How to name correctly a .gcode
Although it may seem like a secondary aspect the way our files are named it is very important and can avoid many annoying inconveniences
The rules apply to the name of the print file (.gcode) but also to the other work files (for example the Simplify3D .factory file)
Some important rules to follow:
– avoid special characters (for example:,;:.! “£ $% & / () =? ^ | * é è à ò ù {} [] ç @ ° # §)
– avoid spaces (space bar key) or indentations (tab key)
– to separate words use the _ (underscore) character
– preferably use short names (under 13 characters), encoding the information
An example of a name created according to these rules is:
“Prt1A_ZENX_04_PLA.gcode”
It reads: “print part 1A (prt1A) printed with Zen X extruder (ZENX) with 0.4 mm nozzle (04) material PLA (PLA)”
It contains all the necessary information and does not cause problems for the printer.
Some examples of names NOT created according to these rules are:
“CoverPLA150%”
contains a special character (%)
“Test_nozzle0.4_layer0.15mm”
contains the points, which are to be avoided
“Top part in PLA – for exib”
it is long and there are many spaces
How to print a .gcode with the secondary extruder?
Do you have a code for only one extruder but want to print it with the secondary (right) extruder instead of the primary (left) one?
Change Extruder command
When you launch the print in the TUNE menu there is a command called “Change extruder”.
The moment it is clicked:
- printing pauses
- the temperature of the active extruder is copied to the other extruder
- once the processing is reached, it restarts with the secondary extruder
The command also works to move the processing from the secondary extruder to the primary one.
Create a secondary extruder profile on Simplify3D
If you need to print repeatedly with the secondary extruder, you will need a specific profile.
It is not difficult to create one from a correct single extruder profile.
We recommend that you download an official one from the Download section of the WASP site.
- Open the single extruder profile you want to start from on Simplify3D
- Enter the “Extruder” window
- Select the extruder in the left pane
- Select the item “Tool 1” (“Tool 1”) in the “Extruder Toolhead Index” item.
- Enter the “Temperature” window
- Select the extruder in the left pane (be careful not to confuse it with the top)
- Select the item “T1” in the “Temperature Identifier” item (replacing “T0”).
- Click on “Save as new” at the top right
- Enter a name for the new profile (specify that it is for the right extruder)
- Click OK to save the new profile.
Whenever you create a gcode using this profile the machine
Continuous Printing (how to change extruder when running out of material)
Continuous printing is an option that allows the machine to automatically change the extruder during printing when the material runs out.
In this way it is possible to:
- seamlessly print objects that require more material than a single roll
- finish even half-length rolls without printing interruptions
To activate the Continuous printing system, go to ADVANCED> Settings> Continuous printing
This way the system will be enabled for the next print.
Every time you want to launch a new print with the Continuous printing system you have to reactivate it
To use the system correctly, however, the printer must be set up correctly:
- The nozzles must have the same diameter on both extruders
- The same material must be properly loaded on both extruders before printing
- The machine must be calibrated correctly (self-calibration).
Why does the extruder seem crooked? Why is one of the nozzles covered?
Is your machine new but the extruder seems wrong with respect to the plate?
Is one of the two nozzles covered with a silicone part?
All these characteristics are normal and depend on the operation of the Zen X extruder.
The Zen X extruder mounted as standard in the Delta WASP Industrial X series is a double extruder based on a tilting system.
Its mechanics provide two positions in which the extruder can settle by pivoting on an axial pin.
POSITION 1: the extruder is inclined to the left, with the left nozzle uncovered (called the left extruder or primary extruder).
POSITION 2: the extruder is inclined to the right, with the right nozzle uncovered (called the right extruder or secondary extruder).
Manually forcing the extruder into positions other than these can also compromise it in an important way.
The white silicone protection (called anti-ooze shield protection) under the extruder is needed to physically cover the nozzle not in use. It will prevent it from getting dirty during printing.
It is therefore important that it is properly fixed on the extruder and if it wears out over time, replace it with a spare.
What is the knob for?
The Industrial series machines are equipped with a TFT touch screen for the interface and control of the machine.
However, on the side there is a small knob that you can turn and press: what is it for?
- Adjustment: in various commands, the wheel allows you to increase or decrease a value on the screen by turning it.
- ESC: when you browse the interface you can enter secondary menus and superimposed messages may appear. By pressing the wheel you can exit these menus as with the esc key on your computer. (This does not interrupt printer actions, for example it does not interrupt a print or calibration).
What parameters are adjustable during the print?
While printing there are some parameters that can be changed during the printing process.
However, it is increasingly correct to create a new .gcode from the slicing software with the modified values, especially with a view to code repeatability.
- This feature only makes sense in experimental contexts and is not intended as a good practice.
- The changes made during printing will NOT be saved in the gcode which will remain intact.
- The gcode is not “split” but only read differently
- The modified parameters of Feedrate (speed) and Flow (flow) and Fan (fans) remain saved until the machine is restarted
- The modified temperature parameters are not saved at the end of the printout
Temperatures (nozzles, floor, hot chamber):
These are expressed in degrees centigrade (° C). By default those in the gcode are read.
To change them you need to:
- click the respective box on the monitoring screen.
- type the new target value on the keyboard and confirm
- check that the target temperature updates (this may take a few seconds)
TUNE menu (speed, flow, fans):
There are speed (feedrate), flow (flow) and fans (fan) values
To change them you need to:
- During printing, click on the TUNE button
- Select by clicking the parameter to be modified, it is highlighted
- Once highlighted, turn the knob on the side of the screen to change the value
- Click the knob to confirm the change.
Gcode analysis
The analysis of the .gcode is an integrated feature in the printer that allows a control of the print file when it is launched.
In this way it is possible to identify a priori corrupt gcodes or problems related to the form.
The results of the .gcode analysis can be two:
– positive: no writing errors have been detected, printing starts automatically
– negative: writing errors have been detected, the machine communicates this and does not start printing
In the event of a negative result, there are some checks to do:
– Try to save again the gcode first in the computer memory, then copy it to the external drive(pendrive)
– Make sure you have done a “safe disk removal” before removing the external drive(pendrive)
– Check that the external drive is working
– Make sure the external drive is formatted as FAT-32 or ExFAT
(avoid NTFS or non-standard formats)
– check the content of “start gcode” and “end script” in your slicing software.
Heated chamber
The hot chamber is an integrated system in the machine that allows you to raise the temperature inside the print volume thanks to a flow of heated air.
The temperature of the hot chamber can be controlled similarly to the one of the nozzle or the print bed.
The use of the hot chamber is mainly designed for printing large objects with materials that tend to delamination and warping.
We recommend using the hot chamber for the following materials:
ABS: 50-60 ° C
PA + CARBON FIBER: 50-60 ° C
PMMA: 60 ° C
In general, for materials with extrusion temperatures above 250 ° C and tending to delamination, it may make sense to use the heated chamber.
It is important to know that using the heater in unsuitable situations (for example with materials such as PLA) can create problems rather than solve them.
The target temperature value can be checked in the following ways:
– manually (from the printer monitoring interface)
– software side (from slicing software with T5 temperature identifier)
It should also be taken into consideration that closed machines with a heated print bed can heat up internally creating a partial heated chamber.
Bed touch system
Bed touch is a safety system designed to avoid scratching and collisions of the nozzle on the print bed.
The system is based on the same sensor used during the autocalibration process.
Whenever the Bed Touch sensor detects a contact between the nozzle and the surface, it sends a signal that causes the instant interruption of the printing process.
This prevents accidental damage that can lead to wear of the top and the nozzle.
The causes for which a nozzle can rub on the surface are generally the following:
- Machine not calibrated (example: calibration with dirty plate)
- .Gcode error (example: very low first layer)
- Conductive printing material (example: loaded with carbon fiber)
Solving these problems at the root will avoid problems related to the Bed touch system.
It is possible to manually deactivate the Bed touch system if necessary (for example when printing conductive materials, such as those loaded with carbon fiber).
Deactivation can be done using the ADVANCED> Settings> Bed Touch command.
Whenever the machine is turned off and on again the Bed touch system will be enabled automatically.
How to know what firmware is currently on your machine?
Press the INFO button on the bottom toolbar.
Modify height (set z max)
The height (often called Z max) of the printer is the value that defines the distance between the nozzle and the print bed when it is in its zero position (home).
The height is part of the calibration values of the machine and the right value is essential for good operation.
This value is automatically saved by the machine during autocalibration.
When the machine is turned on, in the monitoring screen it is possible to see among the values shown that of the height saved in the machine (indicated as Z).
However, it is possible to manually change the height if necessary.
Specifically, it can be useful when:
- your printer is not equipped with an auto-calibration system.
- it is necessary to slightly correct the height value
As the height value changes, the following scenarios may occur:
To manually change the height value, each printer is equipped with a dedicated command within the PREPARE menu, depending on the version it can be called:
Modify height
Set Z max
REMEMBER THAT THIS VALUE IS AUTOMATICALLY SAVED DURING THE SELF-CALIBRATION PROCEDURE, IT IS NOT NORMALLY NECESSARY TO CHANGE IT MANUALLY
- Clean the print bed and the nozzle.
- Bring the printer to zero position (autohome)
- Use the command Prepare> Modify height (or Set Z max)
The screen allows you to choose a scale value at the top (between 100 mm, 10 mm, 1 mm, 0.1 mm) and consequently to go down or up by that value on the Z axis.
- With a scale value of 100, click on the -Z arrow making the nozzle descend to about 20 cm above the printing surface.
- Select the scale value at 10 mm
- With scale value 10, click on the -Z arrow making the nozzle descend to about 2 cm above the printing surface.
- Select the scale value at 1 mm
- With scale value 1, click on the -Z arrow making the nozzle go down to about 2 mm above the printing surface.
- Select the scale value at 0.1 mm
- With a scale value of 0.1, click on the -Z arrow making the nozzle go down until a slight friction is felt by placing a sheet of paper between it and the top.
- Click on the SET Z MAX button to save the new value or CANCEL to cancel the operation.
Autocalibration
Autocalibration is a systema for calibrating the planarity of the bed automatically and simplifying the adhesion of the first layer.
Compatible with:
Delta WASP 2040 T2, Delta WASP 2040 PRO, Delta WASP 2040 INDUSTRIAL 4.0, Delta WASP 4070 INDUSTRIAL, Delta WASP 4070 INDUSTRIAL 4.0, Delta WASP 3MT INDUSTRIAL 4.0, Delta WASP INDUSTRIAL 4.0 line
- For enabling the autocalibration follow this procedure: (for Delta WASP 3MT IND 4.0 read Autocalibration 3MT IND 4.0
- Clean nozzle and printing bed
- With the printer turned off place the nozzle on the printing bed
- Turn on the machine and wait for the message “AUTOCALIB ENABLED”
- If the message is not shown try to heat up the nozzle, clean it and also clean the printing bed
- As the message is shown launch Autocalibration this way:
- Menu>Prepare>Autocalib (2040 T2, 2040 PRO, 4070 IND)
- PRINT/AUTOCALIB (Industrial line 4.0)
- As nozzle reach the temperature the autocalibration will start
- Wait for the machine to perform the calibration (it may take few minutes)
- It’s very recommended to launch autocalibration with the bed at printing temperature
ATTENTION
Autocalibration is enabled thanks to an electrical contact between nozzle and printing bed.
If the printing bed is different from the one provided with the machine make sure that it’s conductive. If it’s not you can still perform a manual leveling.
Free Z system INDUSTRIAL LINE 4.0
Free Zeta System is the system for recovering a print at a known height.
Measure the value Z of the last printed layer, then:
Prepare>Free Zeta System
Get close with the arrows until last layer is touched.
Confirm clicking “go for gcode” and select the interested .gcode.
Wait for the loading of the file.
The operation, depending on the height, can take up to several minutes.
How Resurrection System works
It saves the print coordinates of where the printer stops due to power failure during a printing process.
A “RESURR.G” file is created in the directory of the original file. Turn on the printer then select the file “RESURR.G” from the SD card and wait for the restart of the printing process.
CAUTION: If the nozzle remains in contact with the printed object do not to select the “auto home” command.
The Resurrection procedure begins with the nozzle automatically heating to 100°C in order to avoid violent detachments from the printed object.
After this heating process the three axes will go to the “home” position automatically. The printing process will resume when the heated bed and the exruder reach the .gcode printing temperature.
RESURRECTION SYSTEM
Read more about Resurrection System.
The print doesn’t stick to the bed
Please make sure to have a correct printing bed leveling, following the procedure here >>.
Adhesion to the printing plate
- Apply a layer of hair spray or glue on the printing surface in order to create a sticky layer that improves the adhesion of the molten plastic to it.
Extruder temperature and heated bed
- Verify that the extruder and heated bed temperature are appropriate for the material that you want to print. (Check the data on the filament spool or on the filament manufacturer datasheet).
Missed extrusion of the filament
Check the .gcode file
- Check that the .stl file does not presents 3d modeling issue (manifold edges / open surfaces).
- Check if the parameters of the slicing software are correct Ex: nozzle diameter, filament diameter, % material flow, extrusion temperature, E-step/per mm.
Check if the extruder is working
- Make sure that the RJ45 cable is properly connected to the extruder. If it is not, turn the printer off and then connect the cable.
- Check that the flexible pipes connecting the filament driver and the extruder are connected tightly, and that there are no obstructions or dirt.
- Ensure that the filament has arrived to the melting zone inside the nozzle.
Check the leveling of the printing plate
- If the nozzle is too close to the printing plate the filament will struggle to get out, causing a blockage of the filament driver motor and the filament pushing gear. Next, proceed with manual leveling procedure and clean the toothed gear to remove the any dust from between the teeth.
- Check the printing bed leveling and: menu > prepare > manual leveling > position > 00 > 01 > 02 > 03 > 00. Calibrate a distance of about 0.1mm between the tip of the nozzle and the glass plate.
- Make sure that the power cable is well connected. If not, turn the printer is off and reconnect it.
- Make sure the control is active, then: menu > prepare > movement > 1mm > extruder.
- Check that the black knob on the threaded gear is well-connected to the motor shaft. To check this, hold the lever of the filament driver and try to pull the knob. Then tighten the M3 set screw on the flat surface of the motor shaft, while centering the toothed part with the filament passageway.
- Check if the cooling fan placed under the filament driver motor is working.
- Clean the extruder.
- If it still is not working, contact the Technical Assistence.
The printer is noisy
Extruder Cooling Fan
The cooling fan placed on the extruder may be loud if setted to the maximum speed. It’s possible to set the cooling fan speed from the slicing software according to your need.
Moving axes noises
- Ensure that the noise does not come from the cooling fan placed on the extruder
- Verify that the four sliders placed under every vertical slide can move correctly. Manually push them slowly from the bottom to the top of the printer. If there is friction contact customer service.
- Check if the belt transmission bearings placed at the bottom of the printer have the correct fluidity.
- Check the teeth of the belt. If there are expansions or deformations between the teeth or cuts/damages contact customer service.
Movement motors are losing steps
- Movement motors are overheating
- The pulley is not properly fixed to the movement motor shaft
- Movement motors support is not properly fixed in position.
Extruder impacts
- Check the printing bed leveling: menu > prepare > manual leveling > position > 00 > 01 > 02 > 03 > 00. Calibrate a distance of about 0.1mm between the tip of the nozzle and the glass plate.
- Check the dimension of the object that you’re about to print. If the object’s dimensions exceed the maximum size of the printing area the extruder may hit the walls of the printer. Input the correct parameters into the slicing software for the printer in use. (From firmware F20_rev6, F21_rev3 and F30_rev4 there is a software limitation).
- Check the installed plug-in, disable the pause at Z plug-in or set a movement value that is not greater than the maximum printing area. (From firmware F20_rev6, F21_rev3 and F30_rev4 is present a limitation software).
- Movement motors are losing steps. See previous paragraph.
- Check the material flow during the extrusion. A flow percentage over 100% could lead to an accumulation of material over the printed object, causing the extruder to hit this material and make the transmission belts slide over the motor pulley and cause a loss of steps.
- Check the integrity of the nozzle, if it’s loose it can slightly move down and hit the printed object, making the transmission belts slide over the motor pulley and cause a loss of steps.
The print is dephased
Loss of steps in movement:
- Check gcode speed. Speeds greater than 250mm / s can cause the belt to slip around the pulley and cause loss of steps. (not with the TURBO model).
- Check acceleration of movements. Accelerations greater than 6000 mm / s ”can cause the belt to slip around the pulley and cause loss of steps. (not with TURBO model).
- Check extrusion flow. A percentage of material flow greater than 100% could lead to a build-up of material and cause impacts between the various layers.
- Check extruder nozzle. Check that the nozzle is not unscrewed causing shocks to the molded piece.
The printed surface is “spongy”
Check the .gcode file
- Check that the .stl file do not presents 3d modeling issue (manifold edges / open surfaces )
- Ensure the parameters of the slicing software are correct Ex: nozzle diameter, filament diameter, % material flow, extrusion temperature, E-step. per mm.
Ensure the extruder is working
- Make sure that the RJ45 cable is properly connected to the extruder. If it is not, turn the printer off and then connect the cable.
- Check that the flexible pipes connecting the filament driver and the extruder are connected tightly, and that there are no obstructions or dirt inside them.
- Ensure that the filament has arrived to the melting zone inside the nozzle.
Check the leveling of the printing plate
- If the nozzle is too close to the printing plate the filament will struggle to get out, causing a blockage between the filament driver motor and the filament pushing gear.
- Then, proceed with manual leveling procedure and clean the toothed gear to remove any dust from between the teeth.
Filament driver check
- Make sure that the power cable is connected. If not, turn the printer off and connect it properly.
- Make sure the control is active, then: menu > prepare > movement > 1mm > extruder.
- Check that the black knob on the threaded gear is well-connected to the motor shaft. To check this hold the lever of the filament driver and try to pull the knob. Then tighten the M3 set screw on the flat surface of the motor shaft, while centering the toothed part with the filament passageway.
- Check if the cooling fan placed under the filament driver motor is working. If not, contact the Technical Assistence.
The extruder falls down at the end of the print
If at the end of the printing process the three steppers motors get disabled, the extruder may fall down and hit the printed object. This is caused by a command at the end of the Gcode, intended to save energy on Cartesian printers.
Disable the M84 command from the “END GCODE” section in the slicing software ( just add a semicolon before the command. Example: ” ;M84 “ ).
The filament breaks
Caused by the quality of the filament and exposure to humidity and/or sunlight.
Tolerance to exposure varies depending on the material, regardless, it is recomended to store the spool inside the original packaging while it is not in use.
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