Cube Videos from the University of Michigan 3D Lab!

The University of Michigan 3D Lab has produced a series of "How-To" videos that provide very clear instructions for operating a Cube 3D printer.The quality of these videos is excellent.The first video gives a very nice overview of the basics for getting started with the Cube 3D printer.  A sidebar also provides an index to the entire series.    Video #1: About the Cube As you finish each video, the next in the series will be loaded automatically.  Nice.While I could embed the videos here, I would much rather that you go to their...

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Planning some "How-to" Videos for the 2nd Gen Cube

I just ordered some new lights so that I can create some new videos that will, hopefully, enhance your user experience with the 2nd Generation Cube.Some of the topics that I know I want to cover deal with the Cubify options and how they affect your print job.  Another would be some observations about the CubeStick glue.  And, of course, we'll deal with clearing filament flow errors that all extrusion 3D printer users see from time to time.As you can imagine, I often have people contacting me with some problem they've experienced. ...

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Avoiding the Tug-o-War When Unloading the Filament

If you have changed a cartridge in the 2nd Generation Cube, you've probably noticed that it can be pretty difficult to pull the filament back out of the head.  Chances are, if you have experienced this, the cartridge you are trying to change was PLA.PLA melts at a different temperature than ABS plastic.  And, that means that it also solidifies at a lower temperature than ABS.  And, THAT means that if the material is not thoroughly heated before having the mechanism back it out, it could cool too soon and break... causing a real clogging...

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When a Raft Makes Sense to a Raft Hater

I hate rafts and supports and avoid them as fervently as I can.  In fact, you could say that I'm a bit rabid about the topic.To be honest, of hundreds of objects I've printed with the Cube printer, the number that required supports could be counted on one hand that had lost a couple of fingers.  In fact, I think it was only one... when I first got the 1st generation Cube.But, recently, I have run into some designs that just would NOT stick to the table for the length of time they needed to remain attached.  Of course, I blamed it...

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Significance of Staples Carrying the Cube

I've been traveling for the last few days and so I was quite surprised to get a phone call this morning alerting me the fact that Staples will be carrying the Cube 3D printer online and in select stores.Checking in to the Cubify Blog, I found this article.that makes the announcement.This is a HUGELY significant development along the path toward bringing 3D printers into homes and offices as mainstream productivity tools.  For the first time, as far as I know, someone will be able to walk into a store and actually SEE the printed output from...

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