Software version v1.0.5 - Operation and commissioning

Queue is the are basic overview screen about the print jobs having been sent to the 3D printer and waiting to be processed. After starting the 3D printer the screen will appear as the start-up screen where you can select and start print jobs.

After pushing the [print] button next to a print job in the list you will be asked if all preparations for the print job have been performed.

After confirmation the RepRap Industrial starts processing the print job and the status message changes to Printing. All other menus are deactivated during a print. The print job name, the current progress, and the estimated remaining time are displayed and the [Abort Print] button is active.

If you wish to abort a print job, because the outcome does not meet expectations for example or mechanical problems appear during the print, push the [Abort Print] button. The system will then print the last G-code information from cash and move the print table and the extruder head to their home positions afterwards. The heating resistors are switched off so that the build chamber and the print table cool down and you can remove the print bed.

The [Pause Print] button is still in an experimental state. Right now, its function of interrupting and reliably continuing a print job does not meet expectations. Since up to date we have not found need of a pause functionality, this feature may well disappear with next software update.

If either a print job has been completed regularly or aborted by the operator, the 3D printer returns to Idle mode and the screen will display a status message and a request how you wish to continue. Simply tap the respective button on the screen to proceed.

For maintenance and test reasons, after a crash or to reduce lead times, e.g. if you still need to work on a print file but want the 3D printer to be ready for operation, manually moving the motors or preheating the build chamber and the print table may be necessary or advantageous.

All communication between touchscreen, BeagleBone Black and microcontroller is stored and displayed on the log screen. Print job status are stored also.
Direct G-code programming can be effected via the G-code input field.

¹ The time is stated in universal time coordinated (UTC) notation so do not wonder if it does not match your local time.

The setup menu displays walkthrough instructions (wizards) for different operations needed during production, initial commissioning, servicing and troubleshooting. If you choose one of the options, a step-by-step guide will provide all necessary information for completing the respective task.

To create a filament profile open the web interface of your 3D printer, choose the Setup menu and:

1. Select Filament Profiles and click [Add Profile] to set material properties.
   1. Enter the material Name in the according input field.
   2. Enter the Extrusion Temperature in °C in the according input field.
2. Click [Add] or press <Enter> to save the settings. The new filament profile is added to the list, newest at the bottom.

• To change the settings click [edit] and enter the new properties.
• To delete a profile click [remove] and confirm the safety query.

If you want to continue printing with another type of plastic (e.g. PETG instead of ABS), the change of the filament spool becomes a little bit more complex since you have to change the extruder nozzle barrel also.

• Unload the current filament as described above.
• Subsequent to unloading you have to change the extruder nozzle barrel as described here.
• Afterwards, install (and adjust) the new filament spool, run the [Load Filament] wizard and the [Priming] wizard.

If you want to use a different filament spool diameter (less or more material), you have to adjust the spool carrier position.

• Use the Allen key to loosen the fixing screws of the carrier.

• Slide the carrier to or away from the filament inlet to a position that leaves approximately 1 cm between the spool's outer rim and the limit switch. Make sure that the filament enters the inlet at an angle of 85-90°.
• Refasten the fixing screws.

• Tap [Load Filament] to start the wizard that will guide you through the material feed process.
• Follow the on-screen instructions step by step.
• At the end of the Load Filament wizard, follow the suggestion to run the Prime Extruders wizard by tapping the respective button.

For priming the extruders, the correct material profile must be chosen. Creating temperature profiles is carried out via the web interface as described here.
To check or alter the settings, proceed as follows:

The material profile for each extruder is chosen via the [Select Filament Profile] button in the Setup menu.

Here you will find a list of material profiles consisting of the material name and the respective extrusion temperature.
Tap [Select] to choose a material and then [Close] to return to the Setup menu.

The currently active material profile is also displayed at the start screen of the priming wizard after selecting the extruder that is to be primed.

The extrusion properties of any material, although chemically exactly the same, may differ from one filament spool to the other so that it is impossible to determine the correct extrusion multiplier (see Slic3r manual) prior to delivery. After leveling the print bed, it is therefore mandatory to calibrate the extrusion to adapt your printer to the installed filament for ensuring a correct printing performance.

To calibrate the extrusion:

At the 3D printer

• Choose the [Calibrate Extrusion] wizard from the Setup menu at the touchscreen (see above).
• Select the respective extruder.
• Select and start the print job from the Queue.
• After the print job has been finished, return to the [Extrusion Calibration] wizard.
• Enter the measured value via the touch buttons.
• The necessary extrusion multiplier is calculated automatically. Take a note of the value and record it in the slicing software.

In the slicing software

• Open Slic3r.
• Choose Filament Settings ⇒ Filament ⇒ Extrusion multiplier and enter the measured factor.
• Rename and save the filament profile.

You will find all necessary installation and setup procedures required for the first print in the following paragraphs. The software mentioned additionally is available “Open Source” and is recommended for use with the RepRap Industrial since it has been thoroughly tested. Other software may be available but has not been tested.

First you need to install a slicing software on your computer to translate .stl-files into printable G-codes.
Kühling&Kühling recommend using the Slic3r slicing software to prepare your digital 3D models for printing.
To prepare for printing follow these steps:

1. Open http://slic3r.org/download and download the latest Slic3r installation package for your operating system.
   Follow the installation instructions available at http://manual.slic3r.org/GettingSlic3r.html#installing.
2. Open https://github.com/kuehlingkuehling/RepRap-Industrial-Slic3r-profiles/releases and download the latest preconfigured Slic3r profiles package for the RepRap Industrial to your computer. Unpack the archive.
3. In Slic3r go to File > Load Config Bundle and select the previously downloaded .ini file. Refer to the README file provided with the profiles for a description of the different profiles available.

Every PC connected to your network can access the RepRap Industrial via the network address that is displayed in the Setup menu at the GUI (“Backend-URL”).

1. Open your internet browser and enter the URL in the address line.
2. The web-interface opens with the “First Steps” guide that also provides the information given in this chapter.
3. Change to the Queue tab to upload your print job to the 3D printer.
4. Click [Add Printjob] and then [Browse] to select a G-code.
5. Enter the identification (name or number or the like) of the print job in the text field Name and if required add additional information via the text field Note.
6. Click [Add] to upload the selected file to the printer.

The print job is now available for printing on your RepRap Industrial and can be selected for printing via the touchscreen controller directly on the 3D printer.

Make sure that all previously described steps have been carried out.

The next steps are carried out at the 3D printer's GUI:

• Tap the [print] button on the Queue screen to start the print job.
• Wait until the apparatus has finished the print job completely and all axes are in their home position, then remove the print bed, take off the test object and check whether all expectations have been met.
• If everything has been fault-free, delete the print job from the queue - you are ready to proceed to production.