Fundaciocim BCN3D User manual

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RepRapBCN
User Manual
ORIGINAL MANUAL

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1. PRIOR INFORMATION
Specifications
FFF Technology
Compliance
Safety
Safety Warnings
2. SETTING UP YOUR BCN3D+
Unboxing
Tools and accessories
BCN3D+ diagram
3. STARTUP PROCESS
Calibration
Loading filament
Working with your BCN3D+
4. LCD CONTROL
Home screen
Home menu
5. STL FILES
Obtaining STL files
Editing and repairing an STL file
Netfabb interfance
Repairment
Orientation and move home
G-CODE generation
Slic3r configuration
Slic3r first steps
Transfering our G-Code to the BCN3D+
6. PRINTING FROM USB AND SD CARDS
7. FILAMENTS
PLA, ABS and Nylon
HIPS, PVA, Laybrick, Laywood and Filaflex
8. FIRMWARE
What is it and when to update it?
When it is necessary to update the firmware?
Downloading Arduino’s IDE
9. TROUBLESHOOTING
10. PRINT QUALITY DIAGNOSTICS
11. MAINTENANCE
12. TIPS AND TRICKS
13. TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND CUSTOMER SERVICE
14. GLOSARY
15. WARRANTY, REFUNDS AND REPLACEMENT POLICY
16. TERMS OF SERVICE
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INDEX

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Extrusion Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF)
480mm x 480mm x 455mm
13 kg (without spool)
Length: 252mm
Width: 200mm
Height: 200mm
1 (upgradable to 2)
0,1-0,35mm (with standard 0,4mm nozzle)
0,2-0,5mm (with 0,6mm nozzle)
X axis: 0,05mm
Y axis: 0,05mm
Z axis: 0,1mm
15-35ºC
80ºC (measured on the perimeter)
260ºC
3mm/1,75mm
PLA
ABS
Nylon
HIPS
PVA
Laybrick (with 0,6mm nozzle)
Laywood (with 0,6mm nozzle)
Filaflex (with 0,6mm nozzle)
Arduino Mega 2560 + RAMPS 1.4
SD Card (autonomous operation)
USB Cable (controlled through Repetier Host)
BCN3D+ specific (based on Marlin)
STL
Slic3r, Cura
AC 100–240 V, ~4 amps, 50–60 Hz
200W
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1. PRIOR INFORMATION
Specifications
Print Technology:
Physical Dimensions:
Weight:
Printing Volume:
Number of extruders:
Layer height:
Positioning resolution:
Working temperature:
Max. Hot bed temperature:
Max. extruder temperature:
Filament diameter:
Compatible materials:
Electronics:
Connectivity:
Firmware:
Compatible files:
Code converter software:
AC Input:
Power requirements:

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FFF Technology
BCN3D+ is a 3D printer based on fused filament fabrication additive manufacturing technology, consisting in the
deposition of melted material layer by layer based on a previously divided digital model.
The head makes the necessary movements to deposit a layer of material, then a slight vertical movement to continue
with the next layer. The process is repeated until the full object is completed.
The printer is ready to accept any add-on published by RepRapBCN through an easy and guide lined process. One of
its main features is interchangeable extruder heads, either for using multiple heads at the same time or extruders
designed for several other textures and materials.
The filament is lead
to the extruder
Through rotation, the extruder
uses a hobbed bolt to insert the
right amount of filament
The hot filament is extracted through
the extruder with a smaller diamater
The printing surface moves along the X/Y/Z
axes to deposit the material
The material is distributed through
the model when necessary
The heatblock fuses the filament to a
workable temperature
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Compliance
Fundació Privada Centre Cim hereby states that BCN3D+ complies with the essential requirements and other rele-
vant provisions of the following Directives:
Low Tension Directive 2006/95/CE
Directive on machinery 2006/42/CE
Directive RoHS2011/65/UE
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Safety
To avoid possible residual risks for the user , please read carefully the following safety measures.
REPRAPBCN IS EXEMPTED OF ANY LIABILITY IF THE USER DOES NOT FOLLOW THE FOLLOWING HANDLING
INSTRUCTIONS:
• Very important. Like with any other appliance, do not touch the terminals of the cables connected to
the main. The voltage is 230V and there is a risk of electrocution. Other cables from the machine working
at 12V and present no risk.
• This machine produces and emits radio frequencies during use. It is important to install and use
the equipment according to the instructions in this manual to avoid harmful interference to domestic
appliances such as television or radio. If the machine causes interference, increase the separation bet-
ween it and other appliances.
• Print materials are not innocous and may emit toxic fumes. Always print in open or vented spaces.
• Do not breathe closer to 25cm from the extruder head or heads when printing.
• Do not place any object or body part between the moving parts of the machine when
functioning.
• Do not touch its hot parts (hotbed and hotend) when the machine is turned on, or within 15
minutes of operation.
• Do not connect or disconnect any device and/or electrical connector when the machine is on.
• Oversee proper function of the machine during operation.
• In case of an emergency, stop the machine using the STOP button and unplug.

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Safety warnings
The following signs have been arranged on the printer to warn users about areas of potential risk arising from its use or
possible actions that are not recommended.
Hot surface danger
Moving parts, danger of crushing.
Hot Surface, allow it to cool down before handling.
Moving parts, danger of crushing, disconnect before handling
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2. SETTING UP YOUR BCN3D+
Unboxing
The BCN3D+ is delivered inside a properly secured cardboard box, measuring 600mm long, 570mm wide and
590mm high. To properly unbox BCN3D+ the following steps must be followed:
1. Remove the packing tape and open the box.
2. Remove the upper cardbox cover. Inside we will find our assembled printer and an accessories box fixed to the
corrugated board.
3. Cut the cables ties fixing the accessories box and remove.
4. Carefully remove the protective cardboard from the sides.
5. Grab the upper frame and lift the printer out of the box.
6. Cut the zip ties attaching the lower cover to the machine.
7. Once out of the box, cut the zip ties holding the axes in place:
• Ties holding the extruder carriage
• Ties holding the hotbed
• Ties holing the Z axis in its upper position
8. Open the accessories box, comprising:
• Hotbed glass
• Power cable
• 3DLAC
• Tools
9. Unwrap the hotbed glass and use the included clamps to fix it onto the hotbed.
10. Plug the printer using the included power cable
11. Remove the toolkit and the fixing spray and leave them close to the machine, we will use them regularly.
12. Fit the supplied spool onto the holder mounted on top of the printer
13. The machine is ready to load the spool filament and the necessary files to print.
4. 7.
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• SD Card
• 1 Kg Spool
• Frog + Calibration cube
• USB containing full documentation
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Tools and accessories
The BCN3D+ comes with a kit with every tool necessary to build the printer from scratch included. It also includes a
fixing spray specially design for 3d printing.
Calibration
tool
Allen wrenches
set
Pliers Flat screwdriver Phillips screwdriver
9
Nozzle wrenches /
break 1
Hot Block 2
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BCN3D+ Diagram
1. LCD Screen
2. SD Card Slot
3. USB Connector
4. Hotbed
5. Hotend (Extruder)
6. X axis guides
7. Threaded rod and Z axis guides
14.
7.
6.
5.
12.
9.
3.
4.
2.
1.
13.
8.
8. Y axis linear guides
9. Mechanical endstops
10. Stepper motors
11. Outlet
12. ON/OFF button
13. Power supply
14. Spool holder
10.
11.
Left view Front view
Perspective
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Extruder (Hotend)
1. Heatsink
2. Heat break
3. Heatblock
4. Nozzle
Head
5. Idler
6. Tightening screws
7. Layer fan
8. Hotend fan
9. X axis carriage
Electronics
10. Pololus
11. Arduino + RAMPS
10.
7.
1.
4.
8.
3.
5.
6.
9.
2.
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ENDSTOP ENDSTOP
x3
3. STARTUP PROCESS
Hotbed height calibration
For a proper use, the nozzle movement must be parallel to the Hotbed Surface.
To achieve that, there are three screws available to calibrate its orientation.
There’s a risk of the nozzle hitting the hotbed glass or the first layer not sticking on its surface when decalibrated. The
following steps must be followed:
1. Click Autohome (Prepare/Autohome) so the printer axes move to their initial position. The first time, caution
should be exercised because the nozzle can collide with the base plate. If it is anticipated that this will happen, ma-
nually press the Z axis end stopper.
2. Adjust the screw triggering the endstop so the nozzle almost touches the glass when clicking Auto-home.
3. Tighten or loosen the three black screws leveling the base plate. The distance between the nozzle and the glass
should be 0,2 mm. (Tip: use a folded paper to check)
4. Position the extruder in the left side using your hand (in case any resistance is felt, disable the stepper motors
using Prepare > DisableSteppers). Level the base plate once again using the same procedure.
5. Move the base plate to the front to level the rear end of the plate.
6. Repeat the process until its four corners are leveled.
2. 3.
x0
z
y

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Loading filament
One of the more common operations in our BCN3D+ will be, for several reasons, loading and unloading filament: a
change of color, a change of material, using a fresh spool, cleaning, maintenance...
The following steps must be followed:
1. Heat the extruder. Warm the hotend up to printing temperature.
It is not necessary to click on Preheat, although it is advisable when wanting to print immediately after loading the
spool. If that is not the case, click Menú>Control>Temperatura>Nozzle>220ºC.
2. Click on Prepare>Move axis> 1mm>Extruder, and rotate the wheel slightly clockwise (positive values) to extrude
a few millimeters of material. This procedure will help prevent jams.
3. Click on Prepare>Move axis> 1mm>Extruder, and rotate the wheel anticlockwise (negative values) moving the
gear a few steps back until the filament is free.
4. Once the old thread is out, load the new one. Click on Prepare>Move axis> 1mm>Extruder so the screws hold it
tight . Move the wire slowly until the material exits trough the end of the hotend.
5. For a proper filament feeding, the idler screws must be tightened enough, offering a slight resistance when
assisted with our fingers.
6. Once the extruder starts pulling the filament, tighten the screws until enough pressure is reached.
7. Once these steps are followed, the filament will be loaded and ready to print.

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CAD model .STL file SLIC3R utility
(G-code generator)
SD card
Controller
firmware
CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) toolchain
SENDER
(USB connection)
Extruder Hot Bed
1 0o
139o0o 49o1%
SD 03:45
3 hours 4 3 minutes
0%
FR140% Z:+099.0
Working with your BCN3D+
The BCN3D+ operation diagram from beginning to end is show below. As shown, two alternatives operating
paths are possible:
4. LCD CONTROL
The BCN3D+ can be operated from its LCD menu, a single button combining two movements:
• Turn to move through the menu.
• Click to select desired option.
Adjacently to the control button there is an emergency red button to stop the machine in case of malfunction. It
stops the printer but keeps the screen and fans on. Once pressed, the printer resets itself to resume use.
Home Screen
The main screen reports on the status of the printer at the time of the printing currently in progress.
1. Target/Current temperature
2. Fan speed
3. Printing speed (Fr)
4. Printing height indicator (Z)
5. Percentage of printing program read (SD)
6. Status bar and time elapsed
7. Notifications
1.
3
6.
5.
2.
4.
7.

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Actual and target temperature
In the upper left corner four different temperatue values can be visualised, indicating target temperature (up), actual
temperatures mesured by the thermistors (down), hotend temperature (left) and hotbed temperature (right).
Fan speed
In the upper right corner, the display shows the percentage of power provided to the layer fan. A 0 % value indicates
it is OFF, 100% means FULL POWER.
Printing Speed (Fr)
The center left value indicates printing speed. By default a 100% value is shown, meaning it is printing at the specified
value in the executed printing program.
This value is modifiable at any time, even when not printing, by just turning the control button. Thus, with a 150%
value it will print 1,5 times faster than stipulated in the printing program.
NOTE: Varying the printing speed modifies the motors speed proportionally and directly to the printing velocity, affecting only
axes X, Y, Z and the extruder but no the temperature, therefore, printing problems can appear when increasing or decreasing
speed to a large degree. It is not recommended to modify this value by more than 50%.
Printing height indicator (Z)
The center right value indicates the printing head height.
NOTE: This value might be incorrect when mesured just after switching the printer on, Z=0 actually being the point at
which the printer stopped last time it was used.
Percentage of printing program read (SD)
In the lower part of the screen the percentage of program read is shown. Notice that this value states the percentage
of Gcode lines performed, not the percentage of the object being printed.
Status bar and time elapsed
In the lower right corner, a status bar shows the same information as before.
Above it, time elapsed since printing process started is shown.
Notifications
Last line shows different messages noticing the processes being carried out by the machine.

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Home menu
To enter the menu, click the wheel from the Home Screen.
Three options are found: Prepare, Control, Print from SD/No SD (according to whether the SD has been inserted into
the slot or not).
http://www.reprap-electronics.de/
Prepare menu
Prepare allows you to operate the machine without being actually printing . The following options are found:
• DisableSteppers: Turns the motors off, easing the manual movement of the hotbed and printing head.
• Autohome: Positions the printing head in its home position.
NOTE: Before selecting this option, make sure nothing obstructs the movement of all the axes. Likewise, it is necessary to
perform the calibration process before selecting this option.
• Preheat: Unfolds a list of several materials. Selecting one of them makes the printer preheat to the proper wor-
king temperature for said material.
• Cooldown: Turns off the power of the heating parts.
NOTE: The machine cools down naturally, so the hot parts could be burning for a while.
• Move Axis: It controls axes movement. Select the distance and the axis. To move the axis, turn the control button.
Rotate clockwise to move in the positive direction, anticlockwise for the negative one.
Info screen
Prepare
Control
Print from SD

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NOTE: before clicking on this option, make sure nothing obstructs the movement of all the axes. E axis will not move unless
the extruder is hotter than 150ºC.
Control menu
Allows you to modify the printer parameters before and during the printing process. They are much more specific
parameters, requiring a much deeper knowledge of the internal operations of the machine.
Print from SD /No SD
Allows you to Access the SD card and select a stored file to print. If the SD card is not inserted, a No SD message is
shown. In that case, the BCN3D+ can be connected to a PC through a USB cable (see printing section).
Print from SD Print from USB
Main
Temperature
Motion
Store memory
Load memory
Main
Disable Steppers
Auto Home
Preheat
Cooldown

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Just for reference, the full menu diagram is shown below:
5. ‘.STL’ FILES
The backbone of BCN3D+ printing are the 3D model files.
The most commonly file type found is the *.STL format. An STL file describes a raw unstructured triangulated sur-
face. The smaller the triangles are, the bigger the resolution and the detail of the 3D model.
Obtaining STL files
There are three different methods:
1) Own design: The users create their own objects with a Computer-aided design best suited for people with
previous knowledge in modeling.
A wide range of available programs exist, some of them free (OpenSCAD, FreeCAD, Blender), while others requiere
a software license (SolidWorks, Rhinoceros, Inventor, etc.). In general terms, all of them allow the user to import/
export STL files.
Prepare
Control
No Card
Main menu
Main
Disable steppers
AutoHome
Preheat PLA
Cooldown
Move Axis
Prepare
Fan Speed
Nozzle
Bed
Temperature
Fan Speed
Nozzle
Bed
Preheat ABS Settings
Control
Nozzle
Autotemp
Min
Max
Fact
Fan Speed
PID-P
PID-I
PID-D
PID-C
Preheat PLA Settings
Preheat ABS Settings
Temperature
Control
Vmax-Y
Vmax-Z
Vmax-E
Vtrav-min
Vmin
Amax-X
Amax-X
Amax-X
Amax-X
Aretract
Xsteps/nn
Ysteps/nn
Zsteps/nn
Esteps/nn
Motion
Main
Temperature
Motion
Control
Main
Card Menu
VXY-Jerk
Vmax-X
Move Axis
Bed
Move
Move
Move
X:
Y:
Z:
Extrude
Move 10 mm
Move 1 mm
Move 0,1 mm
Move Axis
Temperature
Preheat PLA Settings
Preheat
PLA
ABS
Nylon
PVA
Laywood
Laybrick
*
*
Hystrsis
Store memory
Load memory

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2) Download: Nowadays there are lots of online repositories where people share their own models with the rest of
the community. As an example, the following ones are mentioned:
• www.grabcad.com – Repository specialized in engineering, design and architecture models. Not always in STL
format but in the original format used by the creator.
• www.thingiverse.com – Repository marketed by MakerBot, contains a great deal of STL models and customiza-
tion tools.
3) Digitalization: Paralel to the development of 3d printing, home scanning technology is evolving at high speed. In
this regard, it’s worth visting Autodesk’s own www.123dapp/catch. In there, free tools to obtain digital models from
pictures taken with a photographic camera are provided.
Other existing methods are: specialized softwares that combine the use of projectors and cameras or 3D scanners.
Editing and repairing a .STL file
As it has been mentioned before, a file in STL format is not always in the best condition. Some of the most common
errors are:
• Holes. The model must be unclosed, with no holes present.
• Faces orientation: An STL model is composed of flat faces. Their orientation must be the same and outwards. In other words,
it cannot be that some sides point in one direction and some in other, they all must be facing outwards. This usually happens
by accident when working with modeling software.

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Several repairing and editing softwares are available. RepRapBCN recommends Netfabb, which, in its BASIC free
version, allows you to perform the most basic editing (escale, rotate, cut, combine, etc.), repairing and mesurement
operations.
http://www.netfabb.com/downloadcenter.php?basic=1
The essential information for editing STL files is detailed below. For more detailed information, it is advisable to visit
the official site.
Netfabb interface
After installing Netfabb, it is advisable to become familiar with its interface. First of all, we will enable printing volumen visualiza-
tion for our BCN3D+. For this, click on View/Show Platform.
Then, we will redefine volume dimensions. Click on Settings/Settings/General/Default PlatformSize, introducing the
values corresponding to the BCN3D+: 252 x 200 x 200. Lastly, click on Save.
In the upper tool bar several icons are found, of which we highlight the following ones:
1) 7 basic views
2) Zoom tools
3) Tool to orientate the face of the object to the printing surface
4) Move, Rotate and Escale tools
5) Repairment tools
In the right part of the screen the model’s basic info and the cutting tool are available.
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