Details: Category: Cetus2; Published: 03 July 2022; Hits: 663

CETUS2 Grass Bowl

I created a project candy bowl similar to this several years ago. But it had vertical sides and smaller grass blades. I also used a different multi color FDM printer than CETUS2 to produce them. This is an update!

Cetus2 KickStarter recently released new pictures showing the reconfiguration of the design back towards the original conception. Cetus2 is back to the look of the early release version I am privileged to own here at KautzCraft. In those CETUS2 pictures I notiiced the brand and color of the two spools of filament on the display machine. They are eSUN Satin PLA, purple and yellow.

Time for a nozzle change?

Not really needed as the original CETUS2 nozzle is still doing just fine. But it is permanent and can not be removed from the extruder.

But, CETUS2 shipped me the new extruder with the replaceable nozzle! Gotta take it for a spin and a few hundred prints (or more).

Read more: Nozzle Change

Details: Category: Cetus2; Published: 04 June 2022; Hits: 685

Some confusion about the free end of a Z axis lead screw became apparent on the CETUS2 Kickstarter forum when the printer backplate was shown removed. The intuitive reaction from some members was the end bearing was missing.

I’ll get to the point. The free end Z axis lead screw is NOT a problem as far as function. It is a BEST-PRACTICE (in this application) to not have a fixed bearing at the non-driven far end. Light weight lead screws this length are seldom PERFECTLY straight, but are functionally straight. They need slight wiggle room at that far end.

On some CNC and 3D print machines with exposed screws, the end will be protected from deflection by a NON RESTRAINED free floating bearing. Just in case the exposed screw is impacted by flying debris or user contact action. Concealed screws need no such deflection guard.

My Anycubic Vyper has two exposed Z axis screws with floating deflection guards on the ends. As do my two Geeetech 3D printers. I can grab the free ends and they will slightly wiggle.

A rigid bearing on the non-driven end is not a “better” design. However, some heavy duty machine tools (like a metal cutting lathe) will have substantial bearings on both ends of their (also substantial) lead screws. They must deal with high thrust loads and are often *driving from both ends*. (Manual and power feed)

On the CETUS2 without the backplate, the Z axis screw is far too exposed to accidental contact and deflection bending. An end deflection guard is an extremely good idea. With the backplate in place there is some protection for the screw. A user could print a top deflection guard bracket and attach to the backplate.

CETUS should consider adding this deflection end guard. It isn’t necessary for normal (no touch) operation. Professional operators know this. But the screw is still accessible to any and all user contact and perhaps become damaged when moving the machine and grabbing the wrong part. The copious grease on the screw is a clear no-touch deterrent to most aware users.

Now you know. Far end bearing not required, but a far end deflection protection guard is good practice when the screw is accessible.

Details: Category: Cetus2; Published: 20 May 2022; Hits: 857

CETUS2 UPS3 3.2.5 Update

Still working with CETUS2. Loaded the UP Studio3 (UPS3) update (3.2.5) a couple of weeks ago. The big changes were obvious such as the addition of the “Paint” function for adding color to mono .STL files.

What is not obvious are any changes in background system operations (code changes) with existing variables and operational algorithms.

I won’t give specifics as I have received no official information or confirmation on what has been changed (improved).

As you need to know, my CETUS2 is a prototype and not the same firmware or hardware as the pending production unit. Main reason I won’t give specifics.

Can CETUS2 TPU?

Oh yeah, CETUS2 can print TPU! TPU is Thermoplastic Polyurethane, a rubber type substance. It is very flexible, but not extremely difficult to print once the printer configuration is properly set.

The CETUS2 direct connect filament drives are a good printer feature for the use of TPU. TPU filament is much like a round 1.75mm section rubber band. Let’s just say it will wiggle.

CETUS2 User UPDATE 5/9/2022

I am very satisfied with the two color operation of my “prize” CETUS2. Most know it was a New Year’s Wish reward from Tiertime. A pre-release edition of the new CETUS2.

The hardware meets all my expectations and will be improved in the production release. Things like the video display, dual processors, replaceable nozzles, and wire and cable routings will be some of the changes. Tiertime has already given notice the new version will look a bit different.

MayDay, only because it is May1, 2022. No distress, yet.

CETUS2 (production) is coming along very slowly. I am so blessed in a non-religious way (ok - lucky) to have a pre-production version with which I can play. I call it play because I have no instructions. I just learn by playing. It works for me.

I am able to create very decent prints. I have had prior experience with single nozzle dual and triple filament printers. So I know what to expect.

First PETG print on my Cetus2

Using my trusty "dented.stl" model file. I decided it was about time to experiment with other filament types. I have some PETG transparent red and blue that I loaded on the Cetus2 feed system. For this print I ran Nozzle3 (the 50/50 mix) at 240C and a layer height of 0.25mm. Speed was set to "normal".

The print looks quite good with very even all around deep purple color blending and no evidence of nozzle "color position stripes".

I had to create a new material file for the PETG and manually configure it into every master file (4) that I have created. Then from there, copy once into the Wand material files out of a created .TSK file that was configured using the PETG material defininition.

Material configuration is still a poory implimented clumsy function within UPStudio3. It should be a one time one place configuration process connected to any routine (including WAND) that needs the data, Making any later adjustment means going back to every location it is stored and doing a separate edit. Very poor practice. I hope this is on the improvements list.

I have also noticed that UPStudio3 no longer appears on the the Tiertime site as available software to replace the standard UP Studio used on all other printers. I am assuming UPStudio3 is being especially configured for CETUS2 use only.

However, I can find other than CETUS2 printers in UPS3 after adding a .stl file and checking the printer listing again.

Details: Category: Cetus2; Published: 23 April 2022; Hits: 910

This is the first 2 color 3D print I produced using the new UPStudio3 (UPS3) version 3.2.5 using the “Paint” command.

The original .STL file is a once piece, single object file I named “dented”. Other examples of this print can be found in the blog. The colored areas here are selected with UPS3 with the “Paint” command selected within the floating drop down menu.

The cursor is used to select flat enclosed areas in the drawing within selected angle ranges. I am not yet fully aware of everything this command will permit in selection as this is my first attempt and have not seen nor received instructions.

I chose to use the purge tower as I wanted best results with this first print. I do believe the “shadow” (no tower) option will also work. I will try a print using that option later.

I posted in the kickstarter forum, there are several more print options in this new 3.2.5 release. The print extruder Entity ID can now be selected in the “Special” command tab assigning print function to specific nozzles. That was not used for this print.

Cetus2