# 🛸3D Printing {% hint style="success" %} **📅Update: 2020/08/17** {% endhint %} ## 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 {% hint style="info" %} ​​ :man\_mage: **Tips:** You can also click the TOP RIGHT **table of contents** to read the corresponding section​ 👉 {% endhint %} [1) First Use Set-Up](#1-first-use-set-up) [2) Level DexArm](#2-level-dexarm) [3) Set Work Origin](#3-set-work-origin) [4) Generate G-code](#4-generate-g-code) [5) Start Printing](#5-start-printing) [6) Remove the print](#6-remove-the-print) ## 3D Printing Workflow [1) Level DexArm](#2-level-dexarm) [2) Set Work Origin](#3-set-work-origin) [3) Generate G-code ](#4-generate-g-code) [4) Start Printing](#5-start-printing) [5) Remove the print](#6-remove-the-print) ## 1. First Use Set-up Read the [**Guide for 3D Printing**](https://cdn.shopifycdn.net/s/files/1/0255/0195/8216/files/Rotrics_DexArm_3D_Print_Webview_V1.0.2.pdf?v=1594021016) to check the items, assemble the module and set up extruder, load filament for the first use. You can also watch the [**Video Tutorials**](https://www.rotrics.com/pages/download) on our website to learn how to use DexArm. {% embed url="" %} ## 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. {% hint style="warning" %} :brain: **Note:** If the robot arm is not leveled before printing, it may cause layer misalignment. {% endhint %} {% hint style="warning" %} :brain: **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. {% endhint %} ### 1) Level with Rotrics Studio #### A. Open Rotrics Studio software and connect it to DexArm. #### B. Switch to the**`3D Print`**panel. ![](https://2132465959-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LtPFIBncU5l4J8tl5Yh%2F-MEucy5ci3gCn56wTa-h%2F-MEuxpJlBmXzVyQs-L_X%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=723ee185-3648-43f3-9c89-fe1ded970a0b) #### C. Click**`Level`**button to enter leveling procedure.
![](https://2132465959-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LtPFIBncU5l4J8tl5Yh%2F-MBxo4JpB7CEGemcoyUP%2F-MBxs8VCEUff3kjgvxFO%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=90cd9951-a32e-452c-a786-0fd65d5e5596) #### D. Place a piece of A4 paper between the print plate and the nozzle. ![](https://2132465959-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LtPFIBncU5l4J8tl5Yh%2F-Ly7LAT4JerkGUezI3x0%2F-Ly7R7fu0Vr0ssAsw-yk%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=6c524ca9-c7f7-449b-b2f0-45f8a6189007) #### E. Do the leveling according to software guide {% hint style="info" %} :man\_mage: **Tips:** Lower the module height with accuracy 10mm first, and when the module is near the paper, use accuracy 1mm or 0.1mm. {% endhint %} ![](https://2132465959-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LtPFIBncU5l4J8tl5Yh%2F-MBxo4JpB7CEGemcoyUP%2F-MBxsbath6pCbwuvOEwP%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=86878974-864d-47f5-8d14-0e2d8232ab01) {% hint style="warning" %} :brain: **Note:** After leveling is completed, you may need to re-level DexArm if you've moved DexArm or Build Plate. {% endhint %} #### 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. ![](https://2132465959-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LtPFIBncU5l4J8tl5Yh%2F-Ly7LAT4JerkGUezI3x0%2F-Ly7R7fu0Vr0ssAsw-yk%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=6c524ca9-c7f7-449b-b2f0-45f8a6189007) #### 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, click**`Level`**to 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. {% content-ref url="../faq-troubleshooting/faqs/faq-replace-filament" %} [faq-replace-filament](https://manual.rotrics.com/faq-troubleshooting/faqs/faq-replace-filament) {% endcontent-ref %} ## 3. Set Work Height #### 1) Put a piece of A4 paper between the Build Plate and the nozzle. ![](https://2132465959-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LtPFIBncU5l4J8tl5Yh%2F-Ly7LAT4JerkGUezI3x0%2F-Ly7R7fu0Vr0ssAsw-yk%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=6c524ca9-c7f7-449b-b2f0-45f8a6189007) #### 2) Click **`Home`** to initialize DexArm. #### 3) Select Accuracy(step length) and**`Z-`**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 {% hint style="success" %} Here are some sample 3D printing models and g-codes for you to test Rotrics 3D printing functions :point\_down: {% endhint %} {% embed url="" %} ### Generate 3D Printing G-code with Cura {% hint style="info" %} :man\_mage:**Tips:** For users who use Rotrics Studio under version **V0.1.7**, it's recommended to use Cura to generate 3D printing G-code. {% endhint %} {% content-ref url="3d-printing/generate-3d-printing-g-code" %} [generate-3d-printing-g-code](https://manual.rotrics.com/get-start/3d-printing/generate-3d-printing-g-code) {% endcontent-ref %} ### Generate 3D Printing G-code with Rotrics Studio #### 1) Click**`Upload`**to import prepared model(s), supports STL/OBJ files. ![](https://2132465959-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LtPFIBncU5l4J8tl5Yh%2F-MBxo4JpB7CEGemcoyUP%2F-MBxv1lFt5ZRVmbrP-4V%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=43051362-c31d-4767-90c2-372496e5a1dd) #### 2) Adjust the size and orientation of the model with the left buttons. ![](https://2132465959-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LtPFIBncU5l4J8tl5Yh%2F-MBxo4JpB7CEGemcoyUP%2F-MBxw00mrhpP3HaangQj%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=786239c9-96a7-4437-be66-d004de91b761) #### 3) Choose the print profile and click**`Generate G-code`button.** ![](https://2132465959-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LtPFIBncU5l4J8tl5Yh%2F-MBxo4JpB7CEGemcoyUP%2F-MBxw8JOjKe7mOfV46ao%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=52b9eb48-bc98-48bb-b157-eed1c6312713) #### ## 5. Start Printing ### Printing with Rotrics Studio {% hint style="success" %} If your G-code file is generated on **Rotrics Studio** {% endhint %} After G-code generated, click**`Start Send`**to start printing. ![](https://2132465959-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LtPFIBncU5l4J8tl5Yh%2F-MBxxm-c9V097phghUEK%2F-MBy-G2-q3ZyqKl0rsba%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=cb683dc1-b5c5-4c18-b76c-804d7468df53) {% hint style="success" %} If your G-code file is generated on **Cura** {% endhint %} {% hint style="info" %} Make sure you've set the Work Origin in [Step 3](#3-set-work-origin). {% endhint %} **1) Go to`Basic > G-code`and click`import`to import the prepared G-code file.** ![](https://2132465959-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LtPFIBncU5l4J8tl5Yh%2F-MEv692qbmxrrR9EO29n%2F-MEvDqYILATAcRUvlfRy%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=40cbd2b2-112c-4737-8c29-1f133b33be78) **2) Select the right module.** ![](https://2132465959-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LtPFIBncU5l4J8tl5Yh%2F-MEv692qbmxrrR9EO29n%2F-MEvDyudK0IWtUsDs_zk%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=b34c0eb1-30d6-4051-ad35-3fb2c3a9ad21) **3) Click Start Send to start printing.** ![](https://2132465959-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LtPFIBncU5l4J8tl5Yh%2F-MEv692qbmxrrR9EO29n%2F-MEvE8RcBn5lrsUWc1i2%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=cb6e0521-bed2-4eef-94e0-e572ec5a1268) ### **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. ![](https://2132465959-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LtPFIBncU5l4J8tl5Yh%2F-MEv4sTrBCefGSkRNJhF%2F-MEv5zn2fxXCZOjqD-XV%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=67205c1d-03c3-4cee-bde3-ad475a97cf96) #### 3) Set Work Origin A. Put a piece of A4 paper between the build plate and the nozzle. ![](https://2132465959-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-LtPFIBncU5l4J8tl5Yh%2F-MEv692qbmxrrR9EO29n%2F-MEvBNcUmU1JEoxsdMK0%2Fimage.png?alt=media\&token=034a3505-3a9b-4d10-91cb-6a11f41d4c6d) 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. Click**`Set Origin`**to set the **Working Origin** position.
#### 4) Click`SD Card` button and choose the g-code file. #### 5) Click**`Start`**button to start printing.
{% hint style="warning" %} :brain: **Note:** You can only return to the previous step or home page only when the working is completed or stopped. {% endhint %} ## 6. Remove the print After printing finished, remove the model from the print sheet.