The Robo R2 is a 3D printer designed for a wide range of users, from students and professionals to home hobbyists, enabling them to bring their imagined creations to life. This Quick Start Guide provides a comprehensive overview of setting up, operating, and maintaining the device, ensuring a smooth and productive 3D printing experience.

Function Description

The Robo R2 is a Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printer that creates three-dimensional objects by extruding heated thermoplastic filament layer by layer onto a print bed. It is engineered to unlock the full potential of its users, allowing for the creation of intricate designs and functional prototypes. The printer features an interactive touchscreen for easy navigation and control, and it supports various connectivity options for seamless file transfer and print management.

Usage Features

The Robo R2 offers a user-friendly experience with several features designed to simplify the 3D printing process:

Initial Setup: The setup process begins with registering your Robo R2 online to activate your warranty and receive updates. This involves visiting robo3d.com/register and locating the serial name on the device. Once registered, the physical setup involves magnetically attaching the Extruder Face Plate to the extruder assembly, connecting the power supply and cable, and then plugging it into a power outlet. The device is then powered on using the power switch.
Connectivity: The Robo R2 can connect to Wi-Fi, allowing for software updates and printing from the Robo App, web dashboard, or Chromebook. Users can also connect to their network using an Ethernet cable. For those without internet access, the printer has a built-in hotspot for direct wireless printing.
Software Updates: Regular software updates are crucial for optimal performance and access to the latest advancements and functionalities. The printer allows users to check for and install updates through the "Utilities" and "Update" sections on the touchscreen.
Calibration (Z-Offset): Before printing, calibrating the Z-Offset is essential to ensure the correct print bed height. This process involves using the Z-Offset wizard found in the "Utilities" and "Wizards" sections. The Z-Offset Tool (or a standard sheet of paper) is used to set the print bed height by sliding it between the extruder nozzle and the print bed. Users adjust the Z+ and Z- settings until the nozzle lightly touches the tool with slight resistance. It's important to ensure the extruder nozzle is clean before calibration.
Filament Loading: Loading filament is a straightforward process. First, press to open Filament Spool Holder 1. Cut at least 30 cm of filament and hang the spool onto the holder with the loose end facing counter-clockwise. Thread the filament through the bottom base of the Filament Sensor Block and out Filament Hole 1, ensuring the exposed filament above the sensor block is covered by the Filament Feed Tube. Finally, feed the filament all the way through the Filament Feed Tube and into Filament Feed Hole 1. The "Filament Load" wizard, found under "Wizards," guides users through the final steps, where the gears grab and pull the filament down.
Test Printing: To initiate a print, users select "Files" from the main menu, then "Local Storage" (or "USB Storage" if printing from a USB drive). From there, they choose a file to print, such as "R2_Test_Print.gcode," and select "Start." The printer will then go through an automatic leveling sequence before beginning the print. Users can pause or cancel a print at any time through the touchscreen interface.
Print Removal: After a print is complete, it's crucial to wait 5-10 minutes for the print bed to cool down to avoid burns, as it can reach high temperatures. Once cooled, the print can be removed from the heated print bed. If the print is difficult to remove by hand, the heated print bed can be carefully removed from the printer by unclipping the cable at the back. The print bed can then be placed on a flat surface outside the printer, and the print can be gently lifted off using the provided spatula. Caution is advised as spatula edges can be sharp. Prints should be removed by lifting from one of their corners, not directly upward, to prevent damage.
Control Options: The Robo R2 offers four main ways to control the printer:
- Desktop Software: Connects via Wi-Fi or printer hotspot, allows converting to printable file types, previewing print files, transferring files (Wi-Fi or USB Drive), controlling printer settings, and monitoring prints.
- Web Dashboard: Connects via Wi-Fi or printer hotspot, allows converting to printable file types, previewing print files, transferring files (Wi-Fi or printer hotspot), controlling printer settings, and monitoring prints. Users can access the web dashboard by typing the printer's IP address (found under Utilities > Network > Network Status > IP) into a web browser. The web dashboard also includes "Printer Security" features like Access Control to manage remote access.
- Mobile App (Robo App): Available on Android and Apple iOS devices, it connects via Wi-Fi or printer hotspot. The app allows converting to printable file types, previewing print files, transferring files (Wi-Fi or printer hotspot), controlling printer settings, and monitoring prints. Key features of the Robo App include cloud storage integration, an on-board camera view for real-time monitoring, print progress monitoring (including heated bed and extruder temperatures, with pause/cancel options), multi-printer control, and access to app support and guides.
- Touchscreen: Provides direct control over the printer, but does not offer Wi-Fi connectivity for file transfer. It allows converting to printable file types, previewing print files, transferring files (USB Drive), controlling printer settings, and monitoring prints. The stylus is recommended for all touchscreen interactions.

Maintenance Features

While the manual primarily focuses on usage, it highlights a key maintenance aspect:

Software Updates: Regularly updating the printer's software is a critical maintenance task. This ensures the printer operates with the most up-to-date advancements and functionalities, preventing potential issues and enhancing performance.
Nozzle Cleaning: Before calibration, it is explicitly stated to ensure the extruder nozzle is clean. This implies that regular cleaning of the nozzle is a necessary maintenance step to ensure accurate printing and prevent clogs.

The Robo R2 is designed to be a versatile and accessible 3D printer, supported by a comprehensive ecosystem of software and support resources to empower users in their creative endeavors.

ROBO R2 - Step 7: Test Print; Executing a Test Print

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