MUTOH Value 3D MagiX MF-1100 Operation Manual

MF-1100

Thank you for buying the Value 3D MagiX MF-1100. Please read this manual before using this products for long term usage. This

product has been adjusted before shipment from the factory.

OPERATION

MANUAL

[Warranty Regulations]

■Repairs shall be charged for in the following cases even during the warranty period.

(a) Malfunctions caused by misuse (for example, by performing operations not described in

this Operation Manual)

(b) Malfunctions caused by use of supplies which is not qualified by

MUTOHENGINEERING INC.

MUTOH ENGINEERING INC. or a designated contractor

(d) Malfunctions caused by fire, natural disaster, natural calamity, lightning strikes, abnormal

voltage, etc.

(e) Malfunctions caused by immersion in water, falling, mud, sand, dust, gas (e.g. sulfide-

containing gas), etc.

(f) Malfunctions caused by deficiencies in storage (e.g. storage under abnormal temperature or

humidity conditions) (g) Malfunctions caused by improper maintenance (h) Malfunctions or damage caused by transportation, transfer, falling, etc. after purchase (i) Malfunctions and damage caused when the equipment is loaded on a vehicle, ship, etc. (j) When the warranty is not presented (k) When the date of purchase, purchaser's address, purchaser's name, and the name of the store of

purchase is not entered in the warranty or these have been altered (l) When the main unit has been resold (m) Replacement of supplies, etc.

This warranty is valid only in Japan.

■This warranty shall not be re-issued even if it has been lost. Keep it stored in a safe place.

■We shall make no guarantee whatsoever for any direct or indirect damages arising from use

or malfunction of the product.

■Name, address, telephone number, and other details provided by the customer may sometimes be used for product servicing and safety check activities for after service.

■The firmware of the MF-1100 is open source, and is licensed under the General Public License (GPL). The source code can be provided upon request. However, that we cannot provide support for source code. Also, corrections made to the software by the user and distribution of the software performed by the user shall be the responsibility of the user in accordance with the GPL. We shall not assume any liability whatsoever for corrections and distribution performed by the user. For the full text of the GPL, refer to the following web site:

http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-3.0.html

Contents

1. Safety Precautions 4

2. Checking Accessories 5

3. Names of Parts 6

4. Installing the Main Unit 8

5. Installing the Software 15

6. Initial Setup of the Slicer 17

7. Installing the Driver on the PC Connected to the Printer 18

8. Initial Setup of the Control Software 21

9. Preparing the Filament 23

10. Basic Operations 25

Details of Pronterface 33

11. Printing from MicroSD Cards 35

12. Reattaching Polyimide Tape 36

13. Replacing the Heater Head 37

14. Using the MagiX LED Light 39 (Supplementary Explanation 1) Glossary 40 (Supplementary Explanation 2) Troubleshooting 41 (Supplementary Explanation 3) Main Unit Specifications 42

1. Safety Precautions

This section describes items that should be strictly observed to prevent injury to the user and others and damage to property. Before reading the main descriptions in this manual, fully understand the content (indications/graphic symbols) described below and observe the descriptions provided.

[Explanation of Indications Used in This Manual]

Indications

Meaning

WARNING

This indicates that mishandling of the product by the user may result in death or serious injury.

CAUTION

This indicates that mishandling of the product by the user may result in injury or damage to property.

[Explanation of Graphic Symbols Used in This Manual]

Graphic Symbol

Meaning

PROHIBITED

This indicates a "prohibited action" that must not be performed.

INSTRUCTION

This indicates an "instruction" that must be performed.

WARNING

1. Never allow pets or other living creatures inside the equipment. The equipment and printing will not function properly.

2. During printing, be sure to keep the front cover closed, and do not put

your hands inside the equipment. Otherwise, your hands may get caught by rotating parts and get injured or burned by hot parts.

WARNING

CAUTION

3. If the previous printed model or other obstacles are on the heat table, the equipment and printing will not function properly. This is also may result in equipment malfunction.

4. Safety cannot be assured when molded objects are used as houseware.

5. Never use MUTOH ENGINEERING INC. products for making objects that

violate the Ordnance Manufacturing Act, Swords and Firearms Control Law (known more by its official name the Law to Control the Possession

of Firearms and Swords), regulations for the upbringing of young people

and other laws and ordinances, and public order and standards of decency. MUTOH ENGINEERING INC. accepts no liability whatsoever for items produced as indicated above and for their use.

2. Checking Accessories

The following are the accessories for this equipment. Check that all accessories are provided in the packing case.

Q'ty

1 pc

4 sheets

Accessory/Name

AC adapter for main

1 pc

AC adapter for LED lighting

(See "14. Using the MagiX LED Light.")

PLA filament (white) 1 kg

USB cable, 1.5 m

1 pc

Spanner (13 mm)

Polyimide tape

*This is attached to the table.

3. Names of Parts

Front Inside

Front side

Adjuster foot (4 locations)

Top

Filament shaft

Filament stopper

Filament guide

Print head

Heat table

Left side panel

Micro SD card slot

USB terminal

Power terminal

4. Installing the Main Unit

1. Open the top of the cardboard packing case.

2. Remove the pad from the top and the corner pads on all four corners.

CAUTION

・ When using a box cutter to open the cardboard packing case, take care not to

insert the blade of the box cutter too deep.

・

Doing so,it might damage the main unit.

Top side view

3. Remove the main unit.

Filament

4. Take out the accessories. The accessories are secured in place by tape under the main unit.

CAUTION

・ This work should be performed by at least two personnel. ・

When removing the main unit, hold the frame at the sections marked in

red.

The following are the accessories for this equipment. Check that all accessories are provided in the packing case.

5. Install at a sturdy, level and stable location.

Q'ty

1 pc

4 sheets

Accessory/Name AC adapter

1 pc

AC adapter for LED lighting

PLA filament (white) 1 kg

USB cable, 1.5 m

1 pc

Spanner (13 mm)

Polyimide tape

*This is attached to the table.

WARNING

・

Install the main unit so that the power plug can be easily removed.

(A power switch is not provided on the main unit. So, remove the power plug when the main unit is not to be used for a long time.)

・ Install the main unit at a level and stable location where it will not tip over or fall in the

event of an earthquake, for example.

At the installation site, ensure at least 30 mm of space away from inflammable materials in the

surrounding area.

6. Adjust the adjuster feet.

■Prepare the 13 mm spanner (supplied). (1) Adjust the adjuster feet so that all four feet are in contact with the surface of the installation

site. (2) Turn the top ring to adjust the height of the adjuster feet.

(3) To lower the feet, turn left of the top ring. To left the feet, turn right of the ring.

*In the initial state, the feet are raised.

(4) When all four feet are in contact with the surface of the installation site, tighten the nut of the adjusted feet with the spanner to secure the feet in place.

Tighten with the spanner to secure feet in place

Falls Rises

Turn

View from top of main unit

7. Remove the fixing brackets for the packaging.

■Two fixed brackets for the packaging are secured in place, one to secure the print head and one to

secure the heat table.

(1) Press the in packed bracket on the front face marked "PUSH" to open the door. (2) Turn the nut and screw of the fixing bracket installed on the left side of the print head to

unfasten the bracket, and remove the bracket while opening it out.

(3) A fixing bracket is attached to the heat table on the front right side. In the same way as for

the print head, turn the nut and screw of the fixing bracket to loosen the bracket, and remove the bracket while opening it out.

Turn the nut and screw to remove

Remove while

8. Connect the USB cable to the PC.

■Prepare the supplied USB cable (1) Insert one end of the USB cable into the USB terminal on the left side panel of the main unit. (2) Insert the other end of the USB cable into the USB terminal on the PC.

USB terminal

CAUTION

・ Allow sufficient slack in the cable. If the cable is taut, vibration may cause

the connection to become loose, which will result in communications being

disconnected and printing interrupted.

9. Connect the power cable.

■Prepare the AC adapter (supplied).

(1) Insert the cable (supplied) into the AC adapter main unit.

(2) Insert the round plug of the AC adapter into the power terminal on the side of the main unit.

Power terminal

(3) Insert the plug of the AC adapter into the power outlet.

Firmly insert the power plug into the 100 VAC power outlet properly. We recommend to use ground for the usage of plug.

5. Installing the Software

■Before installing the software, it must first be downloaded from our company's web site. Make sure

that PC environment of the PC to connect to the printer supports an Internet connection. If an Internet connection is not supported, contact our Call Center and ask them to send you a CD containing the software.

Use an English name comprising single-byte letter and number characters for the Windows user accounts to be used. Operation may malfunction if user accounts contain a Japanese name (double-byte

characters). The software comprises two pieces of software, the equipment control software Pronterface and the

model slicer Slic3r. The following describes the procedure from software download through to installation.

(1) Access our company's MF Series web site.

http://www.mutoheng.com/3d

(2) Download the software from the MF Series web page.

(3) The software is downloaded as a zipped file. Double click this zipped file to unzip it at the desired

directory. (*Japanese is not allowed in the file path.) When the file is unzipped, you should see four folders created.

* At our web site, the software is checked for viruses. A security warning may be displayed depending on

your PC environment. If a security warning is displayed, use your own anti-virus software to check for any problems.

(4) Create Desktop shortcuts for the control software and slicer startup files. After the file is

unzipped, the startup files are "Control software startup.bat" in the Pronterface folder and "Slic3r.exe" in the Slic3r folder.

Creating a shortcut on the Desktop

(5) Create shortcuts for the above files on the Desktop.

(Right click the file, and select "Send" > "Desktop (Create Shortcut).) This

completes installation. Next, make the initial setup for the slicer.

6. Initial Setup of the Slicer

■Initial setup of the slicer (Slic3r) (when started for the first time) Before starting up Slic3r, start up the batch file and make the initial setup for the MF-1100. (1) To start the initial setup, double click the "Slic3r setup installation.bat" file in the "Slic3r setup

file" folder.

The batch file is started up, and the initial setup is executed.

(2) Start up the slicer, and try checking if the initial setup has been made. To start up the slicer,

double click the "Slic3r.exe" shortcut on the Desktop. The initial setup has been completed if the following screen is displayed.

7. Installing the Driver on the PC Connected to the Printer

(first time only)

Download the driver from a PC environment that supports an Internet connection, and then install the driver.

(1) To access the driver, access the web site of the following manufacturer.

Name of manufacturer: Corporate Headquarters Future Technology Devices International Limited

URL：http://www.ftdichip.com/

(2) In the menu on the left side of the screen, select "Drivers" > "VCP Drivers".

(3) Select the driver setup execution image (setup executable) for Windows from the table (Release

Date 2014-09-29) roughly in the center of the page.

(4) Download the driver to a specified directory or place on the PC such as the Desktop, and execute the file.

(5) Perform installation by following the on-screen messages.

Sample: Start up Windows 7 driver installation file "

CDM v2.12.00 WHQL Certified.exe

* To start up the file, right click on the file and then click "Run as administrator".

[Reference 1] The COM number can be checked. (Windows 7 OS)

(1) Right click and select "Computer" in Windows, and select "Management". (2) Select the "Device Manager" category from "Computer Management". (3) The COM number can be checked by selecting "Port" from Device Manager and displaying

the tree.

8. Initial Setup of the Control Software

■Initial setup of the control software

(Pronterface) (1) Set the port (Port). (required item)

Make sure that 3DMagiX is turned ON. Next, start up Pronterface. (To start up, double click the "Start Control Software" icon.)

Next, select the COM number you first checked from the "Port" selection options. (circled in red on the left) If the COM ports are not displayed, restart

Pronterface.

(2) Set the communication speed to 250000 if it is not set.

(3) Click the "Connect" button to connect to the printer. When you have set and checked the port and

communication speed, click the "Connect" button. If the screen remains grayed out even by pressing the "Connect" button, this means that the connection to the COM port has not been made. Change the COM port value, and click the "Connect" button. When the connection is made, the screen changes from the grayed out state to enter the online mode, and "Printer online" is displayed on the console screen on the right.

Return to Z-axis home

(4) After the connection is made, click on the circular sections of [+X][-X][+Y][-Y]. This moves the

table and head. (Clicking closer to the outside of the circle increases the travel distance of the table and head.) Move the head to near the center of the table.

(5) Next, click the "Z Height Home Return" button (see figure above). The head moves to the lowest position.

(6) Try inserting sheets of copy paper in between the table and the head. There is no problem in the

gap between the table and head if you feel slight resistance with two sheets inserted (about 0.2 mm).

(Normally, the distance is adjusted before shipment from the factory.) If there is no longer any resistance with three or more sheets inserted or only one sheet can be inserted, the Z-axis needs to be adjusted. To adjust the Z-axis, you need a 2.5 mm hexagonal wrench. First, loosen the lower fixing nut (5.5 mm), then turn the Z-axis adjusting screw to move the Z-axis up and down. Adjust the Z-axis to the correct height. When adjustment is finished, tighten the fixing nut and check the distance between the table and head again.

(7) Click the [+Z] direction button to raise the head about 5 cm from the table. (8) Next, prepare the filament.

CAUTION

・ In low air temperatures, for example, the belt may harden and prevent the Z-

axis from moving. If this happens, turn the power OFF, try moving the belt by hand to the left and right. When there is no longer any resistance, turn the power back ON again, and try moving the belt again.

Head falls

Head rises

Head

Molding table

2 sheets of copy

Z-axis

Fixing nut

CAUTION

・ The Z-axis adjusting screw is for adjusting the sensor position of the Z home

position. The result of turning the screw is not immediately apparent. Move the

Z-axis about 10 mm in the [+Z] direction in Pronterface, and then click the "Z

Height Home Return" button. That height becomes the adjusted height.

9. Preparing the Filament

■Prepare the genuine product (accessory) or separately purchased genuine product filament. (1) Insert the filament reel into the filament shaft, and install the filament stopper. When the filament

stopper is installed, turn and secure the knob in place. At this time, make sure that the end of the filament is at the front side facing down.

CAUTION

・ Output using a non-genuine filament cannot be assured.

・

Ensure a gap between the filament reel and filament stopper so that the filament

reel rotates smoothly. Insufficient rotation of the filament reel may prevent the

filament from being fed during printing.

・

After inserting the filament stopper, firmly secure the stopper in place by the

knob. If the filament stopper is loose, it might fall during operation.

・

Before inserting the filament, pull and extend the filament straight to a certain extent

to take up any kinks in the winding. We also recommend cutting the tip of the

filament at an angle so that it can enter the nozzle more easily.

・

The melting temperature of different types of filament varies. So, we recommend

changing the heater head when using different types of filament. Please note that

guarantees cannot be made when outputting different types of filament by a single

heater head.

・

PLA gradually becomes brittle and easily breaks due to hydrolysis caused by

humidity. After use, remove the reel from the main unit, and store it in a sealed

state. Be sure to use up the reel within three months. In particular, pay attention

when using or storing the reel in humid seasons.

CAUTION

・ Bring the filament into contact with the

pressurizing roller and feed gear. If these parts are not in contact with each other, the filament

may no longer be fed during printing

Pressurizing arm

(2) Loosen the pressurizing arm knob, extend the arm, and

insert the filament end into the nozzle.

Insert the filament until its end is in contact inside the nozzle

by about 2 cm from the nozzle inlet. If it is difficult to

perform this operation, use long-nose pliers or another tool.

(3) Tighten the pressurizing arm knob so that the spring is

about 5 to 6 mm long, and bring the filament into contact with the pressurizing roller and feed gear.

Nozzl

(4) In Pronterface, enter the temperature at the "Nozzle" item, and click the "Set" button. For PLA, enter

185℃, and for ABS, enter 230℃.

(5) Wait until the nozzle temperature has reached the specified temperature.

(6) When the nozzle temperature has risen to the specified temperature, enter "5 mm, @100 mm / min" in the entry field under the "Feed Filament" button.

(7) Click the "Feed Filament" button, and check that the melted filament resin is pressed out from the

nozzle tip.

Click the "Feed Filament" button several times until resin is pressed out of the nozzle tip.

Before clicking the button again, wait for the feed unit to stop operating.

(8) When you have checked that resin is pressed out of the nozzle tip, remove the resin with tweezers

or a similar tool.

■How to remove the filament The procedure for removing attached filament during replacement, for example, is as follows. (1) Heat up the nozzle to a temperature matched to the filament that is currently attached. In Pronterface,

enter the temperature at the "Nozzle" item, and click the "Set" button. (For PLA, enter 185℃, and for ABS, enter 230℃.)

(2) In Pronterface , click the "Draw Out" button. The end of the filament is drawn out of the nozzle.

(3) Remove the filament stopper and the reel.

WARNING

・ When removing resin, be sure to use tweezers or pliers.

・

This is because the nozzle and resin are hot immediately after they are pressed out.

Do not use your bare hands. Doing so might cause burns.

CAUTION

・ If the end of the filament hardens while it is being

drawn out, try reinserting the filament, reheating the nozzle and clicking the "Draw Out" button again.

・

Take care with the end of the drawn out filament so

that it immediately passes through the hole in the reel and does not cross over other filaments in the reel. If

filament crosses over other filaments in the reel, this may result in the filament getting caught in the reel during molding.

10. Basic Operations

The flow of operations from preparing the model through to completion of printing is as follows:

Create the STL data to be printed using commercially available 3D CAD or modeling software.

How to create basic G code data

■Prepare the STL data of the model to be printed (1) Start up Slic3r.

Preparation of model STL data

Conversion of STL data to G code data by slicer software Slic3r

Printing of G code data by control software Pronterface

(2) On the "Filament Setting" tab, select the filament to be used. (The default setting is 3.0 mm PLA.)

Also, make sure that "Print Settings" or "Printer Settings" is set to "MF-1100".

(3) Either drag the STL file from Explorer, or click the "Add Model" button in the "Model Layout" tab

window to read the STL file to be printed.

(4) The external profile of the model is displayed. The 3D shape of the model can be checked by double clicking the external profile.

(5) Change the settings as required. For example, to change the thickness of a layer (modeling pitch),

set the value of "Layer Thickness" at the "Layer and Wall" category in the "Print Settings" tab window. Also, set support material related settings at the "Support" category.

* Supports are sometimes made quite strong in this version of the slicer software. So, if necessary, try

making them using version 0.9. For methods of use, refer to the MF-1000 Operation Manual.

ABS 1.75 mm

PLA 1.75 mm

ABS 3.0 mm

PLA 3.0 mm

The minimum value is 0.05 mm and the maximum value is 0.5 mm. (In this example, this is set as

0.3 mm.)

(6) In the "Filament Settings" tab window, you can check the filament diameter and other settings. At

the slicer default setting, the "Slic3r setup installation.bat" file is started up and the settings required at execution of that file are set in advance. You can also make "Cooling" related settings regarding how the fan should be used. For ABS, set a weaker fan value.

Reference

・ The print finish changes according to the modeling pitch setting. ・

Setting a small pitch setting results in a finer finish on the printed surface,

however, printing takes longer.

・

Setting a large pitch setting shortens the printing time but results in a

rougher printed surface.

A modeling pitch of 0.05 mm is not guaranteed in all printing operations.

(7) In the "Printer Settings" tab window, the size of the table (modeling plate), etc. can be checked.

Item

Check

Table size

X: 200 Y: 200

Print center

X: 100 Y: 100

Types of firmware G code

MF-1000, etc.

(8) Return to the "Model Layout" tab window, and click the "Output G Code" button.

(9) The Save G Code File window is displayed. Specify the directory to save the G code file to, and click the "Save" button.

(10) The G code file is created, and the amount of consumed filament is displayed.

(11) This completes creation of G code data. Exit Slic3r.

Select "File(F)" and click "Exit".

Next, perform printing using the G code file you created.

(12) Check the following items:

ž Power is supplied to the equipment from the AC adapter. ž The PC is connected to the equipment by the USB cable.

(13) Start up Pronterface. Click the [Connect] button to connect to the printer.

(14) Click the "Open" button, and read the G code file that you created.

The window for reading the G code file is displayed. Specify the G code file (.gcode) that you created and click the "Open" button.

When reading of the G code file is completed, the print pass route is displayed in the grid in the center. Also, the following details are displayed in the fields on the right side:

ž G code storage directory and file name ž Total number of lines of G code ž Print width, depth and height ž Total number of layers and estimated required print time

(15) Open the door before printing, and make sure that there are no objects

on the heat table. Also, wipe the table top clean. (We recommend cleaning the table top with alcohol.)

Oil on your hands, for example, transferring to the heat table might cause molded objects to dislodge from the table.

Be sure to close the door after checking inside the equipment.

(16) Click the "Print" button to start printing.

The print start time is displayed in the fields on the right side. "Printing started at **:**:**" is displayed. (Hours, minutes and seconds are displayed at *.)

CAUTION

・ If the previous printed model or other obstacles are on the heat table, the

equipment and printing will not function properly. This also may result in equipment malfunction.

WARNING

・ Before starting printing, be sure to close the door. If the door is open,

there is the danger that your hands might get inside while the equipment is operating. There is also the risk that the nozzle temperature will not be stable which might impair the finish of the printed model.

CAUTION

・ If the PC is in power save mode and enters sleep mode after a preset time

elapses, cancel that setting. Output stops when the PC enters a sleep mode.

Clean with alcohol

(17) When printing ends, the message "Printing ended at **:**:**. Time required for printing was **:**:**" is displayed in the field at the bottom right, operation of the equipment head stops, and the heat table moves to the front and comes to a stop.

(18) Cool the printed model to allow it to harden. After printing ends, the printed model is hot and

soft. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for the model to cool naturally since it is still attached to the table. The printed model can be easily removed from the table once the table has cooled down. If you find it difficult to remove the printed model from the table, you can also remove it by applying impact in the side direction, for example, by lightly tapping with a plastic hammer.

CAUTION

・ Immediately after printing ends, the printed model is hot and soft.

Before removing the printed model from the table, allow it to cool down

naturally. Removing the printed model from the table while it is still hot may result in the model being deformed or burns

Detailed Description of Pronterface Software

(1) "Open" button

This reads G code files. G code files are appended with the .gcode extension. When a G code file is opened, an image of the created model is displayed in the preview screen.

(2) "Print/Reprint" button

This prints G code files from the beginning after they have been read.

(3) "Pause/Resume" button

This pauses and resumes printing. When printing is resumed, the created model may deviate from its intended position if the print head has been moved vertically or filament has been discharged while printing is paused.

(4) "Off" button

This turns the motor, heaters and fans OFF. *Be sure to disconnect the power plug when the equipment is not to be used for a long time.

(5) "Motor OFF" button

This turns the motor power OFF so that the equipment can be moved manually. The nozzle and heat table are hot immediately after the motor is turned off. So, be careful of burns when moving the equipment manually.

(6) XYZ motor operation panel

(When the equipment is installed with the front face facing the front, the X-, Y- and Z-axis directions are as follows: the X-axis is the direction of left to right movement of the print head, the Y-axis is the direction of front to back movement of the heat table, and the Z-axis is the direction

(1) (12)

(3) (4)

(1(7(9(8(1

of vertical movement of the print head.)

Before starting manual operation, be sure to perform a home return. The three axes return to their home positions by clicking the button at the bottom left of the circle.

To operate the motors, click any location within the circle. The axes move backwards, forwards, left and right, in small increments when clicked near the center of the circle and in large increments when clicked nearer the outside of the circle. The bar (Z-axis) on the right side corresponds to operation of vertical print head movement. The same applies here, too. The increment of movement increases the further away from the center you click. *Operations on this panel cannot be performed during creation of the model since instructions are sent automatically from the G code file.

(7) Nozzle/heat table temperature operation panel

This panel is for operating the temperature of the nozzle and heat table. The temperature can be adjusted by selecting or entering a desired temperature and then clicking "Set". Clicking "OFF" turns the heater OFF.

(8) Nozzle/heat table temperature display panel

This panel displays the current and target temperatures of the nozzle and heat table in the form of a line chart. The line chart is displayed on the temperature display panel when the "Monitor" option is selected.

(9) Filament feed/return operation panel

This panel is for feeding and returning the filament. It is mainly used, for example, when replacing the filament. The filament is fed at the speed and length specified in the fields below by clicking the "Feed Filament" and "Return Filament" buttons.

(10) Preview screen

This displays a trace of the G codes that have been read on the equipment. The trace is rotated by dragging, resized by turning the mouse wheel, and point of view is changed by dragging to the right.

(11) Custom button panel

Users can set functions to the buttons on this panel. Buttons set by default are the "fan operation", "draw out filament", "stop printing from SD card", and "display current nozzle position" buttons.

(12) SD card button

This transfers data and saves it to MicroSD card for the printer, or displays data saved on MicroSD card as a list for printing. After printing is started, operation continues even if the USB cable is disconnected.

11.

Printing from MicroSD Cards

MicroSD cards containing G code files can be loaded on the MF-1100 main unit so that these files can be printed. Printing is started on the PC. However, once printing is started on the MF-1100, the PC can be turned OFF or the USB connection can be disconnected so that other operations can be performed. (1) Save the G code file on the PC to the MicroSD card. At this time, be sure to use single-byte letter

and number characters for file names, and avoid using Japanese double-byte characters.

(2) Load the MicroSD card containing the G code file on the main unit.

*Take care not to drop the MicroSD card inside the printed

circuit boards.

*SD cards through to SDHC cards are supported.

SDXC cards cannot be used.

(3) Start up the control software Pronterface, and select [SD Card] > [Print from SD Card].

(4) The content of the SD card is displayed as a list. Long file

names are displayed using the first eight characters of the name followed by three characters of the file extension as shown on the right. Select the file to print, and click the [OK] button. Printing is started.

After printing is started, the PC can be turned OFF or the USB cable can be disconnected.

(5) To stop printing midway, start up the control software Pronterface, and

enter and send the M25 code in the Send Code field. Printing can be resumed by entering and sending the M24 code.

CAUTION

・ Use of "Upload to SD Card" is not recommended since uploading is slow

and impractical.

12. Reattaching Polyimide Tape

To ensure adhesion between an object and the table, attach polyimide tape to the top of the heat table before using the equipment. The adhesion between the polyimide tape and the molded object drops when the number of molds made increases. We also recommend reattaching polyimide tape when there are apparent tears and areas where the tape is rising up from the table. Use only polyimide tape recommended by MUTOH ENGINEERING INC.

(1) (Only when the main unit is in operation) End communication with the PC, and disconnect the AC

adapter cable from the main unit. Then, wait about 20 minutes for the head and heat table to return to room temperature.

(2) Peel off the used polyimide tape from the heat table.

(3) Lightly wipe the top of the heat table with OA cleaner for LCD displays or cleaner for TV screens, for example.

(4) Attach new polyimide tape to the heat table. Evenly attach the polyimide tape to the table top.

WARNING

Before performing this step, be sure to stop the equipment and disconnect the

power cable from the main unit.



The equipment might operate when your hands are inside, which is dangerous.

Reference

・ The surface of the molded object can be molded to a clean finish if the

polyimide tape is attached without any air bubbles .

・

Remove any air bubbles formed between the polyimide tape and the table top by either reattaching the tape or by pricking them with a needle or a similar sharp object.

・

The surface of the molded object can be molded to a clean finish if the gap between attached stripes of tape is kept to a minimum.

Hexagon socket

Connec

13. Replacing the Heater Head

Filaments come in two diameters, 3.0 mm and 1.75 mm. When changing filaments, the heater head must also be replaced to accommodate the new filament diameter. The melting temperature of the filament also differs when you change the type of filament (PLA/ABS). So, we recommend using heater heads selectively.

(1) Remove the filament from the main unit (for details

on how to remove filaments, see "9. Preparing the Filament"), and disconnect the AC adapter cable from the main unit. Then, wait about 20 minutes for the head and heat table to return to room temperature.

(2) Disconnect the two connectors. (Draw them out while

pressing the tabs. If the connector below is difficult to remove, use a tool to press in the tabs. *Photograph on right.)

(3) Remove the hexagon socket head cap bolts from the

metal panel securing the head in place with a 2.5 mm hexagonal wrench.

(4) Remove the head from the depression, and attach the

head to be replaced in the same way.

(5) Install the metal panel, install the bolts to their original positions, and secure the head in place. (6) Connect the two connectors.

(7) Turn the power ON, start up Pronterface, and click the "Connect"

button. If an error is displayed, initialize the main unit. Enter the "M999" code in the Send Code field at the bottom right, and click the [Send Code] button.

(8) After replacing the heater head, adjust the Z-axis height because it sometimes changes. Move the

head down to its lowermost position near the center by clicking the "Z Height Home Return" button.

If previously used resin is still attached to the tip of the head, warm the head up to about 100℃

and remove the resin. The Z-axis height cannot be adjusted properly with resin still attached to the tip of the head.

(9) Try inserting sheets of copy paper in between the table and the head. There is no problem in the gap between the table and head if you feel slight resistance with two sheets inserted (about 0.2 mm).

(10) This completes replacement of the head and adjustment of the Z-axis.

Head falls

Head rises

Head

Molding table

2 sheets of copy

Z-axis

Fixing nut

CAUTION

・ The Z-axis adjusting screw is for adjusting the sensor position of the Z home

position. The result of turning the screw is not immediately apparent.

Move the Z-axis about 10 mm in the [+Z] direction in Pronterface, and then click the "Z Height Home Return" button. That height becomes the adjusted height.

・ The melting temperature of different types of filament varies. So, we recommend

changing the heater head when using different types of filament. Please note that

guarantees cannot be made when outputting different types of filament by a single heater head.

14.

Using the MagiX LED Light

The MF-1100 has a built-in LED light as standard. To turn the LED light ON, connect the AC adapter to the jack at the bottom on the left side.

Front

Position of

Insert into jack

To power

(Supplementary Explanation 1) Glossary

・ Slicer software

This software determines which operations are to be used to print STL or other polygon data, and saves the resulting data as a "G code file." It is called "slicer" because it calculates cross-sections obtained by slicing the cross-section of a polygon one layer at a time to create contours. "Slic3r" is the slicer software for MF-1100.

・ Control software

This software sends G codes to the printer one instruction at a time. "Pronterface" is the control software for MF-1100.

・ G code

This is code programmed with all printer operations such as "heat nozzle to 185 degrees", "move 100 mm along X-axis" and "turn the fan when output reaches 50%". The printer receives this code from the control software to operate as instructed. A "G code file" contains a single group of the G codes. This means that a G code file contains all elements such as modeling pitch, temperature conditions

and wall conditions.

・ STL file

STL stands for "STereoLithography," and is the most widely used polygon format for 3D printers.

・ Polygon

This data expresses the shape of a 3-dimensional object using multiple triangles. Although objects comprising planes can be expressed by a few polygons, an extremely large number of polygons are required to accurately express curved surfaces.

・ Home return

Immediately after the power is turned ON or after the equipment is moved manually, the printer can no longer identify the position of the nozzle. If the nozzle is moved as it is, it will move to a position outside the allowable operating range and may cause a malfunction. All of the three X-, Y- and Z-axes (horizontal, depth and height) are provided with an "origin switch." The printer can accurately identify the position of the nozzle by the motor being operated until this origin switch is pressed. This operation is called "home return."

(Supplementary Explanation 2) Troubleshooting

Symptom

Cause

Remedy

Power does not turn ON *The MF-1100 does not have a power switch.

The power connector is not inserted into the power outlet.

Insert the connector into the power outlet.

The main cable for connecting unit to the AC adapter is not connected to the adapter main unit.

Insert the cable.

Printer cannot communicate with the PC

The printer is not connected to the PC by the USB cable.

Insert the cable.

The serial USB driver is not installed.

Install the driver.

The connection port on the control software Pronterface is not specified correctly.

Specify the COM port that was assigned when the serial USB driver was installed.

A connection has not been established by the control software Pronterface.

Press the "Connect" button to establish a connection.

Communication is discontinued during printing

Communication was stopped by the setting sleep mode.

Cancel the sleep mode.

Vibration loosened the USB cable.

Allow sufficient slack in the USB cable. Also, try securing the USB cable by tape.

Printing does not work

The printer is not connected to the PC by the USB cable.

Insert the cable.

Resin is not dispensed from the nozzle.

Reinsert the filament into the nozzle. (For details on how to insert the nozzle, see "Preparing the Filament" in this manual.)

A connection has not been established by the control software Pronterface.

Press the "Connect" button to establish a connection.

If a connection is not made, check the COM port number or the cable connection.

The G code file has not been read to the control software Pronterface.

Read the G code file, and then click the "Print" button.

The nozzle and print head are at a lower temperature.

Set the correct temperature corresponding to the filament from the nozzle/heat table temperature operation panel in Pronterface.

Wait for the nozzle and heat table to reach the temperature set in the G code data.

A warning is displayed when data is read by the slicer (Slic3r)

The STL data contains minute holes.

These can be repaired in the free software MeshLab, for example.

Even if a warning is output, these holes are sometimes repaired by the slicer and new G code data.

The slicer (Slic3r) crashes during G code conversion.

This is a file-based phenomenon.

Try using the slicer's expert mode.

The STL data is 15 M or larger in size.

Try reducing the number of polygons in the free software such as MeshLab.

The base of the molded object peels away, causing the object to rise up from the tape

Fine dirt particles or oil are adhering to the heat table.

Lightly wipe the top of the heat table with OA cleaner for LCD displays or cleaner for TV screens.

The molded object peels away from the heat table due to deformation caused by cooling (ABS)

We recommend stopping the fan or using it at a weaker setting. (Use the slicer's expert mode.)

The molded object cannot be molded to a clean finish

The gap between the nozzle and heat table is inappropriate.

Adjust the Z-axis home position limit to correct the gap.

The Z-axis is not parallel.

Adjust the height of the heat table using the four height adjusting screws so that the table is parallel.

The equipment runs out of filament during printing.

Stop printing by the "Pause" button in Pronterface, replace with a new reel of filament, and resume printing.

(Supplementary Explanation 3) Main Unit Specifications

Model

MF-1100

Molding method

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

Number of heads

1 (produced in house)

Max. molding size (X x Y x Z)

200 x 200 x 170 mm

Z-axis resolution

Min. modeling pitch 0.1 mm to max. modeling pitch 0.5 mm

Materials used

ABS/PLA (dia. 3.0 mm/1.75 mm)

Supported OS

Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1

Recommended PC specifications

CPU: Pentium 4 or later, memory: 2 GB or more

Software

Control software: Pronterface (Japanese version)

Slicer software: Slic3r (Japanese version)

Input data format

STL

Data transfer

USB connection, MicroSD card (used for recording G code files)

Main unit weight

17 kg

External dimensions (L x W x H)

500 x 550 x 530mm

Input voltage

100 VAC 50/60 Hz

Power consumption

200 W

Revision History

January 20, 2015

1st version

February 24, 2015

Warranty Provisions added. Warranty is voided if the product is resold.

March 5, 2015

Drawings for table cleaning added.

March 16, 2015

AC adapter for LED light also is provided as an accessory.

May 7, 2015

Use an English name comprising single-byte letter and number characters for the

May 13, 2015

Photographs were added to show how to remove head connectors.

Drafted by and copyright owned by MUTOH

ENGINEERING INC.

Reproduction of this document is strictly prohibited.

Value3D MagiX Customer Center

(TEL: 0120-147-610/Mail:info.3d@mutoheng.jp)

May, 2015

MUTOH Value 3D MagiX MF-1100 Operation Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual