Monday, November 17, 2014

3D Systems Video - Gap Difference Correction

NOTE:  3D Systems removed the original video and replaced it with an updated version.   The video below is the updated version.

3D Systems engineers have produced a video for those of us that have the problem where one print jet is higher than the other.  All it takes is a simple mechanical adjustment requiring only a 1.3mm square end hex wrench in those machines exhibiting the issue.  (Mine did.)

We can fix it in the field!  Who knew?  :)

The only catch?

You may not have a 1.3mm hex key in your toolbox.

But, they are widely available on the internet and Grainger carries them as well.  Here is the Grainger page for the 1.3mm Hex Key..

When I buy such tools, I prefer the to purchase the driver type of hex wrench.  You might find a precision set at your local hobby store or one can be ordered online..

Here is the updated version.




I want to make a short observation about these videos from engineering.

I spent from 1969 to 1981 as a video producer for clients like the National Park Service, Postal Service and major national and international news networks.  I know and appreciate slickly produced videos.  But, when it come to getting serious about getting real, helpful information about the equipment on which I rely, THIS is the guy I want to see telling me how to fix things.  I don't need slick.  I need solid, factual step-by-step information delivered without hype by the guy that knows how it is done. 

You can't get better than this for giving Cube users straight-up help.  I really appreciate straightforward video help like this.  Keep them coming 3D Systems.

Two thumbs up! 

Hmmm... I GOTTA find out who this is!  Maybe we can nominate him for the 1st International Cube Users Hero Award or something.  :)

18 comments:

  1. The video been removed ? which i need to refer to for my cube 3 adjustment :(
    i think it is the best way to solve printjet problem, because even by the calibration, the printjets height still different, the lower one will touch the plastic when only using higher jet for printing(if the model larger enough)

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  2. 3D Systems created and updated version. I've redirected to the new version. Hope it's helpful! :)

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  3. The video is now posted under the YouTube account "Cubify Social Media." It just must have been moved or reloaded with another version. Yes, my early machine had this issue and it is wonderful to get detailed adjustment advice that is easy to do in the field and can be verified through a test print.

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  4. Ive had 3 cartridges clog on me within 10 minutes of printing, all were replaced only to clog again, customer service directed me to this fix but im hoping for clog proof cartridges, very frustrated right now.

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  5. I join you on the "frustrated" front. But, I'm happy to see that you did not include "discouraged" in the description of your feelings. I am frustrated. But, I am NOT discouraged and I hope that you and other users are not either. That is because I can see, and have seen in those prints that were successful, that the Cube 3 is, at its core, a marvelous 3D printer that is destined to deliver some amazing prints once all this is behind us.

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  6. well after calibrating 5 times, the one cartridge I have that isnt clogged isnt printing properly. I am now discouraged. nothing is working I havent even had this machine 3 weeks. it has barely printed anything without problems. (im lego Ken, I changed my username from my sons account )

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    1. I can FULLY appreciate your feelings... especially if this is your first 3D printer. But, my honest opinion is that the basic printer is going to be THE printer to have over the next few years, I realize this is hard to swallow given your current experience with it.

      As for myself, I am giving them a few more weeks to deliver the next generation filament before even coming close to falling victim to any kind of discouragement.

      I wish I had more time to devote toward fully examining the cartridge. But, I have travel for my day job, so I can't get to it until next week. I do plan to dig deep. Tell your son I love the handle lego Ken!

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    2. Checked out your son's blog. We GOTTA get that printer up and running SOONER rather than later! That kind of creative mind NEEDS a working Cube3!

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  7. Thanks Tom, that lego blog is pretty old he is more advanced now and taller!

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  8. But, I trust, every bit as creative. To me that is what having a 3D printer is all about, growing our brains at every age. My 3D printers encourage my brain to keep coming up with new ideas. Think of what his brain will be able to envision as 3D printers advance and grow in capabilities. So, we cannot let this very temporary situation hold back a lifetime of enthusiastic innovation that we both see in him... you as his parent and me as just someone that knows him through his joyous pictures.

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  9. Hi Tom, thank you for all the information you have shared. It's been very helpful. I received my Cube 3 on Saturday. Unfortunately, the current units are still shipping with the gap difference issue, because mine has it. I think I got it adjusted close enough, but I am having real challenges getting objects to stick to the build plate. I know the directions say to let the glue fully dry before you begin printing, but I'm not convinced that will lead to the best outcome. It takes minutes to begin printing after you click print and by then I think the glue gets too dry. I have tried printing a whistle a few times that includes a small ball off to the side, and the ball hasn't stayed on the plate once yet. Not sure what I am doing wrong. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

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    1. I should mention I have only been printing in PLA.

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    2. Stop the print after one layer and send me a picture using the address in the sidebar under personalizing help.

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    3. From my tests, the glue could dry for more than 24 hours and still work very well.

      So, I have to guess that the gap for the printjet you are using is too wide. Try swapping colors to force the print to the other printjet and see if that helps.

      The filament won't stick if it's simply dropped onto the plate. It has to be very slightly pressed onto the plate; but, NOT flattened.

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  10. Hi, DroneMods, I am not sure how big that ball is, but i guess it should be small, and if the contact area with pad is too small, it may not provide enough force to keep it on the pad, maybe you can use 'raft' option to add the base for your object. and by the way, does anyone know where the video go? why it labeled as private video?

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    Replies
    1. Great suggestion.

      It dawned on me that creating a small connector between the whistle and the ball, that could be cut off, might also help.

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  11. The video went down again, are there any others or can someone make a tutorial?

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    1. I wonder if there might be a 'private' version where you must know the link to find it. Contact support and ask. At the very least, they should have a PDF with the steps to use.

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