I'm having too much fun to stop now.
Being realistic, at my age, health is always a consideration. But, as long as I can do so, I plan to focus on ways of making our 3D designing and printing lives richer and more fulfilling.
This means experimenting with Intel's new Real Sense scanning capabilities and learning new software applications like TinkerCAD and 3D Coat.
It also means keeping in touch with 3D System's engineers so that if and when new firmware or software is released we will be on top of it. Because I work with other printers as well as the Cubes, I understand that the goal is to come up with a single front end that will work with all of their 3D printing platforms. I don't know if this includes the Cube line; but. if it does I will do my best to evaluate the pros and cons of switching to a different platform for slicing.
In short, I will be here for you as long as I am able.
It's good to hear that you keep on. The discontinuation of the Cube3 is sad enough - it wold be too much if your blog wold be discontinued too.
ReplyDeleteI will for sure continue using the Cube, since it's not a "bad" printer at all. It's a bit a beast and by far not as user friendly, trouble free and reliable as I wish it would be. but all in all it does the job and produces decent prints - and the biggest quirks have been fixed meanwhile, or at least improved.
However, i will continue looking into your blog from time to time. Keep on!
Markus
Thanks, Markus. I would expect at least a few more firmware updates. But, I also have some tools that can be printed so I need to find a repository form them for downloading.
ReplyDeleteI would at least like to see a firmware update that would allow 3rd party cartridge suppliers to be able to have a cartridge without the embedded chip. Or release the code for 3rd party suppliers.
ReplyDelete3 years is a long time to get consumables so i hope they honor that. Im sure we will see people posting on how to reload cartridges as well.
By then these printers will probably be at a proce point where we wont worry about throwing it away after a couple of years.
Yep. Just think of where we are now with the 4rd Gen Cube from that of the 1st Gen Cube that only printed in single color ABS at a higher price point.
DeleteThe best defense against obsolescence is heavy use. :)
If we could use 3rd party filament and software then the Cube would be my favourite printer.
DeleteThe benefits of the nozzle and hub system are many, So, unless 3D Systems decides to license the technique, I would hesitate to try a Rube Goldberg system. I have no doubts that 1st Gen, 2nd Gen and 3Rd Gen Cube owners will be well supported with filament and glue.
ReplyDeleteI have been very successful using hairspray.
ReplyDeleteNot one part has pulled away.
Tom: hey, please keep on keeping on! One way to preserve the value of our Cubes is to maintain communities of conversation like this to help fill any loss of formal support.
ReplyDeleteI've had my Cube for only a few months. I'm a bit worried that the Cubify app may stop working, and I can't find any other software that works with this printer. Anyone have any thoughts on that?
ReplyDeleteWe have Cube printers going back to version 1 and have no fear of the software becoming unable to run in the foreseeable future. I think we have many years before we need to be too concerned.
DeleteI've been in correspondence with Simplify3d regarding their slicer. The features, ease of use and power of this software is amazing. I've asked if they have considered to "port" it to the Cubify 3rd gen and originally was told it was under consideration, but now with the recent announcement, have stepped back a bit. Perhaps the readership of this blog could also drop a line to james@simplify3d.com expressing your support. The software is a bit pricey, but if you check out the reviews, you'll find it's worth the few pennies extra.
DeleteOne feature I like is the ability to change infill levels, not only on a single part, but for different portions of the same part! Supports are also customizable. I've not finished the 18 part tutorial, so I've only learned a little bit about the software so far.
Simplify3D is an EXCELLENT slicer. I am certain that it works with the CubePro and we plan to use it with the not-yet-released JellyBox kit. (More on that later.)
DeleteI've heard back again from James at cubify and he's told me he shares his hope that Cubify will share enough information to allow them to make the connection/file configuration for the Cube 3rd gen. I'd be surprised if Cubify would be so magnanimous as to release what would be considered proprietary information, but one can hope.
DeleteBeing new to this blog, I'm not sure where the appropriate place to ask a question is, but here goes. Since I got my Cube last summer, I have had an issue where the printer loses it's wifi configuration after 24 hours of being turned off. I'm not getting much from the customer support other than "try our latest firmware". Anyone seen this happen?
ReplyDeleteI have not seen this; but, every WiFi environment is different. I have two different WiFi routers located in opposite ends of the house and find that I have to use the one closest to the printers to maintain connection.
DeleteOne thing you might try is a booster antenna on your WiFi router. I use the Amped Wireless High Power Wi-Fi Antenna - WA12. It simply attaches where the regular antenna would attach.
hi,,
ReplyDeleteI need your help..
I found my cubepro stop working in printing process, and I just realize it on the morning when I woke up.
and the touchscreen lcd is off too, I try to re power, and unplug my stick usb, but it still not working...
I need your help,,
maybe you can found solution for my problem.
just for your information, this is new cubepro, and I only use it for 5 times in small part, and before the last printing I check my cartridge status still 91%
what should I do?
Hi Ratu,
DeleteSorry to hear about the issues you are having. When I get into the 3D printing lab tomorrow, I will look to see if I can locate any fuses.
The fact that the LCD is off, would lead me to believe that a fuse in the power supply blew. Does the LCD link at all? Or, is it completely dark and never shows signs of life?
did you mean the lcd blink? no it's not blink at all, but when I try to turn on again and again, the cube on suddenly, so I leave for some hour.I thought it's okay, but now when I want to use my cube again, the same thing happen again..
ReplyDeletegonna crazy about this... >.<
Intermittent issues are among the toughest to solve. I'm just guessing; but, because you were able to start the printer at one point, the likeliest culprits for failure are either wiring issues (poor contact at plugs) or a cold-solder joint.
DeleteIn either case, going from a cold start and moving to a heated condition can cause a break in electrical continuity.
The head assembly has numerous wiring harness plugs. Make sure all are tight and secure. The wiring under the floor of the printer would be more difficult to check.
The size and weight of the CubePro make it difficult to ship back for repair; but, that may be your only recourse.
One thing to check with your Cube is the connection between the power block and Cube. I've found that the temperature changes from warm to cold and back again will cause the free end of the cable to work out of the socket. It doesn't fall out so you'd see it easily but it will wiggle out of the connection enough to do as you describe.
Deletethaks mr. Tom
ReplyDeleteI just checked my cubepro, and I found solution, I think some cable not connected correctly..
I just reconnected it, and it work like before.. :)
now I have my second question,
I have the second printer, and cube type(the small one)
I've seen the material broken in the material protector..
what should I do?
should I open the nozzle (it is so hard to open)
:) :)
It's great to hear that is was a cable connection issue!
DeleteThe issues are different in a 2nd Gen Cube from that of a 3rd Gen Cube when it comes to broken filament. That is because the 2nd Gen Cube pulls the filament and the 3rd Gen Cube pushes the filament through the guide tube.
However, in both cases filament that breaks on its own has probably soaked up water from the ambiant air and become brittle. It probably should be discarded. PLA, in particular, decays in moist environments.
do you have any video which can explain how to discard this broken filament?
ReplyDeletePlease give me a little more information.
DeleteI hope you don't mind a question, since there doesn't seem to be a forum for Cube owners, that I could find... I have an old v1 Cube, and with that software, you could load a built model and look at the layers and supports that it planned out - that was great for finding mistakes in student models. We just got two new v3 Cubes, and the new software doesn't seem to have this functionality - if I try to load a .cube3 file, it just puts another copy on my 'shelf' - I can't see the supports, etc. Any solution?
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Gary
High School teacher
Not sure if the comment I just tried to post got eaten by the ether, apologies if this is a repeat...
ReplyDeleteI have a new v3 Cube, and am missing a feature from the v1 software - the ability to look at a 'built' file, to examine the supports and look for any mistakes in the model file. We just added two v3's, and I really depended on that feature in the old software - it helps the students to identify potential problems before they try to build something. Any idea if there is a way to get that view in the new software? I've tried opening up the .cube3 file, but that just adds another copy of it to the 'shelf'.
Thanks,
Gary
High School teacher
Unfortunately, the v3 cube is pretty limited in the user-interface department. I'm surprised to hear that the earlier version had such useful information. Version 2 isn't as flexible or "forthcoming" as the software you describe.
DeleteI've recently purchased Simplify3D for a future 3d printer of more open architecture. I've also corresponded with the S3D people asking if they had plans for the v3 printer. The response was unfortunately less-than-positive. I posted to another topic in the forum suggesting that we v3 owners all send a request to S3D, which would show them there is a serious interest in a port-over for the 3rd generation printer.
I was just talking with Michael Oakley of Autodesk about an Autodesk product he used to generate supports for use with his Cube3. He imports the STL, then generates supports and then exports the STL having the supports which he brings into the Cube3 client. I'll try to contact him to see what he uses.
DeleteThat might be Meshmixer, a fairly easy to use program. I've used it in that manner more than once, as it provides more control over support placement. Some experimentation is necessary with the various parameters of the supports, as the default settings may not give the best results.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, Meshmixer-generated supports won't translate directly over to the wash-away Infinity support material. That stuff is absolutely wonderful if you need clean undersides and overhangs.
Hmmm... good observation.
DeleteI wonder if the supports could be generated as a separate STL or module in Meshmixer.
It is Autodesk Print Studio.
DeleteIt come bundled with many of our applications. And it can be downloaded.
Here is a short video with it running in Fusion 360
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_JjoXo-eEk
I think the key issue with using Infinity support material is that the printer won't allow it to be used in model creation. We could perform boolean difference operations in Meshmixer and build a support structure that matches perfectly the model, but trying to set Infinity as the color of the model is not possible.
ReplyDeleteSeparate supports in Meshmixer to be printed in ordinary filament is probably possible, but I'd have to experiment on that to be certain.
Thanks for all of the replies - I guess the consensus is that the feature that I was talking about just isn't there in the new software. It's a shame, as it was super-useful - after a little practice, I got good at reading the color coding and spotting errors in the build. As much as I like the dissolvable support material, I'm rather frustrated with the 'lock in' to their software. With my other printers, I can use whatever application I want to generate the g-code, as well as examine it for errors. I'm seriously thinking about returning the two v3's that I just purchased, because if I can't examine a build file for mistakes, that's going to turn in to tons of wasted filament.
ReplyDeleteFrustrated, because other aspects of the Cube design are so clever and user-friendly.
Gary
Just got mine. What a deal since being discontinued. But the plate will NOT level!!! Keeps telling me the plate is out of range. I've done exactly what it says. Advice???
ReplyDeleteI have seen this on one machine, which was replaced. I suggest sending an email to cubifysupport@3dsystems.com and use "3rd Gen Cube: New, Will Not Level" in the title of the email.
ReplyDeleteon a Cube 3D 2nd generation settings, there is "contrast" does anyone have any info on this setting. We have looked thru the manuals, nothing.
ReplyDeleteThanks
Many LCD panels have a contrast adjustment. If you press the controls associated with that setting, you'll find that the display becomes fainter or becomes darker as the contrast between the desired dark images becomes lower or higher. No harm can be done by changing that setting, other than possibly making it more difficult to view.
DeleteHi Carmen,
ReplyDeleteWe have a number of 2nd gen Cubes in our 3D lab. But, I don't have any here in my home office at the moment. I'll check as soon as I am able to get to the lab.
Thanks appreciate it. My hubby loves this printer..sometimes a little quirky.
ReplyDeleteHow many of you have nozzle jams on the cube3d 3rd gen
ReplyDeletealso there is a hack to stop the chip from counting down and works great i love my cube now i have 2 of them now.
who has jamming in the nozzle happen?
ReplyDeletealso there is a mod/hack for the cube 3rd gen where it stops the chip from counting down.
works great other then the jams i sometimes get