Netfabb engine for RapMan

Draft

Introduction

The netfabb Engine for RapMan Basic is a cheap Software Suite to generate a g-code for a RapMan 3D Printer.

The Engine is based on the free netfabb Studio Basic, i.e. when you buy the engine for RapMan you get another version of Studio Basic that includes the same functionalities (mesh edit and repair functions) plus the g-code generator.

Calibration

Unlike skeinforge, this software works with a calibration procedure. For each kind (an color) of polymer, you will have to print out 16 calibration squares whose walls you then have to measure with a caliper.

In other words, netfabb Engine figures out the properties of your printer through calibration.

Netfabb for RapMan 4.5.1 calibration print

Tip: We found that the calibration file for version 4.5.1 could not be printed with the default settings. In the expert settings, we reduced temperature range and halfed print speed and RPM.

For PLA (rapman v3.1, 2.08 firmware, BFB pre-assembled hot end):

Temperature low = 205

Temperature high = 210

Extruder speed (RPM) = 50

Speed = 25

Print bed of the RapMan was a tight 5 sheets of 75g recycled print papers away from hot end.

Netfab vs. skeinforge

Skeinforge:

• Let's you control many parameters that define printing (globally)
• Users decides everything
• is free

Netfabb:

• has a calibration procedure that identifies precise features of a printer
• implements dynamic printing, i.e. different handling of different kinds parts, i.e. fine prints are printed much slower and with less filament
• is easier to use, i.e. user only defines print quality (vs. print time)

Links

Netfabb

• Netfabb rapman home page
• Netfabb rapman basic product page
• Netfabb wiki page
  • Installation and Activation
  • Calibration
  • Build Styles for RapMan