On of the reasons why I invite comments to this blog is that I realize that not everyone has the same experience with the Cubify products that I have and not everyone has the same realistic expectations for 3D scanners and printers that experienced users have.
Even though our paths are similar, we can be in very different places along that path.
Based on the emails and comments that I get, it's safe to say that experience and realistic expectations go hand in hand.
I was reading the blog of one person that is new to 3D printing and they mentioned my blog, by name, and questioned my independence. That was because it is rare see me call any 3D printer garbage or point out early issues with new printers until the manufacturer has had time to sort out start-up gremlins.
There is a reason for that.
Gremlins might disappear minutes after I write about them. But, my posts will last as long as Google maintains their servers. So, a person might read about this or that issue that was quickly addressed in a firmware upgrade and think that the issue still exists. In the long term, that is not fair to the product.
The other reason why a reader might think that I'm not bringing up problems is that often what a newbie thinks is a problem is simply their unrealistic expectations due to their own inexperience. A clog, to me, is simply a nuisance that comes with the consumer 3D printing territory. I do not know a single extrusion 3D printer sold to consumers that will not, at some point, have a clog. The key is to communicate how to fix clogs.
In my blog, I go through a bit of a triage routine when I spot an issue that might affect the user's experience. If it obviously something that can easily be fixed in firmware, I quickly report it to support so the engineers can address it quickly. If it is something the user can address by knowing more about their equipment, then I try to communicate preventive measures that can avoid having the issue become a problem. Most clogs, for instance, can be avoided by (1) proper gap, (2) proper leveling and (3) not using old filament affected by moisture.
True hardware design or build flaws are very rare. But, there is no way that I would NOT mention them because I feel my first obligation is to users. After all. we only bought the product. We didn't design or build it.
An Example of Experience & Expectations
The blogger that questioned my independence had previously commented on the pages. As I often do, I asked them to contact me directly so that I could address the issues they were having with the Sense scanner. I never heard from them. Going on their blog I learned that they primarily used Linux and their only Windows machine was slow. That alone would be reason enough for poor Sense performance. But, it also turned out that they were trying to scan small objects using a turntable. Now, this one is my fault. I should have been more clear about how 3D Scanners use the changing background to help determine the shape of the target object.
Walking around an object is more effective than simply spinning an object. I've experimented with both techniques extensively. When I came to my conclusion it wasn't that the Sense was useless. It was that we had to get to know our tools and use them in ways that play to their strengths. In fact, having had years of 2D to 3D software experience using 123D, etc., I was amazed that I actually could use a turntable at all. So, ANY result was a plus for me. Experience had provided me with a basis for realistic expectations for a low-cost, scanner.
Experiments & Solutions
But, there was something else at work. And, that was an attitude built around the notion that challenges are for finding solutions. Like the blogger, I, too, ran into the issue of losing the focus as I scanned. But, I realized that it was because I had to keep looking at my computer monitor as I scanned, throwing off my concentration on the scanning. So, I looked for a solution. Since I had a 3D printer, it was easy to create an object with which to mount a 2.5" monitor on the sense itself. This increased the success rate enormously. Again, this was rooted in experience.
Sure, I would have loved the Sense to have already incorporated a monitor. But, that would have raised the cost considerably. The iSense was a better solution from a consumer cost perspective.
Patience is Key to Experience
There is no doubt that learning 3D design and printing can sometimes be confusing and trying. But, methodical patience actually does reap rewards. I had to build my first 3D printer. And, I knew absolutely nothing. I was very critical of the first prints I was able to produce. But, I look back now and realize that for the type of printer I built, those prints were better than average. I just didn't know what to expect.
I have not forgotten that experience. So, newbies, I DO know what you are going through. I've been there. But, I urge you to replace criticism and wrath with experimentation, questioning and listening. Learn your tools. And, above all, when an experienced user offers you help, jump at that opportunity. It will hasten your success and make things a lot more fun for you.
Monday, November 10, 2014
Friday, November 7, 2014
Cube3 Firmware Update is Already Available
IMPORTANT NOTE: When the firmware update is complete you will be asked something like "Press the Button to Restart". In my experience, a single button press does not automatically restart the printer. It turns the printer off. I then seem to have to press and HOLD the button again to accomplish the restart. I will check this with Cube Support on Monday.
No sooner than I had uploaded my last post, than I saw that a new firmware update was available for the Cube3. The latest firmware version, at this time, is 1.08B
Just as I have been writing, the Cube team is being very proactive at listening to us and quickly addressing those issues they have spotted or that users have reported from the field.
I urge everyone to upgrade their firmware to this latest version.
If you have the Cube3 connected to WiFi, the update is very easy. Just go to "Setup", select the symbol that looks like a memory chip and press to check to see if you have the latest firmware update, If not, it will download and install the update for you.
I have no idea, as yet, all the areas this firmware targets; but, it is my understanding that one of its functions is to refine the auto-gap process for even greater precision.
It takes a while to download and install; but, it should be well worth it.
I can say this with confidence because of my experience with firmware updates for the Cube 2. With each firmware update from the date it was released, the Cube 2 became an incrementally and substantially better printer with noticeable improvements in print quality.
Although it's hard to imagine what they could do to improve the already beautiful print quality of the Cube 3, I expect the same overall improvements in the user's experience from the Cube team with the Cube 3 firmware updates.
No sooner than I had uploaded my last post, than I saw that a new firmware update was available for the Cube3. The latest firmware version, at this time, is 1.08B
Just as I have been writing, the Cube team is being very proactive at listening to us and quickly addressing those issues they have spotted or that users have reported from the field.
I urge everyone to upgrade their firmware to this latest version.
If you have the Cube3 connected to WiFi, the update is very easy. Just go to "Setup", select the symbol that looks like a memory chip and press to check to see if you have the latest firmware update, If not, it will download and install the update for you.
I have no idea, as yet, all the areas this firmware targets; but, it is my understanding that one of its functions is to refine the auto-gap process for even greater precision.
It takes a while to download and install; but, it should be well worth it.
I can say this with confidence because of my experience with firmware updates for the Cube 2. With each firmware update from the date it was released, the Cube 2 became an incrementally and substantially better printer with noticeable improvements in print quality.
Although it's hard to imagine what they could do to improve the already beautiful print quality of the Cube 3, I expect the same overall improvements in the user's experience from the Cube team with the Cube 3 firmware updates.
The Best Way to Serve All Cube3 Users and 3D Systems
As a software producer for decades, I was always amazed when I would be sitting with a client when an error message popped up on the screen and they explained, "Oh. That's nothing. It does it all the time and I just ignore it."
What??? Are you kidding me??? Why would you DO that!
Every time I would tell them that I WANTED to know IMMEDIATELY when an error message popped up.
As the developer, I knew what not to do. So, my own testing could never fully replicate the experience of users that did not know exactly what not to do.
In fact, I had no idea that the user might go down this or that path in an order I had never attempted that generated the error. So, it was important to me to hear about issues as soon as possible.
Their reporting of issues not only would help them. It would help other users and me, the developer.
There is no way for any manufacturer to cover 100% of the potential circumstances that might reveal something that needs to be addressed to ensure 100% reliability. The Rolls Royce is clearly at the top of the automotive food chain. But, as you will hear from me often, there is a reason all Rolls Royce dealerships have repair shops.
Beyond even that example, we are well aware of the billions spent on making space vehicles perfect. But, as two recent events have shown us, sometimes even that doesn't help to keep ALL errors out of the initial systems.
The Cube3 3D printer is THE best 3D printer I've owned. In fact, I think it is going to establish itself as THE printer to have for homes and schools in a very short period of time. It is going to do for 3D printing in education what the Apple II did for computing in the classroom.
But, I've spotted some small things that can be refined to reach the goal of near perfection. And, the first thing I do when spotting something is to report it to Cubify Support. An example is that I see some stray bits of filament dropping onto the print plate when colors are changed. This is definitely no show stopper. But, it does look a bit messy and the beautiful quality of the prints deserves to look pristine on the print table at all times.
It is something that I am sure can be fixed in firmware. But, that fix may only happen if the engineers are fully aware of what we are seeing out in the field, where we push the Cube3 in ways those who know what NOT to do may not.
I know for a fact that 3D Systems is committed to as near perfection in the Cube series of printers as possible. And, I know for a fact that we users want the same thing. And, to a large extent, that means getting good feedback from us. And, I want to hear from you as well. I really appreciate those that have written to me with help observations and questions about their experiences.
The reason I mentioned a Rolls Royce, above, is that as I use the Cube3, it reminds me of that extremely high level of elegant design and quality. It seriously is that impressive to me. As much as I loved the Cube2, the Cube3 is heads above anything that has gone before it in the consumer 3D printing marketplace.
But, to make sure it grows to its full potential we, as users, need to provide the field feedback for the designers, programmers and support personnel as quickly as we spot something. I like to document what I find with either a video or an image so that they don't have to guess at what I'm seeing. In this way, we early users become part of the process of helping the entire Cube family...whether it be producers or consumers. Being constructively proactive helps everybody.
What??? Are you kidding me??? Why would you DO that!
Every time I would tell them that I WANTED to know IMMEDIATELY when an error message popped up.
As the developer, I knew what not to do. So, my own testing could never fully replicate the experience of users that did not know exactly what not to do.
In fact, I had no idea that the user might go down this or that path in an order I had never attempted that generated the error. So, it was important to me to hear about issues as soon as possible.
Their reporting of issues not only would help them. It would help other users and me, the developer.
There is no way for any manufacturer to cover 100% of the potential circumstances that might reveal something that needs to be addressed to ensure 100% reliability. The Rolls Royce is clearly at the top of the automotive food chain. But, as you will hear from me often, there is a reason all Rolls Royce dealerships have repair shops.
Beyond even that example, we are well aware of the billions spent on making space vehicles perfect. But, as two recent events have shown us, sometimes even that doesn't help to keep ALL errors out of the initial systems.
The Cube3 3D printer is THE best 3D printer I've owned. In fact, I think it is going to establish itself as THE printer to have for homes and schools in a very short period of time. It is going to do for 3D printing in education what the Apple II did for computing in the classroom.
But, I've spotted some small things that can be refined to reach the goal of near perfection. And, the first thing I do when spotting something is to report it to Cubify Support. An example is that I see some stray bits of filament dropping onto the print plate when colors are changed. This is definitely no show stopper. But, it does look a bit messy and the beautiful quality of the prints deserves to look pristine on the print table at all times.
It is something that I am sure can be fixed in firmware. But, that fix may only happen if the engineers are fully aware of what we are seeing out in the field, where we push the Cube3 in ways those who know what NOT to do may not.
I know for a fact that 3D Systems is committed to as near perfection in the Cube series of printers as possible. And, I know for a fact that we users want the same thing. And, to a large extent, that means getting good feedback from us. And, I want to hear from you as well. I really appreciate those that have written to me with help observations and questions about their experiences.
The reason I mentioned a Rolls Royce, above, is that as I use the Cube3, it reminds me of that extremely high level of elegant design and quality. It seriously is that impressive to me. As much as I loved the Cube2, the Cube3 is heads above anything that has gone before it in the consumer 3D printing marketplace.
But, to make sure it grows to its full potential we, as users, need to provide the field feedback for the designers, programmers and support personnel as quickly as we spot something. I like to document what I find with either a video or an image so that they don't have to guess at what I'm seeing. In this way, we early users become part of the process of helping the entire Cube family...whether it be producers or consumers. Being constructively proactive helps everybody.
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
I Went Where Wise Angels Fear to Tread - Inside the Cube 3 Cartridge
Many years ago, in the early 1970's, as video production suddenly blossomed, I bought a used Mercedes 280SEL just before the almost instantly huge price differences between American and German cars put the Mercedes out of my reach. (Back then the price gap was about two-to-one.)
Used to working on my own cars, I was astounded by the difference between American cars of the time with what I saw when I first took the oil cover off the Mercedes engine to fine tune the valve adjustment.
Back then, there was simply NO comparison in terms of precision and design excellence.
In my previous American cars, valves had only a single spring The Mercedes valves had both an inner and outer spring. What's more, the American valve springs sat right on the head and the Mercedes springs rested on bearings.
I bring this up because curiosity got the best of me last night and I took a Cube 3 cartridge apart and, miraculously, put it back together again.
I had inadvertently clogged the nozzle of the cartridge while experimenting with some left/right gap tests and decided since the fault was my own, I didn't want 3D Systems to bear the cost of my mistake. So, with nothing to lose, I decided to see if I could find out what is inside.
And, like that with the Mercedes, this experience left me astounded by the design and the quality of every single component in the cartridge, from the extruder in the center of the hub to the parts inside the print jet tip. Eric Albert was the pioneer in taking the dismantle-rebuild journey and he had mentioned his admiration for the quality of the parts. And, since he runs a lab with CNC machine tools, I had a prior hint about the quality parts. But, even so, I came away with the feeling that 3D Systems seriously cares to bring the best to Cube users. The engineers and 3D Systems deserve an award for excellence based on the design of the cartridge alone. The Cube 3 cartridge is a significantly elegant design achievement on multiple levels.
The formerly clogged cartridge is back in service and working well. But, I will take it apart again once the filament is exhausted so that I can get images for you. Wait until you see the pictures. I know you will be impressed.
In the meantime, here is my take away for users.
Correct gap is CRITICAL
If you hear a "Clicking" from the cartridge, STOP printing immediately.
Used to working on my own cars, I was astounded by the difference between American cars of the time with what I saw when I first took the oil cover off the Mercedes engine to fine tune the valve adjustment.
Back then, there was simply NO comparison in terms of precision and design excellence.
In my previous American cars, valves had only a single spring The Mercedes valves had both an inner and outer spring. What's more, the American valve springs sat right on the head and the Mercedes springs rested on bearings.
I bring this up because curiosity got the best of me last night and I took a Cube 3 cartridge apart and, miraculously, put it back together again.
I had inadvertently clogged the nozzle of the cartridge while experimenting with some left/right gap tests and decided since the fault was my own, I didn't want 3D Systems to bear the cost of my mistake. So, with nothing to lose, I decided to see if I could find out what is inside.
And, like that with the Mercedes, this experience left me astounded by the design and the quality of every single component in the cartridge, from the extruder in the center of the hub to the parts inside the print jet tip. Eric Albert was the pioneer in taking the dismantle-rebuild journey and he had mentioned his admiration for the quality of the parts. And, since he runs a lab with CNC machine tools, I had a prior hint about the quality parts. But, even so, I came away with the feeling that 3D Systems seriously cares to bring the best to Cube users. The engineers and 3D Systems deserve an award for excellence based on the design of the cartridge alone. The Cube 3 cartridge is a significantly elegant design achievement on multiple levels.
The formerly clogged cartridge is back in service and working well. But, I will take it apart again once the filament is exhausted so that I can get images for you. Wait until you see the pictures. I know you will be impressed.
In the meantime, here is my take away for users.
Correct gap is CRITICAL
Remember, there are TWO Print Jets. Fortunately, the print jet tip is spring loaded. But, still, it's possible to manually gap one tip and have the other slightly rubbing against the print table. For now, make sure the LOWEST print jet, if there is a slight difference, has the proper gap.
If you hear a "Clicking" from the cartridge, STOP printing immediately.
If a print jet is blocked, there will be a clicking sound coming from the cartridge hub. Stop IMMEDIATELY if you hear that noise before the extruder chews up the filament in its teeth. The sound does not mean the cartridge has clogged. It just means the filament flow is blocked. But, if you let it go too long the cartridge may become permanently clogged. None of us want that and we, as alert users, can go a long way in preventing it.Apply ALL early firmware Updates Immediately
Experience with the 2nd Generation Cube, taught me that few companies have paid more attention to making life easier and better for consumer owners than 3D Systems through ever better firmware updates. We can expect a firmware update relatively soon if past history is any indicator. Apply it as soon as you can.It is obviously a goal for 3D Systems to take much of the responsibility for correct leveling and gap out of the user's hands. And, they came very close, right out of the starting gate. But, for now, we need to be pro-active in assuring that we do not block either print jet tip by making sure that we have manually checked the gap for both print jets. I'm sure this is not a permanent situation. But, for now, it's the wisest course of action.
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Cube 3 and ABS - Video
I created a video to demonstrate that it is possible to print ABS with the Cube 3 with the proper CubeStick application. One of the things I fail to point out in the video is the special nature of the new print table that seems to act like a heat sink. After printing the piece in the video I was surprised that the print table was as warm as it was. It didn't get as hot as that of the 1st generation Cube; but, definitely was warmer that I'd experienced with the Cube 2 print table.
I could be wrong; but, I do not think the table is heated by any other means than simply absorbing heat from the printed object.
There was ever-so-slight warping at either end of the piece once it was removed from the print table. But, NOTHING like that I had seen previously with my other 3D printers... including the heated 1st generation Cube. I now believe it is possible to be completely successful when printing properly designed* ABS parts.
This is very important to me. In fact, it's way more important than being able to print in two colors. ABS has a very resilient quality to it that is quite different from PLA. So, I am very happy to know that I can at east start experimenting with ABS again at an ever finer print resolution.
* By properly designed, I mean the strategic placement of holes and other structural relief elements that reduce stress from uneven shrinkage due to temperature changes. Think of the ways iron bridges are constructed with triangular elements, etc. to use less iron while keeping the same structural integrity. A bee-hive is another great source of inspiration for strength without too much bulk.
I could be wrong; but, I do not think the table is heated by any other means than simply absorbing heat from the printed object.
There was ever-so-slight warping at either end of the piece once it was removed from the print table. But, NOTHING like that I had seen previously with my other 3D printers... including the heated 1st generation Cube. I now believe it is possible to be completely successful when printing properly designed* ABS parts.
This is very important to me. In fact, it's way more important than being able to print in two colors. ABS has a very resilient quality to it that is quite different from PLA. So, I am very happy to know that I can at east start experimenting with ABS again at an ever finer print resolution.
* By properly designed, I mean the strategic placement of holes and other structural relief elements that reduce stress from uneven shrinkage due to temperature changes. Think of the ways iron bridges are constructed with triangular elements, etc. to use less iron while keeping the same structural integrity. A bee-hive is another great source of inspiration for strength without too much bulk.
Monday, November 3, 2014
CubeStick for the 3rd Generation Cube 2D Printer - Let it Dry
I am still learning the differences between previous Cube printers and the new Cube 3.
Among those things is the way I apply and use the new CubeStick glue used with both the Cube 3 and the CubePro. As I write this, I am printing an ABS object on a print table having glue that was purposely allowed to dry for more than an hour or more. That would have been unthinkable to me with previous Cube printers. Yet, it is holding perfectly.
Now, I'm told that 3D Systems actually suggested that the Cube 2 glue should have also been left to dry before printing. But, that certainly wasn't my methodology and as soon as I get my Cube 2 printers back, I want to chase that oversight down and test it.
But, I HAVE tested the Cube 3 with both immediately applied wet glue and with completely dry glue. And, these test were used with ABS, not PLA. With wet glue, ABS has a tendency to warp and I've even seen pieces being moved around. With dry glue I've seen far less warping and a rock solid build.
The real test, of course, is to designed an object that I know would have a serious tendency to warp in ABS and then to systematically apply glue and wait specific intervals with a known ambient humidity. But, that probably won't happen for a while.
I'm simply going to suggest that Cube 3 owners apply glue sparingly in two directions and wait until the surface of the glue appears to be dry before printing. This takes some discipline and patience. But, it sure seems that it will provide us with much better adhesion which, in the end will save time because we will not have to restart print jobs due to glue failure.
When I see an ABS object whose length is just millimeters short of the width of the print table and there is no visible lifting at the edges, I have to be excited. ABS is such a nice material to use once the warping issues are resolved. And, so far, it looks like being patient with the glue seems that it does the trick.
I'll be taking pictures of the object being printed in a future article about calibration and auto-gapping. We'll see how straight it stays for the entire 1.5 hr print job. :)
I love the Cube 3 printer and I'm starting to get more comfortable with the Cubify software and learning a bit more about what it takes to design a two-color friendly STL.
Among those things is the way I apply and use the new CubeStick glue used with both the Cube 3 and the CubePro. As I write this, I am printing an ABS object on a print table having glue that was purposely allowed to dry for more than an hour or more. That would have been unthinkable to me with previous Cube printers. Yet, it is holding perfectly.
Now, I'm told that 3D Systems actually suggested that the Cube 2 glue should have also been left to dry before printing. But, that certainly wasn't my methodology and as soon as I get my Cube 2 printers back, I want to chase that oversight down and test it.
But, I HAVE tested the Cube 3 with both immediately applied wet glue and with completely dry glue. And, these test were used with ABS, not PLA. With wet glue, ABS has a tendency to warp and I've even seen pieces being moved around. With dry glue I've seen far less warping and a rock solid build.
The real test, of course, is to designed an object that I know would have a serious tendency to warp in ABS and then to systematically apply glue and wait specific intervals with a known ambient humidity. But, that probably won't happen for a while.
I'm simply going to suggest that Cube 3 owners apply glue sparingly in two directions and wait until the surface of the glue appears to be dry before printing. This takes some discipline and patience. But, it sure seems that it will provide us with much better adhesion which, in the end will save time because we will not have to restart print jobs due to glue failure.
When I see an ABS object whose length is just millimeters short of the width of the print table and there is no visible lifting at the edges, I have to be excited. ABS is such a nice material to use once the warping issues are resolved. And, so far, it looks like being patient with the glue seems that it does the trick.
I'll be taking pictures of the object being printed in a future article about calibration and auto-gapping. We'll see how straight it stays for the entire 1.5 hr print job. :)
I love the Cube 3 printer and I'm starting to get more comfortable with the Cubify software and learning a bit more about what it takes to design a two-color friendly STL.
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
The Cube3 Manual is EXCELLENT!
A Biz-to-Biz Company Masters Consumer Marketing
When I was first introduced to the 1st generation Cube, I have to be honest in saying that while I loved the printer, I was a bit skeptical that a company whose history had always been Business-to-Business would fully understand the consumer marketplace.
Over time, that skepticism has been whittled away as I not only saw improvement in the products, to make them more consumer friendly; but, also saw their commitment to building an infrastructure that truly served their buyers.
But, ALL skepticism is gone with the release of the Cube3.
From bottom to top this is a product designed to eliminate all obstacles for people who have little or no experience with a 3D printer. And, that not only describes the printer, itself; but, the manual that comes with the printer. If anyone ever had any doubts about 3D System understanding the consumer marketplace those doubts all go away simply by reading the Cube3 manual.
It probably is one of the best written manuals for any product that I've seen. And, I go WAY back when it comes to reading manuals for technical products meant for consumers.
Putting 3D Systems' Accomplishment in Perspective
To put 3D System's astonishing speed with learning how to meet the operating and communication needs of consumers, it's helpful to compare it with the progress of another technical consumer industry, video recording.
My first new video camera was the Sony AV-3400 Portapak purchased in 1969 or 1970.
We used to joke that the the complete Sony Manual boiled down to a single sentence. "Wipe with a clean cloth." Users had to rely on each other for any real information. (A popular TV show at the time was "Have Gun - Will Travel". One of the early problems was that the cover would move and stop the take-up reel. A user wrote an article about how to fix it and titled it "Have Tape - Will Ravel")
It probably took a over decade for Sony to improve their manuals. And, even then, they were only adequate by 1985 when their Video8 systems were first offered.
It's been more than 44 years since I purchased my first new video camera and while the manuals are more comprehensive, most are still confusing and poorly organized. My most recent video camera purchase was the Panasonic HC-X920, which I now use for my blog videos. Love the camera. Tolerate the manual. One has to jump around all over the place to find what they need to get the most out of the camera.
That is NOT the case for the Cube3 manual. In just three short years 3D Systems has managed to include one of the best manuals for a potentially complex product that I have ever read. Even the most novice of novices should find the Cube3 manual easy to follow.
The Cube3 manual is a clear and concise Step-by-Step guide to setting up and using the Cube3 printer that just about anyone and everyone can understand and follow.
As I was, once again, browsing through it this morning, I was struck by the mix of thoroughness and simplicity as each step is explained in detail without confusing technical jargon. I was also struck by how well they have integrated images and illustrations to support their text and make it even more clear.
Please... take the time to walk through the manual even if you are an experienced 3D printer user.
Mastering Our Tools Moves us Farther Along
Just yesterday, I was teaching 3D design to a class of cadets and I noticed that they were in the application working hard as I was presenting the alignment tools found in the 3D design package. They were so anxious to design something cool that they didn't fully appreciate one fact.
Doing so gives me a better understanding of my tool... the Cube3... and how it differs from my previous 3D printing experience. Two printjets is different than one printjet. Extruders in the cartridge is different than a single extruder in a print head. The manual is very helpful in clarifying how to work with these differences. And, it will help keep me from doing things that might stop me from being able to print successfully.
Did you know, for instance, that all filament deteriorates over time in a moist environment. So, it's best not to take your filament out of the package and set it aside for six months. It's in the manual along with a lot of other useful information about things like periodic maintenance of the print table.
To My Chagrin...
Having said all of the above, I have to admit that I am guilty of not having read the entire manual before giving advice about the Cube3 to a new owner regarding the new glue a few days ago. They had asked how long the glue should dry and, based on my previous experience with the cube 1 and 2, I said they should NOT let it dry. Imagine my surprise, when I subsequently read the Cube3 manual more closely and learned that, in fact, we ARE to let the glue dry before printing! I had looked at the image without completely reading the text! Bad Tom! Bad!!!
By not reading the User Guide in detail to learn my tool completely before giving advice, I put myself and others in the position of possibly having a LESS successful printing experience!
Having made that mistake myself, I wanted to pass on to you the importance of taking advantage of ALL the user guide has to say. Even the shortest sentence in a sea of great images can make a huge difference.
3D Systems has given us a terrific personal 3D printer. But, they've also given us a terrific manual to help us learn our tool and get the most out of it. It's well worth reading.
When I was first introduced to the 1st generation Cube, I have to be honest in saying that while I loved the printer, I was a bit skeptical that a company whose history had always been Business-to-Business would fully understand the consumer marketplace.
Over time, that skepticism has been whittled away as I not only saw improvement in the products, to make them more consumer friendly; but, also saw their commitment to building an infrastructure that truly served their buyers.
But, ALL skepticism is gone with the release of the Cube3.
From bottom to top this is a product designed to eliminate all obstacles for people who have little or no experience with a 3D printer. And, that not only describes the printer, itself; but, the manual that comes with the printer. If anyone ever had any doubts about 3D System understanding the consumer marketplace those doubts all go away simply by reading the Cube3 manual.
 |
| User Guide, Cover Page |
It probably is one of the best written manuals for any product that I've seen. And, I go WAY back when it comes to reading manuals for technical products meant for consumers.
Putting 3D Systems' Accomplishment in Perspective
To put 3D System's astonishing speed with learning how to meet the operating and communication needs of consumers, it's helpful to compare it with the progress of another technical consumer industry, video recording.
My first new video camera was the Sony AV-3400 Portapak purchased in 1969 or 1970.
 |
| Sony AV-3400 Portapak - circa 1970 |
We used to joke that the the complete Sony Manual boiled down to a single sentence. "Wipe with a clean cloth." Users had to rely on each other for any real information. (A popular TV show at the time was "Have Gun - Will Travel". One of the early problems was that the cover would move and stop the take-up reel. A user wrote an article about how to fix it and titled it "Have Tape - Will Ravel")
It probably took a over decade for Sony to improve their manuals. And, even then, they were only adequate by 1985 when their Video8 systems were first offered.
It's been more than 44 years since I purchased my first new video camera and while the manuals are more comprehensive, most are still confusing and poorly organized. My most recent video camera purchase was the Panasonic HC-X920, which I now use for my blog videos. Love the camera. Tolerate the manual. One has to jump around all over the place to find what they need to get the most out of the camera.
That is NOT the case for the Cube3 manual. In just three short years 3D Systems has managed to include one of the best manuals for a potentially complex product that I have ever read. Even the most novice of novices should find the Cube3 manual easy to follow.
The Cube3 manual is a clear and concise Step-by-Step guide to setting up and using the Cube3 printer that just about anyone and everyone can understand and follow.
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| The Annotated Illustrations are Excellent |
As I was, once again, browsing through it this morning, I was struck by the mix of thoroughness and simplicity as each step is explained in detail without confusing technical jargon. I was also struck by how well they have integrated images and illustrations to support their text and make it even more clear.
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| Step-by-Step with Illustrations |
Please... take the time to walk through the manual even if you are an experienced 3D printer user.
Mastering Our Tools Moves us Farther Along
Just yesterday, I was teaching 3D design to a class of cadets and I noticed that they were in the application working hard as I was presenting the alignment tools found in the 3D design package. They were so anxious to design something cool that they didn't fully appreciate one fact.
Those who take the time to learn the tools of their craft will, in the end, go a lot farther and have more success than those who are too impatient to learn the fundamentals.All of us tend to be impatient and excited about jumping right into printing something. I understand that. But, while I have had my Cube3 for several weeks now, I haven't printing many elaborate two-color masterpieces. I have been focusing on learning how this tool works. And, that has meant going through the manual methodically and then either performing operations described in the manual or printing small objects that test what I learn in that process.
Doing so gives me a better understanding of my tool... the Cube3... and how it differs from my previous 3D printing experience. Two printjets is different than one printjet. Extruders in the cartridge is different than a single extruder in a print head. The manual is very helpful in clarifying how to work with these differences. And, it will help keep me from doing things that might stop me from being able to print successfully.
Did you know, for instance, that all filament deteriorates over time in a moist environment. So, it's best not to take your filament out of the package and set it aside for six months. It's in the manual along with a lot of other useful information about things like periodic maintenance of the print table.
To My Chagrin...
Having said all of the above, I have to admit that I am guilty of not having read the entire manual before giving advice about the Cube3 to a new owner regarding the new glue a few days ago. They had asked how long the glue should dry and, based on my previous experience with the cube 1 and 2, I said they should NOT let it dry. Imagine my surprise, when I subsequently read the Cube3 manual more closely and learned that, in fact, we ARE to let the glue dry before printing! I had looked at the image without completely reading the text! Bad Tom! Bad!!!
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| Read the text! Don't just look at the pictures! |
By not reading the User Guide in detail to learn my tool completely before giving advice, I put myself and others in the position of possibly having a LESS successful printing experience!
Having made that mistake myself, I wanted to pass on to you the importance of taking advantage of ALL the user guide has to say. Even the shortest sentence in a sea of great images can make a huge difference.
3D Systems has given us a terrific personal 3D printer. But, they've also given us a terrific manual to help us learn our tool and get the most out of it. It's well worth reading.
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