While I have not yet been able to see the CubeX in person, I have found some additional information about the specs that may be of interest to those considering it.
I think the best way to address this new information is to start with what we DO know and work forward. Obviously, the 3D Touch is a part of the lineage of the CubeX. But, a lot of thought went into designing the CubeX to ensure major improvements for the user.
The CubeX Uses 1.75mm Filament
For me, one of the most significant changes is that the CubeX utilizes 1.75mm filament instead of 3mm. I have used both, and absolutely prefer the 1.75 format. The problem I've had with 3mm filament is that as we near the end of the spool, there is a significant amount of filament that is just wound so tightly that it really can become unusable.
1.75mm, like that used in the Cube and CubeX, is much more flexible. So, based on my experience with the Cube, we should be able to avoid wasting as much filament due to tight winding issues.
The CubeX Cartridges Offer Moisture Protection and Better Quality Control
I know that a lot of people are going to take issue with the fact that the CubeX uses proprietary cartridges instead of commonly available open spools. I understand that. Frankly, we all know that ounce for ounce, kilogram for kilogram, we are going to pay a bit more for filament. But, per kilogram costs are not the only factor to consider when assessing value.
I live in the Mid-Atlantic and I can tell you from experience that summer's humidity is NOT a trivial issue when open filament sits around for very long. Those of you that have read my Cube blog also know that it has been my experience that it is as easier to find sub-standard filament than premium quality filament. Both of the factors have contributed to some frustrating printing inconsistencies.
and clogs in the middle of a print job. One of the reason I appreciate the Cube's cartridge design is that I simply do NOT run into those issues with the Cube.
Now, aborted prints might be acceptable for hobbyists. But, this blog seeks to serve those that need a 3D printer to get a job done for income. Time is money. And, frankly, the more professional you are, the more valuable your time. So, it doesn't take many 5 hour print jobs having to be restarted 3 hours into the print run due to humidity or poor quality filament to MORE than offset the differences in cost between spools and cartridges.
Remember, I now have two 3D printers... one relying on proprietary cartridges and the other generic spools. And, I have become a believer in the value that cartridges bring to the table in spite of the slightly higher direct costs. I have enough open spools that still have a significant amount of
useless filament on them to fully embrace a 1.75mm cartridge. That
isn't marketing hype. That is real experience talking.
The CubeX Offers Easier Material Handling
The print heads of the CubeX have been redesigned and, of course, filament is loaded from a cartridge. The combined result is easier material handling. Again, this is a "time is money" issue for busy companies that may have to change materials several times a day. For me, the result is a better multiuser platform where several designers and fabricators need to use the same printer. Like the Cube, the cartridges keep track of available material and alert the user so that a job does not end up being aborted for lack of material.
Possible Changes to Axon
I have not been able to talk directly to the project manager in charge of the software for the CubeX as yet. So, I cannot tell you for sure that we will be able to turn rafts completely off as we can with the Cube. But, since both the Cube and CubeX utilize a special glass printing surface I fully expect that we will finally be able to print without a raft if supports are not needed.
I have reason to believe that it is at least on the radar. And, when I finally get to see the CubeX in person, hopefully in early to mid February, it is going to be one of the first things I discuss with them.
While the two and three head machines can print soluble rafts and supports, if we can avoid them altogether, as is possible with the Cube, then that is a VERY good thing.
I am very excited about the CubeX. But, as with everything meaningful, the proof will be in the hands on experience. The fact that CubeX was awarded the Emerging Technology Award at CES 2013, going up against some stiff competition, tells me that I am probably not going to be disappointed. Plus, I already had a lot of respect for the outgoing 3D Touch from personal experience. :)
Part of my analysis will be to make sure that a not-for-profit organization that works with "at-risk" young people gets the best printer for their project needs. I take that responsibility very seriously because we (I am a volunteer) will have to live with that decision for a long time and there are more than a few good possible choices.
Showing posts with label CubeX. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CubeX. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Thursday, January 10, 2013
CubeX Wins CES 2013 Emerging Technology Award!
It was a lot of fun watching the C/Net Best of CES 2013 Awards ceremony live feed.
That was especially true when I saw that the CubeX won the...
When I made my first visit to see the Cube just after last year's CES, I traveled to Rock Hill. Since I will be presenting at Hagley Museum, in Wilmington, DE where the Cube team will also be presenting, I expect to see the new Cube there. But, I did not recognize any of the faces of the team that accepted the award for the CubeX. And, since 3D Systems in located in a variety of locations, I have no idea where I might have to travel to be able to take a look at the CubeX and print some test objects.
But, it is something I have on my agenda. And, when I do, you can be sure that you will get a full and honest appraisal of how it performs. But, I WILL wait until I know that I am working with a true production model. I want to know what users will experience as they try to use it.
In the meantime, let's just appreciate the accomplishments of the CubeX team. Way to go!
That was especially true when I saw that the CubeX won the...
category!
I have no idea when I might be able to see, and possibly test, the CubeX for myself.
When I made my first visit to see the Cube just after last year's CES, I traveled to Rock Hill. Since I will be presenting at Hagley Museum, in Wilmington, DE where the Cube team will also be presenting, I expect to see the new Cube there. But, I did not recognize any of the faces of the team that accepted the award for the CubeX. And, since 3D Systems in located in a variety of locations, I have no idea where I might have to travel to be able to take a look at the CubeX and print some test objects.
But, it is something I have on my agenda. And, when I do, you can be sure that you will get a full and honest appraisal of how it performs. But, I WILL wait until I know that I am working with a true production model. I want to know what users will experience as they try to use it.
In the meantime, let's just appreciate the accomplishments of the CubeX team. Way to go!
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
A CubeX Review from TheVerge.com
Aside from some errors in reporting the pricing, the most interesting review, so far, of the new CubeX at CES, was posted on TheVerge.com
Of particular interest were the pictures that they've posted, of the CubeX in action.
Those of us that have to kibitz from afar for now, must be content to glean what we can from images that others post. But, there are a few things in the gallery of images that I would like to point out.
Gallery Image #1: The Print Area is MASSIVE
The opening image shows a person holding a globe in their hands. The hands and the globe give us some perspective on the size of the globe. Then in another picture, we see that same globe and the CubeX apparently having finished printing a baskeball. The globe is tiny by comparison!
Gallery Images #2 & #10: Trio CubeX Cartridge Observations
What strikes me in this image is that the CubeX cartridges seem beefy. The fact that they have a handle, I hope, means that they are hefty and filled to capacity. A big printer, printing big objects, requires lots of filament. Also, I trust these cartridges will allow us the same ease of installing filament that we have with the Cube.
Now for the evidence... notice that only one color seems to have been used, even though three heads were available. Does this mean that a single cartridge was used to print the massive basketball? That took a LOT of filament! And, note the fidelity of the shape of the basketball without supports! It seems perfect from the image.
I failed to point out in my earlier article on the CubeX that the Cartridges are humidity resistant. The effects of humidity on open spools of filament are well known. It's going to be interesting to see how the cartridges solve this problem. And, that is only going to be known after we've had a few partially cartridges sitting around for a while before using them again.
Gallery Image #3: The Z-Axis Control Appears to be based on a Single Threaded Rod
If you look at the center, toward the back of this image, you see a single lifting rod. I'm just guessing here. But, it appears that all the other connections to the bed are simply for stability. If this is true, then I am all for it. The more threaded rods, the more potential for Z-Axis wobble. The Cube has been excellent in this regard and I'm trusting that the CubeX will follow suit.
Gallery Image #4: The Touchpad is Familiar and Informative
As one that has the original Cube and the RapMan 3.2, the touchpad is very familiar and informative. One of the things this image communicates is that naming conventions, for your parts, are going to be very important. In this case, without even knowing what the part is, I can tell it is probably an iPad Holder ("iPadHld") that was processed to be printed in PLA ("PLA_") at .25mm ("25m"). It also tells me that the optimal temperature for the PLA of the color (Perhaps "27"???) they are using is 220C. If the "14hr" is any indicaton, this is a good sized iPad Holder! :)
Gallery Images #7, #8 and #9: Some Samples are Amazingly Detailed and Intricate
Wow! the detail on the cathedral is amazing! I assume that is an example of the best resolution and, hence, the slowest print times. But, I can put up with slow to get that kind of detail. Take a look at the windows in sample image #8! Amazing! I love it!
So, here is the unknown question.... From look of it, it appears to me that no supports were required for the Cathredral. I could be VERY wrong. But, I don't see the tell-tale blemishes left by supports. But, remember, the CubeX prints in both PLA and ABS. So, this building could be ABS with PLA supports that have been dissolved. This is something that I will definitely ask about when I see the 3D Systems people later this month at Hagley Museum.
In the meantime, I'll simply drool over that kind of capability and ponder how to save up the pennies to buy one.
Gallery Image #12: I Hope What I see Goes Away
Ok. It's cool to be able to print a globe in multiple colors. But, if you know anything about my obsession with getting the best out of my 3D printers, you'll know that I even use a microscope to analyze the quality. But, I don't need a microscope to see that I've got some questions about the smoothness of the surface of the globe.
Hopefully, this is something that will be completely gone in the production printers. This WAS the case with the Cube. The samples printed by the development Cubes at last year's CES were prone to some surface irregularities. But, I have NOT experienced that with my production Cube. While I expect the final output to be smoother than what I see in these images, it's still worth noting so we can judge the progress as we get closer to releasing production machines.
Gallery Images #5 and #6: Some evidence of Warping on the Base
It's hard to know what is going on in images #5 and #6. Again, these are prototype machines in a very unfriendly printing environment. But, it appears to me that there is some warping of the piece being printed. And, there is also evidence that there is some artifacting where the print heads reverse direction... which is common with extrusion printers. Again, it's nothing to worry about at this point. But, it is something that I plan to follow up on when I get to see a CubeX for myself since it is imperative that we fully understand the capabilities of the CubeStick and Glass combination for ABS.
But, what if it IS an issue? From the design of the CubeX, I don't think it would be very difficult to adapt a nice looking addition to make it a completely enclosed print area to minimize environmental effects on the printing.
Final Thanks and Observations
I want to thank TheVerge.Com for their article and gallery. I hope taking some time to view those images in detail has been as helpful to you as it has to me. While I see some things that still need tweaking, the images of the Cathedral print are nothing less than stunning! I can't believe how fast things have moved in just this past year and look forward to equally rapid advances in the coming year.
Of particular interest were the pictures that they've posted, of the CubeX in action.
Those of us that have to kibitz from afar for now, must be content to glean what we can from images that others post. But, there are a few things in the gallery of images that I would like to point out.
Gallery Image #1: The Print Area is MASSIVE
The opening image shows a person holding a globe in their hands. The hands and the globe give us some perspective on the size of the globe. Then in another picture, we see that same globe and the CubeX apparently having finished printing a baskeball. The globe is tiny by comparison!
Gallery Images #2 & #10: Trio CubeX Cartridge Observations
What strikes me in this image is that the CubeX cartridges seem beefy. The fact that they have a handle, I hope, means that they are hefty and filled to capacity. A big printer, printing big objects, requires lots of filament. Also, I trust these cartridges will allow us the same ease of installing filament that we have with the Cube.
Now for the evidence... notice that only one color seems to have been used, even though three heads were available. Does this mean that a single cartridge was used to print the massive basketball? That took a LOT of filament! And, note the fidelity of the shape of the basketball without supports! It seems perfect from the image.
I failed to point out in my earlier article on the CubeX that the Cartridges are humidity resistant. The effects of humidity on open spools of filament are well known. It's going to be interesting to see how the cartridges solve this problem. And, that is only going to be known after we've had a few partially cartridges sitting around for a while before using them again.
Gallery Image #3: The Z-Axis Control Appears to be based on a Single Threaded Rod
If you look at the center, toward the back of this image, you see a single lifting rod. I'm just guessing here. But, it appears that all the other connections to the bed are simply for stability. If this is true, then I am all for it. The more threaded rods, the more potential for Z-Axis wobble. The Cube has been excellent in this regard and I'm trusting that the CubeX will follow suit.
Gallery Image #4: The Touchpad is Familiar and Informative
As one that has the original Cube and the RapMan 3.2, the touchpad is very familiar and informative. One of the things this image communicates is that naming conventions, for your parts, are going to be very important. In this case, without even knowing what the part is, I can tell it is probably an iPad Holder ("iPadHld") that was processed to be printed in PLA ("PLA_") at .25mm ("25m"). It also tells me that the optimal temperature for the PLA of the color (Perhaps "27"???) they are using is 220C. If the "14hr" is any indicaton, this is a good sized iPad Holder! :)
When you have multiple choices, it's helpful to develop a naming convention that helps you know exactly how to set up the printer.
Gallery Images #7, #8 and #9: Some Samples are Amazingly Detailed and Intricate
Wow! the detail on the cathedral is amazing! I assume that is an example of the best resolution and, hence, the slowest print times. But, I can put up with slow to get that kind of detail. Take a look at the windows in sample image #8! Amazing! I love it!
So, here is the unknown question.... From look of it, it appears to me that no supports were required for the Cathredral. I could be VERY wrong. But, I don't see the tell-tale blemishes left by supports. But, remember, the CubeX prints in both PLA and ABS. So, this building could be ABS with PLA supports that have been dissolved. This is something that I will definitely ask about when I see the 3D Systems people later this month at Hagley Museum.
In the meantime, I'll simply drool over that kind of capability and ponder how to save up the pennies to buy one.
Gallery Image #12: I Hope What I see Goes Away
Ok. It's cool to be able to print a globe in multiple colors. But, if you know anything about my obsession with getting the best out of my 3D printers, you'll know that I even use a microscope to analyze the quality. But, I don't need a microscope to see that I've got some questions about the smoothness of the surface of the globe.
Hopefully, this is something that will be completely gone in the production printers. This WAS the case with the Cube. The samples printed by the development Cubes at last year's CES were prone to some surface irregularities. But, I have NOT experienced that with my production Cube. While I expect the final output to be smoother than what I see in these images, it's still worth noting so we can judge the progress as we get closer to releasing production machines.
Gallery Images #5 and #6: Some evidence of Warping on the Base
It's hard to know what is going on in images #5 and #6. Again, these are prototype machines in a very unfriendly printing environment. But, it appears to me that there is some warping of the piece being printed. And, there is also evidence that there is some artifacting where the print heads reverse direction... which is common with extrusion printers. Again, it's nothing to worry about at this point. But, it is something that I plan to follow up on when I get to see a CubeX for myself since it is imperative that we fully understand the capabilities of the CubeStick and Glass combination for ABS.
But, what if it IS an issue? From the design of the CubeX, I don't think it would be very difficult to adapt a nice looking addition to make it a completely enclosed print area to minimize environmental effects on the printing.
Final Thanks and Observations
I want to thank TheVerge.Com for their article and gallery. I hope taking some time to view those images in detail has been as helpful to you as it has to me. While I see some things that still need tweaking, the images of the Cathedral print are nothing less than stunning! I can't believe how fast things have moved in just this past year and look forward to equally rapid advances in the coming year.
Monday, January 7, 2013
New CubeX 3 Printjet 3D Printer
Little did I know, when I posted that I wanted to change the focus of this blog to pre-built business 3D printers that the first printer that I would talking about would be a bigger sibling of the consumer Cube 3D printer!
But, a surprising CES announcement brought news that 3D Systems is bringing the CubeX to the marketplace. And, from the published specs, it looks like it is pushing the industry in exactly the direction that it needs to be pushed... high performance in an office friendly package.
I have never seen a CubeX printer. Nor, do I know a lot about it. I'm learning about it just as you are. But, I have been using a Cube 3D printer for much of the past year. It has been a real workhorse. So, I'm expecting nothing less from this bigger sibling.
The first, and only, video that I've discovered so far is very short and obviously by 3D Systems marketing. But, it's worth a quick view to introduce the printer and show the build envelope potential.
The most controversial feature of the Cube printer has been the proprietary filament cartridge. I expect that this printer, which also relies on cartridges will face the same criticism from many people. Yes. On, the surface it does add to the cost of printing objects. But, from experience, using both bulk filament in a RepRap and the cartridge of the Cube, the actual cost differential is less than one would expect. I have found the cartridge fed filament to be very, very reliable with little, or any, waste. That has not been true of the reels of filament, where the tail ends are usually unusable. The Cube has been a start it and forget it printer. Again, I expect that of the CubeX.
I'm ready for a bigger printer that is also very compact and neat. And, as you can see, the CubeX is exactly that. All the cartridges are inside the enclosure and out of sight. I, for one, really appreciate this feature.
So, aside from the cartridges, what do we know about this new entry into the business 3D marketplace?
PRINT ENVELOPE
The actual print envelope depends on the number of print heads that ordered. The single color version boasts a print envelope of 10.8” x 10.45” x 9.5” (275mm (w) x 275mm (l) x 201mm (h)). The 3 color version, as with all multi head 3D printers, has a slightly reduced print envelope of 7.3” x 10.75” x 7.9” inches (185mm (w) x 275mm (l) x 201mm (h) ) Note that the only dimension affected is the WIDTH of the print envelope.
TOLERANCES
From the FAQS we read...
But, what I really want to test is actual X/Y print tolerances. The stated specification is +/- 1% of object dimension or +/- 0.2mm (0.008” / 200 microns) whichever is greater on the x and y axis. One of the things I want to test is the inner and outer (Hole & Post) fit of the same design specification. We may still have to adjust designs for fitted parts. But, if it's ALWAYS consistent, I will be a happy camper.
Actual Z-Axis resolution is selectable when the print file is processed and includes "HD - High-Def : 125 microns, CD - Crisp-Def : 250 microns or SD - Standard - Def : 500 microns." Resolution of 500 microns obviously saves material when tighter specs are not required.
MATERIALS
As one might expect, from the company that brought us the RapMan 3.2 and 3D Touch, the CubeX is able to print in either PLA or ABS. They specifically mention a soluble clear PLA support option. 3D Systems already markets a heated ultrasonic tank for dissolving this material.
There are 17 ABS colors available...
And 18 PLA colors...
WHAT ABOUT ABS WARPING
I've gotten very used to having a 3D printer that sports a heated print table to prevent ABS from warping. So, I'm a little surprised that neither the new Cube Next=Generation nor the CubeX has a heated bed. Instead, they have a glass bed that appears to be frosted. And, in place of MagicGlue, which I use with the original Cube, they seem to be relying on something called CubeStick. I have no idea if it is the same product with a different name. But, I suspect that it is a different formulation.
Fortunately, we should be able to tell how CubeStick works since 3D Systems is showing both the new Cube Next-Generation and the CubeX on the floor at CubeX. Certainly, with all those people around SOMEBODY will spot any warping and let us know. But, again, based on my experience as a Cube user, I can't image they would take a step backward in this regard.
Well, we are certainly off to a good start on our new focus on pre-built 3D printers. I want one. :)
But, a surprising CES announcement brought news that 3D Systems is bringing the CubeX to the marketplace. And, from the published specs, it looks like it is pushing the industry in exactly the direction that it needs to be pushed... high performance in an office friendly package.
 |
| CubeX 3D Printer from 3D Systems |
The first, and only, video that I've discovered so far is very short and obviously by 3D Systems marketing. But, it's worth a quick view to introduce the printer and show the build envelope potential.
The most controversial feature of the Cube printer has been the proprietary filament cartridge. I expect that this printer, which also relies on cartridges will face the same criticism from many people. Yes. On, the surface it does add to the cost of printing objects. But, from experience, using both bulk filament in a RepRap and the cartridge of the Cube, the actual cost differential is less than one would expect. I have found the cartridge fed filament to be very, very reliable with little, or any, waste. That has not been true of the reels of filament, where the tail ends are usually unusable. The Cube has been a start it and forget it printer. Again, I expect that of the CubeX.
I'm ready for a bigger printer that is also very compact and neat. And, as you can see, the CubeX is exactly that. All the cartridges are inside the enclosure and out of sight. I, for one, really appreciate this feature.
So, aside from the cartridges, what do we know about this new entry into the business 3D marketplace?
PRINT ENVELOPE
The actual print envelope depends on the number of print heads that ordered. The single color version boasts a print envelope of 10.8” x 10.45” x 9.5” (275mm (w) x 275mm (l) x 201mm (h)). The 3 color version, as with all multi head 3D printers, has a slightly reduced print envelope of 7.3” x 10.75” x 7.9” inches (185mm (w) x 275mm (l) x 201mm (h) ) Note that the only dimension affected is the WIDTH of the print envelope.
TOLERANCES
From the FAQS we read...
Accuracy of the print is largely dependent on the geometry and orientation. Typical tolerances are around +/-0.5mm for dimensions less than 50mm and +/-1% for features larger than 50mm. If you need more accuracy, you can scale your file (either globally or locally) in your design software to account for the variance. There are no guaranteed tolerances on the CubeX printer.At some point, I hope to set up an appointment to see the CubeX for myself. While one of my current 3D printers can deliver the .125mm Z-Axis resolution. So, what I will looking for is how they have dealt with any potential Z-Axis wobble. Again, based on the fact that Z-Axis wobble is a non-issue with the Cube, I expect it to be a non-issue on the CubeX. The Z-Axis print tolerance allows for up to 1-1/2 of the selected nominal resolution. That's excellent.
But, what I really want to test is actual X/Y print tolerances. The stated specification is +/- 1% of object dimension or +/- 0.2mm (0.008” / 200 microns) whichever is greater on the x and y axis. One of the things I want to test is the inner and outer (Hole & Post) fit of the same design specification. We may still have to adjust designs for fitted parts. But, if it's ALWAYS consistent, I will be a happy camper.
Actual Z-Axis resolution is selectable when the print file is processed and includes "HD - High-Def : 125 microns, CD - Crisp-Def : 250 microns or SD - Standard - Def : 500 microns." Resolution of 500 microns obviously saves material when tighter specs are not required.
MATERIALS
As one might expect, from the company that brought us the RapMan 3.2 and 3D Touch, the CubeX is able to print in either PLA or ABS. They specifically mention a soluble clear PLA support option. 3D Systems already markets a heated ultrasonic tank for dissolving this material.
There are 17 ABS colors available...
 |
| 17 ABS Colors |
And 18 PLA colors...
 |
| 18 PLA Colors |
I've gotten very used to having a 3D printer that sports a heated print table to prevent ABS from warping. So, I'm a little surprised that neither the new Cube Next=Generation nor the CubeX has a heated bed. Instead, they have a glass bed that appears to be frosted. And, in place of MagicGlue, which I use with the original Cube, they seem to be relying on something called CubeStick. I have no idea if it is the same product with a different name. But, I suspect that it is a different formulation.
Fortunately, we should be able to tell how CubeStick works since 3D Systems is showing both the new Cube Next-Generation and the CubeX on the floor at CubeX. Certainly, with all those people around SOMEBODY will spot any warping and let us know. But, again, based on my experience as a Cube user, I can't image they would take a step backward in this regard.
Well, we are certainly off to a good start on our new focus on pre-built 3D printers. I want one. :)
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