EPAX X1 User manual

Warning: After get the printer ready and then power it on, please do an “Auto Home” as the first thing so
that the printer knows where the ground zero is. The printer does not save its last z position before last
power off. So “Auto Home” is necessary as soon as you get the printer ready to power on. Doing so will
keep manual up/down boundary in check. This is important when you try to test many menu options. It
is not needed if you just go straight to print.
It is strongly recommended to watch videos before operating the printer.
For instructions and videos, please visit www.epax3d.com
1. Technical Specification
Printing
Operation
3.5-inch Color TFT Screen
Slicing Software
ChiTu
Connectivity
USB memory
Specifications
Technique
LCD Shadow Masking
Light source
UV-LED (wave-length 405nm)
XY Resolution
0.047mm (2560*1440)
Z axis Accuracy
0.00125mm
Suggested Layer Thickness
0.01 ~ 0.2mm
Suggested Print Speed
20mm/h
Rated power
50W
Physical Dimensions
Dimension
230mm (L) *230mm (W) *400mm (H)
Build volume
115mm (L) *65mm (W) *155mm (H)
Materials
405nm UV-resin
Net weight
7.9KG
Gross weight
10KG
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2. Touchscreen Menu Structure
MENU
TOOLS SYSTEM PRINT
Please “Auto Home” as the first operation after powered on printer.
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The menu has more options than what this printer uses. Network menu is not supported by this printer.
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3. Slicing Software Installation
Slicing software is located in the included USB drive. The file names start with ChiTuBox……. You can install
one of them according to what kind of PC you use. For Windows 64, it is “ChiTuBox64Install_130.exe”. For
Macbook, it is “ChiTuBox_V1.3.0.dmg”. Follow the installation guide as any software installation. For latest
slicer download, you can visit below site:
https://www.chitubox.com/download.html
4. Slicer Settings
Open the ChiTubox application, on the right side click “Settings”. Then click “Import” and inport the
“ChiTuBox_EPAX_X1.cfg” file from the included USB drive. This will load all the settings for EPAX X1
printer, including Machine volume size, resolution, Print layer height, bottom layers, bottom exposure time and
regular exposure time. They are critical for a first successful print.
For updated instruction and recommended support settings etc. you may visit:
https://epax3d.com/pages/slicer-settings-chitubox
For live help, please visit our Facebook group. We are there actively. Many customers are also very active there
helping each other.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/epax3d
5. Slicer Operations
There are many operations in the ChiTuBox slicer. If you can’t figure out how some options work, always look at
the Facebook group or ask there. Below are some basic but very important setting recommendation.
1. Parameters
Layer height: It is suggested to set it to 0.05mm (range: 0.01 ~ 0.2mm). The thicker the layer thickness, the longer
the exposure time per layer needed. Normal exposure time: Setting range: 6s〜15s. The exposure time is set
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according to the thickness of each layer and the details complexity of the model.
Bottom Exposure Time: Setting range: 35s-50s, the longer the bottom exposure time, the easier for the bottom
layer of the model to stick onto the build platform.
Bottom layers: setting range: 4〜5
2. Support
The menu is the top right most icon besides settings icon. The types of support can be configured are Light,
Medium and Heavy and Raft. Each choice has a corresponding parameter setting.
Light: Contact area between the support and model is small, easy to remove the support;
Heavy: Support contact with the model area is large, solid.
It is recommended to try the “Medium” first, and use the default settings.
Raft: Add the raft will make the bottom stick better to the build platform (but using more materials], the parameters
can be changed according to you own unique model needs.
3. Slicing and Save the files
When you have the file sliced, You can save it in the USB drive. The .cbddlp file is then saved to the USB drive
and ready for printing.
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6. First Printing
1. Install the build platform
Install the build platform into the Z axis platform bracket, turn the fasten knob in clockwise rotation to fasten the
platform. Then if just powered on, do an “Auto Home” first. Then raise platform to the middle of z axis so that
you can add resin easily.
Note that our printer was pre calibrated. You do not need to relevel the platform!
2. Load resin
Slowly pour the resin into the resin vat until the resin level reached about 1/3 height of the resin vat.
WARNING: Always wear gloves and goggle and don’t touch resin by skin.
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3. Choose File to be printed
Insert the USB flash drive into the machine's USB socket. As shown in the figure, select a test model (such as
lamp-shade.cbddlp file) and start printing. During the printing process, you must close the top cover to avoid
lights. The machine must be placed on flat and stable table. It is recommended to print the included test
file as the first file printed with your new printer. The file was already sliced and ready to print.
During printing, if you find the resin is not enough to finish the model you can click "Pause", wait for the
build plate to rise up automatically, then add extra resin to the resin vat slowly (maximum 1/3 height of the
resin vat). Click "Print” again, the build platform will go down again and the printing will resume. You can
also pause as many times as you want so that you can check and make sure all things going well,
especially for a new model.
If you slice your own model, you must know what exposure time for your resin and layer height. Here are
settings for our general purpose and PLA based resins:
Resin model: eSUN bio-based or general purpose hard resin for LCD
Layer thickness(mm) 0.02-0.1
Bottom Exposure Time: 30-50s when layer thickness is 0.05mm, recommend set to 40s.
Normal Exposure Time: 6-10s when layer thickness is 0.05mm, recommend set to 8s.
PS；Exposure time is proportional to layer thickness. The numbers above are for layer thickness 0.05mm.
if layer thickness is 0.1mm, the normal exposure time will be 12-20s. If layer thickness is 0.02 then the
normal exposure time is 2-4s.
For the first print, or a new model, it is a good idea to pause the printing after printed a while, such as
30 minutes. You can pause and check whether the first layers stick to build platform. You can then
resume printing if all look good. If the print does not stick to build platform, then you need to modify
your design by adding more support, changing orientation or adjust first several layers’ exposure time.
Typically first several layers require at least 35 seconds each.
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7. Post Printing Treatment
When printing done, wait till no more residual resin drop from on the platform. Twist the black knob
counterclockwise and take off the build platform. Remove the print by shoveling and clean it by soaking it into
IPA at least three minutes if IPA is 95%. If IPA is 91%, then soak 5 minutes. Swirling a bit while soaking for
better cleaning of resin. You can purchase IPA from any drug stores like CVS etc. After model cleaned, take it
out and put it in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area. After a few hours, the print will become fully dry and
solid.
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8. Warnings
1. When you find printing failed or solid residue in the resin vat, you must filter the resin in
order to protect the 2K curing LCD screen. You must clean the resin in the resin vat by
filtering out the resin solid residue. If there are solid residue in the resin vat, when build
plate dip into the vat, the force may crush residues, damage the film and even the 2k curing
screen.
2. If there are residue resin in the resin vat or build plate outer surface, please clean with tissue to
avoid drop into the machine.
3. Always wear gloves, respirator mask and protective goggle. Print in a well-ventilated
area. It is best to have vent fan drawing air around printer to outside.
It is strongly recommended to watch videos before operating the printer.
For printer instructions, videos, firmware parameters and new developments, please visit
www.epax3d.com
You can also search “EPAX X1” on youtube.
Customer Support Email:  [email protected]
Warranty: 1 year US warranty for the printer, except the LCD masking screen, film and resin.
3 months US warranty for LCD masking screen
For printer replacement parts, supplies and various resins, visit www.epax3d.com
Join us on our Facebook group for active discussions and knowledge sharing:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/epax3d/
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