Build It Yourself - The Rapman 3.2

Setup, Install and Configure

Unpacking

Before unpacking your RapMan kit, we recommend that you:.

1. Secure a large work space (minimum 2 office desk's worth of bench space). The build will take a minimum of 2 days, so it is important that your build space will not be disturbed during this time.
2. Locate and read all introductory sections of the first build manual. Manuals are identified in the next section.

Setup, install and configure

Instructions on how to build the RapMan have been broken down into several manuals. This section lists the order in which to use the different manuals for RapMan V3.1, and how best to use them.

Some of the manuals are to be viewed on-screen (as they contain 3D content), whilst others are to be printed. For on-screen manuals you will need Adobe 9 or later for the 3D content to work. Whilst it is possible to view the "printed" manuals on-screen, we do recommend printing to make the build process easier - it eliminates a large amount of window swapping and scrolling.

Sections should be attempted in the order shown below:

Building the machine

1. Download and print: BFB:Build Manual - Printed
2. Download and view on-screen: BFB:3D Build Manual part 1 and BFB:3D Build Manual part 2
3. We also recommend that you become familiar with the following on-screen manuals: BFB:Animated Build Manual pdf and BFB:Build Manual Videos

Building the exteriors

1. Download and view on-screen:BFB:Extruder Manual
2. Download and print: BFB:Extruder Manual issue 2
3. If you have a pre-built hot end (BHE), please ignore the 'Hot end manual'. However, if you have a non-built hot end kit (NBHE), you will need to download and print: BFB:Hot end manual
4. If you have a double extruder kit, download and print: BFB:Double Head Installation Manual

Operation Manual

Download and view on-screen, or print: BFB:Operations Manual

 

Downloads (software, profiles, firmware and print test files)

To get the best print quality, make sure you have our latest STL processing technology. You will need three elements:

• PC software (a program which imports your STL files) For more information about the software click here
• Print profiles (the settings used by the PC software to process the STL file into a .BFB file)
• Printer firmware (the control software on the printer)

The following three sections offer downloads of these three elements. They are free download and use. Click here to learn how to identify your current software, print profile and firmware versions. The headings below link to downloading the latest versions of each. However, if you require a previous (archive) version, please click here.

The final section offers some proven print files which you are welcome to try.

PC Software

Axon V2.0 Beta 1 (released 25 May 2011)

Download the Axon 2.0 Beta 1 installer and manual.

For installation instructions please see the Axon 2 Installation Guide.

Refer to the Axon 2 Help page for further information.

Axon V1.11

The PC software is universal (i.e. works for all BFB products)

Click here to download the software installation package, and install on your PC (Note: not available for Macs). Unzip and run the executable file.
Click here to view the PDF manual to learn how to use the software.

Print Profiles V2 (released December 2010)

Click here to download the V2 print profiles. Follow the PDF instructions included in the ZIP file.

Firmware (V4.2.0)

Click the links below to download the latest firmware. Follow the README instructions included in the ZIP file. The final section of the latest 3DTouch™ manual best explains how to use the firmware.

• Click here to download the latest firmware for 3DTouch™
• Click here to download the latest firmware for RapMan

Firmware (V4.1.1)

Click the links below to download. Follow the README instructions included in the ZIP file. The final section of the latest 3DTouch™ manual best explains how to use the firmware.

• Click here to download for 3DTouch™
• Click here to download for RapMan

 

Tip: If you do not initially have the correct material type loaded into the extruder, rather than reloading materials you can use "Extruder Mapping" on the control box to swap the print heads. See Section 9.4.2 (page 53) of this manual for more information on how to do this.

 

Maintenance operations

Print calibration maintenance

• Raft print test file to check Z height and level bed (click here)
• How to calibrate the offsets between multiple extruders (this procedure should only be carried out on recommendation from the FAQ or support tickets):
• Download the extruder offsets calibration print manual (click here) Note: to calibrate a RapMan please read these notes;
• Download the extruder offsets calibration print file (click here)

Mechanical Maintenance

In the event of a problem with your product, you may need to carry out a specific maintenance procedure.

Please note:

• These maintenance procedures should only be carried out on recommendation from the FAQ or your distributor.
• Maintenance procedures may require tools outside the range supplied with the machine.
• Procedures may require specific skills (e.g. soldering).
• For soldering operations, observe all appropriate health and safety precautions.
• Please read the procedure fully and assess whether it is possible to fully execute the procedure before starting.

Maintenance Procedures:

• How to replace a screen on the PCB (click here)
• How to tighten the screen fitting to the PCB (click here)
• How to unblock a nozzle (click here)

 

Part replacement

Bits From Bytes stocks a full range of parts for the printers they make. In all correspondence, please include:

• Photographs of the parts in question
• Product type
• Serial number of the machine if possible

The more information you can provide, the quicker they will be able to handle your request.

• If you need to replace a part which is still within its 12 month warranty, please raise a ticket through the BFB support page.
• If you need to replace a part that is outside warranty, please contact sales at sales@bitsfrombytes.com

 

Troubleshoot a problem

Identifying the problem area

Please identify your problem with the areas below, then click on the appropriate link to show solutions relevant to this area.

• STL file preparation
• PC Software
• Printer controls
• Print quality
• Print failure
• Print removal & post-processing

 

Data sheets

General product specifications

Click here to see the specifications of the Rapman 3.2.

Specific data sheets

• BFB:Thermistor Data Sheet
• BFB:Power Supply Data Sheet
• BFB:Stepper Motor Driver Data Sheet