re:3D Gigabot X User manual

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Gigabot X
Getting Started
Guide

Welcome
Congratulations on your Gigabot® X purchase. We can’t wait to see you print huge!
This guide will help get your Gigabot® X set up and ready to print. Should you have any
questions, please reach out to [email protected].
HELPFUL LINKS
Here are some additional links to help you along the way:
●KNOWLEDGE BASE | https://re3d.zendesk.com
●COMMUNITY FORUM | https://re3d.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/community/topics
●SHOP | http://shop.re3d.org/
●WEBSITE | https://re3d.org/
●THINGIVERSE | https://www.thingiverse.com/re3dprinting/designs
●CULTS3D | https://cults3d.com/en/users/re3D/creations
●YOUTUBE | https://www.youtube.com/re3Dprinting
FOLLOW US
Stay updated on re:3D activities! We regularly post content on the following accounts:
●FACEBOOK | https://www.facebook.com/re3Dprinting/
●TWITTER | https://twitter.com/re3Dprinting
●LINKEDIN | https://linkedin.com/company/re-3d
●INSTAGRAM | https://www.instagram.com/re3dprinting/
New users are included in our monthly newsletter, but anyone can also sign up at bottom of
our main page at https://re3d.org/
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Revision: 11
Revision export date: May 27, 2022

Safety Instructions
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READ INSTRUCTIONS
All the safety and operating instructions must be read before the printer is operated.
RETAIN INSTRUCTIONS
The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference or accessed
on our Knowledge Base here: https://bit.ly/gigabotguides
HEED WARNINGS
All warnings on the product and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.
FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS
All operating and use instructions should be followed.
CLEANING
Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Compressed air and vacuums can
be used for dust or particle removal. Only water and isopropyl alcohol may be used to
damp a lint-free rag to wipe off dust and bed surface adhesives.
ATTACHMENTS
Do not use any attachments or enhancements not recommended by the product
manufacturer as they may cause hazards.
WATER AND MOISTURE
Do not use Gigabot® X near water such as a sink or other water source. The relative
humidity of the environment should ideally be between 0%-50%. Feedstock should be
stored in dry boxes if the environment is too humid or if the material is moisture-sensitive.
PLACEMENT
Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The product
may fall, causing serious injury to a child or adult, and serious damage to the product. Place
the product only on stable surfaces recommended by the manufacturer, or sold with the
product.
VENTILATION
Slots and openings in the enclosure are provided for ventilation to ensure reliable
operation of the product. To protect it from overheating, these openings must not be
blocked or covered. This product should not be placed in a built-in installation such as a
bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation is provided or the manufacturer’s instructions
have been adhered to.

Safety Instructions
POWER SOURCES
This product should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the
marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power supply to your home consult your
appliance dealer or local power company. For products intended to operate from battery
power, or other sources, refer to the operating instructions.
GROUNDING
This product is equipped with a 3-wire grounding type plug. The 3-wire grounding type
plug will fit into a grounding type power outlet. If you are unable to insert the plug into the
outlet, contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. The grounding pin is a both
a safety feature and critical component for proper function of the machine. Do not defeat
the purposes of the grounding type plug.
POWER-CORD PROTECTION
Power-supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched
by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the product.
LIGHTNING
For added protection for this product during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended
and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet. This will prevent
damage to the product due to lightning and power-line surges. Plugging the machine into a
surge protector or an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) can prevent damage to the
machine as well. In the case of the UPS, it will allow the machine to keep running for a short
period of time to prevent loss of progress in out-of-power scenarios.
OVERLOADING
Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords, or integral convenience receptacles as this
can result in a risk of fire or electric shock. A product and cart combination should be
moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the product
and cart combination to overturn.
OBJECT AND LIQUID ENTRY
Never push foreign objects of any kind into this product through openings as they may
touch dangerous voltage points or mechanical components that could result in a fire,
electric shock, or broken components. Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.
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Table of Contents
Receiving and Uncrating
Bed Leveling and Z Home
Loading Printing Material
Printing on Gigabot® X
Software Setup
Preparing a Print
Next Steps
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
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11
17
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24
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A | Receiving and Uncrating
Inside this crate is your Gigabot® X. We know you want to start printing,, but your new 3D
printer needs a little attention before your power it on. It’s currently wearing extra pieces
that protect it during shipping, but wreak havoc if left on during the printing process.
Follow these receiving and uncrating instructions first, and we’ll get you printing soon!
To uncrate a fully assembled Gigabot® X, you will need a Phillips head screwdriver and a
pair of diagonal cutters to cut zip ties. You will also need a 4mm hex driver and an 8mm
wrench, which are provided with the printer.
Upon delivery of the Gigabot® X, inspect all packages for damage prior to signing for the
delivery. If there is any damage, record it and report to our shipping manager within 24
hours at [email protected].
For a video demonstration similar to the following instructions, feel free to watch our video
titled “GB3+ Uncrating” on our YouTube channel at
https://www.youtube.com/re3Dprinting/.
Gigabot® X printers configured for 110VAC power run at 60Hz and comes with a Type B
power cable. It requires a 20A circuit. Gigabot® X printers configured for 220VAC power
run at 50Hz, and you will need to provide your own power cable.
Gigabot® X operates best in a climate-controlled environment at a temperature of 15.5°C
(60°F) to 29°C (85°F) and at a humidity of 0%RH to 80%RH non-condensing.
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Before arrival, establish an appropriate space
for the Gigabot® X to be located during
operation. Gigabot® X requires access to a
dedicated 15A circuit, and should be plugged
into an uninterrupted power supply or a surge
protector. A climate-controlled environment
is recommended, but not necessary. Gigabot®
X operates best at a temperature of 16°C (60°
F) to 29°C (85°F) and at a humidity of 0%RH
to 80%RH non-condensing.
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A1
Upon arrival, check the Tip n' Tell and
Shockwatch indicators for indication of
mishandling. Check the crate for damage. If
any damage is observed, or the indicators are
tripped, record and report to
[email protected] within 24 hours.
A2
Using a Phillips head screwdriver, remove the
wood lid and panels of the crate. Remove the
plastic wrap covering Gigabot® X.
A3

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Remove all zip ties, foam blocks, bubble wrap,
etc. from Gigabot® X.
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A4
With a 4mm hex screwdriver, remove the
triangle braces securing the pellet extruder
and the X carriage. There are six triangle
braces total: two for the pellet extruder, and
two on each side of the X carriage.
A5
Remove all 8 bed locks using the 8mm wrench.
Note that these are both above AND below
the bed frame.
A6

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If your Gigabot® X includes an enclosure, you
will need to attach [11229] Panel Handles to
the Hood Panel Front, both Hood Panel Sides,
and Front Panel Top prior to use. Fasten using
[10231] M4 x 12 FHCS and 2.5mm Allen
Wrench.
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A7
Insert the socket end of the power cable into
the electrical box. Check that the connection
is secure.
A8
Insert the plug end of the power cable into an
outlet.
A9

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If you are looking at the back of your Gigabot®
X, the power switch is located on top of the
electrical box. It is a large red switch; rotate it
clockwise to turn it on.
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A10

B | Bed Leveling and Z-Home
A level bed is the foundation for all your 3D prints, and laying down a successful first print
layer is the difference between a beautiful new creation and a messy blob. Read on to
discover more steps on your path towards becoming a 3D printing ninja.
Before shipment, all Gigabot® X printers are calibrated to have a leveled bed and correctly
gapped nozzle Z heights (the distance between the nozzle and the bed). The following
instructions outline the steps to level the bed of your GBX and recalibrate the Z height in
case of movement during shipping, and for continued maintenance of Gigabot® X.
Please follow the steps outlined in this guide to simultaneously level the bed of your
Gigabot® X and set the proper gap between the bed and the nozzle (Z-Home Position).
These steps recommend and demonstrate the use of a 4 inch touch off gage, or tool setter
to indicate the distance between the nozzle and the bed. You can find this touch-off gauge
here: https://bit.ly/touchoffgauge. Users may opt to use a shim stock as well. It is also
acceptable to level the bed with something like a 1-2-3 block or a piece of aluminum
extrusion, but users will have to set the Z home position afterward.
If using a shim stock, select a shim stock with a thickness of 0.3mm.
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Push the extruder back until the nozzle is past
the back edge of the bed. If the motors are
engaged and the extruder doesn’t move, use
the Viki to disable the steppers. To do this,
press the dial to reach the menus, scroll
clockwise to select and click “Prepare”, then
scroll and press the dial to select “Disable
Steppers”.
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B1
With the nozzle still hanging off the back edge
of the bed, use the Viki to Home Z. To do this,
navigate to the ”Prepare” menu, then “Home
Z”.
B2
Use the Viki to preheat the extruder and the
bed to the preset temperatures for PLA. To do
this, navigate to the “Prepare” menu, click
“Preheat PLA”, and click “Preheat PLA All”.
Note: If the Gigabot® X extruder is loaded
with a material that is prone to degradation at
high temperatures, adjust the preheat
temperatures to the material.
B3

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Using the Viki LCD controller, move the bed
down 101.3mm, or the height of your tool
setter minus 0.3mm. To do this, navigate to
the “Prepare” menu, then “Move Axis,” then
“Move Z,” then “Move 10mm,” and finally turn
the dial clockwise until it reaches 100mm.
Navigate back to “Move 0.1mm” and move
the bed down until it reaches 101.3mm.
Note: if using a shim stock, skip this step.
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B4
Ensure that the back left quadrant of the bed
is clear of debris and place a tool setter in the
back left quadrant of the bed, above the cross
rail holding up the bed. Move the extruder
over the tool setter and check if the value is
zero.
B5
Move the tool setter to the front left quadrant
of the bed, above the rail that holds up the
bed, again ensuring that the bed is clear of
debris where the tool setter is placed. Check if
the tool setter reads zero. Repeat at the front
right and back right quadrants of the bed. If
the tool setter reads zero at all quadrants, the
bed is level and the z gap is correctly set, and
you can skip to section C.
B6

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If all the quadrants have a value other than
zero, then the Z height must be adjusted
(otherwise, skip to B10). To do this, move the
tool setter to the back left quadrant. Use an
8mm combination wrench to adjust the
[10245] M5 x 70 HHCS on the upper Z limit
switch leveling block (on the right side of the
machine). Turning counterclockwise when
viewed from above will increase the Z height,
and clockwise will decrease the Z height.
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B7
Repeat steps B1 to B5 until the tool setter
reads zero. The Z height is now set correctly in
relation to the back left quadrant of the bed.
B8
Recheck the Z height at each quadrant. If the
tool setter reads zero at all quadrants, then
the bed is level and you can skip to Section A.
If the tools setter does not read zero at any
quadrant, the bed is not level.
B9

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To level the bed, identify the quadrants that
need adjusting and use the 8mm combination
wrench to loosen the 2 [10540] M5 x 12
HHCS that fasten the bed side plate to the bed
cross rails. These need to be loose enough so
the ends of the rails can move vertically in the
slots of the side plates.
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B10
When viewed from below, turning the knob
clockwise will raise that quadrant, and
counterclockwise will lower it. Turn the
leveling knob to raise or lower the bed until
the tool setter reads zero.
B11
Repeat this process at all quadrants of the bed
until the tool setter reads zero at all
quadrants. The rails may need multiple
adjustments since adjusting the positioning of
one bed quadrant may affect other quadrants.
B12

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Use the 8mm combination wrench to
gradually tighten the [10540] M5 x 12 HHCS
at each quadrant. Periodically use the tool
setter to check the bed level, since tightening
the hardware on the rails may slightly move
them.
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B13
After the final tightening, the bed will be level
and securely held in position. Relevel the bed
as needed for maintenance. If you have any
questions or concerns, please do not hesitate
to contact our support at [email protected].
B14

C | Loading Printing Material
Gigabot® X prints with plastic pellets, regrind, or flake. Whether you are using Gigabot® X
for utilitarian or artistic prints (or both!), your 3D printer will need printing material
properly loaded to execute your vision for a 3D printed paradise. To avoid feeding and
extrusion issues, we recommend some general guidelines for choosing materials to print
with Gigabot® X. Printing material would ideally have the following properties:
●Particles measuring between 1 to 5mm in any dimension
●Particles that are uniform and close to spherical in shape. While flake and
irregularly-shaped particles are often printable, materials with more uniform and
more spherical particles are typically easier to print.
●Plastic polymers are recommended. Plastic mixed with other materials (carbon fiber,
wood, copper, fiberglass, basalt) may also be printable.
We are still in the process of testing various materials for printing with Gigabot® X. At
re:3D, we commonly print with:
●rPET (Ultrafuse pellets)
●rPETG pellets
●rPLA (re:3D regrind flake)
●rPolycarbonate (re:3D regrind flake)
For updates on the full range of materials we’re testing, see our Pellet Extruder topic on
our forum at: https://re3d.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/community/topics
With your Gigabot® X, we have provided blue Ultrafuse pellets made from recycled PET.
We recommend using this material for your first test print since it prints consistently, and
we have developed optimized print settings for it. Before printing, the material must first
be dehydrated to ensure print quality.
For additional technical data on Ultrafuse rPET:
https://www.ultrafusefff.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Ultrafuse_rPET_TDS_EN_v3.
2-1.pdf
The following section demonstrates how to load printing material into Gigabot® X prior to
printing.
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Set the [11484] GBX hopper on top of the
hopper trolley by first inserting the feed tube
through the center of the hopper trolley from
above.
C1
Attach the [11484] GBX hopper to the hopper
trolley by using a 3mm hex screwdriver to
screw 4 [10242] M5 x 35 FHCS up through
the bottom of the hopper trolley and into the
underside of the hopper.
Note: if the screws aren’t lining up with the
heat-set inserts on the underside of the
hopper, rotate the hopper by 90 degrees.
C2
Insert the feed tube into the top of the feed
throat until it comes to a hard stop against the
inner ridge inside the feed throat. Clamp the
feed tube in place by using a 2.5mm hex
screwdriver to tighten the two screws on the
feed throat clamping section. Then use a 2mm
hex head screwdriver to tighten the two
[11005] M3 x 8 BHCS into the front and back
of the feed throat (only the front is pictured
here).
C3

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Use a ladder to reach the hopper and rotate
the hopper lid to remove it. Pour the provided
blue Ultrafuse rPET pellets into the hopper.
Replace the hopper lid by screwing it back on.
Note: The Ultrafuse pellets provided are not
dehydrated. To ensure printing quality,
dehydrate the pellets before loading them
into the hopper.
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C4

D | Printing on Gigabot® X
You are almost ready, 3D printing ninja! There are two ways to make Gigabot® X print
gcode; via USB or a web browser. This section will cover how to print via USB. For
instructions on how to set up printing via web browser, see Section G.
For your first print, you will print a pre-loaded file on the USB drive using the touchscreen
and the provided Ultrafuse rPET pellets. Later in Section F we will show you how to
generate your own gcode.
Gigabot® X requires certain preparations to be made with the heated bed and enclosure
before printing in order to properly print the material you are using. Examples of common
materials and their necessary preparations are listed below:
PLA
●Enclosure open (remove at least 2 enclosure hood panels)
●Bed clean or thin layer of glue stick or Magigoo Original
PETG
●Glue stick on bed
●Enclosure optional
ABS
●Very clean bed surface. Clean bed with damp rag (water) then isopropyl alcohol
●For large parts: Very clean surface as above, then apply Magigoo Original
●Enclosure fully shut
The full “Material Printing Guide” is found on our Knowledge Base here:
https://re3d.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360051352491-Material-Printing-Guide-nec
essary-preparations-to-ensure-successful-printing
Note that at the start of each print, Gigabot® X will heat the bed and nozzle(s), and then
home each axis. Be sure to share what you print in the "Show and Tell" section of our
forum, at https://re3d.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/community/topics/200275793-Show-Tell.
For more information, feel free to consult any of the sources below. Should you have any
questions, please reach out to [email protected].
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