that you should do in any case after transport and unpacking. The chapter "Initial Commis- sioning" also contains important notes on correct setup of the printer and, of course, correct connection, incl. important safety notes. • Download of the software/firmware package.

  • Page 15: B) Installation Of The Filament Holder

    b) Installation of the filament holder Assembly of the filament holder 2 x filament holder part The two filament holder parts are installed on one side of the printer 1 x shaft for filament holder each in the two upper rear holes (see arrows in the figure). 4 x nut M4 (black) If you have purchased the finished device, the 4 cylinder-head screws 4 x cylinder head screw M4x20 (black) and nuts will be enclosed. Please note! The two filament holder parts must be in- stalled so that they end with the rear edge of the respective side part.
  • Page 16 Fold the rear head cover up so that you can have access to the lower Attach the upper screw hand-tight with a nut M4. It currently only attachment screw of the right filament holder (from the rear view). serves to secure. Insert one cylinder-head screw each into the two mounting holes. Attach the lower holding screw of the filament holder and tighten it at once.

  • Page 17: C) Inspection Of The Fan Sheet And The Actuation For The Z-Limit Switch

    c) Inspection of the fan sheet and the actuation for the Z-limit switch The two extruders should be in the home position. This means that they both need to touch the extruder holder on top. The fan sheet height must be set so that the two upper screws of the two rear fans do not tough the X-plate (left figure). At the same time, the fan sheet must be above the two tips of the extruder nozzles (right figure). Of course, it should also be as straight as possible in reference to the extruder nozzles. Additional, you need to observe that the fan sheet must not touch the Also make sure to check the actuation for the Z-limit switch.

  • Page 18: D) Setup And Transport

    d) Setup and transport When setting up the 3D printer, observe that the mains switch or the mains line at the low power device combination socket must be easy to reach so that the device can be switched off quickly and easily or be disconnected from the voltage supply in case of malfunction.

  • Page 19: Software And Firmware Installation

    12. Software and firmware installation a) Download and unpacking of the software/firmware package The software, firmware, tools and printing examples needed for the printer are available online as a download package. These are regularly updated. Therefore, check occasionally whether a new version may be available. The download package is at the same time the content of the SD card. This means that if a new version is available online here, you should update your SD card at the same time.

  • Page 20: C) Installation Of The Repetier-Host Software

    The software Repetier-Host performs the following tasks: • Placement of the 3D-object to be printed on the printing plate. • Slicing of the object to be printed into thin layers that the 3D printer can print out layer for layer. The result of this process is a G-code file. • Review of the G-code files for error and printability. • Sending the G-code files to the printer or saving on an SD card for standalone print. • Monitoring the 3D printer in operation. • Setting and storage of printer and filament-specific data. c) Installation of the Repetier-Host software • Install the file "setupRepetierHostRenkforce_x_x_x.exe" from the directory "Repetier-Host" from the download package or the SD card (x_x_x designates the software version here). Installation of the custom version of the Repetier-Host requires administrator rights, since the necessary configuration files and printer settings will not be installed otherwise.

  • Page 21: Operation At The Printer

    13. Operation at the printer a) Description of the main display This is the first display in the main menu. The further displays that you can call in the main menu are described in chapter "13. d) The expanded main menu". (1) Temperature active extruder (actual) (2) Temperature active extruder (target) (3) Temperature heating printing plate (actual) (4) Temperature heating printing plate (target) (5) Z-position in mm; calculation from Z-Min (Z-Home) or from the printing plate surface; setting of the reference point in the menu: "Configuration" - "General" - "Z Scale: Z Min/Surface" When the automatic Z-compensation is active, the display will show "Cmp"...

  • Page 22: B) Function Description Of The Operating Buttons

    b) Function description of the operating buttons (1) Direction buttons for navigation in the menu structure ("left" / "right" / "up" / "down") The left direction button switches the LED lighting to white light as well. Pushing the button again will switch back to the previous condition. (2) OK button for confirmation of a selection in the menu (3) Move the printing or Y-plate up/down (4) Filament feed of the active extruder - = back/+ = forward...

  • Page 23: D) The Expanded Main Menu

    d) The expanded main menu The main menu contains the main display (see chapter "13. a) Description of the main menu") and 4 further views. You can reach them via the direction buttons "up" and "down" (1). The displays are switched through in sequence. For example, if you push the button "down" five times, the main display will be shown again.
  • Page 24 Print File Back Files Position Home all Home X Home Y Home Z Position X X: 0.00 mm End stop min: Off/On End stop max: N/A Single Move/1 mm/10 mm/50 mm/Single Steps Position Y Y: 0.00 mm End stop min: On/Off End stop max: N/A Single Move/1 mm/10 mm/50 mm/Single Steps Position Z Z: 0.00 mm End stop min: On/Off...
  • Page 25 Configuration General Baud Rate: 115200 Stepper off [s]: 600 0 = never All off [s]: 0 0 = never Beeper: On/Off Mode: Printer/Miller Z Scale: Z Min/Surface Hotend: V3 Extruder Offset X [mm]: 33,594 Extruder Offset Y [mm]: 0,000 Acceleration Print X: 1000 Print Y: 1000 Print Z: 100 Move X: 1000 Move Y: 1000 Move Z: 100...

  • Page 26: F) Functions Of The Individual Menu Items

    f) Functions of the individual menu items Quick Settings Home all Move all axes into the home position RGB Light Switches the LED-lighting between off, white, automatic and manual Output Object Moving heating plate to removal position Speed Multiply Setting of the printing speed Flow Multiply Setting of the material flow speed Preheat PLA...
  • Page 27 Extruder Temp. Bed: 0 °C Manually adjusting the heat bed temperature Temp. 0 : 0 °C Manually setting the extruder temperature extruder 0 (e.g. for filament change) Temp. 1 : 0 °C Manually setting the extruder temperature extruder 1 (e.g. for filament change) Extruder 0 Off Switches off heater of the 1st extruder Extruder 1 Off Switches off heater of the 2nd extruder Active Extruder Specifies which extruder is active (push OK to switch) Position extruder...
  • Page 28 Configuration Feed rate Max X: 500 Max. speed of the X-axis Max Y: 500 Max. speed of the Y-axis Max Z: 50 Max. speed of the Z-axis Home X: 80 Max. speed of the X-axis when moving to the home position Home Y: 80 Max. speed of the Y-axis when moving to the home position Home Z: 10 Max. speed of the Z-axis when moving to the home position Z Calibration Scan Quick printing plate calibration Scan PLA Printing plate calibration with typical PLA-temperatures Scan ABS...

  • Page 29: Calibration

    14. Calibration a) Overview of calibration This provides a brief overview of the calibration of the RF2000 v2. • Determining the position with the smallest distance. Here, you can determine the highest position on the printing plate that has the shortest distance from the extruder nozzle. All settings are based on this position.
  • Page 30 Before you perform calibration, first check if new firmware is available and install this. Observe chapter "12. Software and firmware installation" and chapter "20. Firmware update with the Arduino IDE". The update to the new version may cause data of the heat bed scan to be deleted. To check this, just read out the data with the command "M3013", as described in chapter "19. a) Determining the highest position of the printing plate". If this shows a matrix, it has not been deleted. Calibration should be performed now and then.

  • Page 31: C) Setting The Distance Between The Nozzle And The Printing Plate

    c) Setting the distance between the nozzle and the printing plate Only the left extruder (viewed from the front) (extruder 0) is used for calibration in the dual extruder. The distance between the nozzle and the heating plate must be set to 0.3 mm. Important! Determine the position with the smallest distance between the nozzle and the heating plate in the cold condition.
  • Page 32 Basic setting of the upper Z-limit switch (Z-min.; light barrier) min. 0,8 mm max. 1,0 mm For finished devices, this basic setting of the upper Z-limit switch For adjustment, leave the extruder and printing plate in the position or has already been performed. If you have checked the distance at move it to the position where you previously determined the shortest "Determination of the position with the smallest distance"...
  • Page 33 Heating up the setting temperature Move the printing plate down by a few centimetres with the arrow Use the direction buttons (1) to navigate to menu item "Extruder". button "down" (3). Then push OK. Push OK. Push OK again to select "Temp. Bed". Set the temperature for the printing plate with the direction buttons.
  • Page 34 Push the direction button "left" 2 x to return to the main menu. Wait until the actual temperature of the left extruder and the printing plate reflects your setting. Let both continue to heat up for at least another 10 minutes until the printing plate temperature has stabilised and it is entirely heated through, and the extruder has completely expanded.
  • Page 35 Setting the left extruder (extruder 0) Take a 0.3 mm strip of a feeler gauge and carefully push it between Hold the left extruder at the top at the inlet and carefully release the the left extruder and the printing plate (see arrow in the figure). left screw of the extruder holder. Carefully lower the extruder to the strip of the feeler gauge.

  • Page 36: D) Executing The Head Bed Scan For Pla Or Abs

    d) Executing the head bed scan for PLA or ABS The text under the respective figure describes which buttons must be pushed or what must be set when this display is shown. Start of the heat bed scan Briefly push the button OK (2) in the main display. Use the direction buttons (1) to move to the menu item "Configura- tion". Push OK. Use the direction buttons to select "Z Calibration". Push OK.
  • Page 37 When the temperatures have been reached, the printer will wait for 10 Then the heat bed scan starts automatically. minutes to ensure that the extruder and the printing plate are heated through entirely. The waiting time is displayed in seconds in the status bar.
  • Page 38 Determination of the current distance between the nozzle and printing plate at printing temperature. The printer moves to the home position with its Z-axis. The printing When the temperature has been reached, the printer will wait for 10 table is lowered a little. minutes to ensure that the extruders are heated through entirely.

  • Page 39: E) Executing The Quick Head Bed Scan

    e) Executing the quick head bed scan The text under the respective figure describes which buttons must be pushed or what must be set when this display is shown. Heating up the printing plate and the extruders Briefly push the button OK (2) in the main display. Use the direction buttons (1) to select "Extruder". Push OK. Push OK to select "Temp. Bed". Use the direction buttons to set "100 °C". Push OK.
  • Page 40 Use the direction buttons to select "Temp. 1". Push OK. Use the direction buttons to set "120 °C". Push OK. Push the direction button "left" 2 x to return to the main menu. Wait until the actual temperature of the extruders in the display is 120 °C and the actual temperature of the printing plate is 100 °C.
  • Page 41 Push OK, to select "Scan" and start the heat bed scan this way. Push The status display of the main menu shows "Heat Bed Scan". The the direction button "left" 3 x to return to the main menu. geometry of the printing plate is now measured automatically. This process will take a while.

  • Page 42: Inserting, Removing And Changing The Filament

    15. Inserting, removing and changing the filament a) Inserting the filament - Mechanical part Push the filament rolls on the shaft of the filament holder. The filament Push the ball bearing holder on the outside and insert the filament rolls must move freely. through the ball bearing holder. Insert the filament past the feed motor into the extruder to the stop. To set the application pressure of the ball bearings, guide a hex key The filament must be guided in a straight line from the top between with 3 mm through the outer-most hole of the hall bearing holder and the feed motor and the ball bearing into the bore at the extruder.

  • Page 43: B) Inserting The Filament Via The Printer Menu

    b) Inserting the filament via the printer menu Before inserting, removing or changing the filament, the corresponding extruder must be heated up so that the filament can be inserted into or removed from the extruder cleanly. Do not touch the hot extruders when inserting, removing or changing the filament! Danger of burns! Always wait for the extruder temperature to be reached at filament change and let the extruder heat for approx. another minute. When heating, there may be slight development of smoke or steam. This is normal. Please ensure the corresponding ven- tilation. Left extruder (extruder 0) Push OK (2) from the main menu. Use the direction buttons (1) to select "Extruder".
  • Page 44 Push OK. Use the direction buttons to navigate to "Active Extruder". Push OK. Then the 2nd extruder is chosen as the active one (ex- Use the direction buttons to select the item "Temp. 1". truder 1). Push OK. Use the direction buttons to set "200 - 230 °C" (e.g. for PLA). Push OK.

  • Page 45: C) Removing And Changing The Filament

    The filament is now inserted. Push the direction button "left" 2 x to return to the main menu. Important! For the right extruder, always choose “Extruder 1” as the active one. Then you can also perform insertion with the function "Load Filament". c) Removing and changing the filament Hold the filament when it moves out of the extruder. Otherwise, it may jump out and cause injury. The upper layers of the respective filament roll may jump open as well, which may cause the filament to tangle.

  • Page 46: First Print Of An Example Object From The Sd Card

    16. First print of an example object from the SD card When heating, there may be slight development of smoke or steam. This is normal. Please ensure the corresponding ven- tilation. When printing with PLA filament and any problems occur with adhesion of the printed objects, glue masking tape or a slightly structured crepe tape to the printing plate. You can purchase a special adhesive tape that has been developed for precisely this purpose.
  • Page 47 The printing plate is heated up first. Then the axes move to the home position and the extruder is heated. Once the extruder has reached its operating temperature, printing starts. The progress of heating of the printing plate and extruder can be tracked based on the temperature displays in the upper display line. The printing progress can be tracked in the lower status display.

  • Page 48: General Notes On 3D Printing

    17. General notes on 3D printing The print quality of 3D printers depends on a great many factors. It is not always possible to achieve a satisfactory print result at the first attempt. Extruder temperature The best extruder temperature depends on the filament material and the printer layer thickness. The manufacturer information for the printing temperature can vary very strongly here. Perform the first test prints at a temperature in the middle range of the manufacturer's information. To optimise the print quality, print the same object with the same printing layer thickness and different extruder temperatures in 5 °C steps and then compare the results.

  • Page 49: Software "Repetier-Host

    18. Software "Repetier-Host" a) Connection of the connected printer Start the programme Repetier-Host and click on "Printer Settings" at the upper right in the window. • Select the printer in the menu above (1). In our example, this is the "RF2000v2_3D_Dual" with dual extruder. Owners of the single version must select the single version "RF2000v2_3D_Single" accordingly. • Set the port and check the baud rate. If you have selected the right printer in (1), the baudrate (3) is already correctly pre-set to "115200".
  • Page 50 Click "Connect" in the upper left of the main screen of the software. After a few seconds, the symbol swill switch to a connected plug and the label turns to "Disconnect". The printer has successfully been connected to the software and only some manual settings can be tested.

  • Page 51: B) Manual Operation Via The Software

    b) Manual operation via the software Click the tab "Manual Control" (1) on the main screen of the software. Before trying out manual printer control, the settings for the limit switches for the Z and Y axes must have been performed. In the finished device, the basic settings have already been performed at production but should be inspected again for reasons of safety.

  • Page 52: C) Placement Of A Printing Object In The Software

    c) Placement of a printing object in the software Click the "+" symbol on the main screen of the software in the object placement tab. Select the desired file and click "OK". Alternatively, you can also simply pull the file into the software. The 3D object "drops" onto the printing plate in the main window and displayed in a close view. The scroll wheel of the mouse can be used to zoom out of the view again so that you can see the entire virtual printing plate once more.
  • Page 53 Short description of the most important buttons in the "Object Placement" tab: (1) Saving the object (2) Adding objects (as described above); several objects can be addend (3) Copying objects for multiple printing (in another window, the number of copies can be chosen) (4) Centring the object on the printing plate (5) Mirroring the object (6) Deleting the object from the printing plate (7) Scaling the object...
  • Page 54 Placing the object to be printed for 2-coloured print Two 3D-object files are usually used for printing a two-coloured object. The SD card holds, e.g., a 2-coloured cube "Cube_1.stl" and "Cube_2. stl". One part is for the 1st extruder, the other part for the 2nd extruder. You will find the files in the folder „\STL\Dual_Cube“. Insert the first file first and then the second file in the software as described above. Click the yellow area of "Cube_2" (it is not highlighted by this) in the tab "Object Placement" and keep the mouse button pushed. Then pull the yellow area from "Cube_2"...
  • Page 55 Then click the drop down menu in the yellow area behind "Cube_2" and switch the extruder from 1 to 2.

  • Page 56: D) Preparation For Print

    d) Preparation for print To be able to print the object, it first needs to be sliced into individual printing layers or disassembled. This process is referred to as "slicing". Slicing the placed object to be printed for 1-coloured print (1) Switch to the tab "Slicer" and select the slicer for your printer in the drop down menu "Slicer:". In our example, this would be the slicer "RF2000v2".
  • Page 57 Printer Settings (in the slicer settings also "Printer Settings") Filament material_nozzle diameter_extruder Example: GENERIC175_04_SINGLE = 1.75 mm PLA (all filament manufacturer)_nozzle diameter 0.4 mm_single extruder (for single-coloured print) If you want to print an object in 1-colour, select the setting with "SINGLE" here. For 2-coloured printing, select the setting with "DUAL" (see second to next page). Owners of the printer with a single extruder can only select the setting with "SINGLE" here. Their selection in this setting depends again on the filament material used and the nozzle diameter. You can also specify here whether the printout is to be produced with one or two extrudes.
  • Page 58 If you click "G-Code Editor" at the upper right, the G-code editor will open and the G-code (the layer description) will be displayed. The control below can influence the layer view. Preparation of the object to be printed for 2-coloured print This section is only relevant for owners of the dual extruder version of the RF2000 v2. Now select a setting with the ending "DUAL"...
  • Page 59 This cube is also very suitable for setting the extruder offset for X and Y. You can find the functions "Extruder Offset X" and "Ex- truder Offset Y" in the menu, under "Configuration" - "General". This setting corrects the distances of the two extruders. X corrects the distance between the two extruders, i.e. when the printed object is offset to one side. Y corrects the distance when the extruders are offset backwards or forwards, because one part of the cube is too far at the front and the other too far at the back. Important! The reference extruder is always the left one (extruder 0). See chapter "19. c) Fine adjustment of the two extruders" in these operating instructions.

  • Page 60: E) Print

    e) Print The printing file produced in this manner can be printed now. There are two options for this: • Save the printing file on an SD card to print out stand-alone. For this, click "Save to File" (1). This saves the file as *.gcode and must be set at the same time when you save the file from the G-code editor (disc icon). The precise content of the G-code will be saved into the file here. • The second possibility is to send the file directly to the connected 3D printer via the USB interface of the computer and print it. • Before you start printing in single mode, however, check which extruder is active. This is irrelevant for dual mode. For this, click the tab "Manual control" (2). In the drop down menu (3) (first figure on the next page) there, you can select the desired extruder to use for the printout. Extruder 1 (in the software/Manual control) = extruder 0 (at the printer and in the G-code) = the left one from the front view Extruder 2 (in the software/Manual control) = extruder 1 (at the printer and in the G-code) = the right one from the front view • Click "Print Preview"...
  • Page 61 The graphics window may be switched to display temperature curves. There, the temperatures and their course are graphically displayed in a chart. During the first centimetres of printing, the distance between the heating plate and the extruders can be fine-adjusted manually with the buttons for heating plate movement (3). If you push the buttons for heating plate movement (3), do not keep the buttons pushed, but only tap them! For this setting, observe that the extruders must not touch the printing plate since the printing plate and the extruder noz- zles may be damaged otherwise (loss of warranty/guarantee).
  • Page 62 If you have performed the heat bed scan for PLA (Scan PLA) or ABS (Scan ABS), the printer should already set the optimal distance between the nozzle and printing plate when printing. If you have only performed a quick head bed scan (Scan), you can adjust the distance with the item "Z Offset"...

  • Page 63: F) More Detailed Description Of The Slicer Functions

    f) More detailed description of the slicer functions Below some settings of the slicer are explained that are only to be changed by experienced users. The use of wrong set- tings can result in damage to the 3D printer or defective printouts. Beginners should first work with the basic settings that are integrated in the custom version in any case.
  • Page 64 First, select the settings to be changed in the slicer window (1). Then click the menu "Settings" (2) and open the item "Print Settings..." (3). Print Settings (1) Layer height (accuracy/resolution of the printed object) (2) Layer height of the first layer (influences the adjustment and adhesion on the printing plate; set the first layer a little thicker than the follow- ing layers) (3) Number of the outer wall layers (4) Activate for hollow bodies (e.g.
  • Page 65 (1) Object filling (0-100%) We recommend object filling of 10% to 40%. (2) Filling pattern of the object and the first and last layer (1) Loops are circles, that are drawn around the object when printing starts, stabilise the filament flow before the actual object is printed. Here, number, distance from the object, height and minimum length are specified. For 2-coloured printing objects, a wall will be drawn around the object that is used to wipe off the extruders. The bottom-most layer is broader than the wall here (see red arrow in the small picture). The length of this layer is specified in the setting "Minimum extru- sion length". A value of approx. 25 mm is enough for a printed object with a diameter of up to approx. 50 mm. If you want to print larger 2-coloured objects, increase the value accordingly.
  • Page 66 (1) Selection and adjustment of the supporting material that is needed when printing complex objects such as bridges or hollow spaces (poss. required for printing object with overhangs > 45°). The first printing attempts should be without a supporting brim since the result here is usually better again. You can set or adjust all speeds here. Chance the values only in small steps.
  • Page 67 Here, the extruders can be assigned. For example, it is possible to use one of the two extruders for "Infill" only. The extrusion width for all the different print versions can be set here. The extrusion width is the width of the output plastic thread. E.g., this may be increased at the first layer, so that the bottom of the printed object becomes denser.
  • Page 68 (1) The notes field may contain important information on the slicer setting. This may also contain information on the filaments with which this setting was tested or compiled. If there is a note here, it only applies to the this slicer setting, e.g. to "PLA175_200_04". Please also observe the note fields in the tabs "Filament Settings" and "Printer Settings". Click the menu "Settings" (1) in the slicer window and open the item "Filament Settings..." (2).
  • Page 69 Filament Settings (1) Filament diameter and filament diameter tolerances according to the manufacturer's specifications are set here. If no manufacturer's speci- fication is present, these values can also be measured with a calliper (measure 1 m of filament material in 10 different points and then set the average here). (2) Temperature settings for extruder and heating bed separated by first and all other layers. Observe the settings recommended by the filament manufacturer! Since the best values may fluctuate extremely depending on the filament manufacturer, perform your own tests based on the pre- settings to achieve the best printing quality. When performing the tests, proceed in 5 °C steps and compare the results during or after printing with other settings. The first layer should always be printed a little more hotly for better adhesion on the heating plate. (1) Here you can choose between automatic cooling and permanent operation of the fan at the extruder. (2) Setting of the fan speed.
  • Page 70 Click the menu "Settings" (1) in the slicer window and open the item "Printer Settings..." (2). Printer Settings (1) Geometric data of the printing plate (2) Number of the extruders...
  • Page 71 (1) The starting code contains the first commands that the 3D printer performs. Here, e.g. a Z-compensation can be started. The Z-compensation command then could be the following: M3006 S-100 (-100 are 100 µm or 0.1 mm in this case) If the value is prefixed with a - , the distance between the nozzle and heat bed reduces. A + will increase it. (2) The end code will be performed at the end of the print and could contain, e.g. the run into a removal position for the printed object. Detailed information on the G-Codes can be found, e.g., in http://reprap.org/wiki/G-code.
  • Page 72 (1) Setting of the nozzle diameter (2) Settings for the filament withdrawal if the extruder moves to another position of the printed object during printing. If the filament was not withdrawn here, there would be drop or string formation that would negatively influence printing quality. The tabs "Extruder 1" and "Extruder 2" must be identical at least for the regular dual pressure.

  • Page 73: G) Setting Up Another Slic3R Version

    \Program Files\Repetier-Host-renkforce\ Attention! If you do not rename the unpacked fold- er "Slic3r" and still copy it into the directory, the already-existing folder "Slic3r" in the directory "Repetier-Host-renkforce" will be overwritten! • Now open the Repetier-Host software. • Click the tab "Slicer" and then the button "Manager".
  • Page 74 • First click the slicer of your printer and write down or copy the path of the configuration directory. • In the menu "Slicer", now choose the desired Slicer that you want to integrate. In our example, this would be "Slic3r". • In the field "Name”, enter the desired name (e.g. "RF2000v2_1.2.7") and confirm by clicking "Add Slicer". When choosing the name, observe that the newly set-up slicer is also only for one printer. • Select the newly added Slic3r by clicking it (1).
  • Page 75 • In "Slicer:", select the original Slicer of your printer and click "Configuration". • Click "File" and then "Export Config Bundle...". Save the file on your PC. • Close the window again. • Now select the newly created slicer in "Slicer:" and click "Configuration" again. • When the new window for the slicer configuration opens, the configuration assistant is displayed first. Cancel it with "Cancel". • A message may be displayed to inform you of a new ver- sion. Close the message with "No". • Click "File"...
  • Page 76 • When the new Slicer is selected at the top in "Slicer:", you can use the same slicer settings at the bottom in the menus ("Print Setting"; "Printer Settings"; "Filament Settings") as in the original slicer of your printer. Please note! You may have to adapt the imported settings to the new slicer version. • In order to slice an object with the new version, select the settings "Print Setting", "Printer Settings" and "Filament Settings"...

  • Page 77: Extended Calibration

    19. Extended calibration a) Determining the Highest Position of the Printing Plate As soon as the head bed scan has been performed once, the Repetier-Host software can be used to read the matrix of the printing plate scan. The values of the matrix can be used to determine the position on the printing plate that has the shortest distance from the nozzle. This can generally be used for all other scans while nothing changes at the printing plate.
  • Page 78 • Click the tab "Manual Control" on top. • In the field "G-Code", enter "M3013" (without the quotation marks) and click the button "Send". The command "M3013" outputs the values of the matrix in steps. If you use the command "M3013 P1" instead, the values are output in mm.
  • Page 79 Move to the offset position • First move all axes to their home position. For this, click the unlabelled house icon. If the figures in the fields X, Y and Z are red, no home posi- tion has been moved to yet. The software accordingly does not know where the printer axes are currently locat- ed. Once the home positions are reached, the colour turns black.
  • Page 80 • Now move the Y-axis to the position previously read. • For this, enter the command "G1 Y250" (without quotation marks) in the field "G-Code" and click"Send". Replace 250 by your Y-val- The printer moves the Y-axis to the position. In our example, this is the Y-position 250. When the position is reached, the field Y will show the cur- rent position. In our example, this is 250.00. • If everything worked correctly, the X and Y fields now display the two values read and the printer has also moved to these positions. • Now set the extruder as described in Chapter "14. c) Setting the distance between the nozzle and the printing plate"; then perform a heat bed scan.

  • Page 81: B) Fine Adjustment Of The Filament Infeed

    b) Fine adjustment of the filament infeed This chapter describes how to adjust the filament feed precisely, e.g. to compensate for the tolerance of the feed knurl. In our example, the left filament feed is calibrated. Preparation • If it has not been done yet, install the software Repetier-Host incl. the drivers and connect the printer to the computer (see chapter "12. Soft- ware and firmware Installation"). • If applicable, enter the COM port and connect the software to the printer (see chapter "18. a) Connection of the connected printer"). The symbol at the upper left must be green and it must say "Disconnect" below. • When the printer is connected, switch to "Manual Control" in the software. The printer must only be controlled via the software throughout this process.
  • Page 82 • When the filament is marked, feed in precisely 50 mm. For this, move the mouse over the arrow at the lower left in the right control (see red arrow). When the mouse pointer is all the way at the bot- tom (see arrow tip of the red arrow) and the middle shows 50, click precisely once.
  • Page 83 Calculation and correction of the feed The formula for calculation of the actually conveyed volume is as follows: Total length in mm - residual amount in mm = actually conveyed volume in mm 100 mm 46 mm 54 mm The formula for calculating the new value "Steps per mm" is as follows: Conveyed volume in mm: Actually conveyed volume in mm * Current value Steps per mm = New value Steps per mm 50 mm 54 mm...

  • Page 84: C) Fine Adjustment Of The Two Extruders

    c) Fine adjustment of the two extruders This chapter is only relevant for owners of the RF2000 v2 with dual extruder. In order to produce a perfect 2-coloured print, you may need to adjust the distances between the two extruders. This is also called the extruder offset.
  • Page 85 Setting the determined values To set the value, first open the item "Configuration" in the menu and then the item "General". Navigate to "Extruder Offset X" and press OK (2). Set the determined value for the offset X with the two buttons "up" and "down" (1). Confirm with OK button (2). Navigate to the item "Extruder Offset Y" and press OK (2) again. Set the determined value for the offset Y with the two buttons "up"...

  • Page 86: D) Correction Of The Printing Plate Temperature

    d) Correction of the printing plate temperature The firmware makes it possible to adjust the temperature of the printing plate. For this, the actual temperature on the surface must be measured at different temperature settings. The measured values then must be entered in the firmware. This way, the printer can adjust the temperature automatically. Before starting, check if a new firmware version is available. If this is the case, download it, unpack the ZIP archive and install the firmware on your printer. Observe chapter "20. Firmware update with the Arduino IDE". • The firmware has 6 temperatures defined: 60, 80, 100, 120, 140, 160 °C. • First set 60 °C at the printer. When the temperature is reached, wait for at least another 10 minutes for the printing plate to be heated through entirely and the temperature to stabilise.

  • Page 87: Firmware Update With The Arduino

    20. Firmware update with the Arduino The firmware of the main PCB is updated frequently to optimise the properties of the 3D printer. The currently installed firmware version of your printer is briefly displayed in the upper display line after switching on the printer. The update with the Arduino IDE enables you to change the firmware before installation and to adjust it on demand. Attention! All changes are made at your own risk! We assume no liability for this! Download of the firmware Firmware updates can be found in the current download package "RF2000v2_SD_Vx.x.zip" that you can download from the product page. On this, note the chapter "12. a) Download and unpacking of the software/firmware package".
  • Page 88 • Start the Arduino software. • In the menu "Tools" (1), select option "Board" (2) and set the type "Arduino/Genuino Mega or Mega 2560" (3). • In the menu "Tools" (1), select option "Processor" (2) and set the type "ATmega2560 (Mega 2560)" (3).
  • Page 89 • In the menu "Tools" (1), select the option "Port" (2) and set the correct port (3). The port number is system-dependent. You can find it in the device manager of the control panel, under connections (COM and LPT). • In the menu "File", choose the option "Open..." and select the file "Repetier.ino" from the downloaded firmware folder. The file "Repetier.ino" can be found via the following file path: "Repetier-Firmware-master\RF2000v2\Repetier" • A new window opens.
  • Page 90 • In the new window, click the button with the arrow to the right in order to compile and to transfer the new firmware to the 3D printer. Once the update has started, the USB connection to the printer must not be interrupted. This may cause irreparable damage. • After a successful firmware installation, the 3D printer will start again and briefly display the new firmware version in the first display line after the start.

  • Page 91: Maintenance

    21. Maintenance a) General information Periodically verify the technical safety of the 3D printer, e.g. check for damage to the mains cable and the casing. If you have reason to believe that the device can no longer be operated safely, disconnect it immediately and make sure it is not operated unintentionally.

  • Page 92: C) Fuse Replacement

    Method 3: If the procedure described above has not led to success, heat up the extruder to the printing temperature (PLA = 230 °C, ABS = 270 °C). Have the printer extrude some filament when the temperature is reached. Then let the extruder cool off. For PLA to approx. 90-110 °C and for ABS to approx. 110-130 °C. The proper temperature depends greatly on the filament used. You may need to repeat this process several times with different temperatures.

  • Page 93: D) Checking The Belt Tension

    d) Checking the belt tension • Check the tension of the drive belts now and then. • If required, retention them by setting the belt tensioner with the setting screws so that the toothed belts can still be twisted by 180° easily with two fingers. The toothed belts must not be tensioned too strongly. If a belt tensioner bends, the belt tension must be reduced under all circumstances. Method for precise setting of the belt tension For this, you need a weight of 1 kg, such as a water bottle filled with water to reach the specified weight of 1 kg. You also need a cord for at- tachment.
  • Page 94 25 mm Now tip the printer to the left side near the edge of the table and at- Measure the distance between the two toothed belt halves as illus- tach the weight to the part of the toothed belt for the Y-direction that is trated. Set a distance of 25 mm with the belt tensioner (measured at now at the bottom using the cord.

  • Page 95: E) Nozzle Change

    e) Nozzle change Caution: Danger of burns. Do not directly touch the hot nozzle or the extruder. • To replace the extruder nozzle, the extruder must first be heated to a temperature suitable for the inserted filament material. • When the temperature is reached, remove the inserted filament material as described in chapter "15. c) Removing and changing the fila- ment". • Screw off the extruder nozzle (1) from the extruder with an 8 mm hexagon wrench or ring spanner (2). Alternatively, you can also use an 8 mm hexagon socket wrench for this. This way, the nozzle cannot fall off. When unscrewing the nozzle, always secure the extruder against twisting at the heating block with an 11 mm hexagon socket wrench (3). Never damage the line for the temperature sensor.

  • Page 96: Troubleshooting

    22. Troubleshooting With this 3D printer, you have purchased a product that is built to the state of the art and operationally safe. Nevertheless, problems or errors may occur. Therefore, we would like to describe how to eliminate possible errors here: Always observe the safety information! The 3D printer does not work after switching on.
  • Page 97 • The strain gauges may have been installed tensed. Proceed as follows to check this (no filament must be inserted): Note the measured value of the strain gauges. This is the value "F" (6) in the main menu. It is indicated in "digit". Push the extruder carriage or the strain gauges and the extruder holder from above and below, from the left and right. After the value has changed when pushing, it must approximately return to the starting position.
  • Page 98 The printed object does not adhere to the printing plate: • The temperature of the printing plate is set incorrectly. Experiment with the temperature settings in steps of 5 °C for a prefect print result. • When printing problematic objects, it is beneficial to let the printing plate heat up for approx. 15 minutes before printing. • Check whether the heating (red foam material) adheres cleanly to the ceramics printing plate. It must not come loose (even partially). If this is the case, the temperature distribution of the heating plate is insufficient and the printed objects cannot adhere well. • There are residues on the printing plate that prevent adhesion of the object. Rub the printing plate with a soft cloth that is soaked with a solvent (e.g. acetone). • The printing plate has not reached the set temperature yet. • At PLA printing of small objects with a small footprint, it is recommended to apply the printing plate with cleaning tape or a slightly structured crepe tape before printing. This increases adhesion of the printed object on the base plate. The printed object cannot be removed from the heating plate: • Wait until the printing plate has cooled down to less than 40 °C.

  • Page 99: Handling

    23. Handling • Never connect the mains plug to a mains socket immediately after the device has been taken from a cold to a warm environment. The result- ing condensation may destroy the device. Allow the device to reach room temperature before connecting it. Wait until the condensation has evaporated. • Never pull the mains plug from the mains socket by the cable. Only pull it from the mains socket by the intended grip areas. • Disconnect the 3D printer from the mains voltage if you are not going to use it for an extended period of time. • Disconnect the mains plug from the mains socket during thunderstorms for reasons of safety. • The heating plate and the extruders may heat up strongly in operation. Do not touch these parts during or just after operation. Let these parts cool off first. Attention! Danger of burns! 24. Disposal The product does not belong in the household waste! Dispose of the product according to the relevant statutory regulations at the end of its service life.

  • Page 100: Annex

    26. Annex a) Wiring plan Connection plan of the main PCB EMERGENCY OFF SWITCH POWER SUPPLY HEATING PRINT LIMIT SWITCH X PLATE LIMIT SWITCH POWER PLUG Z-MIN LIMIT SWITCH Y Abbreviations used: 230 V SWITCH = This is where the cable from the low-power device combination socket is connected. bl = The respective blue line is connected here sw = The respective black line is connected here EXT. = extruder...
  • Page 101 4pin green/yellow/white/brown Motor extruder 0 (1st extruder) 4pin yellow/green/brown/white 4pin yellow-brown/white-yellow/ 4pin white-yellow/yellow-brown/ Motor extruder 1 (2nd extruder) brown-green/white-green white-green/brown-green Fan 1/2 (single extruder) 2pin red/blue (+ = red) 1440 mm additional 4pin red/blue/grey-pink/red-blue 2pin grey-pink/red-blue Fan 3/4 (dual extruder only) (+ = grey-pink) 2pin grey/pink Heating extruder 0 (1st extruder) 2pin grey/pink...

  • Page 102: B) Setting Up The Printer Settings

    b) Setting up the printer settings This chapter is only targeted at users who do not have the custom version of the software installed. If you have installed the custom version, you may skip this chapter. It only serves information purposes then. Start the programme Repetier-Host and click on "Printer Settings"...
  • Page 103 Click the tab "Printer". Transfer the settings 1:1 as shown in the following figure and click "Apply". Dual and single extruder Click the tab "Extruder". Transfer the settings 1:1 as shown in the following figure and click "Apply". Dual extruder Single extruder...
  • Page 104 Click the tab "Printer Shape". Transfer the settings 1:1 as shown in the following figure and click "Apply". For the printer with single extruder, enter 200 in " Print Area Width:". Dual extruder Single extruder Click the tab "Scripts". Here, you can enter, e.g., a special start code, end code, etc. Dual and single extruder If you configure the slicer settings yourself, enter the following text here under "Runs after cancellation": M104 S0...

  • Page 105: C) Status And Error Messages

    c) Status and error messages Some of the messages are displayed for a certain time and will then disappear again on their own. Other messages, such as those starting with "Error:", are displayed until the user confirms them. Briefly push the button "OK" (2). Status messages (Are displayed on the printer display) Printer ready. Is shown when the RF is ready for printing.
  • Page 106 Test aborted Is displayed when the DMS test has been cancelled. For more information on the errors that occurred, see the log file of the Repetier-Host. SD Card removed Is displayed when the RF recognises that the SD card has been removed. SD Card inserted Is displayed when the RF recognises that the SD card has been inserted. SD Read Error Is displayed when the RF recognises that a reading error has occurred.
  • Page 107 Error: Is displayed when someone tries to start park head bed while printing/milling is active. Park Heat Bed Can be caused by: Operation denied - M3080 - the menu item "Park Heat Bed" This function is currently switched off by default. Error: Is displayed when printing/milling cannot be paused because the home position is not known.
  • Page 108 Error: Is displayed when a file cannot be deleted from the SD card because printing/milling is currently underway. Delete File Can be caused by: Operation denied - M30 - the menu item "Delete File" Error: Is displayed when the X-axis cannot be moved because the home position is not known. X-Axis Can be caused by: Home unknown - the menu item "Position X" Error: Is displayed when the X-axis cannot be moved because printing/milling is currently underway. X-Axis Can be caused by: Operation denied - the menu item "Position X" Error: Is displayed when the Y-axis cannot be moved because the home position is not known. Y-Axis Can be caused by: Home unknown...
  • Page 109 Information messages (Are either displayed in the printer display or in the log file of the Repetier-Host software) Information: Is displayed when the heat bed scan has been completed successfully. Heat Bed Scan Scan completed Information: Is displayed when the work piece scan has been completed successfully. Work Part Scan Scan completed Information: Is displayed when the X-axis cannot be moved because the X-min has tripped. X-Axis Can be caused by: Min reached - the menu item "Position X"...
  • Page 110 This publication was published by Conrad Electronic SE, Klaus-Conrad-Str. 1, D-92240 Hirschau (www.conrad.com). All rights including translations reserved. Reproductions of any kind, e.g. photocopy, micro filming or recording in electronic data processing systems require the written approval of the publisher. No part of this publication may be reproduced. This publication corresponds to the technical state of the art at the time of print. Copyright 2018 by Conrad Electronic SE.

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