After that, the printer will print the object on its own without the need for the computer. The software will send the 3D model file to the printer, which can take up to 10 minutes, depending on the size and complexity of the object. Once that's accomplished, you can start using the machine.Īfter that you can download and install the Cubify printing software if you want to print directly from a computer that's connected to the same Wi-Fi network. It will then provide you with an activation code, which you must enter into the printer via the touchscreen. This process involves going to the activate page, creating an account, and typing in the machine's serial number. The first time you turn the machine on, it asks you to activate it with 3D Systems. You definitely need an Internet connection to use the Cube 3, at least initially. With a simple interface, the Cubify software is very easy to use. A 2GB thumbdrive is included with the Cube 3, but you can use any drive of your own. If the thumbdrive contains standard 3D Model files, you can then print them using the touchscreen. Alternatively, the printer has a USB port that you can connect a thumbdrive to. 3D Systems says that it will soon release mobile apps for Android and iOS for printing directly from a mobile device. Once that's done, you can initiate a print job from any computer connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Using the screen, you can also connect the printer to a Wi-Fi network. In my experience, the Cube 3's calibration process was only as difficult as pressing buttons on the screen a few times. In the rare case that it needs your interaction for this process, the touchscreen will display clear instructions as to what you need to do. Many printers require manual calibration the Cube 3, however, will handle that by itself. If it's not set correctly, the printer won't produce an object that accurately reflects the 3D model, or even just pump out plastic strings. Calibration is an important process: you make sure the print platform's entire surface is leveled and at a perfect distance from the print head's nozzle. It's important to note that the Cube 3 can calibrate itself. Whatever action you pick, it will walk you though it, step by step. You can use this screen to control all the functions of the printer, from printing to calibration to installing and replacing the filaments. On its front, the Cube 3 has a power button and a small touchscreen for you to manage its operation. Easy to operate, Wi-Fi printing supported You do have to pay the shipping cost, however. To 3D Systems' credit, the company takes back empty cartridges for recycling and includes a return shipping label for each of them. On average, you can print about a dozen iPhone 6 Plus cases per filament cartridge. Roughly speaking, an object that takes about 10 hours to print would use up about a fifth of a cartridge. In testing, I couldn't print a large number of objects with one cartridge. The Cube 3 also has its own type of cartridges that are not even compatible with other 3D printers from 3D Systems, such as the CubePro for the Cube first and second generations. You can't refill the filament in each cartridge rather, you have to buy a new cartridge entirely. The downside is you have to get the filament cartridges directly from 3D Systems, and they cost $49 each. The printer's touchscreen makes working with it a walk in the park. Judging from what we saw at CES 2015, the active platform is a new trend in 3D printing, with many upcoming printers sharing this design. Indeed, despite the small physical size, the Cube 3 can print objects of up to 6 by 6 by 6 inches (15.25cm cubed). This kind of mechanism reduces the amount of space needed, allowing the printer to be compact, yet still have quite a large print platform. (In many other 3D printers, the print platform only moves up and down, requiring the print-head to move in all other directions.) This means the print-head on top just needs to move sideways. During a print job, the platform moves backward and forward as well as up and down. The Cube 3 is the first 3D printer I've worked with that employs an active print platform. The printer doesn't have a lot of surface, however, since its front and back side are open, allowing you to view and work with the print platform easily. With the Cube 3, when all parts are installed, its surface is mostly flush and smooth, giving the printer an almost perfect cube shape. To fully appreciate the design, you have to look at many other 3D printers where the filament holders protrude from the printer itself.
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