3D printer manual - Mike
1. intended use
The 3D inlay printer Mike is a Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) 3D printer. Its purpose is to print digital 3D models of insoles, which are created in the software GP Manager InsoleCAD The process is designed to transform the moulds into physical objects (inserts) by depositing molten thermoplastic material (known as filament) layer by layer.
The printer has been specially designed to work with the filament Addigy® FPU 79AR8 of the company Covestro developed. Although the printer accepts other filaments (brand and/or material type), the use of these filaments does not provide optimal results and in some cases can lead to permanent damage to the machine.
Warning: Using filament that has not been authorised by the manufacturer/sales representative will invalidate the printer's warranty.
2. printer overview
1. Filament chamber For storing the filament used in the printer and to keep the moisture in the filament stable. 2. Print head 3. Print bed 4. USB connection 5. LCD touchscreen 6. On/off switch 7. Power cable for the filament chamber 8. Print head cable 9. Exhaust air fan 10. AC mains plug 11. Mains switch |
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3. general safety information
This manual contains safety warnings and instructions that apply to the 3D printer, model "Mike" apply.
The following signs are used with the safety instructions.
Information that is helpful for carrying out an action or avoiding security problems.
General warning sign: Warning of a potentially dangerous situation if the safety instructions are not followed (ISO 7010-W001)
Magnetic field warning (ISO 7010-W006)
Warning of electrical voltage (ISO 7010-W012)
Warning of hot surface (ISO 7010-W017)
Warning of hand injuries (ISO 7010-W024)
The 3D printer Mike may only be used after reading the safety instructions and the operating instructions.
Do not use the interior/chamber of the printer for any kind of storage.
Control the 3D printer Mike always via the touchscreen on the front and/or the power switch on the back.
Do not use any material other than the compatible filament Addigy® FPU 79AR8 of the company Covestro into the print head.
Keep the front/door of the printer closed while the machine is in operating mode. Never reach into the machine during the printing process.
The main chamber of the machine (print chamber) has a backlight that indicates the machine status. The safe states for opening the front/door and entering the chamber are "Paused", "Idle" and "Print done", which are signalled by a steady or flashing green light.
All other light colours show "operating modes" in which the chamber must be closed. Further details on backlighting can be found in the operating manual in chapter 5.3.
Do not reach into the print area from the top of the printer. Only use the intended front side/door when removing the print object for cleaning and maintenance purposes.
Do not touch the nozzle/print head when reaching into the print area to remove the printed product. Nozzle parts become hot during printing.
Do not change any spare parts while the machine is in operating mode, unless expressly stated otherwise for maintenance or service reasons.
Always change the filament using the control panel (touchscreen) by following the standard procedure.
The 3D printer Mike is not intended for use by persons with reduced physical and/or mental capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they are supervised or have received instructions on the use of the appliance from a person responsible for their safety.
Children should never use the machine unsupervised.
When moving the machine, always lift it from below. Do not lift the machine from the side. There is a high risk of damaging the functional structure of the printer. Information on unpacking the machine can be found in the instructions in the Quick Start Guide and in the operating manual in chapter 4 Preparing the printer.
3.1 Electrical safety
The power supply unit should not be tampered with. If it needs to be replaced due to a malfunction, it must only be replaced with the same type of power supply by authorised personnel.
An earthed main socket must be used. Ensure that the building installation has special means for overcurrent and short circuit.
Always disconnect the appliance from the power supply before carrying out maintenance and service work, unless otherwise specified.
Only trained personnel should reach into the control chamber of the machine (accessible from the bottom cover of the machine), with the electrical and electronic parts.
Do not place any objects filled with liquids, such as vases or cups, on, around or in the machine. Take care not to pour any liquids into the system. They can cause a breakdown and/or fire hazard.
3.2 Mechanical safety
The 3D printer Mike contains moving parts. The force of the print bed is great enough to cause damage, so stay away from the print bed during operation.
Keep away from the drive belts at all times. There is a risk of crushing during operation.
Always unplug the appliance before carrying out cleaning or service work, unless otherwise specified.
3.3 Risk of burns
There is a potential risk of burns as the nozzle/print head can reach temperatures in excess of 200°C. Do not touch the nozzle with bare hands.
Unless otherwise specified, always allow the machine to cool down for at least 20 minutes before carrying out maintenance work or modifications to the print head.
3.4 Magnetic field
Static magnetic field hazard. Due to the static magnetic field caused by the magnets in the printer, keep a distance of at least 4 cm between implanted electronic medical devices and implants that contain ferromagnetic materials.
3.5 Emission hazard
Thermoplastics for 3D printing can lead to the release of ultra-fine particles (UFPs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), depending on the thermoplastic used and the settings of the 3D printer. Above certain concentrations (threshold values, TLV), these emissions can pose a risk. The concentrations are influenced by the filament and adhesive used, the printing conditions (e.g. printing temperature), the room volume, the air exchange rate (AER) and the number of printers in a room.
Depending on your specific situation, please observe other safety measures, such as a filter and/or a special ventilation system.
The use of printing materials / filaments from different suppliers may require additional safety measures. Always refer to the relevant information from the supplier of such filaments/materials and the safety data sheet of each specific material.
GeBioM mbH cannot be held responsible for any adverse effects of the use and/or performance of these materials.
3.6 Personal protective equipment
The following elements are required for working safely with the 3D printer Mike recommended, especially for maintenance work:
- Tweezers: This is necessary to safely remove material residues from the nozzle.
- Thermal gloves: It is recommended to wear thermal gloves when cleaning the nozzle, as the nozzle may be hot during these procedures.
4. preparing the printer
4.1 Printer location
The printer is intended for use in an office environment with adequate ventilation and room temperature.
The printer requires a mains connection with an earth connection for power.
For an optimal working position of the operator, it is recommended to place the printer on a table, desk or other surface that is raised about 80 - 120 cm above floor level. Please note that the machine weighs 32kg.
For standard operations, access is only required from the front of the machine.
4.2 Opening the box
To access the top of the printer, remove the upper protective parts so that the printer can be lifted out of the box.
These pieces include
- Upper polystyrene sheet
- Four foam corner pieces
- Upper protective film
4.3 Lifting the printer
As the machine weighs 32kg, we strongly recommend that you only use the machine with two persons to lift - one person from each side.
4.3.1 Lifting the printer out of the packaging
When lifting the printer out of the box, it is important to grip the printer in the right places to avoid damaging it.
To raise it, Grasp the aluminium profile located on the top of the chamber BEHIND the RGB LED mounting rail, on the sides as shown below:
It is important to grip the aluminium profile behind the RGB LED mounting rail, as the LED mounting rail will break if it is used to lift the printer.
4.3.2 Moving the printer to another location
If you want to move the printer after it has been removed from the dispatch box, you can grab it from below.
4.4 What is in the box?
After lifting out the printer, there are two boxes in the printer:
The smaller box can be removed now and the larger box will be removed later.
In the small box you will find:
- Power cable for the printer.
- Two small 1.5 mm thick plates.
- Power cable for the filament chamber.
4.5 Removing the transport fastenings
1 | If present, cut the 3 cable ties that hold the moving parts of the printer in place for transport. |
2 |
Remove the adhesive tape holding the print surface to the print bed. |
4.6 Switching on the printer
1 | Connect the supplied IEC AC cable to the plug on the back of the printer.
Connect the other end of the cable to the socket with earthing connection. IMPORTANT: The red switch must be in the 0 position (OFF) when the mains cable is installed. |
2 |
Switch on the mains switch on the rear panel.
This switch controls: 1. internal power supply 2. power supply to the filament chamber
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3 |
Use the ON/OFF button on the front to get the printer out of stand-by mode. Note: In stand-by mode, power is only supplied to the filament chamber and the internal power supply unit. All other parts of the printer are OFF. |
4.7 Moving the print bed upwards
To remove the large box from the printer, the print bed must be lifted.
This is done via the menu Manual control:
1 | Open the menu Manual control (1). |
2 |
Hold the button Z top (1) to move the print bed all the way up (when it reaches the limit, the print bed will stop moving).
Note: You can safely switch off the printer in this menu. |
4.8 Switching off the printer
To avoid damage during the last part of the printer installation, the printer must be completely switched off.
1 | Switch off the printer. |
2 |
Switch off the mains power switch. |
3 |
Disconnect the mains cable. |
4.9 Removing the large accessory box
When the print bed is raised, the large box can be removed from the printer. Inside is the filament chamber (1) with the fastening screws and nuts that are attached to the profile.
- A filament tube (2) into which the filament must be inserted before printing.
- A connecting piece (3) which is attached to the filament chamber and holds the filament tube in place.
4.10 Mounting the filament chamber
For installing the filament chamber on the printer:
1 |
Cut off the cable tie, if present, that holds the print head cable to the bracket. |
2 |
Remove the 2 screws mounted on one of the sides of the aluminium profile.
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3 |
Insert the screws into the holes in the angle brackets and fasten the aluminium profile so that the underside of the profile is flush with the lower side of the angle bracket.
WARNING: When placing the aluminium profile, make sure that the print head cable is on the opposite side of the angle brackets.
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4 |
Tighten the screws. |
4.11 Connecting the filament chamber
Connect the 4-pin plug to the filament chamber and screw it tight. Connect the other end of the cable to the printer in the same way.
IMPORTANT: The filament chamber is always switched on when the main power switch is switched on. This ensures the correct environment for the filament in the chamber, even when the printer is in stand-by mode. Before switching off the filament chamber, please make sure that you have stored the filament in another location with controlled temperature and humidity.
4.12 Mounting the printhead cable
Once the filament chamber is mounted, the next step is to attach the print head cable to the profile.
1 |
Remove the screw from the profile. |
2 |
Position the cable holder and then tighten the screw.
WARNINGBefore tightening the screw, make sure that the cable holder is aligned with the upper bracket on the other side of the aluminium profile. |
4.13 Attaching the connecting piece
In the filament chamber box you will find a filament tube and a small connecting piece.
Insert the connecting piece into the filament chamber as shown in the illustration by sliding it from the left-hand side opening to the centre.
This makes it easier to attach the pipe later.
4.14 Function of the filament chamber
The filament chamber serves as a place to keep the filament used by the printer ready and at the same time to keep the condition of the filament stable.
When the filament chamber is supplied with power, a red light in the chamber switches on.
WARNINGIf the power supply is disconnected (power button on the back (OFF/0) or the cable has been removed), make sure that the filament is removed from the filament chamber and stored in a dry and warm (min. room temperature) environment.
5. brief overview of the user interface
5.3 Printer lights
The printing chamber is equipped with lights that help the user to see inside, but also to indicate the status of the printer. Depending on the status, the colours change as follows:
6. language selection
Select the language for the printer menus.
1 |
Open the menu Settings (1) |
2 |
Select the Language selectionby pressing the language selection button (1)
Press the back button (2) to return to the main menu |
3 |
The arrow (1) indicates the currently selected language.
To select a new language, press the desired language to select it and then click on it again to confirm it as the new language. Press the up (2) and down (4) arrow buttons to scroll through the list of available languages. Press the Back button (3) to return to the Settings to return. |
7. change filament/insert filament
7.1 When should a filament change be carried out?
It is necessary to use the Filament change menu if:
- an empty coil is to be replaced with a new coil
- a spool is to be inserted into a printer that does not contain filament
- filament is to be removed from the printer.
7.2 Preparation Insert filament
7.2.1 Inserting the filament spool
When inserting a filament spool into the filament chamber, the spool must be correctly aligned to avoid friction. The spool should be installed so that the filament unrolls from the top, as shown in the illustration.
7.2.2 Attaching the filament tube
Insert the filament into the tube and attach the tube to the filament chamber using the previously fitted connector (see 4.13).
The end of the hose should be about 2 mm in front of the connector.
Make sure that you do not bend the hose at a sharp angle, as this would damage the hose and cause unwanted friction.
7.2.3 Inserting the filament into the tube
Push the filament all the way through the tube by hand and attach the tube to the connector.
7.2.4 Checking the spring tension
The screw on the extruder must be tightened so that the extruder is ready for printing.
CAUTION: Do not apply excessive force, as this can damage the extruder itself.
7.2.5 Inspection of the filament
Before inserting the filament into the print head, make sure that the end of the filament does not have a "defect", as this may result in the filament not being able to be drawn properly.
If the cut edge is not clean and straight, cut it with scissors, side cutters or another cutting tool.
7.3 Insert filament/change filament process
The process for changing the filament always takes place in 2 stages - removing the old filament and inserting the new filament. If the filament is being inserted for the first time (there is no filament to remove), simply go through the process as if filament is already included.
1 |
Open the menu Filament changeby pressing the filament change button (1) |
2 |
REMOVING THE OLD FILAMENTSelect the melting temperature of the installed filament (2) using the up and down arrows.
For the filament Addigy® FPU 79AR8 this temperature is 250-265°C. Press the "Next" button (4) to go to the next step. To cancel the process, press the cancel button (1). Press the Back button (3) to return to the Settings to return.
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3 |
The printer starts to heat the print head to the selected target temperature. The process continues automatically as soon as the target temperature is reached. During heating, both the current temperature (2) and the target temperature (3) are displayed. To cancel the process, press the cancel button (1). Press the Back button (4) to go back one step.
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4 | When the target temperature is reached, the printer starts to remove the filament.
This starts with pulling back the filament in step 3/8 to ensure that no old filament remains in the nozzle and causes a blockage. As soon as the push-out is complete, the printer starts to remove the filament from the nozzle in step 4/8. As soon as the filament has been withdrawn from the extruder, continue with step 5/8. Gently pull on the filament until the end comes out of the Teflon tube. The printer is now ready to remove the filament spool, either to replace it with a new spool or to store the filament. Press the "Next" button (4) to go to the next step. The current status of the procedure can be seen on the screen during the individual steps (2) To cancel the process, press the cancel button (1). Use the Back button (3) to go back one step.
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INTRODUCING THE NEW FILAMENTSelect the melting temperature of the new filament (2).
For the filament Addigy® FPU 79AR8 this temperature is 250-265°C. Press the "Confirm" button (4) to go to the next step. To cancel the process, press the cancel button (1). Use the Back button (3) to go back one step.
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6 |
The printer starts to heat the print head to the selected target temperature. The process continues automatically as soon as the target temperature is reached. During heating, both the current temperature (2) and the target temperature (3) are displayed. To cancel the process, press the cancel button (1). Press the Back button (4) to go back one step.
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7 |
As soon as the printer has reached the target temperature, it starts automatically and attempts to extrude. Insert the filament into the filament tube. Push it down until the print head grabs it. Then release the filament and look at the lower end of the print head. As soon as the print head starts to extrude the filament at a constant shape and speed, press the "Confirm" button (3) Attach the filament tube to the print head and the filament chamber using the connector (see section 7.2.2) The filament replacement process is now complete. To cancel the process, press the cancel button (1). Use the Back button (2) to go back one step.
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8. print bed calibration
8.1 What is print bed calibration?
It is an essential requirement of the 3D printing process that the print head is always at a constant distance from the print surface (print bed) when printing the bottom layer of the object.
If the gap is too large, the extruded material will not stick to the printing surface and will be pulled around by the head.
If the gap is too small (or the head and bed are touching), the material will not come out of the nozzle, which can lead to clogging. (The material will get stuck in the head and additional maintenance will be required to bring the printer back to an operational state).
The 3D printer Mike has an algorithm for correcting inaccuracies in the alignment of the print bed. However, it is sometimes necessary to adjust the reference height parameter (starting point) with the help of the user.
8.2 To check whether the print bed is correctly aligned
A test pressure can be used to check whether the bed is correctly aligned. To do this, carry out the following steps:
1 | Open the menu Settings, by pressing the settings button (1). |
2 |
Open the menu Print bed calibration (1) Press the Back button (2) to return to the main menu. |
3 |
Open the menu Test print (1) Press the Back button (2) to return to the settings menu.
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4 |
Select the print temperature of the print head for the test print. Change the target temperature (3) of the test pressure via the top (4) or bottom (2). If you use the standard filament Addigy® FPU 79AR8 is 265oC the correct value. Press the confirmation button (6) to start. Press the cancel button (1) to go to the main menu. Press the Back button (5) to return to the Print bed calibration to return.
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5 |
When the test print starts, the screen displays the status of the printer (2), the current temperature (3) and the target temperature (4). Press the cancel button (1) to stop printing and go to the main menu. Press the Back button (5) to stop printing and go back one step.
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Test print Successful
- 3 connected rectangles with evenly extruded lines. - Extruded filament is clear and transparent. Test print failed - Uneven extrusion - Large parts without extrusion - Material stuck to the print head and not to the print bed. If the test print fails, carry out the print bed calibration (see below).
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8.3 Print bed calibration
The menu Print bed calibration offers the possibility to optimise the print bed position of the printer in order to achieve better adhesion (bonding) of the extruded material to the print surface.
Before you start this procedure, make sure that the temperature of the print head below 80 oC and the Nozzle is clean (see section 14).
1 | Open the menu Settings, by pressing the settings button (1).
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2 |
Open the menu item Print bed calibration (1). Press the Back button (2) to return to the main menu.
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3 |
Open the menu Setting the print bed (1). Warning! When you press (1), the print bed and the print head will move. Make sure that there are no objects or body parts in the print area. Press the Back button (2) to return to the Settings to return. |
4 |
1. press the "Reference point" button (2). The print head moves to the reference point, takes a measurement and moves the print head and the print bed to its "zero" position. The offset value (7) for Mike v1 should be lie between -0.4 and - 1.2. If the measured value is outside this range, please contact support before proceeding. Note: (3) and (4) are calibration points that are used during maintenance. 2. take a piece of paper (normal printer paper, from a notepad, etc.) and carefully try to push the paper between the print head and the print bed. 3. if it does not fit (distance is too small), use the down arrow (6) to move the print bed downwards until the paper fits in between. 4. the paper is now between the print head and the print surface. Move the paper slightly back and forth while moving the bed upwards one step at a time using the arrow (8) (each step is 0.05 mm). 5. press the down arrow once (6). 6. confirm the new removal by clicking OK (9). Press the cancel button (1) or the back button (5) to cancel the process (no changes are saved).
After this process, carry out a test print (see section 8.2) to confirm that the print bed calibration was successful.
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9. Wi-Fi setup
Before you can also access your printer via Wi-Fi, it must first be configured.
NOTE: The following application must be installed on the computer in order to use the 3D print inserts module: Microsoft .NET Core Runtime 3.1.16 (x86). If this programme is not installed on your computer, please contact support.
9.1 Generating a Wi-Fi configuration file
1 |
Open the GP Inlay Print module in the GP Manager.
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2 |
Then click on the cogwheel in the top bar.
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3 |
Fill in the fields: 1. the network to which you want to connect the printer (the printers only support 2.4 GHz networks). 2. the password for connecting to the network. 3. the printer name with which the printer is visible in the network. 4 Click on WiFi-Config.cir -> USB. A file with the name "wifi_config.cir" is now on the desktop. This is the configuration file required to configure the printer. |
9.2 Connecting the printer to Wi-Fi
After the configuration file "wifi_config.cir" generated, place it in the root folder of an empty USB flash drive and carry out the following steps:
1 |
Switch on the printer |
2 |
Connect the USB stick to the printer. Important: The USB flash drive must be a FAT32 file format. |
3 |
Open the menu Settings (1). |
4 |
Select Wi-Fi configuration (1) from Press the Back button (2) to return to the main menu.
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5 |
Select Reconfigure (4) Display of the configuration of the printer in the network in (2). Press the cancel button (1) or the back button (2) to return to the main menu. |
6 |
If successful, the confirmation message "Wi-Fi connected" will be displayed on the screen. At this point, the printer will be connected to the selected network and the printer name will be displayed on the printer's LCD screen. |
10. before starting a printing process
Before you start printing, a few things need to be checked.
- The print area is located on the print bed.
- The Print bed is empty.
Make sure that there is nothing on the print area (e.g. another printed object). - The print bed is clean.
If the printing surface is dirty (dust, grease, etc.), the extruded material will not adhere to the surface. Check that the surface is clean. Further information can be found in section 14.1. - Enough filament
Open the filament chamber and make sure that there is enough filament on the spool. - Clean nozzle
Material may stick to the nozzle of the print head from previous use. If this is the case, remove it with tweezers or the cleaning tool. Further information can be found in section 14.2
11. starting a print
11.1 Printing via USB stick
If the service allows it, the printer can print directly from a USB flash drive.
1 |
Open the menu Print USBby pressing the Print button (1). |
2 |
A list of all available print files is displayed (1). The arrow indicates which file is currently selected. To select a file, press it (if not already selected) and then press it again to confirm the selection.
Press the Back button (2) to return to the main menu. |
3 |
On the print preview screen, it is possible to display the file name of the selected file (1).
If a temperature other than the temperature set in the print file is required, it can be changed by pressing the temperature (3). To start printing, press the "Next" button (4). Press the Back button (2) to go back one step. |
4 |
The print preview screen shows the status of the print process during printing: (1) shows the status of the printer. (2) shows the current and target temperature. (3) shows the remaining time of the print job to be completed. (4) indicates whether the printer is reading the print file from USB. If this is the case, do not remove the USB flash drive from the printer as this will end the print job. (5) shows the progress of printing in %. (7) displays the file name of the object to be printed. To pause printing, press the pause button (8). For more information, see section 11.3. To cancel the printing process, press the cancel button (6). |
11.2 Printing via Wi-Fi
Printing via WLAN is started directly from the GP Inlay Print module in the GP Manager and the file is automatically transferred to the printer's internal memory.
1
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Open the GP Inlay Print module and select the relevant job from the job list. Select a page. Check whether a printer in the printer list on the left-hand side is idle (IDLE). Make sure that the printer is prepared for printing. See chapter 10. Start printing using the button Start printing via WiFi. The printer indicates that printing is being started via Wi-Fi. |
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The print preview screen shows the status of the print process during printing: (1) indicates whether the printer is currently heating or printing. (2) displays the current and target temperature. (3) shows the remaining time of the print job to be completed. (4) indicates whether printing has been started via WiFi. (5) shows the progress of printing in %. (7) displays the file name of the object to be printed. To pause printing, press the pause button (8). Further information can be found in section 11.3. To cancel the printing process, press the cancel button (6).
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12. manual control
If required, it is possible to control the movement and heating of the printer manually.
1 |
Open the menu Manual controlby pressing the manual control button (1). |
2 |
Use the arrows (1) to move the print head in the working area. Press the home button in the centre (1) to move all axes to their "home" position (zero). Move the print bed up and down using the Z-axis arrows (2). Extrude or retract the filament using the print head control arrows (3). (Note that these buttons are disabled when the print head temperature (5) is lower than the target temperature (6)) Start manual heating with the temperatures (5 and 6). When manual heating is started (the printer maintains or reaches a certain temperature), the button
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3 |
Set the target temperature by pressing the down arrow (1) and the up arrow (4). To confirm the target temperature and start heating, press the confirmation button (7). The status of the heating controller is shown on the display (6), which shows IDLE when not heating and HEATING when heating. In addition, the lighting in the printer is white when the heating control is switched off and purple when the control is switched on. To stop heating, either go back to the main menu or reduce the target temperature (3) below 30 °C. oC ("-" is displayed) and click on Confirm (7) Press the Back button (5) to return to the Manual control to return. Press the Back button (5) again to go to the main menu. |
13. printer information and firmware update
13.2 Updating the firmware
A USB stick is required to update the firmware. Transfer the update files provided by GeBioM to the root folder of a USB stick, disconnect the USB stick and then carry out the following steps:
1 |
Switch on the printer. |
2 |
Connect the USB stick to the printer. |
3 |
Open the menu Settings (1). |
4 |
Go to the menu Printer information and firmware update (1). Press the Back button (2) to return to the main menu.
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5 |
Select Update printer (3). Press the Back button (2) or Cancel (1) to return to the main menu |
6 |
Click "Yes" (1) twice to confirm this. Press "No" (2) to return to the main menu.
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7 |
Wait until the update is installed. |
8 |
Allow the printer to start, without the USB stick from the printer to remove. |
9 |
Wait until a green |
14. regular service/maintenance
To ensure that the printer continues to print as expected, regular cleaning is recommended. Both the print bed and the print head must be cleaned.
14.1 Cleaning the print bed
Each print leaves some oil residue from the printed material, which over time will cause printed objects to adhere less to the surface. It is recommended to clean the print surface thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol before each print to remove any oil residue (see chapter 10).
14.2 Cleaning the print head
Cleaning the print head is an important process that contributes to the quality of the printed objects. It reduces the risk of clogging and ensures even extrusion of the filament.
Cleaning the nozzle from the outside
We recommend that the outer tip of the print head (the nozzle) daily with the cleaning tool included in the accessory box.
Allow the print head to cool down first. Scrape the nozzle with the cleaning tool until the tip is free of filament residue. Make sure that you do not touch the inductive sensor (blue dot) behind the nozzle when cleaning it.
Cleaning the inside of the nozzle
We recommend that the inside of the nozzle twice a week or every time a new filament spool is inserted. Only use approved cleaning filament and the "cold pull" method described below.
- Remove the inserted filament from the nozzle (using the filament change procedure)
- Insert the cleaning filament into the nozzle.
- Extrude 3-4 cm of filament. In some cases, the clogged material will come out.
- Set the temperature so that it drops from the standard setting of 265 °C to 125 °C.
- Extrude the cleaning filament while the temperature drops.
- Extrusion stops at around 200 °C because the filament can no longer melt.
- When the temperature has reached 130-125 °C, pull the cleaning filament straight up out of the hotend until it emerges from the nozzle.
- This strong pull removes impurities and material from the nozzle.
- Look through the nozzle hole, you should be able to see all the way through.
If this is not the case, repeat steps 2 to 9 until the cleaning filament can be removed free of impurities and you can see through the nozzle opening.
- The outside of the print head (nozzle) should be cleaned daily. Use a plastic or wooden tool to avoid damaging the brass nozzle tip in the area of the filament outlet hole. Scrape off the filament until the tip is free of filament residue.
- The inside of the print head should be cleaned regularly to ensure even extrusion of the filament. Clean the inside of the nozzle as often as filament is changed. Only use approved cleaning filament and its procedure.
15. troubleshooting
Each problem is shown with possible causes and their solution. Go through the list in the order shown. If a problem cannot be solved, contact support.
Printer Mike is causing problems
Please open the following link to learn more about the problems with this printer.
15.1 Printed object does not stick to the printing surface
- The print surface is not clean. Wipe the print surface with isopropyl alcohol (see chapter 14).
- The print height is incorrect. Calibrate the height by following the print bed calibration (see chapter 8).
15.2 Printer does not extrude correctly
- The print bed is too close to the print head during the first printed layer. Calibrate the height by following the print bed calibration (see chapter 8).
- The printer has run out of filament.
- The filament has become entangled in the filament chamber. Check the filament in the filament chamber.
- The filament is stuck in the print head. Use the filament replacement procedure (see chapter 7) to remove the filament, cut off a piece and reinsert it.
- The print head is clogged and the print head needs to be cleaned. Carry out a cleaning process (see section 2).
- The printed part has a rough surface with small bubbles. This can happen if the filament is damp because the filament chamber is OFF or it has been stored in an uncontrolled environment.
- Check whether the filament chamber is connected.
- Replace the filament with a filament that has been stored in a dry and warm environment.
- Leave the wet filament in the (heated) filament chamber for at least one day without printing to dry it.
15.3 Object not completely or not properly printed
- The filament was empty before printing could be completed. Check whether the filament needs to be replaced.
- Printer firmware error. Check the printer screen for error messages. If the error message is not self-explanatory, contact support.
- During the printing process, there was something in the work area that was blocking the printer. Check the work area for foreign objects.
- The silicone sleeve of the print head has fallen off and is blocking the printer. Check that the red silicone sleeve is correctly attached to the print head. Make sure that the silicone sleeve is not cracked.
- The power supply to the printer was interrupted during the printing process. Check whether the printer is switched on.
15.4 Error messages
Below you will find all error messages where you can take action yourself. For all other error messages, please contact our support (cubix@gebiom.com).
Error | Cause | Solution | |
ERROR 211: USB removed | USB stick was disconnected during the print job. | Make sure that the USB stick has not been removed during the printing process.
If the error occurs and the USB stick is still in the printer, 1. check your USB stick. 2. use a different USB stick. |
|
ERROR 212: File not found | The printer is trying to resume a paused print, but the file cannot be found on the USB stick. | Restart the print job. | |
ERROR 213: USB Power Fault | The USB stick used draws too much power and has been disconnected so as not to damage the printer electronics. | Remove the USB stick; then click OK and try another USB stick. | |
ERROR 410: Setup file not found | During setup, the printer cannot find the file in the root directory of the USB stick or cannot open/read it. | 1. make sure that the file wifi_config.cir is located in the root directory of the USB stick.
2. make sure that the file wifi_config.cir is not write-protected. |
|
ERROR 411: Wifi connection impossible | WiFi connection timeout (probably because the router is not responding to the printer). | 1. try to establish a connection again.
2. make sure that the WiFi router is working properly. 3. make sure that the firewall is not blocking the IP address of the printer. |
|
ERROR 412: Wifi connection impossible | The password you entered is incorrect. | Make sure that the USB stick contains the file wifi_config.cir with the correct password for the selected network. | |
ERROR 413: Wifi connection impossible | The printer cannot find the network. | 1. make sure that the USB stick contains the file wifi_config.cir with the correct network name.
2. make sure that the WiFi router is working properly. 3. make sure that the firewall is not blocking the IP address of the printer. |
|
ERROR 417: Wifi connection lost | Wifi connection lost (timeout) | 1. restart the Wifi transmission
2. check that the WiFi router is working properly. 3. try moving the printer closer to the router. |
|
ERROR 520: Newer slicer required | The version of the slicer that generated the file is old and is not supported by the current firmware | Make sure that you are using the latest version of the slicer. | |
Other errors | An error has been detected that requires maintenance. | Try restarting the printer.
If the problem persists, contact support (cubix@gebiom.com) and inform them of the error code. |
16 Technical data
Performance requirements | 230V AC 50 Hz (1.5A);
120V AC 60 Hz (3A) |
Power consumption | Normal operation: < 100W
Idle mode: < 50W Stand-by: < 40W |
Operating room temperature | 5-35 °C (40-95 °F) |
Print head temperature | Operation: 240-260 °C (464-500 °F);
Maximum: 285 °C (545 °F) |
Filament chamber temperature | Operation: 35-45 °C (95-113 °F)
Maximum: 80 °C (176 °F) |
Size of the printer workspace
(Largest printable object) |
W / D / H
40.5 / 14.5 / 15 cm (15.9 / 5.7 / 5.9 inches) |
Printer size
(cable and filament chamber installed) |
W / D / H
67 / 54 / 75 cm (26.4 / 21.5 / 29.5 inches) |
Printer weight | 32 kg (70 lbs) |