3D Systems CUBE User manual

INF User Guide
INF User Guide
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Cube® 3D Printer. This printer is portable with a plug
and print design that enables everybody in the family to express their creativity like
never before. With multiple material colors to choose from and two types of
materials, enjoy the freedom to print in your true colors or mix it up. With its ready-
to-print technology, the Cube provides a new dimension to your imagination and
helps you share your creations with others in the Cubify community at Cubify.com.

At Cubify.com you can:
Upload your creations
Purchase creations
Get your creations 3D printed and shipped to you
Engage with other creative partners
Buy the Cube 3D Printer, print cartridges, and supplies
COPYRIGHT INFORMATION
©2015 by 3D Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. This document is subject to change
without notice. This document is copyrighted and contains proprietary information
that is the property of 3D Systems, Inc. The 3D Systems logo, 3D Systems, Cube
and Cubify are registered trademarks of 3D Systems, Inc. Use of the Cubify.com
website constitutes acceptance of its Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Compliance
FCC NOTICE
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
—Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
—Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
—Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
—Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
NOTE: Changes or modifications to this equipment not specifically approved
by 3D Systems may void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
KCC
이 기기는 가정용(B급) 전자파적합기기로서 주 로 가정에서 사용하는 것을 목적으로 하며, 모 든 지역에서 사용할 수 있습니다.
This equipment is home use (Class B) electromagnetic wave suitability equipment

and to be used mainly at home and it can be used in all areas.
This equipment conforms with International Electric Committee (IEC) 60950-1 and
meets the requirements of the applicable EC directives.
CAN ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3(B)
This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s).
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including
interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d’Industrie Canada applicables aux
appareils radio exempts de licence. L’exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions
suivantes: (1) l’appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et (2) l’utilisateur de
l’appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage
est susceptible d’en compromettre le fonctionnement.
Important Safety Information
Safety Symbols and Definitions
HOT SURFACE HAZARD: A HOT SURFACE IS ACCESSIBLE IN THE
VICINITY OF THIS SIGN OR AT THE PRINT JET. AVOID CONTACT WITH
THESE AREAS. HOT SURFACES CAN CAUSE SEVERE BURNS.
Caution: Indicates something may happen that could cause loss of data,
damage to equipment, or could cause personal injury.
Caution: Indicates a pinch point hazard that could cause personal injury.
SHOCK WARNING: INDICATES A POTENTIAL SHOCK HAZARD.
Safety Guidelines
Follow all safety rules in this section and observe all cautions and warnings in this
guide.
DO NOT modify any safety features or make modifications to the Cube. Doing so is
prohibited and voids the manufacturer’s warranty.

Use of print materials, or 3D prints other than 3D Systems’ print materials and
genuine 3D Systems’ components may void the warranty.
Adult supervision is required; observe children closely and intervene as necessary to
prevent potential safety problems and ensure the Cube’s appropriate use. Ensure
small 3D prints are not accessible to young children. These 3D prints are potential
choking hazards for young children.
DO NOT change a material cartridge during printing; doing so may damage the Cube.
HOT SURFACE HAZARD: DO NOT TOUCH THE PRINT JETS DURING
SETUP AND OPERATION. THE PRINT JETS BECOME VERY HOT.
Caution: DO NOT disconnect the CUBE from utility power while the print jets
are hot. Wait until the print jet’s amber light turns off before disconnecting
from utility power as this may damage the print jet.
Caution: Read and follow all instructions prior to setting up the printer.
SHOCK WARNING: DUE TO RISK OF SHOCK, AVOID CONTACT WITH
ALL INTERNAL ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS.
WARNING: THE CUBE SHOULD ONLY BE SERVICED BY AUTHORIZED
SERVICE TECHNICIANS. PRIOR TO ANY PART REPLACEMENT
PROCEDURE, THE PRINTER MUST BE POWERED OFF AND
DISCONNECTED FROM UTILITY POWER.
WARNING: HAZARDOUS MOVING PARTS. KEEP FINGERS AND OTHER
BODY PARTS AWAY.
To ensure safety, please exercise caution when operating your Cube. Read and
follow all safety precautions as outlined in this user guide. Be careful when
operating your Cube 3D Printer to ensure proper printing and be mindful of and
avoid hot surfaces.

INF Printing Best Practices
Reduce Shifting
Material differences between PLA/ABS and INF can cause the print pad to shift when
printing supports with INF material. Friction stickers should be added to the print
pad level adjustment knobs.
Remove the print pad from the printer.1.
Wipe the adjustment knobs with a clean, soft cloth dampened with water. Ensure the2.
knobs are dry before continuing.
Peel away the friction stickers (provided) and apply them to each of the three3.
adjustment knobs.

NOTE: Once the stickers have been placed, do not add more stickers
at any time.
Dispose of all debris from the bins.4.

Reinstall the print pad.5.
Perform the Auto level procedure.6.
Reduce Printing Defects
Auto Level should be performed at the beginning of each test and each time the
display prompts you to perform the procedure.

Reduce Voids in Printing
To reduce voids in your prints, empty all debris from the purge bins. In addition,
verify that no print material has collected around the jet wipers.
Glue
Using Cube Glue is always recommended for printing, especially for areas of the
print pad where INF prints. Ensure that glue is applied to the print pad in an area
that is larger than the base of your part.
PURGING PLA AND INF

Purging is not always required but is recommended after performing a long print.
This will ensure that both jets are clear and ready for the next print. Purge the PLA
print jet and then purge the INF print jet before printing a new part.
Position The Part To Optimize The Print
For best results, position PLA parts in a way where there are fewer horizontal spans
between vertical features.
Preferred
Note the horizontal features of this part. Even though the bars in this part span a
significant distance, these features will be properly supported by INF material.
Not Preferred
Note the vertical features of the part in this illustration. Spanning PLA material
between multiple vertical features may not print as intended.
Maintain Larger Footprints
Arrange the part where you will have the largest footprint touching the print pad.

You may also add a sidewalk to your print to increase the footprint.
Use PLA material to anchor your part to the print pad.
Preferred
Note the contact point of this part. Adding a sidewalk will stabilize it even more.
Not Preferred
Note the limited contact point of this part. This part may not be stable enough to
print properly.
Maintain Gaps
To ensure there is enough space for INF support, maintain at least .6 mm between
components that need to print with separation.

Level The Nozzles
If PLA and INF material do not adhere to one another, check the nozzle level. Print
the nozzle level test file and adjust as needed.
NOTE: Auto Level should always be performed before the Auto Gap
procedure.
NOTE: Auto Level should be performed when the printer is positioned away
from bright lights or direct sunlight.
Auto Level
Navigate to the Print Plate Calibration screen and select AUTO LEVEL.1.
Clean the print pad thoroughly removing all glue and debris. Select the checkmark to2.
continue.
NOTE: The surface of the print pad must be completely clean.

NOTE: The Auto Level procedure will begin.
Once the Auto Level procedure has completed, select the checkmark to verify the Z-3.
Gap. If the print pad is out of range, proceed to the Manual Level procedure.
The printer will begin checking the Z-gap.4.
NOTE: The printer will perform an automated gap measurement. This may
take a few minutes.
If Auto Gap is successful, select the checkmark to continue.5.

NOTE: If Auto Gap is not successful, it is recommended that you perform Auto
Level and Auto Gap again. Select AUTO LEVEL to continue.
NOTE: If Auto Gap is not successful the second time, select PLATE
MAINTENANCE. For more information, refer to the section titled Print Pad
Maintenance. Once the Plate Maintenance procedure has been performed,
perform Auto Level and Auto Gap.
NOTE: If Auto Gap is still not successful, select MANUAL GAP ADJUSTMENT.
Refer to the section titled Manual Level for more information. Once the
Manual Gap Adjustment procedure has been performed, note the final reading
for future reference.
Manual Level
If the print pad is out of range, you will need to perform a manual adjustment.
Remove the print pad and select the checkmark to continue.1.
NOTE: To remove it, lift up the front of the print pad and pull it out of the
printer. The print pad is magnetically attached to the adjustment knobs.

When prompted, loosen the lock screw that is indicated on the touchscreen display.2.
Select the checkmark to continue.
NOTE: Use a 1.5 mm Allen wrench that is included with the printer.
NOTE: The lock screw (1) is located just below the adjustment knob (2). The
lock screw for adjustment knob B can be accessed from the front of the
printer. The lock screw for adjustment knob A can be accessed from behind
the printer.
Follow the instructions on the touchscreen display. Once the adjustments have been3.
made, select the checkmark to continue.

When prompted, tighten the lock screw enough to ensure the adjustment knob does4.
not easily turn. Select the checkmark to continue.
Caution: Do not over-tighten the lock screw. This can damage the adjustment
knob and void the manufacturer’s warranty.
Reinstall the print pad and select the checkmark to perform the Auto Level procedure5.
again.
NOTE: Select SKIP to bypass the Auto Level procedure. It is recommended
that Auto Level procedure is performed again.
Once Auto Level is successful, the printer will begin checking the Z-gap.6.
NOTE: The printer will perform an automated gap measurement. This may
take a few minutes.

Select the checkmark to continue.7.
NOTE: If Auto Gap is not successful, it is recommended that you perform Auto
Level and Auto Gap again. Select AUTO LEVEL to continue.
NOTE: If Auto Gap is not successful the second time, select PLATE
MAINTENANCE. For more information, refer to the section titled Print Pad
Maintenance. Once the Plate Maintenance procedure has been performed,
perform Auto Level and Auto Gap.
NOTE: If Auto Gap is still not successful, select MANUAL GAP ADJUSTMENT.
Refer to the section titled Manual Gap Adjustment for more information. Once
the Manual Gap Adjustment procedure has been performed, note the final
reading for future reference.
Gap Verification
Print a test print from the System 1 menu. Once you have removed it from the print
pad, visually inspect the first (bottom) layer of the print and verify the quality. Turn
the print upside down and inspect the printing grain. When the gap is optimal, the
bottom of the print should appear smooth and the lines should be very light and
fused together.
Correct Gap
The gap is correct when the bottom of the print appears smooth and the lines are
tightly fused together.

Gap Is Too Large
If the lines are more prominent (see the illustration below) and not tightly fused, the
gap is too large. Auto Level and Auto Gap should be performed. When the gap is
too large, the first layer may begin to fray when removing the print from the print
pad.
Gap Is Too Narrow
When the gap is too narrow, the part may be very difficult to remove from the print
pad. In addition, the bottom layers may break off from the rest of the part while
removing it. The bottom of the first layer will appear very smooth and shiny with
almost no visible lines.
NOTE: If the bottom of the part appears shiny, make sure all glue has been
removed and then reinspect it.
Caution: Damage to the print pad can occur if the gap is too narrow.
Manual Gap Adjustment
If Auto Gap is unsuccessful, you may perform a manual gap adjustment to ensure
the first layer of the part prints properly.

NOTE: The print pad must be clean and free from glue and print material.
NOTE: Ensure the print jet nozzles are clean and free from print material. This
can usually be accomplished by pulling out the print material with your
fingers.
Caution: Ensure the print jet nozzles are at room temperature before
attempting to clean them.
Select MANUAL GAP ADJUSTMENT.1.
Place the gap gauge on top of the print pad under the left print jet. Select the2.
checkmark to continue.
NOTE: Ensure the left cartridge is installed before performing this procedure.
NOTE: The Gap Gauge is a thin polyester strip approximately 8.5” (216 mm)
long and 1.5” (38 mm) wide.
Gently slide the gap gauge back and forth between the print pad and the left print jet.3.
Using the arrows, raise or lower the print pad until you feel a slight resistance on the
gauge. Select the checkmark when you feel the proper resistance.
Caution: Exercise caution to prevent the print jet from pressing into the print
pad. Once you feel a slight resistance in the Gap Gauge as it moves between
the print pad and the left print jet, the gap is correct.

Glue
Using Cube Glue is always recommended for printing, especially for areas of the
print pad where INF prints. Ensure that glue is applied to the print pad in an area
that is larger than the base of your part.