3D Systems CubePro User Manual
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3D Systems CubePro User Manual

Prosumer 3d printer
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CubePro
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Prosumer 3D Printer

User Guide

Original Instructions

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Summary of Contents for 3D Systems CubePro

  • Page 1: User Guide

    CubePro ™ Prosumer 3D Printer User Guide Original Instructions...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Calibrate The Print Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 3 Calibrating the Print Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 4 CUBIFY SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 5: Introduction

    CubePro 3D Printer . The warranty period for the CubePro 3D printer is the shorter of (i) 90 days from the date your CubePro 3D printer is activated or (ii) 24 months after the CubePro 3D Printer is shipped from 3D Systems to the end customer or intermediary .

  • Page 6: Important Safety Information

    To ensure safety, please exercise caution when operating your CubePro . Read and follow all safety precautions as outlined in this user guide . Be careful when operating your CubePro to ensure proper printing and be mindful of and avoid hot surfaces .

  • Page 7: Cubepro 3D Printer Features And Benefits

    CUBEPRO 3D PRINTER FEATURES AND BENEFITS The CubePro 3D printer prints the model by pulling material from the cartridge through the print jets via the delivery tubes . The material is then jetted through the print jet in a thin string of molten material . The print jet movement is coordinated by the print plate, which lowers incrementally after each layer is deposited so a new layer can be drawn on top of the last, building the part up .

  • Page 8: At A Glance

    Get acquainted with your CubePro 3D printer before you begin printing. This section identifies the important areas that will be discussed throughout this guide . CubePro Trio is depicted for illustration purposes only . Locations of important areas are the same for the CubePro and CubePro Duo . Removable Top Cover...
  • Page 9 NOTE: The following image illustrates the second and third cartridge bays of a CubePro Trio . View From Top Material Tube Clamp Rollers Cartridge Recognition Connections Material Cartridge Bay 2 Hinge Material Cartridge Mount Rings Material Cartridge Bay 2 Material Cartridge Bay 3...

  • Page 10: Specifications And Requirements

    • Microsoft® Windows® 7 and above • Microsoft Windows XP Professional or Home Edition with Service Pack 3 or higher software . CubePro conversion software is available at www .Cubify .com . • Multi-core processor - 2GHz or faster per core •...

  • Page 11: Unpacking And Setting Up Your Cubepro

    UNPACKING AND SETTING UP YOUR CUBEPRO CONTENTS CubePro printer Material cartridge* Cube® Glue (x2) Print pad Jet Wiper Power cord Cubify Invent License Toolkit USB Stick Code Wire Cutters Needle Nose Wrench Print Pad Cleaner Hex Drivers T-Handle Sandpaper Pliers...

  • Page 12: Unpacking And Setting Up Your Cubepro

    NOTE: Ensure that you save all foam and packing material for the future repacking of your CubePro . Shipping the printer without original packing materials may cause damage to the printer .
  • Page 13 Lift the box away from the printer . Remove the accessories tray . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 14 Remove the print pad box from the upper foam support and set it aside . CAUTION: The print pad is fragile . Exercise caution when handling the print pad . Remove the upper foam support from the top of the printer . Remove the foam corner protectors . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 15 10 . Verify the contents in the accessories tray . The boxes contain the following: tool kit (A), 1-3 print cartridges (B) depending on the printer configuration, jet wiper and glue bottles (C), and power cord (D) . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 16 14 . Move the jet wiper assembly to the back of the printer and locate the keyhole slots (A) . 15 . Mount the jet wiper mounting posts to the back panel of the printer through the keyhole slots . NOTE: Slide the mounting pins downward . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 17 . Press the power on/off switch (A) to power on the CubePro . 19 . Press the on/off button (A) beside the LED screen to power on the CubePro touchscreen display .

  • Page 18: Setup And Activate Your Cubepro

    . Press the letters to select them . Select the checkmark to continue . If you do not wish to name your CubePro, press SKIP to move to the next screen and continue with step 4 .
  • Page 19 . Log in to Cubify .com . Go to www .cubify .com and select Cubify . Enter your username and password and select Login . Select CubePro from the Products dropdown menu . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 20 . NOTE: You can access the User Guide, software for either Windows or Apple operating systems, and free creations . 10 . Select the checkmark to continue . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 21 NOTE: If the wrong activation code was entered, select RETRY enter the activation code again . 12 . Select the checkmark to complete the activation process . Your printer is now ready to print a creation . 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 22: Menu Overview

    PRINT allows the user to print a creation stored either on a USB mass storage device or from the CubePro software . You can invent your own creation by using Cubify Invent software available at www .Cubify .com . SETUP allows the user to configure the printer, connect to a wireless or ad hoc network, install cartridges, or view the printer status .

  • Page 23: System

    . PRINT JET CALIBRATION The print jets in the CubePro are calibrated from the factory and should not need to be recalibrated . The Print Jet Calibration menu is included in the menu for service professionals to correct print quality issues .

  • Page 24: Installing A Material Cartridge

    CARTRIDGES . Select Select the cartridge to be installed . NOTE: The print jet will begin to heat . Open the packaging and remove the thumbscrew from the new cartridge . Select the checkmark to continue . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 25 Gently push the print material into the print jet until molten plastic jets into the jet checkmark wiper . Select the to continue . NOTE: When the material reaches far enough into the print jet area, a motor will assist with feeding the material into the print jet . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 26 . NOTE: The print pad must be calibrated before printing your first creation . For more information, refer to the following section titled Calibrate Print Pad . 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 27: Calibrate The Print Pad

    Reading The Calibration Print . NOTE: If any adjustments are needed, perform this procedure again after making the adjustments . Make sure all glue and plastic residue have been removed prior to performing this procedure again . 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 28: Reading The Z-Gap Calibration Print

    Z-Gap measurement . NOTE: The Closed Z-Gap (A) and the Open Z-Gap (B) are two different measurements but should be read together . Correct Closed Z-Gap The Closed Z-Gap bars (B) should touch the baseline (A) . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 29 (3) print pad adjustment knobs clockwise (right) 1-step and reprint the file. Continue these steps until there is a gap. NOTE: Once the Z-Gap is correct, reprint the file and check the Print Pad Level . 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 30: Reading The Print Pad Level Calibration Print

    (left) 1-step to decrease the gap . Reprint the Level Gap calibration print . NOTE: Once all four corner Print Pad Level calibration points are correct, verify the Z-Gap to ensure that it is still correct . 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 31: Printing Your Creation

    There are many 3D creations available at www .Cubify .com . In addition, you can create your own with the included Cubify Invent software. For more information about converting a .stl file into a .cubepro file which the printer can use, refer to the section titled CubePro Software .
  • Page 32 . You can also change the cartridge by selecting BACK and following the CHANGE CARTRIDGE instructions . To change the cartridge, refer to the section titled Replacing A Material Cartridge . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 33 . NOTE: The print jets required for the print job will begin to heat . CAUTION: Do not touch the print jets until they have cooled to room temperature . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 34 . NOTE: To cancel the print job, select CANCEL to confirm your decision . Otherwise, select RESUME to continue printing . Once the printer has finished printing, select the checkmark to continue . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 35 CAUTION: Do not touch the print jets until they have cooled to room temperature . Refer to the section Finishing Your Creation for information about removing your creation from the print pad and the procedure for cleaning the creation and the print pad . 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 36: 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 .cubepro file. Though it is recommended that printing be done without a raft, some larger, more complicated parts may require one .

  • Page 37: Removing Supports - Optional Ultrasonic Support Removal Tank

    After the model has been thoroughly washed, the PLA support material should easily crumble away . NOTE: A blunt knife can be used to scrape the support away from the model. Additional rinsing may help flush remaining support material fragments from the model . 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 38: Caustic Soda Method

    . 11 . Empty the caustic solution from the Ultrasonic Support Removal Tank . NOTE: It is safe to pour it in the sink as caustic soda can be used as a drain cleaner . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 39 . 16 . Once the ultrasonic process has completed the second time, use plastic tongs to remove the model from the ultrasonic tank . 17 . Rinse it under cold water for 1 to 2 minutes . 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 40: Cubepro Software

    CUBEPRO SOFTWARE CubePro software is an easy-to-use tool that simplifies the printing process. The software is available by logging in to your www . Cubify .com account . Downloads are available for Windows and Mac operating systems . INSTALLING WINDOWS SOFTWARE Go to www .Cubify .com...

  • Page 41: Installing Mac Software

    NOTE: The software will begin to install . NOTE: The software installation is complete . INSTALLING MAC SOFTWARE Go to www .Cubify .com and log in with your username and password . Select CubePro from the Products dropdown menu . Select Mac . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 42 Download the .dmg application file to your computer. Select the Downloads icon on the Dock and select the CubePro .dmg file. Drag the CubePro file into the Applications folder. 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 43: Cubepro Software Overview

    Before the printer can print a file, the software must slice it into layers during the build process. This process converts a .stl file to a .cubepro file which is the file type the printer can print. Once a .cubepro file has been generated, this print file can no longer be edited although the original .stl file can be used again to create another .cubepro file.

  • Page 44: Cad File Functions

    Enter the scale percentage Field the Z axis by the specified value. Scale the 3D model to the Undo the applied rotation and Revert - to mm millimeter value entered in the revert to the original position . field. 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 45: Color, Build, Print File And Help

    Contains Zoom, View and Print side of the model View Tab Path tools Select the button to view the right Right View Fit the model to the center of the side of the model Fit to Window window . 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 46: Print Paths

    Printer Set the printer type, number of Firmware Update the printer firmware. Configuration print jets and printer materials Update Printer Setup a wireless connection with Connection the printer 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 47: Printer Configuration

    Select the type and color of Set the number of print jets in your Print Jets Material material installed in cartridge bay 2 printer Print Jet 3 Select the type and color of Material material installed in cartridge bay 3 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 48: Build Settings

    The detail and smoothness of a Support used to create rafts and supports Resolution part Adjustments to print pattern fill and Advanced The strength of the inner structure the creation shell Print Strength of a creation Help Opens the help menu 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 49: Descriptions

    Best for parts that will be stressed Print Pattern Lines • Fastest print fill pattern • Minimal cross bracing Diamonds • Strong print pattern with 2-direction cross bracing Honeycomb • Strong print pattern with 3-direction cross bracing 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 50 The Advanced Build Settings utility allows you to customize the layer thickness of the Print Pattern Fill and the Shell Options . Print Pattern Fill Fill Spacing is the amount of space between interior supports . Lower values increase the interior strength of the creation . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 51 Support borders (A) reinforce supports (B) for overhanging parts and should not be used for holes and cavities (C) . Draw Fine Features Select enable for small parts with fine features. For larger parts needing more accuracy, this feature should not be enabled. 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 52: Firmware Update

    Firmware Update How to Update Firmware Instructions for updating firmware in your CubePro Download Firmware Download firmware to a mass storage device Printer Connection Printer Select Select the printer connection Discover Find an applicable printer on the network Add a printer using the printer’s IP address...

  • Page 53: Preparing And Printing A Creation

    CAUTION: Do not change the material cartridge color or material type during printing . Doing so may damage the printer . The CubePro software client includes useful tools to place a creation in the optimum position for printing . The model can be moved or rotated using the mouse .
  • Page 54 View Tab for more information . 10 . Browse to the location where the file will be saved and enter a file name. Select CubePro Build Files as Save As Type . Select Save . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 55 NOTE: The build file may take a few minutes to create. During this time, the file is being converted from a .stl file to a .cubepro file. NOTE: Once the build is complete, the estimated print time will appear . Select to close the window .

  • Page 56: Operation Procedures

    Apply the glue in a pattern that is slightly larger than the footprint of the creation you are printing . Layer 1 Apply a thin layer of glue to the print pad: Layer 2 Apply a second thin layer of glue to the print pad in the opposite direction: 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 57: Replacing A Material Cartridge

    REPLACING A MATERIAL CARTRIDGE The CubePro can utilize up to three installed cartridges depending on your printer model . The creation you wish to print may require a different color or material, or there may not be enough material left in the cartridge to complete your next print . Refer to the following steps to replace material cartridges .
  • Page 58 CAUTION: Do not attempt to push the excess material back into the cartridge . Doing so will cause the cartridge to bind making it unusable . Remove the thumbscrew securing the material to the new material cartridge . checkmark Select the to continue . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 59 11 . Gently push the material into the print jet until molten plastic extrudes into the jet checkmark wiper . Select the to continue . NOTE: When the material reaches far enough into the print jet area, a feed motor will assist with feeding the material into the print jet . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 60 . CAUTION: If replacing the third cartridge, be sure to rotate the second bay cartridge to its vertical position before selecting the checkmark . 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 61: Setting Up An Ad Hoc Network

    Using either the left or right the navigation arrows, navigate to the Network screen . Select WIFI . Select ADHOC from the Select WIFI Connection Type screen . ON/OFF Select the bar to turn on the ad hoc network connection . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 62 10 . Select Set up a new connection or network . 11 . Select Set up a wireless ad hoc (computer-to-computer) network . 12 . Select Next . 13 . Follow the steps in the wizard . 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 63: Cubepro Maintenance

    Printer Setup Remove the waste material from the jet wiper and then reinstall it in the CubePro . Refer to the section titled more information about installing the jet wiper . Recycling information can be found in the section titled Cubify Sustainability Program .

  • Page 64: General Cleaning

    Waste material from the printing process can accumulate inside the printer . Using a slightly damp, lint-free cloth, wipe the interior of the CubePro including the print plate, the print pad, cartridge bays and anywhere else you might find pieces of plastic waste material.
  • Page 65 If the wiper tip is too low, remove the jet wiper assembly and turn the adjustment thumbscrew (A) counter-clockwise . Reinstall the jet wiper and return to step 5 . Once satisfied with the adjustment, you may connect your printer to utility power and power on the printer . 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 66: Calibrating The Print Pad

    CAUTION: If the print pad is set too high, damage to the print pad or print jets may occur . NOTE: If the paper can not be inserted between the print jets and the print pad, turn the adjustment knob clockwise until there is a slight resistance on the paper . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 67 NOTE: If the paper can not be inserted between the print jets and the print pad, turn the adjustment knob clockwise until there is a slight resistance on the paper . 11 . Once completed, select the checkmark to exit the utility . 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 68: Calibrating The Z-Gap And Print Pad Level

    Print Pad Level - The Print Pad Level is a measurement to determine if the print pad is level with the print jet nozzles . The Print Pad Level should be checked and adjusted once the Z-Gap is correct . 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 69: Printing The Level Gap Calibration File

    Reading The Print Pad Level Calibration Print . NOTE: If any adjustments are needed, perform this procedure again after making the adjustments . Make sure all glue and plastic residue have been removed prior to performing this procedure again . 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 70: Reading The Z-Gap Calibration Print

    NOTE: The Closed Z-Gap (A) and the Open Z-Gap (B) are two different measurements but should be read together . Correct Closed Z-Gap Referring to the illustration, the Closed Z-Gap bars (B) should touch the baseline (A) . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 71 (3) print pad adjustment knobs clockwise (right) 1-step and reprint the file. Continue this procedure until there is a gap . NOTE: Once the Z-Gap is correct, reprint the file and check the Level Gap . 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 72: Reading The Print Pad Level Calibration Print

    (left) 1-step to decrease the gap . Reprint the Level Gap calibration print . NOTE: Once all four corner Print Pad Level calibration points are correct, verify the Z-Gap to ensure that it is still correct . 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 73: Calibrating The Offset Jets

    NOTE: Calibrating the Offset Jets is only applicable for printers with more than one (1) print jet installed . Calibration files can be downloaded from www .Cubify .com. These files are printed like any other .cubepro file. There are two files available. The Pro_2 file is for printers with two print jets and the Pro_3 file is for printers with 3 print jets. The exact file names may differ.

  • Page 74: Reading The Offset Jets Scale

    (left) direction. Compare the lines of print jet 1 and 3 to the left of the center arrows and find the printed lines that are properly aligned, In this illustration, the lines at -0 .3 are aligned . This means that the offset must be corrected by decreasing the offset by .3 mm . 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 75: Offset Jets Calibration Procedure

    . Be sure to refer to the actual scale printed by your printer and adjust the settings accordingly . www .Cubify .com Browse to and select the Cubes + dropdown menu . Select CubePro . Test Print Files . Select NOTE: The file will begin to download.
  • Page 76 Insert the mass storage device into the CubePro USB inlet port and select PRINT . Navigate to the calibration file and select PRINT . NOTE: The filename may differ from the illustration. NOTE: The printer may require you to install additional cartridges or replace a cartridge .
  • Page 77 13 . Once finished adjusting the settings, select the checkmark to continue. 14 . Remove the original calibration print from the print pad . Reprint the calibration file and verify that the arrows align properly on the X-axis and Y-axis. 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 78: Calibrating The Wipe Function

    JETS function from the Print Jet Calibration menu is a utility that enables you to test the print jet heating elements and the extruder operation . Print Jet Calibration CONTROL JETS . Navigate to the screen and select 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 79 0 .0°C . You can now select the next print jet and follow this procedure if necessary . NOTE: Pressing the values twice for target temperature and speed should change the values to 0 .0 . For further troubleshooting, contact Cubify Support at Cubifysupport@cubify .com . 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 80: Moving The Print Jets

    . NOTE: The Z: up arrow raises the print pad and the Z: down arrow lowers the print pad . Move the print jets or print pad in the desired direction and select the checkmark when finished. 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 81: Updating The Cubepro Firmware

    UPDATING THE CUBEPRO FIRMWARE The CubePro firmware can either be updated via wireless connection or by using a USB mass storage device. When using a USB mass storage device to update the firmware, log into your www.Cubify.com account and download the latest firmware to your device.

  • Page 82: Updating Firmware Using Wi-Fi

    . Updating Firmware Using WI-FI To update the firmware using the wireless utility, the printer must be connected to a wireless network. Select SETUP . Navigate to the Advanced screen and select FIRMWARE . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 83 NOTE: The printer will begin downloading new firmware. The blue bar is also a progress indicator . NOTE: The download 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 84 WARNING: DO NOT POWER OFF OR DISCONNECT THE PRINTER FROM UTILITY POWER DURING THE UPDATE PROCESS . NOTE: If the firmware update fails, select RETRY to attempt to install the firmware again. Select CANCEL if you do not want to update the firmware. 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 85: Replace Fuses

    Open the fuse door above the main power switch . Remove the fuse cartridge from the power inlet housing . Remove the defective fuses and install new ones . Caution: Ensure the replacement fuses are rated correctly . NOTE: Fuse: 5x20mm T10A L 250V . 3D Systems, Inc.
  • Page 86 Insert the fuse cartridge into the power inlet housing . Close the fuse door . Connect the printer power cord and power on the printer . 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 87: Error Codes

    The rate of temperature increase is below the expected rate of change Set point deviation • The temperature is different from the target temperature For more information, contact Cubify Support . CONTACTING SUPPORT Cubify Support is available at Cubifysupport@cubify .com . 3D Systems, Inc.

  • Page 88: Cubify Sustainability Program

    CubePro 3D printers use eco-friendly plastics that can be recycled, re-purposed or composted responsibly . 3D Systems invites all CubePro and Cubify consumers to partner in creating a cleaner world, one printed part at a time, by participating in the Cubify Sustainability Program .
  • Page 89 3D Systems, Inc . 333 Three D Systems Circle | Rock Hill, SC | 29730 www .3dsystems .com ©2014 3D Systems, Inc . All rights reserved . PN: 403163-00-EN Rev . A...

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