Whenever possible, we would engineer new designs and parts to be reverse compatible with earlier generations. The links below take you to the products on our website. Be sure to read and review product descriptions for other links and instructions.
Originally, we had a universal joint design. While pretty good back then, the universal joint design is not very good by todays standard. A new ball joint design was in the works by the end of 2014. The new ball cup design significantly improved print quality and eliminated nearly all maintenance.
Originally the RostockMAX v2 shipped with a our original hotend design called the "Bowden Hotend". Around the time we worked on ball joints, we also worked on the new HE280 hotend design around the same time we made ball joint arms.
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For example, check all of the electrical screw terminals. Loose electrical connections cause high current draw and may damaged control boards. So get out your small flat screwdriver and check those connections today if you haven't checked them in a while.
We may add to the following list from time to time, so you might check back here every few months to see if we recommend anything new. Depending on the environment, the printer may need more frequent inspection than we are recommending here. You will need to determine if additional items need inspected or observed for safe and successful operation of your printer.
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SeeMeCNC method for a clean installation of Cura slicing software for Windows PC's.
Let's outline one method of updating Cura slicing software on a Windows computer. ! Caution ! Use this information at your own risk. We can only report our own experience using these software tools and our combination of things we've found to work well for us. Also, if you make a mistake by accident, you can mess up your windows installation and possibly lose data. Please be the judge of your own personal skill level here. We can not help if you mess up your computer.
Here at SeeMeCNC, we help quite a few customers in the course of a year. There are all types of questions and slicing software problems are something we are asked from time to time. Although software troubleshooting is a outside the scope of what we do (build high value highly reliable 3D printers), we still want to see every customer be successful in additive manufacturing.
The software related to this article:
Since 2017, we have recommended Cura slicing software. It's a free solution for slicing models and does a very good job. Recently, the Cura team fixed some issues with single head dual filament extrusion. This is exciting because we've only recommended Cura 3.4.1 for almost 2 years now. And we really like things happening in current releases of the software. Let's get started!
Step One - Uninstall Previous Versions of Cura
Use Revo Uninstaller free version.
Uninstall previous versions of Windows software using Revo Uninstaller free version software. We have 15+ years experience using this software and haven't botched windows yet. The company makes a solid product for advanced uninstalling of windows programs.
STEP TWO - Manually remove old cura data
STEP THREE - Install Cura 4.2.1
For SeeMeCNC printers, we're currently using Cura 4.2.1 and updating slicing profiles. The official SeeMeCNC recommended slicing software are Cura versions 3.4.1 and 4.2.1. Download and install specifically Cura 4.2.1 then restart your computer when finished. (see following image)
Then click on 4.2.1 (see following image)
Then scroll to bottom of the 4.2.1 github repository (see following image)
RIGHT CLICK and SAVE TARGET (see following image)
Save the file to download on your windows computer (another place if you're an apple user)
Open your downloads folder and locate "Ultimaker_Cura-4.2.1-win64.exe" and run it. Installation will begin, follow the software installation instructions. Our recommendation is to select all optional file types during installation.
As general practice, a Windows restart is preferred.
STEP FOUR - Jump Start Your SeeMeCNC Experience
Install a SeeMeCNC made 3MF project file. We've made these profiles specifically for Cura 4.2.1 for our 3D printers to give users a quick and easy start to 3D printing. A 3MF file extension is a Cura project file containing the following:
Download one of our 3MF project files. We are normally adding or adjusting these files on our repository. Older versions (3.4.1) will not work properly with 4.2.1, so start fresh.
Our entire slicing library will download when you click here:
Extract the downloaded files. In Cura 4.2.1 open the file:
SeeMeCNC_Artemis_QuickStart_Dual_PLA_050Nozzle_Batarang_for_CURA_4-2-1.3mf
STEP FIVE - Just Slice & Print
Just slice and print. Don't change a thing. Drop an STL into Cura and click "Prepare", then "Save to File".
Cura expert mode has about a zillion combinations of choices, so it's tricky no matter how good your are. We've invested some time to make general purpose profiles to slice most parts. Try them before adjusting anything.
Standards for SeeMeCNC Delta's for Cura 4-2-1, single or dual extrusion:
In Conclusion
Whether you're a DIY hobbyist or business user, and no matter what your skill level, we hope this blog post improves your 3D printing experience when printing on your SeeMeCNC 3D printer!
( Editing and review by Gene B, Andy O, Paul L, Caleb F, Tim K )
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Tim O’Sullivan visited SeeMeCNC to show off some amazing things he’s printed on his RostockMAX v3.2. A recipient of Purple Heart and Bronze Star medals, he also brought some incredible stories to share of his experiences leading up to his 3D printing undertakings.
]]>Tim O’Sullivan visited SeeMeCNC to show off some amazing things he’s printed on his RostockMAX v3.2. A recipient of Purple Heart and Bronze Star medals, he also brought some incredible stories to share of his experiences leading up to his 3D printing undertakings.
Injured in active military duty while stationed in Iraq, Tim needed something to distract him from the post traumatic stress (PTS) and afflictions that come with an unwanted medical retirement. He soon found a new passion for 3D printing that became his own personal therapy. Realizing what his new hobby could do for others, he now dedicates his time to using 3D printing as a medium in which to help people heal both physically and mentally.
His almost fully 3D printed costumes of Iron Man, War Machine, and C-3PO are only the beginning of his breathtaking work. Tim has also spent countless hours teaching himself how to 3D model custom fireworks brackets for paratrooping displays, prop replicas that get auctioned off to raise money for charity, and replacement limbs for veteran and children amputees.
An alumni from the Blue Skies For The Good Guys And Gals Warrior Foundation, Tim volunteers at various charity events in and out of costume to support combat wounded veterans, Gold Star families, hospitalized children, and even police dogs. His current endeavor is a silent auction for a custom, hand made, 3D printed Iron Man bust in which all proceeds go to the Blue Skies For The Good Guys And Gals. The proceeds help cover the costs of giving combat wounded veterans and Gold Star families a weekend to look forward to and remember for the rest of their lives. You can find more info on the organization and the auction on the Warrior Weekend to Remember website (http://warriorwtr.com/).
The inspiration doesn’t stop there. Tim’s desire to help others is rivaled only by his humble personality. Never bragging, he stays consistent in respectfully attempting to help improve the lives of those around him. Talking with him during his visit is something the staff here at SeeMeCNC will hold in our hearts as we continue to make 3D printers for our customers. Community members, like Tim O’Sullivan, are the reason we love doing what we do! We take great pride in seeing people use SeeMeCNC 3D printers to make the world a better place.
Keep scrolling for more photos from our session with Tim!
Photo by SeeMeCNC