CubePro And Simplify3d Working

[RicciEU]

Hello Everyone, I have recently purchased S3D software and downloaded the Cube-Utils conversion tool to convert .bfb file into .cubepro files. All seems to work really well the conversions are very fast and the prints are infinitely better than the 3DS slicer can produce.

Now I am trying to print with PETG. Has anyone used PETG with the S3D slicer and a CubePro machine? If anyone has can you please tell me how you did it and the results of that print.

I have tried both printing with ABS and PLA settings with the PETG material but neither works.

I think that the PLA heat settings are the closest to PETG but the feed rate seems to be too slow.

Does anyone know if I can change the heat and feed rate with the S3D slicer?

22.jpg

ABS settings

32.jpg

PLA settings.

[dougk12]

I haven't messed around with PETG in my pro yet but my Cube3 PETG profiles are set at 250C and a feed rate of 1.07 (vs. 106 for PLA). I would start around there and lower the chamber heat considerably, 25-35C should be plenty. I use the "Wait for temperature controller to stabilize before beginning the print" for my ABS prints and it allows me to use Elmer's purple. It's kind of weird seeing the printer sit there for ~30 minutes before printing but works.

I don't know if this is a good fit for you but there is a seller on eBay selling CubePro profiles. I purchased all for 25$ to get some ideas and also support him. The couple I have tried worked well. Just a note though, all of his profiles are crafted for the advanced printjet (.5mm nozzle) specifically. If you don't have that then you'll need to tweak right out of the gate.

Although cumbersome, you might also get some ideas by slicing an EKOCYCLE print with the Cube3 then decrypting and reviewing the g-code. Keep the parts small and tall and it wont be a mountain of code. EKO slicing keeps the retractions minimal so aim for more coast - less retraction vs. PLA and ABS.

[RicciEU]

Doug12, Thanks for the post, I'll have a look on eBay for the CubePro profiles and give that a try.

Do you know the best way to change the feed rate and nozzle temp? Can I do that through the S3D interface or do I have to start adjusting scripts?

Here's the reply from S3D:

There is not currently an easy way to do this in Simplify3D. The only way I can think of would be to increase the default printing speed by 40%, to affect a 40% change in the flowrate values, then use replace scripts to replace the speeds with what they were at the previous speed. I would start by opening the .bfb for a PLA print in a text editor, then writing down the F values for each given flowrate. Then, increase your default speed and use scripts formatted as the following to replace the F values. If the value increased from 750 to 1000, for example, you could use the following script to bring that back down to 750:

{REPLACE "F1000" "F750"}

I don't really have any experience with changing scripts so I will have to ask a friend to help over the weekend and see if I can get it sorted.

Thanks again.

[dougk12]

Oh no, sounds like there is a disconnect between you and S3D there. First of all click the "Show Advanced" button in bottom left if you are seeing the simple GUI.

You want to adjust "Extrusion Multiplier" on the extruder tab. I recommend starting around 1.07 - test and adjust +/- .02 until you are happy. I set my CubePro nozzle diameter to .4mm (it's supposed to be .35 but I believe I get better results set at .4).

Nozzle temp is handled in the Temperature tab. Each extruder and the cabin temperature (labeled as Heated Bed) can be set here.

You can mess with Speeds tab settings some, although I don't think you'll need that to begin zeroing in on a good S3D recipe.

The only thing I change in the scripts is the material code, but just to ensure it matches the current chip installed. I also removed the OEM purge stuff. Instead of "purging" over the bin, it will lay a 4" bead down as it starts printing (this is default).

[RicciEU]

Doug12, you are an absolute gentleman. I don't know why but I was under the assumption that settings such as temp and feed rates couldn't be adjusted through S3D only through scripts. My bad. Thanks again, off to have a play . . .

- - - - - - - - - -

Well Doug12 with your settings I was able to complete a print with PETG for the first time after 20 or so attempts.

The pieces in yellow are PLA and the pieces in orange are PETG:

37.jpg 38.jpg 39.jpg 40.jpg

This is the first and only 3D printer I have ever owned so I don't know if this is as good as I can expect in terms of surface finish or should I keep playing with it to get a better surface finish?

If any what kind of changes to the slicing should I play with to improve the finish quality.

Cheers,

[TommyDee]

Speed for finish quality. Slower means less ringing.

Glad you are happy with the purchase. I suspect the CubePro is now a whole new animal.

The 3rd party encoder is kinda weird but I suspect it is out of respect for the original coder, or S3D doesn't have the hooks to do that kind of post on the file.

[RicciEU]

Thanks TommyDee, it really is like a new machine, new nozzles, print plate, and slicing software. But at the end of the day I had two choices, either Bin both machines or commit to updating everything. From the results I have had with PLA and the upgrade I am happy I went through with it. I haven't tried ABS yet as I'm still trying to get PETG working consistently. If I get PETG working then I can't see using ABS that much, simply due to the distortion. If the CubePro had a heated bed then that might be a different matter.

Well I spoke too soon regarding the printing with PETG. The first test was perfect, so I tired to print larger pieces and . . .

41.jpg 42.jpg 43.jpg

It's strange to me that it was printing nicely and then 80% into the print it starts to miss print.

I don't think this brand of PETG likes too much heat. I have been ready reviews by users and most recommend 230, so I have lowered the temp from 240 to 230 to see if that makes a difference.

[TommyDee]

Yep, that's the tuning I have little patience for. Thanks for diving in.

[gastonkilby]

Don't forget about optional chip resetters. More and more I hear of CubePro not doing well with the hack. The chamber fan is one culprit reported twice now. The method is suspect in copying files only to disrupt the operation. Are you comfortable making DIY stuff with a soldering iron and some code?

[Falconhunter]

Hi everyone.
Thanks for your explanations and posts.
Sorry for reopen this topic.

I have a CubePro Duo and I am trying to use de Simplyfy3D generated gcode file with my CubePro printer.

I am making all of the steps and atages you have indicated:

- I use Simplyfy3D with CubePro Duo profile --> a .bfb file is generated with the wellknow format
- I passed this .bfb file throw "cubepro-encoder.exe" or "CodeX64.exe" --> a .cubepro file is generated

1 ---> If I put the file into a USB in the printer "Not valid format" is shown :-(
2.1 ---> If I load the .cubepro file into CubePro 2.02, app is anormally closed
2.2 ---> If I load the .cubepro file into CubePro 1.72, app shows "Error loading file"

Do you have any suggestions? What am I doing wrong?

Thanks in advance for your help.