🛸3D Printing

📅Update: 2020/08/17

Introduction

3D printing (also called additive manufacturing) builds three-dimensional objects from digital 3D models. With the development of this technology, users can even create complex accessories at home. It helps to bring your ideas into reality in a fast way.

With Rotrics Robot Arm, you only need to click a button to transfer into a desktop 3D printing machine. The 3D printing build volume is 220x220x250mm, and it supports PLA, TPU, Carbon Fiber and other filaments.

Table of Contents

​​ 🧙‍♂️ Tips: You can also click the TOP RIGHT table of contents to read the corresponding section​ 👉

1) First Use Set-Up

2) Level DexArm

3) Set Work Origin

4) Generate G-code

5) Start Printing

6) Remove the print

3D Printing Workflow

1) Level DexArm

2) Set Work Origin

3) Generate G-code

4) Start Printing

5) Remove the print

1. First Use Set-up

Read the Guide for 3D Printing to check the items, assemble the module and set up extruder, load filament for the first use. You can also watch the Video Tutorials on our website to learn how to use DexArm.

2. Level DexArm

It's required to do leveling before printing for the first time or restarting printing after moving the Robot Arm, this is to ensure that the printed module can be firmly attached to the printing pad.

You can use Rotrics Studio software or the touchscreen to do leveling.

🧠 Note: If the robot arm is not leveled before printing, it may cause layer misalignment.

🧠 Note: If you have leveled your Arm before and want to re-level your Arm, make sure you press RESET or Reset XY Slope Rate button at first. Rotrics Studio or the touchscreen will clear the previous leveling records and reboot the Arm. After that, be sure to send HOME command (M1112) before re-leveling.

1) Level with Rotrics Studio

A. Open Rotrics Studio software and connect it to DexArm.

B. Switch to the3D Printpanel.

C. ClickLevelbutton to enter leveling procedure.

D. Place a piece of A4 paper between the print plate and the nozzle.

E. Do the leveling according to software guide

🧙‍♂️ Tips: Lower the module height with accuracy 10mm first, and when the module is near the paper, use accuracy 1mm or 0.1mm.

🧠 Note: After leveling is completed, you may need to re-level DexArm if you've moved DexArm or Build Plate.

F. If necessary, restart leveling.

2) Level with Touchscreen

A. Connect the touchscreen with DexArm.

B. Place a piece of A4 paper between the Build Plate and the nozzle.

C. Click Setting > Leveling to switch to leveling interface

D. Click Point 1, and then adjust module height with Up and Down button.

E. Keep adjusting until there is slight resistance on the A4 paper from the nozzle. Click Save

F. Click Point 2, and then repeat step 4 and 5 to level the second corner. Repeat the same steps with Point 3 and Point 4.

7. After all four points are saved, clickLevelto finish leveling.

3) Manual Leveling

If you can NOT level your DexArm with Rotrics Studio or Touchscreen, you may try to check the page below to manually level it.

How to replace filament?

3. Set Work Height

1) Put a piece of A4 paper between the Build Plate and the nozzle.

2) Click Home to initialize DexArm.

3) Select Accuracy(step length) andZ-to lower the nozzle.

4) Keep adjusting until there is slight resistance on the A4 paper from the nozzle. Click Set Work Height

4. Generate G-code

Here are some sample 3D printing models and g-codes for you to test Rotrics 3D printing functions 👇

Rotrics 3D Printing V1.0.zipGoogle Docs

Generate 3D Printing G-code with Cura

🧙‍♂️Tips: For users who use Rotrics Studio under version V0.1.7, it's recommended to use Cura to generate 3D printing G-code.

Generate 3D Printing G-code with Cura

Generate 3D Printing G-code with Rotrics Studio

1) ClickUploadto import prepared model(s), supports STL/OBJ files.

2) Adjust the size and orientation of the model with the left buttons.

3) Choose the print profile and clickGenerate G-codebutton.

5. Start Printing

Printing with Rotrics Studio

If your G-code file is generated on Rotrics Studio

After G-code generated, clickStart Sendto start printing.

If your G-code file is generated on Cura

Make sure you've set the Work Origin in Step 3.

1) Go toBasic > G-codeand clickimportto import the prepared G-code file.

2) Select the right module.

3) Click Start Send to start printing.

Printing with Touchscreen

1) Copy G-code file to the g-code folder under SD card.

2) Install the SD card in the touchscreen, and connect it to DexArm.

3) Set Work Origin

A. Put a piece of A4 paper between the build plate and the nozzle.

B. Go to 3D Printing > Set Work Origin to enter the procedure.

C. Click Go Home to initialize DexArm to the HOME position. Lower the module height withbutton.

D. Keep adjusting until there is slight resistance on the A4 paper from the nozzle.

F. ClickSet Originto set the Working Origin position.

4) ClickSD Card button and choose the g-code file.

5) ClickStartbutton to start printing.

🧠 Note: You can only return to the previous step or home page only when the working is completed or stopped.

6. Remove the print

After printing finished, remove the model from the print sheet.