Stage 05: First Print/Callibration

Download the new v5.2.1 of Makertech Cura for windows here.

Run through the install and setup wizards.

If you have an earlier version of Makertech Cura installed, delete it from your programme folder before installing the new one.

Download the two part DSH calibration model here.

In Cura add the Proforge 3 3D printer.

Load both parts of the DSH calibration model.

Right click this part of the model and set it to print with Extruder 2 (T1).

Use shift to select both parts of the model.

Right click either model and hit Merge Models.

Once merged, right click on the model and hit Centre selected Model.

Select the material you are using, we recommend PLA or ABS for this first print.

Select the nozzle size you have installed.

The Prime Tower is not 100% necessary, but it does improve print quality when doing a dual print.

Go to custom settings.

Click the menu icon and display ALL settings.

In the Dual Extrusion menu select "Enable Prime Tower"

Set the Prime Tower position.

On the build platform, you should see a shadow of where it will be placed. Aim to place it behind your model.

The prime tower should also be placed along the centre of the X-Axis, this is where switching is the most efficient. i.e. the X position should always be near 170.

Set the nozzle switch retraction distance to 7mm.

The DSH is Bowden setup, this requires more aggressive retraction.

Set the Retraction amount to 7mm.

Set the retraction speed to 100mm/s.

Finally, due to the way Cura creates gcode we need to add a post-processing script to our set-up.

This script replaces the wait for heat command with a simple heat command.

In the top menu bar go to Extensions -> Post Processing -> Modify G-Code

Go to Add a script -> Search and Replace

Search: M109

Replace: M104

Hit Close when done.

Slice the model and save it to your SD card.

Fix the spool holders to the side of the Proforge 3 frame.

M5 x 100mm Bolt

M5 T-Nut

M5 Penny Washer

Fix the silicone covers over the hotends.

Load your filament. We're using ESun's PLA+ here.

Use scissors or side cutters to create a sharp point and feed it into the extruders.

Pre-heat the hotends and bed to your printing temp.

In our case, 200C on both hotends and 60C on the bed.

Run some filament through the hotends to check that you are getting a smooth flow of molten filament.

Go to:

Print

TFT SD

P3_DSH Calibration Model

As your print begins check that a good first layer is being layed down.

If your nozzle is digging into the platform stop the print!

If you find your nozzle printing too high and the first layer not adhering well enough, stop the print!

In the menu go to Settings -> Machine -> Setting

Scroll down to Probe Offset

Adjust the Z-Offset

If the nozzle is digging into the platform, increase (+) the offset, so our initial -1.3 becomes -1.1

If the nozzle is too far away from the platform, decrease (-) the offset, so our initial -1.3 becomes -1.5

Save to EEPROM when done.

Congratulations you should have your Proforge 3 and Dual Switching Hotend all setup now!

If you find the two models to not be aligned perfectly, see the next few steps about calibration.

The calibration print should self align. The DSH is CNC machined to a high degree of precision. If you find gaps or overlaps in your print, we recommend first investigating that everything is OK mechanically.

If everything is mechanically OK, then we will adjust the X/Y offsets in Cura with the aim of getting the two parts to line up.

Offsets are entered in Machine Settings under the Hotend #2 Tab.

Overlapping in X Direction:

Decrease/Negative X-Offset

Gap in X Direction:

Increase/Positive X-Offset

In this example case the print was fine in the X-Direction, so we left our X-offset as 0.

For example, if there had been a gap of 0.25mm, our offset would have been 0.25mm.

An overlap of 0.25mm would have meant an offset of -0.25mm.

Overlapping in Y Direction:

Decrease/Negative Y-Offset

Gap in Y Direction:

Increase/Positive Y-Offset

In our case the print had a gap in the Y Direction, so we set our Y-offset to 0.7mm.

If there had been an overlap of 0.7mm, our offset would have been -0.7mm.

Re-slice the model in Cura and copy it onto the SD Card.

Congratulations! After printing the model again with the dialled in offsets you should have the DSE all setup.