DC Stop - Cube Impressions

The Cube came to DC yesterday on the Cubify Odyssey Tour.   It was great seeing Adam again and meeting the tour team.  I will be posting some images later today and talk about the day.

But, right now I want to focus on the most important things for future Cube owners that I learned yesterday.

NOT ONE CUBE HAS HAD TO BE REPLACED

Anyone that has a RepRap 3D printer can really appreciate how scary it would be to mount 5 RepRaps in a Nissan Cube (NOT a Lincoln Town Car by any means!) and driving thousands of miles over every kind of terrain and running them in every kind of weather.  As much as I like my RapMan, it shakes nuts and bolts loose just sitting on a table!

Yet, the Cubes have made that trip and every one are still up and running like it was the first day of the adventure.

It reminds me of the days in the infancy of the automobile where manufacturers would compete in  marathon automobile races to prove the reliability of the newfangled horseless carriage!  I find the Cube's achievement in reliable performance to be very impressive.

EASY TO CHANGE MATERIALS

Changing reels of filament in a RepRap isn't a terrible ordeal.  But, it is way more time consuming than it is with the Cube.  And, there is a big difference in the process.  With the Cube it is a two button operation.... Unload and Load. 

NO NEED FOR PRINT BED LEVELING

Because most RepRap printers are kit built, they include a process for leveling the bed.  Any, changes to the framework of the printer requires re-leveling.  The Cube's design does away with the need for the user to level the print bed.

NO NEED FOR PRINT HEAD TO PRINT BED GAP ADJUSTMENTS

In an earlier post I show a mechanics gauge that I use for precisely setting the gap between the print head and the print bed.  Again, I check this fairly often to maintain the best prints possible.  The Cube handles this for us automatically.  Take the Cube out of the box and start printing.

USER SELECTABLE RAFT/NO RAFT

It is no secret that the only aspect of 3D printing that is less than enjoyable for me is removing raft and support materials.  The software for my current 3D printer will not allow me to turn off the raft even though I know that the item should not need one.  The software that comes with the Cube does give us that choice.  The tour team was printing a number of items having no raft and they held perfectly while printing and were easily removed on completion.  This is no small deal to me.

EASIER SUPPORT STRUCTURE REMOVAL


One of the things that was mentioned to me, as I explained to Adam, how much I was going to enjoy being able to turn off the raft, was that the Cube uses a new and better support strategy that is more common to the bigger machines than to the previous lines of extrusion printers.  The result is support that is easier to remove than what I've been used to.

This is very good news.  When I post the images I took, I'll point out a picture that demonstrates at least some of the differences I noticed right away.  But, I don't know that I have any really good images of support materials that had to be removed.  I know how to force a 3D printer to need supports.  So, one of the first things I'll do is check out the new support strategy.  But, if what I'm hearing is as good as it sounds, I am going to be one happy camper!!

NO NEED FOR MATERIAL "PROFILING"

While in general, I am not wild about having a single supplier for consumer products.  But, the reality is that at least at first Cube filament will probably only be available through 3D Systems.  That's categorically a bad thing, right?  Wrong!

I have tried filament from a fairly wide variety of vendors for my RapMan 3.2.  While I have found some suppliers whose products work well, I have yet to find one, outside of Bit From Bytes whose materials will immediately work well in my 3D printer.  I always have to create a new material profile and fiddle with the settings until I get the filament for behave well.  And, in at least two cases, I've had to abandon the material because it clogged my extruder's head to the point where I had to take the extruder apart and was fearful of having to completely replace it.

Yes, I am certain that we're going to have to pay more for the filament that we might if there was pressure from 3rd party vendors.  But, I've got to tell you that having the assurance of high quality materials with no need to fiddle with material profiles is a lot more important to me than the slightly higher premium in material costs.  Plus, we always have to factor in the waste of continually having to expend materials in testing new profiles.

To me, having one source at this point is a GOOD thing... not a BAD thing.  It gets us working immediately and keeps us working longer with less difficulty.

THE CUBE IS HIGHLY PORTABLE

I already knew this from my visit to the 3D Systems headquarters a few months ago.  But, it is worth pointing out both the compact size and the light weight of the Cube.  Don't be fooled by the light weight.  It is still one tough machine.  But, being able to put the Cube in my car and taking it anywhere I'd like is an enormous advantage over my current printer.  And, it's an advantage that I plan to use a LOT.

HEATED BED & "MAGIC GLUE"

I love the look, feel and toughness of items printed in ABS.  Unfortunately, I do not have a heated bed for my RapMan and without a heated bed I find it impossible to print ABS parts without the dreaded warping that ends up in aborted runs and distorted prints.  The primary reason that the Cube is able to use ABS plastic is that the Cube's print bed IS heated.  Plus, 3D Systems has come up with a proprietary coating that they call "Magic Glue" that is used on the print bed to further prevent warping.  I watched as an item that I KNEW would warp on my 3D printer, because of it's size, was successfully printed without lifting up at all.  I'm looking forward to finally being able to use ABS for my printed items!

QUIET

My current RapMan printer is quiet enough that it is run in our home over night without disturbing anyone.  But, the Cube is even more quiet than the RapMan.  I hadn't known to focus on noise in my visit to see the Cube the first time.  But, this time it was one of the things I knew I wanted to check out since I now know I want to print at any hour of the day or night.

SUMMARY

A quick visit on one day isn't enough for a definitive review.  But, I was very impressed by what I saw.  They will begin shipping May 25th.  So, I should have a machine in my hands before June.  And, I can assure you that it will be run virtually non-stop just as my RapMan has been.  In the meantime I believe that I have enough information to be convinced that the Cube can go head to head with any RepRap printer and come out on top in everything but build size.  And, believe me, build size is NOT the most critical aspect for 99% of us.  I have yet to use the full build size of my RapMan and out of hundreds of items printed, maybe one or two have exceeded the print envelope of the Cube.  To me the Cube is a clear contender for anyone considering a 3D printer and will be my suggestion to anyone that asks me for my opinion unless they have some highly unusual requirements that suggest otherwise. 

The Cube Tour Should be in DC Tomorrow

As you will see as you follow this blog, I do not simply pass through press releases or piggy back on the work of others to fill content on my blogs.  There is two much practical stuff to talk about when it comes to 3D printing.

So, I haven't really talked much about the Cube Odyssey Tour.  I assumed that if you were following this blog that you have also been following the Cubify blog.

But, today, I AM going to talk about both the tour AND the Cubify blog.   I think Adam and the other members of the team have done an absolutely marvelous job of keeping us up to date and allowing us to travel with them without the aches and pains of a marathon car trip.

Here are just a few of the images they've posted.

At Artists for Humanity, Boston

And, of course, matching Cube & Shoes....

Adam & Cube in Chicago

The pictures of enthusiastic children were a favorite... This one is from Cincinnati.

Cincinnati Cube Fans

It seems that at every stop, as people came to see, some for the first time, what a 3D printer can do, there was nothing but excitement and enthusiasm.  But, it's not just the machine.  It is the team and their commitment to spread the word that something different has come to town and it has a LOT to offer all of us.

I've already met Adam.  And, I'm looking forward to seeing him again.  I came away from my visit to the 3D Systems headquarters admiring his creativity and understanding of what we need as Cube owners and Cubify users.   Hopefully, I will get to meet the other team members tomorrow when they arrive in DC.  And, I'm really looking forward to it. 

I plan to take some pictures of my own and will be asking some questions about the Cube interface that I think you will find interesting.  Expect a new post tomorrow evening.  :)

3D Printing and Photography

Few things are as useful and versatile as today's small small point & shoot cameras.

While my primary camera is a full-frame SLR, I often find myself reaching for the small Canon 110 HS point & shoot.  However, there are two things about this camera that drive me crazy.  One is that it cannot shoot in RAW, making processing more difficult.  The other is the tiny flash that gives everything that deer-in-the-headlights look.

A tiny flash is always a harsher flash.  So, one of the ways to try to minimize that harshness is to make the flash appear to be bigger.  And, a 3D printer is great for creating a reflector that is custom fit to most cameras.  Here is an image of my current project... making a reflector for the Canon 110 HS.

It's not quite where I want it to be in terms of full effectiveness.  But, it's getting there.  I still need to experiment with the shape and size of the reflector.  But, I am already seeing results that tell me I'm on the right track.

And, the good thing about having your own 3D printer is that you can keep coming back to the drawing board until the item you are attempting to design is doing exactly as it was intended to do.

It takes about an hour to print this particular design.

No, the above image wasn't taken with the 5D Mark II, it was taken with another camera I have laying around here.  Hmmm.... one project seems to lead to another!!!  LOL!

The Cube and School Projects

As a former teacher, I know the stress that parents face when it comes to their children's school projects.  Just last weekend I was in a Michael's and a stressed mother was combing the store trying to find materials to make a 3D tiger.

I wanted to explain that this was a perfect job for a 3D printer; but, I don't think that would have been much help to this poor woman and her equally stressed child since the deadline loomed far earlier than the Cube would arrive to bail them out.  So, I settled on talking about how we made our own paper mache using flour paste as a child. 

But, when my own granddaughter informed me that she needed some things that represented Oregon, we cast the paper mache idea aside as too messy and went straight to the RapMan instead.  What we came up with was something to honor the Oregon Trail.  It is a box in the shape of Oregon that has an image of a covered wagon being pulled by Oxen.

Now, I'm not a fan of adults doing the work for children.  But, in this project the child is asked to pull together items representing Oregon.  So, my being involved in designing the box wasn't outside the expectations for the project.  The point of the project was to THINK about Oregon.  And, coming up with the theme of the box fit that requirement to a tee.

Oregon Box

I hope to get a better image tomorrow.  The above image was taken with the camera at hand and it leaves a lot to be desired.  But, you get the point.  We can do cool and useful things with a 3D printer that help every member of the family.  Ultimately, this box will be uploaded to Cubify so that if you have a child that needs to come up with something related to Oregon it will be ready for you.

While this was printed using the RapMan, it definitely fits the bed of the Cube.  The top and bottom are printed at the same time. 

Oregon Box Layout

Together they just fit the Cube's 140mm x 140mm print area.  By laying the items out like this we minimize the need for support materials.

Once again, if you have a similar need that others might also enjoy, please feel free to send a request.  I want to create items that useful to our community and even for those that do not have a 3D printer; but, who could order the item through Cubify.

Here is another similar project that I created to demonstrate to the Hagley Museum, in Wilmington, DE. how history can come alive with a 3D printer.  I came across this image on their web site...

Hagley Museum Archive Photo

Using this image as an underlay in my 3D program, Moment of Inspiration, I was able to create a rough approximation of a "Gun Boat" style anthracite cart.   (Don't let the orientation confuse you.  It's often helpful to rotate an image while designing.)

Image used as Underlay during 3D design

The result was this rough sample of what can be done with a 3D printer as part of an educational activity.  Here is the 3D design without the underlay.  Because the original image was shot at an angle, it was difficult to get the actual length right. So, this version is probably not accurate when it comes to precise dimensions.  However, it does convey the concept and could be updated if and when more information is available.

As designed in Moment of Inspiration - No Overlay

From an educational standpoint, I found that using the photo as a basis for creating a 3D design actually heightened my awareness of the entire image's content.  If I were a better artist, I would love to have included the men in my print.  Imagine riding one of these things in and out of a mine each day!

Here is the final print.  I doubt if many coal carts were in Lime Green; but, you get the point.  LOL!

3D Print of a "Gun Boat" Coal Cart

Cube Printing - Tools you May Find Useful

I'm writing this without a clear understanding of how differently the Cube handles the "Raft" and support materials from the way the RapMan 3.2 handles them.  I'm assuming that while there may be some differences, those differences will not be so huge as to negate the value of the suggestions in this post.

One of the first things you learn in 3D printing is that while the printer ADDS material to create an object, it is up to YOU to SUBTRACT material to see the object as it was designed.  That is because the 3D printer must sometimes add material to support elements of the design.

In a single extrusion system, like the upcoming Cube, tools are required for that job.  This first set of tools is dedicated to removing raft and support materials.

At least in most 3D printers, the raft material can sometimes be stubborn to remove from the print bed.  I have found that the large Liquitex Free-Style palette knife (bottom item), found in art and craft stores if excellent for removing the raft while being as gentle on the print bed.   The primary benefit over other raft removal tools is that it can be rocked back and forth to work itself along.

The smaller version (second from bottom) is also useful.  And, this may be enough for the Cube.

For removing the raft and support materials from large flat areas on objects, the Husky paint scraper is an excellent tool.  It's not needed often.  But, there are times when it comes in really handy.

The top item is some wet & dry fine grit (100-120) sandpaper glued to a paint stirring stick.  This is used to keep all the other tools sharp and to smooth out imperfections.

There are other tools helpful for removing support and raft materials in this next group.

Among the most useful tools is a good set of needle-nose pliers, preferably with a bent nose.  A small set of pliers is probably better than a large set and the sharper the tapper of the nose, the better.

But, above all, the most useful tool is a small flathead screwdriver.  There is usually a small gap between the object and the support materials.  A small screwdriver lodged in that gap is very helpful to lossen support material.

This funny looking deburring tool is usually used for plumbing to remove burrs from cut pipe.  It can be purchased for under $10 at home improvement stores in the plumbing department.  It does exactly what its name implies... it deburs the edges of the object where the raft was attached and smooths out the edges.  Very helpful.

But, tools for removing support aren't the only tools that make life easier.  I don't know if we will have to manually set gap between the extrusion head and the print bed.  On the Cube that may be set automatically.  But, if it isn't then this next tool is going to be very, very helpful.

It's usually used to set the gap in spark plugs or valves in automobiles.  But, I have found it to be invaluable in setting the gap between the RapMan's extrusion head and the print bed.

Finally, the is this tool.  It has little to do with the Cube itself.  But, I doubt is I could be as productive with my design software without it.  It's a digital caliper from Harbor Freight that can cost as little as under $10.00.  It is able to measure both outside and inside distances.  I probably use this tool at some point in every design, if only to visualize sizes.

All of these tools can make your Cube experience a bit easier and more productive.  And, the good news is that they are easily found locally or on the web.  I can't imagine not having them with my RapMan.  And, for the most part, I expect to need them with the new Cube when it arrives.

Which is VERY soon!

Utilizing ALL the Cube's Printing Space

When we design our objects, it's easiest to orient them horizontally or vertically.

But, sometimes we want to print an item that would not fit into the Cube's build space with the original orientation.

There are two solutions.  The first is to scale the object to be small enough to fit.  The second option is to re-orient the printed piece so that it remains the same size; but, still fits into the build space of the Cube.

Let's take the "ANNA" pencil box from the previous post as an example.

 

I have marked the Cube's build area using a box that is 140mm x 140mm.  (Those of you in the United States may not believe this; but, it is far easier and more precise to work in metric when designing for a 3D printer.  It is easy to find any conversation using a wide variety of web tools that are freely available.)  As you can see, the box, at 168mm wide does not fit the build area.

While we could simply scale the box to make it smaller.  But, to reduce the size of the box would also reduce it's usefulness. 

The answer, in this case, is to simply rotate the box.

The same 168mm wide box now completely fits into the build area of the Cube.  The 3D printer could not care less about the angle of orientation.  The only difference that might be seen in the finished product is in the normal pattern and direction of the print lines common to all 3D prints.  But, that has no practical effect on the part being printed.

While the part can be oriented in the software that converts the original STL file into a Cube file, it is probably easiest to perform the rotation in the original software package.  I have not seen the conversion software for the Cube as yet.  But, I assume that it is much like Axon that comes with the RapMan 3.2 printer.  Axon lets you know if the part will fit into the available build space and lets you easily scale to correct the problem.   But, rotation isn't one of Axon's strong points.  So, we'll have to see how that is implemented in the Cube version.

Personalization - Giving Plastic Value

I'm off in a few minutes to see my granddaughters and to take some birthday presents to a wonderful girl who is their friend.

On the spur of the moment, I decided to create a unique and special pencil box for her using my 3D printer.  One of the raps about the items that can be made in a 3D printer is that plastic has so little intrinsic monetary value.  But, that does not mean that an item made from plastic cannot have real value to the recipient.

And, the way to do that is to make that something a unique, one-of-a-kind item, that no one else has.  The best way to do that is to personalize it.  So, here is a personalized pencil box made just for Anna.

To me, personalization is one of the most important aspects of owning a 3D printer.  Now I an off to deliver it to her!  :)