Search Results for 'EEPROM'

It looks to me like most of the material manufacturers are using a similar reel for shipping their materials. Would there be a way for the Robox reel interface to be modified to accept a standard size reel if there is such a thing or a number of different sizes? After looking at the Robox reel, it seems that only the hub is really specific to Robox and if the hub could be adapted to fit any reel, it would make the Robox material feed system much easier to use. Instead of having to spool the material onto a different reel, the hub could be inserted into the reel that the material on which the material is shipped. Otherwise, I see the need for either a respooling setup or quite a few expensive reels for the different materials. I see at least 5 reels for my own use and I would be much happier buying 5 hubs than having to respool and unspool as I need to use the Robox reel.

[sweeneyParticipant]

EEPROM - electrically erasable programable read only memory. Yes, they are reusable. How many write cycles they will sustain is something we’ll need to check, but it should at least be in the thousands.

[Henry CassonParticipant]

I noticed that the store ( sorry, we’re British, so its the shop) will sell an empty cartridge with an eeprom. This will allow experimentation, and prevent being stranded if the company went away.
Could someone reassure me that this can be written to many times. I think the extra letter e means that.

[Mark DeeParticipant]

Hey Lucky,

Thanks for the welcome.
I was one of the first people to invest in a Rep Rap kit many years ago. The goal was to print out the ideas I had dreamed up and then painstakingly created in software. The experience was awful: Oozing nozzles, constant calibration, warped layers, the smell, and the noise. The experience was more about learning the process and mechanics of FFD, than actually printing ideas. I quickly got bored of this. These days, I get my ideas printed on a Stratsys from a local firm. It has been quite an expensive affair.

I considered many of the options hitting the market right now. My choices boiled down to the Robox and the Ultimaker 2.

There are so many reasons why the Robox:
1. Needle valves on the nozzles (no more oozing)
2. Good resolution (for my ideas / prototypes, intricacy and quality is 9/10ths of the law)
3. Enclosed and temperature controlled build chamber (lowered emissions: audible and olfactory)
4. Minimal calibration / tweaking required (more time to focus on the design)
5. Interchangeable heads (oh the possibilities)
6. Good pricing on the filament, product and upgrades. (This means a lot for future investment if the experience is good.)
7. The access to GCode, and the freedom to modify the EEPROM on the reels. (This tells me that the company is not intent on caging its customers with proprietary addons. As a materials scientist, I have some interesting ideas for filament material. If I explore this route, I can test and then incorporate them into the platform without a hitch.)
8. The scalability. If this turns out to be an excellent product, I might be persuaded to purchase a few more; and even a larger one when released. When the ‘touch panel black box’ is released, having a single controller to monitor and manage the ‘farm’ is an excellent idea, and another instance of good design.
9. Their approach to the design and development has been quite intelligent so far. I often ask what else would I do in their position. So far, zilch!
10. CEL is located in Bristol UK . (From my location, I can travel 3 hours in any direction and reach the edge of this country with confusing weather patterns. Being able to knock on their door helps if I have any questions / issues and need their assistance. Something I hope I never have to do because they eventually hired a customer service team to manage expectations and communicate information to the team.)
11. I live in a beautiful part of the world, brimming with sheep, and yet regularly find lamb from New Zealand in my supermarket. While not entirely relevant to my point, investing in this company contributes to my economy. Finally,
12. Chris Elsworthy. As I read his blog entry on the 5th of February, his words struck a chord. So, I did a bit of stalking (nay research!), and he appears to be quite dependable, experienced, intelligent, passionate and HUMAN! I’m not looking to invest in a god! just a person on a mission. Good things come from that!

Bub

Baaa

Boooie!

• This reply was modified 7 months, 3 weeks ago by  Mark Dee.

Despite the (E)EPROM on the Material, CEL advertises the Robox to be open for other filaments. Here’s my idea on how to take the plug-n-play concept a bit further:

The material settings editor in Automaker should have access to an online datase, which gets managed by the Robox users. To make the huge list of materials manageable , they are grouped by manufacturer/store first, followed by type [PLA, ABS, Nylon, Wood-like, Rubber, etc.] (I think the order manufacturer > material is better than the other way around, due to the subversions of PLA for instance). Robox users should be able to

• pick & retrieve material settings
• rate and comment the quality of the setting, depending on the print result (so others can see which materials are no good or which settings might need to get revised)
• submit their revisions of the setting, which others then can download & rate as well
• provide new materials with settings
• write the settings to the EEPROM of empty Robox Filament reels

Here a serious marketing hint for Chris Elsworthy: the Robox 3D Filament Store (= iTunes Store for 3D filaments)
If CEL would be really smart , they’d do the following:

• give manufacturers and online sellers of 3D filaments access to a Robox at very, very low cost, so that they can figure the best possible setting for their various filaments for use with the Robox (the idea is not to make money on those, but to get their interest and support for the Robox plus it will lead to a number of new resellers)
• give those manufacturers/sellers the option to purchase empty Robox reels at self-cost so they can write the settings to the EEPROM and spool their filaments
• create an online platform accessible through Automaker (and web browsers), which allows Robox users to quickly choose filaments from a huge number of manufacturers and materials.
• after registration filament manufacturers can upload their products with picture, properties (by picking valuen from given list for material type, elasticity, conductivity, translucency, glow in the dark etc.) and of course their price
• now comes the interesting part: on every item sold through the Robox 3D Filament Store, CEL keeps 15% of the charged amount. CEL could either invoice the filament sellers based on the records, or do the credit card/payment processing and payout 85% to the sellers.
• considerable: allowing competition, which means that any seller can offer any manufacturer’s filament at their specific price (technical side note: this requires each filament brand/type to have a unique product ID in the database), so Robox users have a price comparison tool in the Robox 3D Filament Store (R3DFS) as well. Let’s face it, folks: people will do price an online price comparison, so why not implement it into the R3DFS, and thus avoid Robox users from purchasing somewhere else. Plus: an online price comparison for 3D filament (remember the R3DFS is browser accessible) will attract owners of other 3D printers as well, thus increasing the Robox awareness!

In my opinion this is a Win-Win-Win situation:

• Robox Users: easy access and overview of all materials on the market
• Filament Manufacturers/Sellers: new customers which otherwise might not come across their product offers
• CEL: increase Robox awareness, earn on every filament sold, whether it’s a CEL or 3rd party filament

• This topic was modified 7 months, 3 weeks ago by  Dr. Woo.
• This topic was modified 7 months, 3 weeks ago by  Dr. Woo.
• This topic was modified 7 months, 3 weeks ago by  Dr. Woo.

[PeteKeymaster]

Dual Material Head specification is not nailed down yet. I am assuming when I say that it will be supplied with 0.4mm nozzles on both the material paths. There may be an option to change the nozzle and needle sizes for each of or both of these. So you could generate a fine model with a course support with a combination of nozzles.

I have been told that there is no magic, but am skeptical. The heads all contain a unique eeprom program that will be read by Robox when you attach them. This will give information about the head and will have the ability to write nozzle sizes so you dont have to edit it manually each time you fit a unique head.

The best speed:resolution will still be available to the Single Material Head (the one with 2 nozzles and 1 melt chamber). The 0.3mm nozzle is smaller than most competitors so combined with the M5 fine thread (M5x0.5) can achieve an excellent layer resolution.

[PeteKeymaster]

now my gi-joes can play a scaled version of de_dust!
if only i had gi-joes and liked counterstrike…

We will supply popular filaments on SmartReels with a programmed eeprom but you will be able to share filament print profiles for other brands etc.
I expect for the wood types we will see people making profiles that change temperature throughout a print to try and create grain by burning the filament slightly.

[Lucky SevenParticipant]

Hi Magelan, I asked a similar question during the kickstarter, I believe that at the moment the data stored in the EEPROM needs to be manually entered when using a second reel. But I agree with you that having some sort of remote connected EEPROM reader would be a great addition to the dual head kit.

Do you have any support for variable temperature during a build? I mean as in not just a set temperature setting for a specific material (and possibly a different start temp) but a temperature that varies in a specific pattern during the build (depending on which layer it is for example)? There might be other applications for it but the one I am thinking about is for building with Laywood which gives slightly different colors depending on the temperature (and therefor looks more like natural wood).

I’m guessing the space for temp data on a eeprom is a bit limited for this (and it might not be perfect to have it there anyway) but the software could for example allow a file to be specified which gives the desired temp per layer. Or the software could maybe allow us to enter a math function for it. Or even easier a few presets for it

[PeteKeymaster]

Thiago,
yes you can still use the pause/resume features even with custom materials.
If you create a new setup for a material you will also set the temperatures.
These settings can be altered in the advanced tab at any time.

I cant estimate the cost of a future head, it will not be a high price item though, the electronics can be simple, a single motor/gearbox even for 2 materials. The machined metal parts are the bulk of the cost.

We have plans for a 2 material reel, the same reel will be able to hold 2 materials. The location for the material feed will also allow for a material reel to sit outside the case (without eeprom connection).

A lot of the tax and shipping information below applies to Kickstarter pledges only. Sales and pre-orders placed in our web shop or by telephone will be different.
Shipping
Can I have a rough guide to shipping costs internationally?
• We will add £20 for Shipping Robox outside the UK, and we will cover any additional cost of shipping to you. They will come directly from our factory in China so you may have to pay some local import tax or duty costs.
What carrier are you using?
• We will be using DHL, Speed Post or equivalent for all Robox deliveries – as we already have an established relationship due to our power tool business.

Will I be expected to pay Tax and or Duty when I receive my reward?
• Most of our rewards will come directly from our factory in China so you may have to pay some local import tax or duty costs when you receive them. We consider your pledges to be donations to help with the development of Robox and only a portion of your pledge goes towards the making of your reward.
If your pledge includes a Robox as a reward, the commercial invoice will have a nominal value of £200.
On a T-shirt the commercial invoice will have a nominal value of £0.
You may be expected to pay tax on the amounts listed above at your local rate. The duty commodity code that Robox falls into is: 8443 32 1090, in most counties this has a 0% duty value.

Printing
What is the build volume and dimensions?
• Robox has a build area of 210x150x100mm – or a volume of 3.15 litres. Prints taller than 100mm can be scaled or automatically cut by AutoMaker into sections for reassembly after the printing. This way we can keep our small desktop footprint but not restrict the parts you print.
What is the maximum resolution?
• The minimum layer height (or maximum layer resolution!) is currently 20 microns and the smallest nozzle is 300 microns in diameter – this means theoretically the smallest single feature can be 300 microns in diameter and 20 microns in height. (i.e. really small!)
What is the build speed?
• We are currently in the middle of a test programme to work out the limits of the motors and axes, and how these affect print quality, we should be able to publish some maximum printing and travel speeds soon – but be assured, it’s fast!
How does the material loading system work?
• With ease of course! Just push the filament into the loading channel Robox will detect your efforts and grab hold of the filament and feed it all the way to the head – no dismantling required!
How do you support overhangs in the print?
• Our software package generates easy to remove support when printing with the single material (but dual nozzle) head in ABS/PLA. Because of the HeadLock™ system, switching to a dual material head with dual extruders in future will be a snap. This upgrade will allow Robox to print with dissolvable support materials such as PVOH (Polyvinyl Alcohol) and HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene).
Is ABS safe to print with?
• Molten ABS is not actually a toxic material, as some comments suggest. There are some research projects that suggest there are ultrafine airborne particles which are released when the plastic is melted, and the current advice is to suggest “caution when operating in inadequately ventilated or unfiltered indoor environments.” Just like mobile phone radio waves the research is inconclusive at this stage, but has captured a lot of media attention.
To remove any questions we are working on a carbon filter for Robox which should remove the smell and particles from the exhaust.
What kind of files does Robox accept? Can I only use your library?
• AutoMaker™ software will currently accept the industry standard .stl and .obj format 3D models. These can be exported by most 3D design packages available including SolidWorks, Creo/ProEngineer, NX, OpenSCAD, TinkerCAD, 123d Design etc. We also plan to support the new Microsoft 3D Builder software and .3mf format for Windows 8.1 support.

Technical
Can you use third party printing filament with Robox?
• Robox has not been tied to only official Robox materials - any high quality 1.75mm filament can be used - but… users wouldn’t get the full plug and print experience that Robox offers. Some of the cool features like pausing a print and changing colours rely on the printer knowing what’s been loaded and that’s where our SmartReel™ can smooth out the process and enhance the experience. The best printing results will be achieved using Robox official materials, as they come supplied with a print profile which has been extensively tested for a perfect print every time.
Why would you not want to use Robox official filament? It’s extremely cost competitive and the quality is second to none, but we don’t want to tie you in. Not all filaments are good quality, and some might not only give you poor print results but damage Robox - we can’t take responsibility for poor quality filament causing damage.
Where can I find mechanical, chemical and safety specifications (MSDS) for the print materials?
• These will be available alongside each Robox material on our website – http://www.cel-robox.com
Do you have plans to make a larger printer?
• Not currently – the dimensions of Robox were designed to allow you to produce most everyday items in one or two parts.
What is the life expectancy (hours) of the printer?
• Robox is currently undergoing rigorous life-cycle testing and from initial results, it looks like 2000 hours of printing is possible before requiring any maintenance.
Can you explain the resolution metrics (feature size, layer thickness, X/Y resolution etc.)?
• Feature Size – this refers to the smallest feature that can be realistically produced in the X+Y dimension (parallel to the bed), and is dependent on nozzle size – for Robox the minimum feature size is 0.3mm (300 microns).
• Minimum Layer Thickness – this is the thinnest layer that can be extruded by Robox, and has the greatest impact on surface finish. Robox can print with 20micron layers, producing an almost completely smooth outside perimeter. This may be subject to change if we conclude towards the ends of the development that the print quality vs. speed equation makes this not worthwhile.
• Resolution – this specifies the theoretical maximum resolution, i.e. the smallest motion that can be performed by the motors and the linear components. For example if a step motor rotates 1.8° per step, and the controller can produce 16 microsteps that equates to ((360/1.8)*16)=3200 steps per revolution. If this motor is connected to a screw with a pitch of 0.5mm (as is found on our Z axis), this equates to (0.5/3200)=0.15625 microns per microstep or 2.5 microns per whole step.
Can you use AutoMaker™ to design parts?
• Not yet - the included AutoMaker™ software is for controlling and monitoring Robox and laying out print jobs, not for actually designing parts. There are a number of solutions available online which will allow you to design your own parts – including Thingiverse Customizer, TinkerCAD, Geomagic Design, OpenSCAD, Rhino, 123d Design and 123d Sculpt. Later projects are planned to make CAD more accessible to all but we are using all of our resources on getting Robox ready right now.
Is Robox compatible with all AC supplies?
• Robox includes a 230/110V internal switching power supply, and will include the appropriate mains lead for your country. Our manufacturing experience allows us to be ready for all international sales.
What operating systems are supported?
• At launch we plan to support all major desktop operating systems – Windows 7+, MacOS X 10.6+ and Ubuntu Linux 12.04+

Production
Where will the product be manufactured?
• We will be producing Robox in China, where we already have a large number of established relationships with suppliers (motors, electronics etc.) – including the factory that will be producing Robox for us.
When will I receive my Robox?
• This depends on the pledge level you have chosen – please refer to the pledges section to get an idea of when you will receive your Robox.
How will you deliver on time if you get a ton of orders? Can you scale up?
• We have already formed a relationship with our manufacturer in China, and they are currently preparing the product for mass production. As long as we aren’t completely inundated with orders, we should have no problems meeting the fulfilment dates we have set.
Why is Robox so inexpensive?
• From the inception of the project, we have aimed to make use of mass production techniques wherever possible. Using our extensive knowledge of injection moulding and sheet forming processes, we have produced a very rigid platform which we will be producing in China, allowing us to keep costs to a minimum. You can expect the same high quality components as our competitors, but at a much more reasonable price!

General
Can you give product demonstrations?
• Not at this stage as we do not have a retail outlet – however we will be holding a commercial launch for the product at CES 2014 in Las Vegas – you can come and see us there!
Can you print a sample of my own .stl file?
• At this stage of the project, we are very heavily involved in getting the product ready for manufacture and launch, so we won’t be producing samples at this time. Once the product has launched and we have established retail outlets and distributors, this may become a feasible option for new buyers.
Will Robox come with a warranty or support?
• We will be offering a RTB 2 year warranty - something we think is unprecedented on the 3D printer market. We are confident that we have produced a great printer.
How do I contact to become a distributor in future?
• For all distribution enquires please contact info@cel-robox.com
What will be the retail price of Robox?
• We plan to sell Robox with a suggested RRP of £849 ($1399 USD) through our reseller network.
Where can I purchase more filament?
• Filament is included as part of all the Kickstarter pledge, but once the campaign is finished you will be able to buy official Robox materials from http://www.cel-robox.com among other places. We plan to make the filament readily available worldwide, and we already have an extensive international distributor network in place from our power tool business, including Amazon.
How much will the individual rolls of material cost?
• We already have two suppliers arranged, and the RRP is currently set at $35/£25 a reel for ~650g (240m) of ABS or PLA on a Robox SmartReel™ which includes an EEPROM that contains material data. When our volumes improve we should be able to get this down. We are constantly looking into new material options/colours to add to the range.
Do I have to use AutoMaker™? Or can I use my choice of software?
• No – but we believe that the experience offered when using AutoMaker will mean that few people will use anything else. AutoMaker is now and will remain free to Robox owners.
• Robox uses a proprietary protocol when connected to AutoMaker. This allows us to manage printer connectivity better and to offer enhanced functionality and user experience – for example the ability to reprint objects with a few clicks.
• When not connected to AutoMaker, Robox can support GCode instructions, enabling more experienced users to operate the printer using a generic 3D printing package. We will endeavour to retain GCode support but believe that in future a standardised printer driver approach will be required.
Are there any hidden costs to your printer? Do we need to pay to use your software?
• No, the included AutoMaker™ software will control all aspects of the printer and include automatic updates for the life of the product.

• This topic was modified 1 year, 1 month ago by  Pete.
• This topic was modified 1 year, 1 month ago by  Pete.