*Make sure you have rotaryprint.g and unrotary.g in your system directory before starting. Contact Support if you do not.
In order to print with the rotary axis, you need to follow this guide precisely. It will seem cumbersome at first, but will not be difficult after a few tries. Much of this will become automated as the Web Control is further developed.
- Create your model with an internal diameter equal to the mandrel on which you will be printing. Then, create a slit of minimal thickness (0.01mm) in the XY plane, on the -Y side. This should go along the entire length of your part: (* in the Diabase Wizard version 1.0.5 or higher, the slit must be in the -Z direction, which makes more conceptual sense when combining this operation with 4-axis milling)
- Open the Diabase Printing Wizard and select "Rotary" in the Geometry section. On the 3rd screen (see below), add the .STL file from the previous step, and check the "Unwrap STL Files" box. Then click "Process via Simplify3D"
- In Simplify3D, you should see an "unwrapped" version of the original STL. Move the model to the bed so it starts printing at Z=0. Set the Y offset to 0.0. Then process the file as you normally would. Save the Gcode file, close Simplify3D, and proceed with the Wizard.
- Install the Rotary axis on your machine, plug the cable into the front-most sub-D connector, and click "Home All". If you need to make any Y-adjustment to ensure the tools are centered on the shaft, do so now by jogging the Y-axis. After this, the Y-axis will not move again.
- Follow the steps from top-to-bottom in the Rotary Axis tab of the web control. Steps 1-5 are required.
- "CONFIGURE ROTARY PRINTING" will run a macro in the background then display a completion message. "Step 6 is used to return to normal mode after removing the rotary axis setup.
- MEASURE Z AXIS will move the head down to the mandrel surface, then back up to the Zmax, and set the axis limits accordingly. (This is the same as the Measure Z function from the Offsets tab"
- SET X MIN
- If the mesh levelling does not give you the resolution that you need (or too much resolution), then you will need to edit the bed_rotary.g file (M557 line):
- Begin printing.