3D Systems CubeX Instruction Manual

CubeX 3D Printer

Instruction Manual

CubeX 3D printer

User guide

See inside for use and safety information.

INTRODUCTION

Copyright ...............................................................................................................3

FCC notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Warranty................................................................................................................3

Limitation of liability .......................................................................................................3

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Safety symbols and denitions...............................................................................................4

Safety guidelines .........................................................................................................4

CUBEX 3D PRINTER FEATURES AND BENEFITS

CubeX 3D printer properties.................................................................................................5

Print materials............................................................................................................5

Material color choices......................................................................................................5

At a glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Requirements for your CubeX ...............................................................................................7

UNPACKING AND SETTING UP THE CUBEX

What’s included ..........................................................................................................7

Unpacking your CubeX...................................................................................................8-9

Activate your CubeX and link to your Cubify account.............................................................................10

Removing the remaining packing materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

CubeX main menu overview................................................................................................12

Installing the Print Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Checking the XYZ axis ....................................................................................................13

Checking the Z-gap between the Print Jet tip and the Print Pad ....................................................................14

Installing Material Cartridge .............................................................................................14-15

Replacing a Material Cartridge...........................................................................................15-16

Create a test print........................................................................................................16

INSTALL YOUR CUBIFY INVENT SOFTWARE........................................................................17

DOWNLOADING AND INSTALLING CUBEX SOFTWARE .......................................................... 17-18

CubeX software overview............................................................................................... 18-19

CubeX software user interface

Home Tab ...........................................................................................................19

View Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Settings Tab .........................................................................................................20

CREATION FILE PREPARATION & PRINTING YOUR CREATIONS

How to open les in the CubeX software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-21

Opening a single part le ..................................................................................................21

Opening multiple single part les . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-22

Positioning multiple parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Opening a multi-part assembly le ........................................................................................22-23

Using the shell selector tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Rotating a part ..........................................................................................................24

Scaling a part . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Using the CubeX software to build a .cubex le..............................................................................24-25

Saving a .cubex le for printing .............................................................................................25

Printing your creation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

FINISHING YOUR CREATION

Removing your creation from the Print Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Removing rafts ..........................................................................................................26

Removing supports with wire cutters .........................................................................................26

Removing supports with the Ultrasonic Support Removal Tank.....................................................................27

Hot water method .....................................................................................................27

Caustic soda method ..................................................................................................28

CUBEX MAINTENANCE

Restoring roughness to the Print Pad.........................................................................................29

Leveling the Jet Wiper height ...............................................................................................29

Leveling the Aluminum Print Plate ........................................................................................29-30

Fine-tuning your Print Pad .................................................................................................31

Unblocking the CubeX Print Jet tip...........................................................................................31

Unblocking the CubeX Print Jet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Setting the Print Jet gap ................................................................................................31-32

Updating CubeX rmware ..............................................................................................32-34

Restoring the settings your CubeX 3D printer rmware from v1.01 ..................................................................34

How to contact Cubify support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Setting up the CubeX Print Jet offsets .....................................................................................34-35

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing the CubeX™ 3D Printer. This printer enables everybody in the family to express their creativity like

never before. With eighteen different material colors to choose from, enjoy the freedom to print in color or mix it up.

CubeX 3D Printer’s ready-to-print technology, provides a new dimension to your imagination and helps you share your

creations with others in the Cubify community at Cubify.com. At Cubify.com you can:

• Upload your creations for sale

• Purchase creations from others

• Get your creations 3D printed and shipped to you

• Buy the CubeX 3D Printer and CubeX Cartridges

• Engage with other creative partners

proprietary information that is the property of 3D Systems, Inc. Cubify, CubeX, and the 3D Systems logo are registered trademarks of 3D Systems, Inc.

Use of the Cubify.com website constitutes acceptance of its Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

FCC NOTICE

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class “B” digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits

are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy

and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of

this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at their

expense.

WARRANTY

3D Systems warrants that the CubeX 3D Printer will be free from defects in materials and workmanship, during the applicable warranty period, when

used under the normal conditions described in the documentation provided to you, including this User Guide. 3D Systems will promptly repair or

replace the CubeX 3D Printer, if required, to make it free of defects during the warranty period. This warranty excludes (i) normal consumable or

expendable parts (such as Material Cartridges), (ii) repairs required during the warranty period because of abnormal use or conditions (such as riots,

oods, misuse, neglect or improper service by anyone except 3D Systems or its authorized service provider), and (iii) repairs required during the

warranty period because of the use of non-integrated, non-approved or non-licensed materials with the CubeX 3D Printer. The warranty period for the

CubeX 3D printer is the shorter of (i) 90 days from the date your CubeX 3D printer is activated or (ii) 24 months after the CubeX 3D Printer is shipped

from 3D Systems to the end customer or intermediary. For consumers who are covered by consumer protection laws or regulations in their country of

purchase or, if different, their country of residence, the benets conferred by our ninety (90) day warranty are in addition to, and operate concurrently

with, all rights and remedies conveyed by such consumer protection laws and regulations, including but not limited to these additional rights.

THIS WARRANTY IS THE ONLY WARRANTY PROVIDED FOR THE CUBEX 3D PRINTER. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, 3D

SYSTEMS EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES FOR THE CUBEX 3D PRINTER AND EACH OF ITS COMPONENTS, WHETHER

THOSE WARRANTIES ARE EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR

INTENDED OR PARTICULAR PURPOSES.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

3D SYSTEMS WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR INDIRECT, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, EXEMPLARY OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES (SUCH AS

LOSS OF PROFIT OR EMPLOYEE’S TIME) REGARDLESS OF THE REASON. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE LIABILITY AND/OR OBLIGATIONS OF

3D SYSTEMS ARISING OUT OF THE PURCHASE, LEASE, LICENSE AND/OR USE OF THE EQUIPMENT BY YOU OR OTHERS EXCEED THE

PURCHASE PRICE OF THE CUBEX 3D PRINTER.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

SAFETY SYMBOLS AND DEFINITIONS

Hot Surface Hazard: A hot surface is accessible in the vicinity of this sign or at the Print Jet; avoid contact. Hot

surfaces can cause severe burns.

Caution: Indicates something may happen that could cause loss of data, damage to equipment, or could cause personal injury.

Caution: Indicates a pinch point hazard that could cause person injury.

SAFETY GUIDELINES

• Follow all safety rules in this section and observe all cautions and warnings in this guide.

• Do not modify any safety features or make modications to the CubeX. Doing so is prohibited and voids the warranty.

• Use of print materials other than genuine 3D Systems components may void the warranty.

• Adult supervision is required; observe children closely and intervene as necessary to prevent potential safety problems and

ensure the CubeX’s appropriate use. Ensure small 3D prints are not accessible to young children. 3D prints are potential choking

hazards for young children.

• When the CubeX is operating, the tip of the material dispenser (Print Jet) becomes hot; avoid touching this area until it has

cooled down.

CUBEX 3D PRINTER FEATURES AND BENEFITS

The CubeX 3D Printer creates the model by pulling lament from the cartridge through the print jets via the delivery tubes. The lament is then jetted through the print jet tip in a thin string of molten plastic. 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.

CUBEX 3D PRINTER PROPERTIES

• Plastic Jet Printing technology

• Houses up to three print jets for multi-color and multi-material prints

• Choice between ABS and PLA plastic, both recyclable

• Prints objects up to 275 x 265 x 240 mm (10.75”x10.5”x9.5”)

• EZ load print cartridge

• Fully automated supports: peel off supports for ABS and PLA; PLA supports can also be removed using the Ultrasonic

Support Removal Tank available at Cubify.com/cubex/store_parts.aspx

PRINT MATERIALS

The CubeX can use two different types of print materials: PLA and ABS. Each material has unique benets and you can

guide your selection based on the properties your part requires.

PLA This is a hard plastic that has a low environmental impact. It is derived from renewable, starch-based

resources.

We recommend using PLA when printing extra-large parts on CubeX as it is a more stable print material.

PLA is the optimal support material for industrial ABS parts. PLA has the ability to dissolve away in caustic soda solutions supported by an ultra-sonic tank. (see page 36 for more information)

ABS This is a well-known plastic known for its strength and industrial properties.

As a build material, ABS is good for both small and large parts.

ABS works as an excellent support material for extra-large PLA parts.

MATERIAL COLOR CHOICES

Glow-in-the-

dark Neon

Green

Neon Orange

* Natural is only available in PLA plastic, not ABS.

Glow-in-the-

dark Neon

Blue

Tan

White

Yellow

Black

Neon Green

Silver

Green

Industrial Grey

Blue

Natural*

Teal

Magenta

Purple

Red

Brown

AT A GLANCE

Get acquainted with your CubeX 3D Printer before you begin printing. This section identies the important areas that will be

discussed throughout this guide.

CubeX Duo is depicted for illustration purposes only. Locations of important areas are the same for the Cube X and Cube X Trio.

H I J

Touchscreen

Function button

Front

Bottom

Underneath top cover

H I J

K L M

Top area, inside printer

Bottom area, inside printer

Print Jet 2

Print Jet 3

Jet Wiper

D L

Z-axis

E M

Print Pad & Print Plate

F N

Memory stick USB port and PC connection USB port

Power supply

Print Jet 1

Print Jet Tip 1

Print Jet Tip 2

Print Jet Tip 3

Material Cartridge Bay 1 (for Print Jet 1)

Material Cartridge Bay 2 (for Print Jet 2)

Material Cartridge Bay 3 (for Print Jet 3)

REQUIREMENTS FOR YOUR CUBEX

Weight and dimensions:

• 515mm (w) x 515mm (l) x 598mm (h) (20 ¼” x 20 ¼” x 23 ½” inches)

• 36kg (79 lbs)

• 37kg (81.5 lbs) Duo

• 38kg (84 lbs) Trio

Minimum hardware requirements (a PC with these minimum requirements will be required to run the software):

• Processor: Multi-core processor - 2GHz or faster

per core

• System RAM: 2 GB

• Screen Resolution: 1024x768

PC requirements:

• Microsoft® Windows® 7

• Microsoft® Windows® XP (SP3 or higher)

• Microsoft® Windows® 8

Software:

• CubeX Client Software, available at Cubify.com

Electrical requirements:

• 110-240v AC

Material storage (although all polymers degrade with time, the following conditions help ensure that the material remains of high quality):

• Unpack material only as needed

• Store material at 10-30°C

• Use within 12 months of receipt

UNPACKING AND SETTING UP THE CUBEX

WHAT’S INCLUDED

CubeX printer

Snips Print Pad cleaner

Material cartridge CubeStick (x2) Jet Wiper Power cord

Needle

nose pliers

Wrench Allen

(scraper)

Print Pad

Toolkit USB Stick

screwdrivers

(x3)

DrillbitSandpaperHex

Wrench

UNPACKING YOUR CUBEX

1. Open the box and remove the top acrylic lid located between two layers of foam. Set

aside the two foam inserts for future packing. (Fig. 1)

2. With two people, remove CubeX from the box, lift from the metal frame on both sides

of the printer. Place CubeX on a table. (Fig. 2)

3. Remove the material cartridges and tool kit from the bottom of box. (Fig. 3)

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

Fig. 3

4. Using the snips located in the tool kit, cut blue straps away from cardboard. Cut away

all blue zip ties securing the printer carriage. (Fig. 4)

5. Using the snips, cut away all yellow zip ties securing the foam parts in place.

Remove foam packing material. (Fig. 5)

6. Remove all foam ttings. (Fig. 6)

Fig. 4

Fig. 5

Fig. 6

7. Lift the cardboard piece from the foam package and remove the foam package. This

package includes your power cord, Cube Stick glue and the jet wiper. (Fig. 7)

8. Remove print pad from CubeX. (Fig. 8)

9. Using the 4 x 100 hex screwdriver (located in tool kit), remove plexiglass Z-Axis

guard by unbolting the 4 screws holding it in place and remove plexiglass and bolts. (Fig. 9)

Fig. 7

Fig. 8

Fig. 9

10. To power on, plug the power cord into the power supply located underneath the

printer base. Lift the right side of the printer to gain access to the power supply. (Fig.

10)

11. The LED on the control panel should light up indicating the printer has power.

Remove the “Warning” label from the touchscreen. (Fig. 11)

12. Press the Control button, the CubeX Activation Screen will appear. You will need to

Fig. 10

Fig. 11

Fig. 12

ACTIVATE YOUR CUBEX AND LINK TO YOUR CUBIFY ACCOUNT

Creating an account on Cubify.com is easy and gives you access to all of the great designs and collections that will drive and inspire your creativity.

• To create an account, type in Cubify.com in your web browser and click on

on Log In and provide your User ID and Password. (Fig. 13)

Fig. 13

• In My Cubify drop down menu, Click on Activate my CubeX. (Fig. 14)

Fig. 14

• Enter the SERIAL NUMBER; the serial number is located on the interior back wall and on the back of the CubeX frame. (Fig. 15)

• Enter the CubeX ID; this ID can be found on the upper right corner of the CubeX touchscreen and click ACTIVATE. (Fig. 15)

• Congratulation, Your CubeX is now activated in Cubify.com. To unlock your CubeX, the four digit Activation Code that appears on the screen will be needed. (Fig. 16) Also, an email will be sent to you with your Activation Code. Click on Marketplace drop down menu and click on Free Files. Download

the free creation les to your USB stick or save them on your computer.

• Enter the Activation ID into your CubeX using the numbers on your

touchscreen and select the check box (Fig. 17); your CubeX is now unlocked. Make a note of your activation code as this may be required in the future. Click on the check box again to return to the touchscreen menu.

Fig. 15

Fig. 16

Fig. 17

+ 26 hidden pages