Single-material prints can be sent directly to the machine. The primary function of the post-processor is to modify the g-code so that an upcoming tool is heated to its active temperature before it is called. This saves a lot of time compared to waiting for tools to heat and stabilize. There are a few other functions of the processor that allow the g-code to work better with the H-Series controller. Currently the cleaning station/nozzle priming only work with files that go through the post-processor.
The following script will need to be added to the post processing section of the script tab of the Process settings of Simplify3D in order for the Diabase Print Wizard to automatically open after saving the gcode.
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Diabase Engineering LLC\PostProcess.exe" "[output_filepath]"
File Processing
The first screen of the Wizard will try to identify your machine and automatically populate the tool positions. The Wizard will help generate proper G-Code for a number of different use-cases of the H-Series machine. This guide will focus on One-Sided Standard Print operation. The first screen that comes up will try and auto-detect the machine. For now select Configure manually and click Next.
There are three ways to complete the post-processing.
- Load an STL file, the Wizard will open Simplify3D, then the saved G-code file is automatically loaded.
- Use Simplify3D normally, export the gcode, and load it into the Wizard in the "G-Code file for Additive Processing" box
- Or have Simplify3D automatically load the gcode after it has finished saving the toolpaths as a g-code file
Click "Next" to move to the next screen, where the preheat times and temperatures are set. Please note that if the preheating time is greater than the estimated layer time, then the machine will pause until the upcoming tool has reached temperature before proceeding. Having the Cleaning set to Always will ensure that the cleaning cycle will be running every time the machine changes tools.
The next screen allows modification of print settings for particular layers. This is particularly useful when using an adhesion layer, and the first layer of the second material should go slow to improve bonding. (This is a feature to solve a current limitation in Simplify3D, but it may prove to have other uses as well)
Finally, save your new file where you want it. If the Wizard connected to your printer in the first screen, then you can directly upload and print from this screen.
