Converting STL to Cube3 without using the Cube GUI

[TommyDee]

Z0 is the nozzle's tip.

Buddy; after slicing, read the input file and save the maximum and minimum x and y values within the file. This provides the footprint's extent. You can now apply an offset to center the part on the plate to all the X and Y coordinates.

[jssamp]

Z0 is a parameter that is set by (G91?) relative positioning mode IIRC. But when I adjust the z-gap, the values I am working with are around -3.8xx. Any idea why this is? What is the zero that this negative value is referenced to? Could that be the level where the purge tank is located?

[TommyDee]

There are pre-assigned positions. I don't remember the call at the moment.

The -3.8xx is about setting the gap. This is a value determined from a general value from the bottom of tray's track to the top where you set the gap. So the bottom position is a fixed value and we adjust where zero is as an offset. So -3.8xx is where the gap is correct for your setup. It is based on stepper-counts from the bottom position.

[buddybu]

Just a quick update. I am still working on this but have run into some difficulties with creating the proper cube 3 file from the existing dlls that 3D systems provided with their printer tools.

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Hey Everyone! Has anyone tried to print the cube3 generated with my tool directly on the printer? Just curious. I have not tried.

But as you may, or in some cases, may not know, the cube3 file is formatted as follows:

HEADER Contains file size and other bits

INDEX.XML contains information about image, materials and files There are several files referenced cube3 file, encrypted isometric png file elevation mrl file elevation greyscale mrl file elecation large png file CRC of the entire file

cube3 file, encrypted

png or mrl file

<additional files>

final png or mrl file

This is the standard layout. Right now, the tool I provided only generates the CUBE3 file as contained within the larger cube3 file. The BFB as extracted is present and should be printable on a cube3 printer. The Cube3Editor can edit the raw file and allow you to set the materials installed in your printer. You can then put the cube3 on a usb drive and print it directly from the cube3. This is because when the Cube Print software sends the data to the cube3 printer, it only sends the encrypted BFB and maybe an image.

So...

That being said, I am looking at creating a tool that will generate the raw cube3, add a dummy XML file as well as dummy PNGS and MRL files to match the above and generate a complete cube3 file that should be able to opened by the cube printe software, or so it may seem. I am off for the Christmas holiday until the new year, so I may have some time to really devote to this. (My world has been turned upside down by become a full time caregiver as well as a full time job, so hobbies and such have put on the back burner and only slowly progress).

[TommyDee]

One quick note John; when querying the SSD in the printer, the last printed file is complete on the SSD IIRC.

I have not worked with the new printer algo. I think I see what you are doing. You are a glutton my friend

[jssamp]

@buddybu, Take care of yourself and your family. Nothing else comes close in importance. All you do is appreciated, and accepted as a gift, on your schedule, with gratitude.