Faqs
RapMan FAQs || 3DTouch FAQs
RapMan FAQs
Dimensions of the machine
650mm x 570mm x 820mm (25.6in x 22.4in x 32.3in)
650mm x 570mm x 510mm (25.6in x 22.4in x 20.1in) with the extruder removed
The machine is sturdy enough to withstand regular Student usage.
Maximum print dimensions
275mm x 205mm x 210mm
Print resolution
0.1 mm in the x and y and 0.4 mm in the z
(dependant also on temperature of material)
Printing Speeds
The Version 3 has a maximum feedrate of approx 17 mm3 per second. We don’t recommend running at that speed continually but it can comfortably operated at 7 mm3 per second (tested with ABS – figures will be less for HDPE). Also don’t forget that the speed limit is not entirely down to the extruder but also down to thermal issues – go too fast and you get a molten mess!
Materials which can be used to print & Costs There are many different materials which can be used
to print with. We use thermoplastic polymers (listed below) but you could use other materials too.
- ABS (Acrylo nitrile Butadiene Styrene)
- HDPE (High Density Poly Ethylene)
- LDPE (High Density Poly Ethylene)
- PP (Poly Propylene)
- uPVC (unplasticised Poly Vinyl Chloride)
Costs
If using ABS plastic on reels, the cost for a kilogram reel is $85; $75 each if you buy 5 or more. The amount of material used is all dependent on the physical-3D-model that is printed and having
accurate settings so any waste is reduced.
Replacement Parts
We will be stocking replacement parts, if needed. The machine is made in large part of acrylic cut on a laser. We have acrylic pieces, motors, hardware and the electronics. There is little that can fail.
Using a Second-Head
A Second Extruder-Head comes standard on the BFB 3000; and the RapManUSA can be upgraded to having a second-head. With regards to support-material for a second-head, we recommend using PLA as Support if you’re using ABS as the primary build material. It then is much easier to separate the two materials using a couple of tried-and-proven methods: (1) Since PLA doesn’t bond as readily to ABS, a person can simply carefully break-off the PLA-support from the ABS, and then, if needed, lightly sand the ABS part where the support was used. Another option that has been reported to work is (2) Using an ultrasonic-cleaner, use the heater element to heat water and keep it at a high-enough temperature so that the PLA simply dissolves. Read more about this on our Blog.
3DTouch Frequently Asked Questions
What’s in the box?
- 3DTouch™ dual head 3D printer
- Tool kit
- Memory device with sample print files, Axon 2 and Set-up Manual
- Clear nozzle box
- Power adaptor
- Unpacking instructions
Included Software
All BFB 3D printers include complimentary Axon 2 conversion software. This application converts your 3D model into layered slices (G-code), ready for printing on your machine. Other features and uses of Axon 2 include:
- Clear, familiar and easy to use interface
- Scaling, rotation and movement of parts on a simulated print bed
- Proven default settings for all BFB 3D printers
- Ability to create custom profiles as needed
- Imperial / metric conversion available
- Combined part and toolpath viewer
- Built-in STL file verification
- Profiles for multiple material / support material
Software upgrades can be downloaded from the BFB Technical Resources hub.
Getting Started
The 3DTouch™ dual head 3D printer usually takes around an hour to set up. This is quite similar to what you need to do with any kind of ‘normal’ printer – unbox, remove all protective packaging and unlock the moving components which were secured during transit. There is some minor levelling and calibration involved and of course, it’s a good idea to download the Axon 2 conversion suite from the supplied memory device.
Technical Specifications
Please see the 3DTouch Specifications page HERE.
