Bene3 User Manual

Introduction

Please read this manual carefully before use. It is highly recommended reading everything from beginning to end unless anything negligible is explicitly stated.

For more information, please visit: http://www.nova3dprinter.com.

In order to ensure the quality and efficiency of after-sales services, it is important to follow the following steps in case of any problems:

1. Please read this manual in detail; most of the questions can be found answers in this manual.
2. Any questions can be sent to email: service@nova3dp.com
3. You can get the guidance video at http://www.nova3dprinter.com.

1. Know the Machine

1.1 Package List

The package includes the following items:

• Bene3 Printer Unit (X1)
• Printing Platform (X1)
• Material Trough (X1)
• Rubber Gloves (X4)
• Plastic Shovel (X1)
• Reticle (X1)
• Filter Screen (X2)
• Hexagonal Screwdriver (X3)

1.2 Machine Structure

The 3D printer's structure is composed of the following labeled parts:

• Platform Fixed Knob
• Printing Panel
• Printing Screen
• Z-axis Rod
• Printing Arm
• Leveling Screw
• Working Panel
• Resin Tank
• Touch Interface
• Touch Switch Button

1.3 Technical Parameters

The rear panel of the printer features an Ethernet Port, USB Port, Reset Button, and Power Port.

1.4 Introduction of the touch screen

The printer is operated via a 3.5-inch capacitive touch screen. Upon powering on, four main buttons provide access to different functions: 'Print', 'System Setting', 'File', and 'Print Settings'.

The main screen displays these four buttons. The 'Printing' page shows real-time printing information such as file thickness, layer progress, panel raising speed, printing status, and ongoing print images.

The 'System Settings' section, accessible via Figures 3 and 4, includes network settings for connecting to a LAN (enabling wireless connectivity) and machine information (module, serial number, version). The 'File' page (Figure 5) lists all files stored on the machine, allowing users to print or delete them, functioning similarly when using a U-disk. The 'Print Settings' page (Figures 6 & 7) allows adjustment of panel and SLC parameters. To power off the machine, press and hold the switch button for 3 seconds to bring up a confirmation page, then press and hold for another 10 seconds.

2. Machine Checking

To begin machine checking, connect the power cable to the adapter first, then connect the adapter to the machine, and finally connect the power cable to the power supply. The machine will automatically start when power is connected, and the screen will transition from Figure 10 to Figure 11.

For a better observation of the screen status during a test, remove the printing panel. Unscrew the fixed knob to detach the panel (as shown in Figure 13). Navigate to the 'File' section on the screen, select the file 'TEST_MOTOR_SCREEN' (as shown in Figure 12), and press the 'Print' button located on the top left. If the panel moves smoothly horizontally and vertically, and an image like 'NovaTest' appears (as shown in Figure 14), it confirms the panel and screen are functioning correctly. Exercise caution and avoid staring directly at the screen during operation.

3. Quick Print

3.1 Panel Leveling Checking

Ensure the printing panel is mounted on the printing arm. For optimal leveling, navigate to the 'Print Setting' page and press the 'up 50mm' button (Figure 16). Place the folded A4 paper, provided in the toolkit, onto the screen (Figure 15).

Press the 'Home' button (Figure 17). When the panel reaches the screen's horizon point (Figure 18), carefully remove the A4 paper (Figure 19). You should feel slight resistance when pulling the paper by hand. The machine is typically pre-leveled upon arrival; this resistance indicates the correct leveling force. If the gap between the screen and the panel is too large, contact customer service.

3.2 Printing Preparation

After leveling, the printing panel should be positioned close to the screen. Press the 'Raise 50mm' button (Figure 16) to lift the panel. Next, take out the resin tank. Resin can be poured into the tank either before or after placing it on the machine. Align the holes at the bottom of the tank with the corresponding holes around the screen. Carefully place the tank as shown in Figure 20. Finally, re-insert the panel into the printing arm (Figure 21) and tighten the fixing knob to complete the preparation.

3.3 Test Print

Return to the 'File' page, select the file 'TEST_NOVA_8040.cws' (Figure 22), and press the 'Print' button on the top left. After approximately 10 minutes, a small printed sheet displaying 'NOVA TEST' will be produced, as shown in Figure 23.

4. Post-Print Processing

4.1 Remove Printed Model

After printing, the printing platform will automatically rise. Residual resin may remain on the printing panel. Allow the tank to sit for about half a minute to let excess resin flow back naturally.

Remove the printing panel as shown in Figure 24. The printing platform and arm are magnetically attached, allowing for slow, gentle removal. Carefully scrape the printed model off the panel using a utility knife, as it may be fragile (Figure 25).

Finally, clean the printing panel. This can be done by flushing it with medical alcohol or wiping it with paper towels or cotton swabs. Avoid letting alcohol drip into the resin tank, as it is made of plastic.

4.2 Resin Tank Cleaning

The resin tank may contain residual or solidified resin after printing. It is essential to check and ensure there are no solid residues. Failure to clean properly could damage the screen during subsequent prints.

It is recommended to let the resin flow out naturally rather than washing the tank. Cleaning with water is not necessary due to the special release materials used. You can stand the resin tank vertically for a few minutes to drain the resin (Figure 24), then clean any remaining residue with a clean paper towel.

4.3 Next Printing Preparation

After cleaning the resin tank and printing panel, follow steps 3.1 and 3.2 to prepare for the next printing task.

5. Customize Printing

5.1 NovaMaker Software Installation

Download the NovaMaker software from the official website (www.nova3d.cn). Navigate to 'Service Support', then 'Software Download'. Select the appropriate installation version and follow the on-screen instructions.

5.2 NovaMaker Software Introduction

NovaMaker consists of two main components: the 3D slicer and the printer control interface.

The '3D slice' function is used for model manipulation, including moving, zooming, cloning, and slicing. The 'Printer control' function manages the connection to the printer and the execution of print tasks.

When managing a printing task in the printer control interface, key information displayed includes:

• Layer thickness (default is 0.05mm)
• Slice status (completed layers / total layers)
• Printing speed (mm/min)
• Printing status
• Pause function
• Stop button
• Print status bar
• Currently printing file name
• Current printing status

The 'Printable files' section allows users to manage CWS files. Functions include a 'Print' button to start printing a selected CWS file, a 'Delete' button to remove stored files, and an 'Import' button to add new files. Files stored on the printer are also listed here.

To import and print a file: Press the 'Import' button (3), locate the sliced CWS file in file management, confirm the selection, and click the 'Refresh' button. Then, find the file again and click the 'Print' button to begin printing.

5.2.4 Printer Control

The printer control allows users to move the printing panel up, down, and reset its position. The panel can be moved along the screw rod in increments of 0.05mm, 1mm, 10mm, and 50mm. Users can adjust the printing platform's position based on the specific printing requirements.

For printing with CWS files, default parameters are provided for SLC files and generally do not require modification. These parameters include:

• Exposure Time (ms): Sets the exposure time for each layer.
• Number of Bottom Layers: Specifies the number of initial layers with extended exposure.
• Bottom Exposure: Sets the exposure time for the first layer.
• Z-axis Rising Distance (cm): Controls the lifting distance of the printing platform after each layer is printed.
• Z-axis Moving Speed (mm/min): Controls the lifting speed of the printing platform.

5.2.5 System Setting

The 'System Setting' provides detailed printer information, including network configuration (wired IP, wireless IP, access point), hardware details (serial number, model), and upgrade information.

5.3 NovaMaker Import Models

After NovaMaker installation is complete, the software will launch automatically. Click the 'Open' button in the top right corner to import a 3D model. Use the left mouse button to zoom, move, and arrange the model.

5.4 NovaMaker Adding Supports

5.3.1 Automatic Adding Supports

The automatic support generation feature is intended for auxiliary use, aiding in re-inspection and manual modifications.

5.4.2 Manual Adding Supports

NovaMaker supports manual support generation to meet various requirements. The software offers functions to 'Add bases and thickness setting' and 'Delete all supports' (by selecting a support and pressing the DEL key).

For 'Dendritic support', users can self-determine support placement from the top by holding the Shift key and clicking points. For 'Point-to-point support', press and release the Shift key when selecting support points.

Support diameter and height can be adjusted according to model size. Recommended settings include:

• Top (up) diameter: 0.4-0.8mm
• Top (down) diameter: 0.8-1.5mm
• Top height: 1-2mm

Adjusting the print model's position before adding supports is crucial for successful printing. A principle to follow is 'big size down', printing from bottom to top to provide better support against gravity.

Notice for adding supports:

• Apply supports to prominent and irregular areas.
• Support areas where a drop of water would drip.
• Support long cantilevers with a slope less than 40 degrees.
• Support the lowest point of any suspension to prevent failure.
• Support areas extending too far horizontally.
• Support all points, except the lowest, to maintain gravity balance and prevent cured resin from falling.

For more detailed software information, visit the official website and navigate to 'Service Support', 'Technical Support', and 'Software' sections. A relevant link is provided: http://docs.nova3d.cn/?page_id=2309.

5.5 NovaMaker Slicing

SLC files can be imported and printed directly without slicing. STL files require slicing before printing. NovaMaker is the exclusive slicing software for the Nova 3D printer. If using alternative slicing software, export STL files and then import them into NovaMaker for slicing.

Print Parameters Setting

Parameter settings must be configured before slicing. Different resins may require different parameters, even for the same printing model. Default parameters are greyed out and unmodifiable. To change them, click the 'Clone' button to create a modifiable copy.

Notice for parameter settings:

1. When using the Bene3 Pro printer, ensure the slicing software is version 2.4.2 or later. Contact customer service for the correct version if needed.
2. In the slice settings, select the machine model 'L3130-K40'.
3. For optimal accuracy, printing time, and hardware compatibility, a layer thickness of 0.05mm is recommended.
4. Layer and bottom exposure times are dependent on the resin used; default values are generally suitable after testing. Users can adjust these based on printing results (maximum exposure time is 150 seconds).
5. If adding color paste to the resin, increase the exposure time for both individual layers and the bottom layers. The recommended ratio of color paste to resin is 1%, ensuring it is well-shaken or stirred before use.

Click the 'Slice' button, select the desired directory, enter a file name, click 'Save', and wait for the slicing process to complete.

5.6 NovaMaker Connect to Printer

There are two primary methods to connect the printer to your computer:

1. Wired Connection: Connect the printer and computer directly using a network cable. Access the printer management interface by clicking the button on the right side of the NovaMaker title bar. Click the '+' button in the upper right corner to initiate the 'Printer Add Guide'. Select the first option (for printers not yet configured with network settings) and follow the subsequent steps until a success message is displayed.
2. Wireless (WIFI) Connection: On the printer's touch screen, select the WIFI network name, enter the password, and configure the WIFI IP. The generated wireless IP is typically 192.168.16.143. Return to the printer management interface, click the 'Add Printer' button, and select the second option in the 'Printer Add Guide' (for printers already configured with WIFI). Enter the configured IP address in the next step and proceed by clicking 'Next' until a confirmation notice appears. This indicates successful wireless connection. The network cable can then be unplugged, and NovaMaker can connect via WIFI within the LAN.

5.7 NovaMaker Prints

After successfully connecting the printer via either method, click 'Printable files' in the left sidebar. Import the sliced CWS file, select it from the list, and click the 'Print' button to start the printing job.

6. Routine Maintenance and FAQ

6.1 The Printing Panel

The printing panel serves as the base for printing, crucial for the initial layer of resin adhesion and overall print success. Regular maintenance is essential:

• Clean the printing platform after changing resin types or periodically during printing tasks. Use medical alcohol-soaked tissue paper or cotton swabs, wear gloves, and prevent resin from spilling onto other surfaces. Clean any spills immediately using the same method.
• Level the printing platform upon first use. Over time, it may tilt, causing models to be uneven. Re-level as needed.
• When removing printed models, use a utility knife in one direction. Exercise caution with the knife, keeping the blade edge away from yourself for safety.
• Notice: In emergencies, unplug the power cable. Examples include foreign materials falling into the resin tank or a printing failure.

6.2 The Resin Tank

The resin tank holds the resin and its quality significantly impacts print success. Proper care is vital:

• Clean the resin tank using medical alcohol (90% concentration or higher). Ensure the tank is dried thoroughly, both inside and out, with tissue paper.
• If the printing interval exceeds 12 hours, it is advisable to pour remaining resin into a spare container to prevent precipitation or solidification. If a print task exceeds 24 hours, filter the resin using a specialized 200-mesh filter and clean the trough with alcohol before refilling for subsequent prints. This practice helps maintain resin purity, increasing printing success rates, especially for larger prints.
• After printing, wipe the four support brackets of the tank and the bottom of the release film with a paper towel.

6.3 The Display Screen

The display screen is a critical component, using a Sharp screen from Japan. While Sharp does not guarantee screen performance in 3D printer use, NOVA3D offers a one-month warranty. The screen is rated for up to 1000 hours of normal use.

Special notices for screen maintenance:

• The display screen has UV emission sources beneath it. Avoid direct, prolonged viewing to prevent eye injury. For inspection, use an A4 paper cover, wear anti-UV glasses, or use a mobile camera.
• If resin accidentally spills into the gap between the trough and casing, clean it immediately to prevent penetration into the screw hole and display screen.
• The display is sensitive to resin. Never allow resin to drip onto the display or its gaps. If accidental spillage occurs, immediately cut off power and dry the affected area with alcohol-soaked cotton.

6.4 The Release Liner

The release liner is a specialized material. Using resins from other manufacturers may damage the film, making it difficult to clean. Handle with care to avoid contact with hard objects that could cause damage.

If an object sticks to the release film during printing and cannot be resolved by extending exposure time, it may indicate performance degradation of the liner due to usage. In such cases, it is recommended to replace the release liner from the official Nova Taobao store: https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z10.5-c-s.w4002-17081640641.22.35f459adqzXfMl&id=544110490076.

Replacement involves unscrewing the old liner and installing the new one. A guidance video is available at: https://nova3d.cn/?page_id=495.