SolidWorks export to CubeX

[Martin McGinn]

Other recipients:

Hi, Does anyone know the best output options from Solidworks to CubeX. I have output several STL formats but do I use Binary? ASCII? Course Fine, do I translate faces etc. The reason I ask is that some models have features missing and I'm wondering d

Hi, Does anyone know the best output options from Solidworks to CubeX. I have output several STL formats but do I use Binary? ASCII? Course Fine, do I translate faces etc. The reason I ask is that some models have features missing and I'm wondering does anyone know what the best combo of settings is without wasting a load of material?? help! Thanks, Martin

[CubeX 3D Printman]

Hello Martin,

I use:

Binary, mm or meters, Fine resolution,

Not checked: Do not translate STL output data to positive space

Not checked: Save all components of an assembly in a single file

 

This has worked so far for me.

I had also good success importing the solidworks file into the Cubify Invent software and exporting it from there into a .stl file.

 

Rick

[Martin McGinn]

Hi Rick, thanks for this. I'm doing the same but it seems to miss alot of detail coming towards the end of prints. When I say details I mean 2-3mm of unfinished layers. Also at times it's very messy. Not sure what to do, M

[CubeX 3D Printman]

Hello Martin,

Can you post any pictures that show the unfinished layers or messy print, to help evaluate?

 

thank you,

Rick

[Martin McGinn]

Hi, here is a link to a video clip of the issues using two similar parts, different files, but the red is PLA and the silver ABS. sections missing of both. 

Problems with layers missing and quality is really bad!

thanks

Martin

[Peter Gregory]

Hi Martin,

Yes, the cubex has issues with printing layers over supports.

My prints turn out stringy like that too when it has to print over supports.

There are a couple of things you can do:

First: Try rotating your print and turning off supports.

Put the wide curvy parts on the bottom and let it build the thin part vertically.

I think it can handle the angle of the curves without supports.

You may need a raft for it to build on top of, but try it without the raft first.

Printing without supports is preferred - the Cubex does a great job on builds that do not require supports.

If you have to have supports:

Print all one color - supports and build.  If the print heads are not perfectly aligned, it can miss support edges and print in air

making a very messy stringy print.

Use support lines instead of points. The newer versions of the firmware (after 1.05) handle supports better.  

Older versions would fuse the supports into the build, making it impossible to remove.

You can design your own supports.

Put them closer together than Cubex does, that will help with drooping sections and with break-away issues.

[Martin McGinn]

Brilliant Peter, many thanks.
Would it be best to design the supports in cubify invent or Solidworks?
I think I need to update my firmware also.

[Peter Gregory]

It really doesn't matter.

Whichever design platform works best for you.

The trick to designing your own supports is to take advantage of the printer's ability to print overhangs of up to .04inches (1mm) without supports per layer or two.

Keep the vertical angles under 50 degrees and you should be fine (rough guess).

I usually try to design ridge lines about 1mm wide / 2 to 3 layers tall for the supports for easy breakaway.

Avoid small stops / starts, the cubex works best with continuous lines.

These tips work well for me.