Learning to Listen to Your Cube3 Printing.

As you have already noticed, 3D FDM printers, like the Cube3, produce a variety of sounds.  Paying close attention to those sounds is more important than might be first apparent.The Cube3 and all printers of its type use stepper motors to move along the X, Y and Z axes and to control the flow of filament.  More often than not, more than one stepper motor will be working at any given time so the sum total of the frequencies can produce some very elaborate sound combinations.We Can Learn What the Sounds Mean If we learn to listen closely,...

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Evaluation as we Enter February

This post is going to be a mix of great news and mixed news.By now, I have had a chance to put the Cube3 to the test to the tune of probably a hundred objects,  Yes, I have had clogs with some of the newer filament.  But, overall the clog situation is not anything close to my first experiences with the Cube3 with the earlier PLA.First, the mixed news.Printing with ABSI hear that people are successful with printing in ABS.  In fact,I...

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A Quick Look at Cube3 Firmware v1.10 Purge function.

I had an opportunity to briefly try PURGE on two clogged ABS cartridges and one working PLA cartridge.I was hoping for a miracle cure; but, unfortunately this wasn't it.  The PLA spit out a very long stream of filament that was long enough to make 3 or 4 coils on the print table.  Neither of the clogged ABS cartridges fared as well.  I think I know the reason why.First, let's take a look at the print jet housing on each of the ABS...

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Cube3 Firmware V1.10 now on Cubify Site

This is a VERY important upgrade.  Look under the 'Activate' tab for the Cube3.IMPORTANT:  If there is an underscore in the name, REPLACE IT WITH A SPACE.I have to go our now.  But, on my return this evening, I will discuss the ramifications of this firmware update and how to take advantage of the new features.In the meantime, I would make a mad dash for the site and download the update.  :)This update includes a new PURGE JETS function that promises to be useful in clearing clogs!...

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Cube3 Cubify Software Update - Version 2.19 is Available

As I started the Cubify client this morning, a notice appeared announcing an update to Version 2.19.I have not idea about all of the improvements that have been incorporated into this update.  But, there is one that for those using the Cube3 in a classroom situation will be happy to see.   For, the first time, I am able to control TWO (and I suppose more) Cube3 printers from my computer.It still is not at the point where doing so is absolutely reliable or under our complete control.  But, the fact that I am now able to send...

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3D Printed Cube3 Print Table Leveling Tool

Earlier there was a blog article about a paper printed table leveling gauge that was designed to help count the precise distance to turn the print table pads when leveling the Cube3 print table.A 3D printed version has just been uploaded to the Cubify 'Design Feed" for free download.  This is the DIRECT LINK.As you can see from this image, the tool simply fits over the print table pads.Print Table Leveling Aid (Print table pads simulated)The...

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My Most Successful Colors

This post is designed to catch up on some observations, etc.Filament Color MAY matterI wanted to report that of the colors I have been able to obtain of PLA, the least troublesome, so far, have been black and tan.  That is not to definitively say that they are THE best colors; but, simply that I've had excellent results from these two colors.I'm mindful that the colors may not be the issue at all.  3D Systems has instituted a rigorous testing program on all of their filament and it just may be that these cartridges were the first I owned...

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New User Printable Tools for Cube 3 Owners/Users

While I am having much better luck avoiding cartridge tip clogs with the Cube3, we still aren't at the 100% clog-free goal as yet.  This means opening the cartridge is sooner or later necessary.Cube3 Top Remover Tool Kit While not an onerous task, I got tired of juggling multiple screwdrivers in my attempts to open remove the cartridge top.  So, naturally, since I have 3D printers, I decided to find a better solution.  It looks like...

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