Axon is the name of the software that we use to prepare 3D models for use on the Bits from Bytes range of 3D printers, the 'RapMan 3.1' and the 'BFB 3000'.
The software is simple enough for new users to get around but it does offer a few more advanced settings when you want to go a little further and try out some new things.
The function of the software is to 'slice' the 3D model and generate both a fill structure and the outer peramiter of the model, the resulting code (called Gcode) is then read by the machine in the form of linear coordinates and settings required to print the model.
We start by opening the software. The interface is simple, with a Toolbar and Ribbon along the top, coordinates on the left, and the main window in the center.
When you first open the software, we have to assign the type of machine we are running. Open the settigns Tab, and under machine type, choose either Rapman 3.1 or BFB 3000 depending on the machine you choose.
This drop down window lets you choose the amount of extruders the machine has. The rapman 3.1 has 1 (but can be upgraded to 2 ), and the BFB 3000 has up to 3! So check your machine to see how many it has and choose the appropriate number.
Materials: the list is extensive, and i'm sure there are more materials out there than are on the list. The common types are ABS (white) and / or PLA (clear).
Check to see what materials are available, or specify which material you want to use for your job from the list.
Hit OK ;)
Back in the home tab, you will now notice the graphic has changed for the type of 'bed' the machine has, also the build area will be specific to the machine. The most top left icon on the ribbon is 'open', press this and select the .STL file that you intend to print.
Select the Build Gcode icon from the ribbon, this opens a dialog box which allows you to configure your print settings.
Leave the build style to 'default'
Layer thickness:
0.125 is a very fine surface finish
0.25 is a standard default layering
0.5 is a courser / thicker layering
The layer thickness also has an impact on the length of time the print will take to complete - a finer layer will take longer than the 0.25, and the 0.5 will be quicker than both the first two. A typical print will use 0.25, but feel free to have a play with these settings.
Raft Material: As we currently only have 1 extruder, it has to be set as the same material as our model will be built from. A raft is built to help the model adhear to the printing surface, and to help alievate warp with larger ABS prints. PLA typically doesn't warp, but there is no 'no raft' option with the current version of Axon 2 (Version 2 Beta 1).
Support Material: If your model has overhangs of 60 degrees or less, or has to bridge large spans (EG Doorways) then support material may be required. This automatically creates a scaffolding strcture around your model. It can print with the same material, but this isn't reccomended. This process is more suited to a machine with multipul extruders, with the primary part being printed in ABS, and the support in PLA. Again, feel free to experiment with these and find a solution out for yourself.
Part Material: This will be defined as the same material that we chose in the printer configuration tab.
Fill Density: Determins how solid you want your object. This will be dependent on the project and its geometries, and the function of the part once its been printed. I'd suggest to start at 10% and adjust it from there.
Fill Pattern: there are 4 to choose from, and the most left hand side is the newest provided by Axon. Its quick and efficient, granted, it doesnt look as cool as the hexagons, but the structure of the prints are very good with this infill. Using this will also speed up the print whilst using as little filiament as nessesary.
Speed: Default is set as 1, this will produce a tidy print. For small or complicated geometries it may be required to be slowed to 0.5. For a quicker print, it can be set to 1.5 or 2. Use 3 if your really want a quick outcome and the quality doesnt matter too much. This setting has knock on effects with the extruder motor, gearing and print head as they all work together to create the perfect print! ;)
Thin Wall: Activate thin wall to have the machine print one peramiter loop opposed to the default 3, this is quicker but your model can take a hit on rigidiity.
Advanced Settings: Extra skins; again, this sets the amount of paremeter loops per layer, the default I think is 3, click the thin walls button and the result is 0. For really rigid parts, set to 3, 4 or 5!
Number of surfaces: This is the amount of surfaces on the base and top of the model, depending on the geometry ths can be set frrom 1 to 3, or 4 or 5! The type of model and your requirements will determin the amount of layers.
Once the data is set, hit the build button! now the software is slicing, infilling and getting your model ready for printing.
Once done (this could take some time, so grab yourself a 10 mins away from the pc, have a stretch) it gives you an estimated printing time, cost of material and overall weight. Take a note of these as once you click the screen they will disapear forever!
Once you click it, you get the toolpath of your model. Select the view tab, and deselect the 'view all layers' button. This will then allow you to use the Z slide on the right hand side to check each layer and view the tool path for the job.
Move the angle of the viewport to get a better angle to the toolpath. if you zoom in you will notice the renders are rough - but this isn't an indication of the final print.
Finally, reselct the home tab, and choose the save build gcode button (dont hit the build gcode button again!) Save to somewhere safe and then transfer it to the SD card used by the printer. Give the file a practical and sensible name (your name / project name etc).
Happy Printing :)
