Cubex 3rd party filiment

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jro...@gmail.com

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Mar 11, 2014, 8:37:58 AM3/11/14
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I saw the posts about kisslicer and getting better quality prints. But is also mentioned the ability to use 3rd party filiments. How does that work exactly.
1. Do you have to have an empty cubex cartridge loaded?
2. If you use kisslicer can you still use the cubex cartridge?
3. Is this dependent on a certain firmware in the cubex?

Thank you in advance.

Jeremy

Rodney Wells

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Mar 11, 2014, 9:01:51 AM3/11/14
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The Attachment above was given to me and got me started so i will pass it on for another 

http://cubex3dprinting.blogspot.com.au/

This guy is really Good 

that's every thing 

good luck

The files and instructions in the "Where can I find all settings to print with kisslicer?" post work very well for me.There is a newer version of cubeIt that automatically removes the code lines so you don't need a cartridge installed, and it has some other changes regarding prime and suck settings, but I have not had as good print results with the newer cubeIt version. So I am sticking with the earlier CubeIt version and files which are posted in the "Where can I find all settings to print with kisslicer?" post. it's no big deal to manually remove those few code lines before copying the printfile to the memory stick for printing.Also,When you create a build file with CubeX software version 1.07, it by mistake creates an unencrypted gcode file with a “.bfb” extension in the directory of the model file. You can open that file with notepad and remove the 2nd thru 6th line in the code. So the only line with the “^” in front of it should be the “^Firmware:v1.07”. That one needs to stay.Removing the other 5 lines with the “^” in front of it will allow you to print without the software checking if there is a cartridge installed.A day or two later Cubify release software version 1.08 to fix their error.I have the 1.07 software installation if you need it.If you want to use aftermarket filament,the CubeX needs  ~ 1.70mm diameter filament. The extruder design has a fixed pulley and drive gear so it only works with the exact diameter unlike some other extruder designs that have a pre-loaded pulley . Most aftermarket filament are 1.75mm. But there are some aftermarket filament that some users found that run on the thin side and work. I heard some users have good luck with Matter hackers filament.   I still have plenty cubify filament so I don’t have experience with aftermarket filament.The current SW version is 1.08 (but 1.07 is better because you can get into the gcode file) and the latest firmware version is 1.07.So I am running SW version 1.07 and FW 1.07 and for sure will not update if there is a new version coming out, because it might block the currently possible “hacks”.Here is what I tweaked on my CubeX:

·         Leveling the frame (to make all the rails straight so the carriage slides smooth)

·         Adjusting belt tensions (for precise and repeatable even movements of the carriage).

·         Adjusting x-limit sensor (to not smack into the back wall).

·         Relocating z-limit sensor (for consistent z-homing).

·         Installing Heated printbed. (A must for ABS printing, and improvement on larger PLA parts).

·         Running filament spools externally with direct feed into the filament feed motor. (My feeder tubes are clogged with broken PLA stuck in them. Make sure to store your filament in sealed bag with extra desiccant bags).

·         Use a hack to not need cartridge chip (the cartridges and reader have many problems so ignoring the chip and running spools externally solves that)

·         Using Kisslicer as software to create print file. (Creates much better print models and support features can be easily broken off).

 I am also looking at the Simplify3D slicer software. It has some really nice features and users with other 3D printers love it, but it still needs some tweaking to work with the cubeX. I got a version and trying to figure it out. I am not so fluent with gcode.

KISSlicer64 1.2.0.1 20130625a.zip

Rodney Wells

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Mar 11, 2014, 9:04:47 AM3/11/14
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On Tuesday, 11 March 2014 23:37:58 UTC+11, jro...@gmail.com wrote:
Kisslicer_setting_CubeX_rev1.zip

Peter Gregory

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Mar 11, 2014, 9:09:25 AM3/11/14
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To use 3rd party filament you use KISSlicer + CubeIt.
You can specify CubeIt as a post process step in the printer / firmware settings of KISSlicer.
The resulting BFB file can be printed directly on the printer using firmware 1.07 with or without cartridges.
The trick is finding good quality filament that works the same as Cubex filament.
Cubex filament is thin (1.6mm to 1.7mm) compared to standard filament (1.65mm to 1.75mm).
If the filament is too thick (1.8mm) the feed system will not be able to grip it well.
You will get filament flow issues. You will hear clicking sounds from the feed system.

There are also different textures of PLA.
Cubex is a harder brittle filament that melts at a low temperature (176c)
Other filaments have a vinyl feel to them and are more flexible and melt at a higher temperature.
So, the settings for each filament are different and the resulting print quality / strengths will be different.

So far, I've tried:

SmartSain filament - thicker than most, higher temperature and flexible PLA. I get frequent filament flow issues and clicking during prints. It can't print at high speeds. The filament flow is limited.

RepRap filament - better thickness tolerance, feels like the flexible PLA and melts at lower temperatures, but will not stick to my heated bed. I haven't been able to test it.

MatterHacker filament - closest to Cubex filament. Thickness is good, but thicker than Cubex. Melts at the same temperatures and Cubex and has the same hard brittle feel to it. I've had best results with this filament. I can print at higher speeds with this filament.

What brands have others tried?

jro...@gmail.com

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Mar 11, 2014, 3:44:07 PM3/11/14
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If you use the kisslicer do you have to use an external spool of filament?

Thank you

Peter Gregory

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Mar 11, 2014, 3:48:37 PM3/11/14
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I use both Cubex cartridges and external spools.
They both will work fine with KISSlicer.

Matt Kusak

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Mar 22, 2014, 12:39:47 PM3/22/14
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Rodney,
I do you happen to still have the installer for Cubex Software v 1.7?      

Rodney Wells

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Mar 22, 2014, 8:31:54 PM3/22/14
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yes I do still have the zip file

Rodney Wells

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Mar 22, 2014, 8:35:34 PM3/22/14
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I sent it as an email.  It will not let me post it as an attachment.   
If you get it by email let me know one way or the other. I could always up load it and send you a down load link

Matt Kusak

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Mar 23, 2014, 11:34:15 AM3/23/14
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Thanks - got it

rdw...@gmail.com

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Mar 25, 2014, 3:00:30 PM3/25/14
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The v1.07 & Kisslicer worked like a charm on my first print! Way better quality. I will have to try out the 3rd party filament soon!

Ryan Wheeler

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Mar 25, 2014, 3:06:49 PM3/25/14
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Here is a pic of the 3d model with diameter called out, the white part is using kisslicer on v1.07 & the red part is using cubex all the way.... Huge. Thanks again guys!
wagon wheel 3d model diameter.jpg
2014-03-25_13-45-44_584.jpg
2014-03-25_13-46-18_590.jpg

dan.para...@gmail.com

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Apr 3, 2014, 11:28:47 PM4/3/14
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Hi,

I'd also love a version of the 1.07 software if it exists, love to get in on the action XD

Cheers,

Dan

Rodney Wells

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Apr 4, 2014, 12:55:58 AM4/4/14
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Hello Rod,

Thank you very much for the additional donation.

Here is a link to the CubeX 1.07 download. (The blog site only links to the newest version 1.08).

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8O1Vuh7iN97WGlOTG00QmtvdkE/edit?usp=sharing

Roberto Gehlen Oliveira

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Sep 27, 2014, 2:41:10 PM9/27/14
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The CUBE 3D FREE device blocks the printer to write on the protection chips ..... www.cube3dfree.com

CubeXtriodevice.jpg

Jetguy

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Sep 28, 2014, 12:05:10 PM9/28/14
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Call me crazy but Free to use Kisslicer and Cubeit and get the same non-chipped filament compatibility
 
or
 
PAY some insane $300+ (CubeX duo version) or $500 (for a trio version????)for a device that plugs in and may not work as well??
 
Right, a sucker is born every minute.
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