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FAQ: How a Cube 3D Printer Works!

Image of the Cube 3D printing a plastic protoypeImage shows samples of 3D Printing of plastic parts made using the CubePro

The Cube 3D printer is a consumer device that builds physical objects from digital designs, letting you turn your creative potential into reality. Cube 3D Printer features: Designed and certified for home use Beautiful design that complements your home or office Dual material capability for multi-color and multi-material printing 23 amazing color options in both ABS and PLA plastics New easy-load cartridges allow you to change materials in a matter of seconds Amazing full-color user interface Connect to your computer or mobile device seamlessly with Wi-Fi accessibility 44% larger build volume than its predecessor

How does CubePro print?

The CubePro prints in 3D, which means that instead of putting ink onto a flat surface like regular printing (2D), it builds up material in three dimensions to create a real object. It melts plastic filament and then draws a very fine layer of this plastic onto a build plate. It then builds another fine layer of plastic on top of the previous one, and then another and another. On it goes, building your idea in slices from the bottom up until you have a plastic object ready to hold.

What can I make?

As long as the piece fits into the CubePro print area (10.8 x 10.6 x 9.5”), you are limited only by your imagination! We have seen people make architectural models, replacement parts, prototypes, jewelry, working gears, remotely controlled cars, toys, and much more. Any piece will start as a 3D model, which is then printed by the CubePro. You can see examples on www.cubify.com.

What colors can I use?

The filament cartridges that work with the CubePro come in over 24 colors. You can choose to build your designs in multi-colors and materials by using the CubePro software and printing with the CubePro Duo or CubePro Trio with multiple print jets.

What material does the CubePro use?

Plastic (ABS or PLA) and Nylon.

How do I get started making stuff?

The CubePro comes with 25 free professional-grade 3D models for you to print. You can find more 3D design files to print in the Design Feed, or you can design your own 3D models using your free Cubify Invent design software or any software that can output an STL file. You’ll also find a variety of other design software tools in the Design Lab. Once you have a model, the CubePro software will turn it into a .cubepro file that the CubePro can read.

How do I get a file to my CubePro for printing?

You can send a file to your CubePro by transferring it using a USB stick. If you are connected via WiFi, you can communicate with your CubePro via WiFi and send print files wirelessly.

What are the benefits of the cartridges?

Our cartridges are filled with our custom ABS plastic or PLA plastic filament, with over 20 colors and materials, and are designed to work with the CubePro. We have even introduced a new material: Nylon to give you diverse multi-material printing options. Switching them out is a breeze because they snap right in. The CubePro cartridges are smart and can tell you how much filament you have left, and they won't let you start printing a design if you don't have enough filament to finish.

How long does it take to print a design?

The print time is proportional to the size and complexity of the design. An average smartphone case will take less than one hour to print.

What's the warranty?

There's a 90 day warranty for parts and labor. Contact CubifySupport@Cubify.com if you have any issues.

What's the return policy?

Once you bring a Cube into your home, we’re committed to making sure it works. We don't provide refunds on Cube printers once they're shipped, but if you encounter any issues with your printer, we are happy to repair it for free during the warranty period.

MORE INFORMATION:

Which files can the CubePro print?

The CubePro can directly print .cubepro files. The CubePro software, which comes with the CubePro printer, can convert .stl and .creation files into .cubepro files. Most CAD software (like Solidworks, ProE, Catia, Alibre, and Rhino) can create .stl files. .Obj files from Maya and ZBrush will need to be converted to .stl files first. There is no limit on the file size, but generally anything over 500MB would be considered really large.

What does the CubePro software do? Does it help me design things to print?

The CubePro software lets you prep an existing 3D model for printing on the CubePro. It lets you orient, scale, add supports if needed, and then turns the model into a .cubepro file that the CubePro can print. You can design your own 3D models using your free trial license of software from our Design Lab.

What operating systems does the CubePro software run on?

The CubePro software works on Windows and Mac.

How accurate is the CubePro?

Accuracy of the print is largely dependent on the geometry and orientation. Typical tolerances are around +/-0.5mm for dimensions less than 50mm and +/-1% for features larger than 50mm. If you need more accuracy, you can scale your file (either globally or locally) in your design software to account for the variance. There are no guaranteed tolerances on the CubePro printer.

What is the resolution of parts printed on the CubePro designs?

Choose from High Definition (HD): 70 microns, Standard Definition (SD): 200 microns, or Fast Mode: 350 microns.

How do I print peel away supports?

Supports are built with the same ABS or PLA plastic as the design. The CubePro software will add the needed supports for you in a way that will both minimize material and be easily removable after printing. CubePro supports can be popped off without tools.

Can I get a sample to see what a CubePro print looks like?

We don't yet offer free samples, but stay tuned!

Do you have other 3D Printers with different capabilities?

Yes, we do. We have the largest 3D printer product portfolio in the world, including printers that print larger sizes, different materials, and multi-color prints.

What is included with a CubePro?

CubePro comes with at least one PLA cartridge, CubePro software, 25 free designs and Cubify Invent design software to get you printing straight from the box.

What is the price of CubePro cartridge?

$99

What is the difference between ABS and PLA plastic?

ABS and PLA are both plastic materials. Customers may use either PLA or ABS on the CubePro. When it comes to 3D printing, the key differences between ABS and PLA are:
* ABS is more flexible and PLA is more solid, meaning when stressed, PLA will snap sooner
* PLA is more glossy-looking consumable than ABS
* Our PLA plastic is specially formulated to be compostable or biodegradable while our ABS is recyclable.

Tell me more about your new materials.

To give you a wide array of printing experience, we have added a new material to CubePro portfolio: nylon. Nylon can be used to make strong, durable and functional parts. It is compatible with autoclave sterilization and is resistant to gasoline. Nylon is used in a wide array of applications, like automobile parts such as gas tanks, dashboards, enclosures and housings, snap-fit parts and living hinges, aircraft and motor parts, and more.

What are the different Print Modes?

The print modes determine how much plastic is used to make the part. This also will dictate how long the part will take to build and the strength of the part. CubePro can print in three different print modes: Lines, Diamonds and Honeycomb. Use Lines mode for building parts that do not require internal structural strength. Use Diamonds mode for self-supporting parts that require minimal internal structural strength and a lower requirement for flat top surfaces. Use Honeycomb mode for both great internal structural strength and optimum flat top surfaces.

What is Cubify Invent Software?

Cubify Invent is powerful 3D design software that's easy to learn. It's optimized for 3D printing, so your designs will come out even better in real life.

What can I make with Cubify Invent?

Cubify Invent is very powerful - you can make almost anything you can think of! It's best for making 3D models that are meant to be 3d printed, and can make anything from very simple to very complex shapes. To create more freeform shapes, take a look at Cubify Sculpt.

How do I get Cubify Invent?

You can buy Cubify Invent for $49, or download a 14 day free trial. For either option, download and install the software. If you're going for the free trial, hit "Continue Trial" to start using Cubify Invent. If you've purchased the software, you'll be asked to enter your license key, which is located on your invoice. (When you log in to your Cubify account, go to "My Cubify" and select "My Account". Your order will be under "My Orders" on the left side of the page, and will show the invoice when clicked.) This is a permanent license - no subscription fees.

What do I need to run Cubify Invent?

Cubify Invent runs on Windows XP Professional or Home Edition with Service Pack 3, Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8.

How about some tutorials?

There are 9 videos available on the Cubify website to learn to use Cubify Invent through these fun and easy step-by-step projects.

How is Cubify Invent different from the software that comes with the Cube?

Cubify Invent is used to design and create 3D models. The Cube software doesn't let you design things, but instead loads existing 3D models and turns them into instructions the Cube 3D printer can understand.

How is Cubify Invent different from Cubify Design and Cubify Sculpt?

Cubify Invent lets you create models for printing. You create shapes in 2D and spin or pull the 2D shapes to create your 3D model. Cubify Design works the same way, but lets you create assemblies made of multiple parts, as well as share your designs with others. Cubify Sculpt lets you create and modify objects by pushing a pulling on them.

What file types can I make with Cubify Invent?

Cubify Invent files get saved as .fun files. You can also export a file in .stl format.

Will Cubify Invent create files ready to print on the Cube or CubePro 3D printer?

Not quite. Cubify Invent can export an STL file, which can be loaded into the Cube software (which you get when you activate your Cube printer) to be reformatted as a file that the Cube can read.

Can I import existing files into Cubify Invent to modify?

You can import STEP, IGES, SAT, and Solidworks file formats. Cubify Invent allows the creation and loading of single parts. If your imported file contains multiple parts, you will not be able to load it into Cubify Invent.

Will this software fix my existing 3D models to make them 3D printable?

During import of STEP, IGES, SAT, or SolidWorks files, you can try to heal the model to make it 3D printable. Many, though not all, models can be healed. Files originally designed in Cubify Invent shouldn't require any healing.

Can I open and modify my STL files in this software?

Cubify Invent does not open mesh models such as STL or OBJ, though it can export to STL. Check out Cubify Sculpt for opening your STL files.

Can I make drawings from my part in Cubify Invent?

Cubify Invent is meant to streamline your 3D printing process, and does not have any 2D drawing tools. Check out Cubify Design for 2D drawings.

Can I make round corners on my parts?

Yes. Cubify Invent has many design tools aimed at bringing your idea to reality.

What is Cubify Design?

Cubify Design is powerful 3D design software for creating awesome projects. It’s optimized for 3D printing, but you can also create drawings or share the data with other 3D software.

What can I make with Cubify Design?

Cubify Design is very powerful - you can make assemblies and very complex projects! It's best for making 3D models that have multiple parts, or need to use existing parts. To create more freeform shapes, take a look at Cubify Sculpt.

How do I get Cubify Design?

You can buy Cubify Design for $199, or download a 14 day free trial. For either option, download and install the software. If you're going for the free trial, hit "Continue Trial" to start using Cubify Design. If you've purchased the software, you'll be asked to enter your license key, which is located on your invoice. (When you log in to your Cubify account, go to "My Cubify" and select "My Account". Your order will be under "My Orders" on the left side of the page, and will show the invoice when clicked.) This is a permanent license - no subscription fees.

What do I need to run Cubify Design?

Cubify Design runs on Windows XP Professional or Home Edition with Service Pack 3, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8.

How is Cubify Design different from the software that comes with the Cube or CubePro?

Cubify Design is used to design and create 3D models. The Cube software doesn't let you design things, but instead loads existing 3D models and turns them into instructions the Cube 3D printer can understand. Cubify Design can also be used for projects that use other processes than 3D printing.

How is Cubify Design different from Cubify Invent and Cubify Sculpt?

Cubify Design lets you create entire assemblies made up of parts. You create these parts by drawing in 2D, and spinning or pulling the 2D shapes. Cubify Invent is a lot like Cubify Design, but only supports a single part. Cubify Sculpt lets you create and modify objects by pushing and pulling on them.

What file types can I make with Cubify Design?

Cubify Design files get saved as .ad_part and .ad_asm files. You can import a file in IGES, STEP and SAT formats while you can export in STL format. You can also make basic 2D drawings with Cubify Design.

Will Cubify Design create files ready to print on the Cube or CubeX printer?

Not quite. Cubify Design can export an STL file, which can be loaded into the Cube software (which you get when you activate your Cube printer) to be reformatted as a file that the Cube can read.

Can I import existing files into Cubify Design to modify?

You can import DWG and DXF 2D drawings and export DWG and DXF along with the STL file for 3D printing.

Will this software fix my existing 3D models to make them 3D printable?

During import of STEP, IGES, and SAT files, you can try to heal the model to make it 3D printable. Many, though not all, models can be healed. Files originally designed in Cubify Design shouldn't require any healing.

Can I open and modify my STL files in this software?

Cubify Design does not open mesh models such as STL or OBJ, though it can export to STL. Check out Cubify Sculpt for opening your STL files.

Can I make drawings from my part in Cubify Design?

Cubify Design has basic 2D drawing tools, so you can communicate your project to others.

Can I make round corners on my parts?

Yes. Cubify Design has many design tools aimed at bringing your idea to reality.

Is there a limit to how many parts in an assembly?

Cubify Design doesn’t limit how many parts you can have. It’s only limited by your PC specifications.

Can I make sheet metal parts in Cubify Design?

You can draw thin objects that might be made with sheet metal; but Cubify Design does not include any specialized sheet metal design tools.

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