CraftBot User-Manual 2017-05-23 en PDF
CraftBot User-Manual 2017-05-23 en PDF
USER
MANUAL
2
THE ULTIMATE 3D PRINTER
CraftBot 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 3
IMPORTANT 4
WARNINGS 4
CAUTION! 5
CONTENTS OF THE BOX 5
INTRODUCING THE CRAFTBOT 3D PRINTER 6
UNPACKING THE CRAFTBOT PRINTER 7
ASSEMBLING THE CRAFTBOT PRINTER 7
1. Installing the filament guide tube holder 7
2. Installing the filament guide tube 8
3. Installing the filament spool holder 8
4. Mounting the filament spool 8
5. Attaching the power cord 8
APPENDIX 23
Technical Specification 23
CraftBot 3
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the CraftBot 3D printer and welcome to the word of 3D crafting! At
CraftUnique we believe that 3D printing opens a new window to enhance creativity. It offers outstanding
crafting experience even without prior programming or 3D printing experience.
How does the printer work? The CraftBot 3D printer makes solid, three-dimensional objects out of
melted plastic filament. Design Your objects with the help of a 3D design program. Then use the
CraftWare program (downloadable from www.craftunique.com/craftware) to transform Your 3D design
files into printing instructions for the CraftBot 3D printer. Transfer this to Your CraftBot 3D printer via
USB drive or USB cable. The CraftBot 3D printer will melt plastic filaments and squeeze it out onto the
building plate in thin lines to print your object layer by layer.
CraftBot 4
IMPORTANT
Read this user manual carefully before you use the appliance, and save it for future reference.
All information in this user manual is subject to change at any time without notice and is provided for
convenience purposes only. CraftUnique reserves the right to modify or revise this user manual in its
sole discretion and at any time. By using the manual, you agree to be bound by any modifications and/or
revisions. For up-to-date information contact the CraftUnique Service Support ([email protected]).
WARNINGS
• Check if the voltage indicated on the bottom of the appliance corresponds to the local mains voltage
before you connect the appliance.
• Do not immerse cord, plug or main body in water or any other liquid. This may cause electrical
shock.
• Do not use the appliance if the plug, the mains cord or the appliance itself is damaged or not
operating properly.
• If the mains cord is damaged, you must have it replaced in order to avoid hazard.
• Only connect the appliance to grounded wall sockets.
• Keep the mains cord away from hot surfaces.
• Do not let the mains cord hang over the edge of the table or worktop on which the appliance stands.
• Keep the appliance and its cord out of the reach of children.
• This appliance can be used by children aged from 8 years and above; and by persons with reduced
physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge only under supervision
and adequate instruction concerning the use of the appliance in a safe way, understanding the
hazards involved. Cleaning and user maintenance shall not be made by children.
• Children can receive great educational benefits from designing 3D objects, but the printing process
should not be done by small children.
• Do not touch moving parts or heated elements, it can cause injuries.
• Never reach inside the machine when turned on. Different parts of the machine (mainly the extruder
and heated build plate) operate at very high temperatures and can cause severe burns.
• Never leave the CraftBot 3D printer unattended while it is plugged in, and is in operation.
• Make sure that the power supply is off and that the power cord is disconnected before servicing.
Allow at least 5 minutes for the device to cool down after unplugging it before reaching inside to
service.
• Always turn off the printer and disconnect from the computer when it is not being used.
CraftBot 5
CAUTION!
• Make sure to level the build plate properly before use.
• Make sure not to force anything, whether it be during unpacking, setup, operation or service.
• Service and oil the suggested parts as often as recommended. Use only substances recommended
by CraftUnique.
• The CraftBot 3D printer melts plastic during printing. Plastic odors are emitted during this operation.
Make sure to set up the CraftBot 3D printer in a well-ventilated area.
1 2
CONTENTS
OF THE BOX
3 4
It’s time to unpack additional
parts. Below you can see con-
tents of the box. First of all, check
the list to make sure nothing is
missing!
5 6
1. Filament guide tube holder
2. Filament guide tube
3. Filament spool holder
4. Hex wrenches (5x)
5. USB Flash storage
6.
7.
USB A-B cable
AC power cable 7 8
8. Spacer card
INTRODUCING THE
CRAFTBOT 3D PRINTER
1 2
3
11 10
8
7
13
12
CraftBot 7
UNPACKING
THE CRAFTBOT PRINTER
3 4 6 7
1. Place the CraftBot box on the ground on a level surface. Make sure that there is a lot of open space
around you.
2. Open the box with care, not to damage the contents if using a blade.
3. Remove the protective foam insert. You will find the Quick Starter Guide located within the top
protective foam insert.
4. There is a cradle inserted, which contains the accessories (including a pendrive with a copy of the
CraftBot user manual). Remove the cradle with care as it supports the extruder during shipping.
5. Now you will find the CraftBot 3D printer itself completely enclosed in a protective plastic bag. Open
the plastic covering.
6. Firmly grasp the frame of the CraftBot. Consider its weight. Request physical help if needed. Make
sure not to touch the extruder or the electronic panel inside the appliance! Lift it from the plastic
and out of the box.
7. Place the CraftBot 3D printer on a stable and level surface with sufficient space surrounding.
ASSEMBLING
THE CRAFTBOT PRINTER
1. INSTALLING THE FILAMENT GUIDE TUBE HOLDER
• Select the desired position for the tube holder. Keep in mind that the spool holder must be installed
directly next to the guide tube holder.
• Locate the guide tube holder.
• Using a hex wrench, install the guide tube holder onto the top of the CraftBot.
CraftBot 8
• Fit the filament spool onto the filament spool holder so that the lead
end keeps its course when the filament is fed into the guide tube
holder.
• Ensure that the power switch on the CraftBot is set to the OFF position.
• Find and then insert the AC power cord into the power input on the
back of the CraftBot.
CraftBot 9
USING
THE CRAFTBOT PRINTER
1. SWITCHING ON THE APPLIANCE
• Go to „Settings”
• Navigate to the right with the arrow.
• Choose LNG.
• Select the desired language.
• Confirm selection.
• Use the left arrow to get back to the main menu.
You can set the time and reset the operating hour counter. This
function helps to track printing time between maintenance sessions.
• Select „Settings” on the LCD menu.
• Navigate to the right with the arrow.
• Press the Clock button.
• Set the time by using the up and down arrows. Switch between
minute and hour by pushing the right arrow.
• Total operating hours are measured, it cannot be reseted.
• Counter can be reset by reset button (curved arrow), which helps
tracking the elapsed time between the maintenance sessions.
CraftBot 10
For printing or loading/unloading the filament, heat up the printer according to the type of the filament.
On the main menu press the thermometer button.
At this point you will see a new menu indicating the “Head temp” and “Bed temp”. You can select the
extruder icon and the bed icon (line with 3 wavy lines above) to commence heating. Once the extruder
reaches the target temperature of your filament (keeping in mind that different materials such PLA,
ABS, and PET have different temperature characteristics), you can start printing.
If the extruder head is not hot enough yet, a warning message pops up. Select the thermometer icon in
the bottom row which takes to the heat setting sections.
CraftBot 12
3. Insert the filament from the spool into the end of the filament guide tube where it attaches to the
filament guide tube holder. Make sure that the filament spool feeds toward the guide tube holder
(from the bottom up) so that the filament keeps its course. This way you avoid any unnecessary
bending of the filament. To have a clean edge, cut the end of the filament with scissors, if needed.
4. Feed the filament all the way through the guide tube until it comes out the other end.
5. Enter into the extruder menu. Push the filament into the extruder hole, against the drive
gear and press the extrude or load filament button on the screen. The load button will
extrude 15 cm of filament automatically, this can be interrupted by pressing the back button.
CraftBot 13
You can also use the “extrude” menu in the touchscreen to extrude filament out of the nozzle.
Re-insert the filament guide tube back into the hole at the top of the extruder.
Never remove the filament from the extruder if the extruder is cold! Always preheat the extruder before
removing or changing filaments. Removing the filament from a cold extruder might damage it! You
don’t have to remove the filament between prints.
1. Heat up the extruder (see section 7)
Press the unload button. This will automatically extrude a small amount of filament to prevent
clogging and switch into reverse until filament removed from the extruder head.
2. Once the gears have begun to retract the filament you will be free to pull it out from the printer and
then load a new filament.
1. Save the printing command file created by CraftWare slicer program on a USB flash drive. CraftBot 2
models have Wi-Fi connection and offer the option to upload gcode file using the CraftBot app mobile
application. For details see chapter 12. The pendrive provided with CraftBot has design samples saved
on it. (3D designs must be converted into a printing command file with the help of the CraftWare slicer
software. For details on this go to chapter „Using CraftWare” or to www.craftunique.com/craftware)
2. Insert the USB drive into the USB slot located on the top front of the appliance (above the LCD screen).
3. Select the USB Print option from the main menu. CraftBot 2 users
have the option to initiate a printing via the CraftBot app application.
For details see chapter 12.
4. Scroll down with the arrow to select the object’s file name.
5. Push the printer icon in the right corner.
6. The appliance will heat up the extruder and the build plate to the
desired heat.
7. Printing will start if the required operational temperature is reached
– until then you will see the in-print screen, with the status message: ”Heating”
8. During printing the status of the print is displayed on the LCD screen, indicating progress, based
upon a percentage of the job completed. For functions available during printing see chapter 11.
CraftBot 14
9. Please make sure that you have enough filament for the selected project. The quantity is precalculated
by CraftWare.
10. After the object has been printed, remove the build plate. Printed object can be removed by gently
pushing it aside with one hand while holding onto the printing plate with the other one.
There are three options available from this menu: Tweak, Pause next layer,
Pause (in order from left to right)
Pause menu
In Pause menu users can change filament, continue printing or
terminate the printing project. Pushing the Play button will continue the
printing. For filament change us the Extrude/Reverse functions or the
preprogrammed Load/Unload options.
For terminating the printing select “STOP”. CraftBot will ask for a
confirmation.
If you pressed the stop button accidentally, you can press the back
button to continue the printing process.
App Settings
Users can specify how the heat and unit setup information is displayed
(Celsius/Fahrenheit, Metric/Domestic)
CraftBot 16
The first “back” button will, of course, return you to the main menu.
If the individual house icons are white, then this means that the motors of each highlighted icon are
engaged. To disengage the motors, click on the icon in the far right bottom corner (M with an X through
it), and you will see all of the house icons turn black. The motors have now been disengaged and you
can freely move the extruder by hand if you wish to do so.
The directional button to the right of the “home” button can be used to move along the X, Y or Z axis
using the motors. After clicking on this button you will be redirected to another display in which you will
see six different arrow buttons.
Note that this option can only be used if all of the motors are already activated and the house icons
are all white. If the house icons are black, then nothing will happen. In this case, after clicking on the
direction button, you will see all of the arrows in the color grey. To activate the motors, return to the
“home” icon and home in; the house icons will now turn white and you can go on to the direction display
and move the extruder and bed as you see fit.
CraftBot 17
Select Settings (indicated by a Select the light control icon Adjusting the lighting: Move
gear) on the LCD screen. by touching the light bulb the line from the left to the
button. You will see a vari- right to vary the brightness
ance pop up on the screen: of either the interior LED
two different touchscreen lighting of the CraftBot or
sliders. the LCD display backlighting.
By using the arrows in the top right corner you can choose between
3 options: Sound On, Sound Off and Warnings Only.
CraftBot has three fans: extruder fan, case fan and the object fan. Each can individually be controlled.
Fan Control: Activate and deactivate the fans before or during printing to match your preferences.
Extruder and case fan settings automatically reset to default after 60 seconds.
To print a 3D object, CraftBot needs toolpath information generated from 3D object files like .obj or .stl.
Toolpath information is simply called “gcode”. CraftWare software converts 3D designs into printing
commands for the CraftBot 3D printer. CraftWare has been developed by CraftUnique with the aim of
easing and perfecting the printing process.
CraftBot 18
• Open a new browser session on the computer where you’d like to install CraftWare.
• Go to www.craftunique.com/craftware.
• Scroll down the page to select the latest version of CraftWare.
• Select the Windows or MAC/OSX version according to your operation system.
• Download the installer.
• Open the installer and follow the directions to install the software.
Once CraftWare has been opened up, you will see a virtual build platform which represents your CraftBot’s
real build plate. You can add objects, .stl, .obj files onto this virtual build plate and get an impression of
what the real life print will look like.
Click on the “Add” button located in the top row of icons. Select the 3D design plan you must print. The
selected object will appear at the center of the virtual build plate.
Click on the „SLICE” button to the right side of the screen. A new screen pops up with options to specify
the printing quality and material to be used.
Save the generated gcode onto a USB drive or send information directly to CraftBot if connected via USB
cable or transfer it via the CraftBot app application. For detailed user’s instruction of CraftWare, download
the user manual from www.craftunique.com.
CraftBot 19
IMPORTANT! Cleaning and lubrication should only be conducted while the extruder and built plate
are cold. Please allow the CraftBot 3D printer to cool down at least 30 minutes before cleaning or
maintenance.
CLEANING
Clean the metal housing of the CraftBot by wiping with a damp cloth.
LUBRICATING
The CraftBot printer should be lubricated at least once after every 50 hours of use or every 6 months.
Tools needed for lubrication:
• PTFE based spray lubricant or grease
• 2 separate lint-free rags or thicker stronger paper towels
• personal protection such as gloves and safety glasses/goggles
• lighting to see the interior of the CraftBot correctly (lamp)
1. Move the build plate and the extruder to the „Home” position – see chapter 13 for more information.
2. Once the extruder and bed are in the home position, turn the CraftBot printer off and unplug it
from the electrical outlet.
3. If you look beneath the build plate you will see three rods that run vertically in which the build
platform moves up and down on. The two outside rods are smooth and the center rod is threaded.
These three rods are known as the “Z-axis rods”.
4. Place a folded paper towel or a lint-free rag behind the center rod. This rag is used to protect
other areas of the printer from any overspray that may occur.
5. LUBRICATE ONLY THE PARTS RECOMMENDED IN THIS MANUAL!
6. Spray the threaded Z-axis rod at a relatively close distance to reduce overspray. Make sure the
lubricant reaches the inside of every thread (if using grease, spread with hand wearing gloves).
7. Make sure not to overlubricate, spray only the minimum required amount!
8. Do not spray the other two rods directly! Spray the towels and wipe it onto the rods.
9. Remove the rag from the CraftBot interior.
10. Plug in and power up the CraftBot and move the build plate to the lowest point (“Axes” menu,
home position and then go to the directional menu and press the Z down arrow until the bed
reaches the lowest point).
11. Turn the CraftBot printer off and unplug it from the electrical outlet.
12. Place a second clean rag on top of the heated build plate to protect the components and Kapton
from any overspray.
13. Repeat the process for the top side of the Z-axis rods the same as you performed on the bottom
side: protective rag behind threaded rod, spray, wipe excess lubricant on other two outside rods.
14. Power up the CraftBot once again and raise the build plate back up to the highest position (set the
X, Y and Z to the home position).
15. Turn the CraftBot printer off and unplug it from the electrical outlet.
16. Wipe any excess lubricant off from the bottom side of the Z-axis rods.
17. Power up your CraftBot once again and move the build plate back to the lowest point.
18. Turn the CraftBot printer off and unplug it from the electrical outlet.
19. Wipe any excess lubricant off from the top side of the Z-axis rods.
20. Power up the CraftBot once again and raise the build plate back up to the highest position.
21. Turn the CraftBot printer off and unplug it from the electrical outlet. The motors will now disengage
so that you can move the extruder freely by hand.
CraftBot 20
22. Use an oiled rag to lubricate the X and Y axis rods. Do not spray from above! Move the extruder
back and forth by hand to both extremes of the axes. When the extruder moves absolutely
smoothly you are finished.
19. TROUBLESHOOTING
The number one inconvenience that you will run across when 3D printing is clogging of the extruder.
But we have good news for you! This problem can be easily avoided by following a few simple rules of
“3D printing etiquette”.
First, always wait until the extruder and heated build plate are fully heated to their maximum intended
print value before inserting the filament. Inserting the filament at a lower temperature is just asking for
a clog.
When unloading or changing the filament: always heat up all the way first and then “extrude” for 5
seconds and immediately “reverse” aiding the filament retrieval by pulling a little bit on the filament end
going into the extruder with your hand.
If the extruder is clogged, clean out the passage way of the extruder. You can use one of the small
hex wrenches coming with your CraftBot to do so. Heat up to 250°C while the extruder is empty and
push any excess filament out by plunging the hex wrench down into the passage way; make sure to
do adequately but not in a violent way which would damage the machine, and always take precautions
because the extruder is very hot!
It is especially important to clean out as much old filament leftover between using different filaments, as
the different characteristics of the filaments’ properties (even printing the same material in a different
color) can cause clogs from inconsistencies. For example: you must heat up to 250°C to clear out any
extra ABS before using PLA.
Clogging is the most common problem in every 3D printer and cannot be prevented 100%, but if you
follow these simple steps you will prevent 95% of occurrences.
If you still cannot clear the passage with just this method, you may want to move onto the next method
by following these next steps to actually remove the nozzle itself…
From time to time you may want to look into updating your firmware (the special software which
provides control over the functions of your CraftBot). New versions are released periodically on our
website, and you can find them bundled with our CraftWare slicer software here:
www.craftunique.com/craftware
CraftBot 21
For a step-by-step process on how to update to our newest firmware, please check the following link:
http://craftbot.com/firmware-update
From time-to-time you may encounter a traffic jam scenario when attempting to upload this new
firmware; in some cases your CraftBot’s screen will go completely blank and even seem to be „non-
functional”… but do not worry! This situation can be easily remedied by following these easy steps to
„erase” and „reset” both your PCB and LCD.
Make sure that the machine is turned off and disconnected from the electrical outlet. To access the PCB
first, remove the back plate of your CraftBot by unscrewing the bolts securing it to the main frame using one
of the hex wrenches provided in the set which came with your CraftBot. Be sure to take notice of the wires
connecting the back plate fans to the interior; you should be able to easily disconnect these by reaching
inside as soon as the plate first comes lose. After the plate is off, you will see the PCB board. Before you do
anything here, you will need to also prepare the LCD for erase and reset following these steps:
Take a look at your LCD display located at the middle top front of the CraftBot 3D printer. You will need
to get around to the back of the LCD to erase and reset. For the best access to this part of the board
you may want to remove the lid of your CraftBot by loosening the bolts using once again, your trusty
hex wrench included with your CraftBot. Make sure to watch out for the LED wire connecting the lid to
the rest of the CraftBot! You can disconnect this wire by reaching in and unplugging it from the back of
the LCD first.
Now that the lid has been removed, you may or may not need to remove the back protective plate of
your LCD panel, depending on the version of LCD that you own. The latest version of the LCD has the
„erase” and „reset” buttons located on the side, so removal of the plate is not necessary. For everybody
else, use your hex wrench to loosen the bolts and remove the plate. Be careful not to drop the bolts or
damage the belts. Inside you will see the two buttons, „erase” and „reset”.
Now you can plug in and power up your CraftBot. At this point the screen should still be blank and your
CraftBot should still be unresponsive. For the LCD, push both buttons at the same time and release.
For the PCB, use two pieces of filament to insert into the „erase” and „reset” ports at the same time
(the same effect as pushing a button). Now you can turn the CraftBot off and wait at least 5 seconds
before turning back on. From this point proceed to the firmware update mentioned previously and
after uploading you should have a 100% operational CraftBot 3D printer!
21. APPLYING A NEW LAYER OF PROTECTIVE KAPTON SHEET TO YOUR BUILD PLATE
Build plate Kapton sheets get worn out in time, or can be damaged by the nozzle due to incorrect
leveling. Reapplying a new Kapton sheet is essential to maximize print qualities if the old one has issues.
To reapply a new Kapton sheet, take the build plate out of the machine and remove the old sheet by
striping it off of the aluminum plate. Clean the surface of the aluminum plate with acetone. Remove
the protective sheet on the new Kapton in order to apply the sticky side, apply some window cleaning
liquid onto the plate and the sticky side of the sheet to help you to correctly position the sheet. Align the
Kapton to the front side of the plate (the side where screws stick out) on the corner. Once the positioning
is correct, squeeze out the liquid from between the plate and the sheet with a thin but solid object, like
an unused credit card. Place the protective sheet (which was removed to open up the sticky part) on
the building Kapton to prevent scratches and damages during application. Start from the center of the
plate and move horizontally and vertically. Once all the liquid has been squeezed out and the sheet is
applied properly, put the plate somewhere to dry. Allow the sticky part to rest for a day before using.
CraftBot 22
22. GUARANTEE
For special conditions relating to product guarantee, see the „Guarantee Statement” on a separate
sheet, delivered with the product as well.
With the exceptions included in the regulations concerning the guarantee and to the greatest extent
permitted by the relating act, CRAFTUNIQUE Ltd. is not responsible for any direct, indirect, specific,
stochastic or consecutive damage claims which are stem from the breaching of the terms of guarantee,
respectively any other legal theory, included, but not limited to
• the loss of usability
• the loss of income, the loss of actual or expected profit (including the profit from contract), the loss
of expected saving, loss of business, loss of opportunity,
• the loss of a fair name and injury to a fair name,
• the loss, injury or perishing of data,
• any indirectly or consecutively caused damage or loss, including the damage caused by the changing
of equipment/installation or property, respectively
• the cost of the restoration or reproduction of data stored or used on the Product.
The restriction above does not refer to CRAFTUNIQUE Ltd.’s legal liability for intentional, serious
negligence and/or default.
Certain jurisdictions does not allow the exclusion or limitation of accidental or consecutive damage,
therefore if such jurisdiction regulates the guarantee, the restrictions above does not refer to You.
CraftBot 23
APPENDIX
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS