WAXJETPRINT GUIDE · PART 6 OF 6
Part 6:
Layout rules and checklist.
The layout rules and printer tips that save failed builds, plus a ten-step checklist to run before every print.
Guide sections
6. Layout rules and checklist
CHAPTER 12
Layout rules and printer tips
Flashforge's printer manuals add a few rules that turn a good plate into a great one, plus what to check at the printer itself.
Laying out the plate
Spacing between parts
Keep more than 0.5 mm between parts. When you stack parts, leave 0.5 to 1 mm between the upper and lower part.
Stacking
Avoid stacking where you can. If you must, keep it under 4 layers: lower layers print less cleanly than the top.
Large flat surfaces
Tilt large flat surfaces 10 to 15° to the X or Y axis so heat can escape during printing.
Large curved surfaces
Angle large curved surfaces 10 to 25° to the plate to avoid a stepped, jagged finish.
Supported or not
Surfaces without support print smoother than supported ones, so face the side that matters most away from the supports.
Across print-head lanes
Avoid parts that span more than one print-head lane. If you must, use that area only for parts that do not need high accuracy.
At the printer
Warm-up
From cold the printer needs up to 2 hours to warm up. You can send jobs while it warms; printing starts once it is ready and alarm-free.
Network
Printer and PC must be on the same local network. Set DHCP or a fixed IP under Settings › Network on the printer. Wi-Fi needs a password-protected network; 5 GHz is not supported.
Queue on the printer
The printer lists waiting, completed and failed jobs. Tap a job for its details, move it up or to the top, or delete it.
Printing from a USB stick
On the printer tap Back, then +, choose the WJX file and tap Add to Queue.
Loading wax (WaxJet 51C)
With the printer preheated, swipe the wax card, open the tank and add blocks. Each tank takes up to 6 blocks; load at least 2 before the first print.
Before every print
Empty and wipe the waste box, clean the head maintenance station (HMS) and fit a clean build plate.
Source: Flashforge WaxJet 51C and WaxJet 530 user manuals. Menus and screenshots change as WaxJetPrint is updated.
QUICK REFERENCE
CAD file to wax in ten steps
01
Export your design as STL in millimetres.
03
File › Load File, and answer Yes to the defect check.
05
Separate multi-piece files with Split Models.
07
Add sprues, supports and labels where needed.
09
Check nothing shows red, then Save Project.
02
Check the status panel shows your printer, wax and shrink style.
04
Repair any part without a green tick using Fix Wizard.
06
Set angles with Orientation, or rotate by hand.
08
Arrange with Auto Layout, or 3D Packing for bigger batches.
10
Add To Queue and check the estimated time.
Prepared by 3D Werk from Flashforge's WaxJetPrint training series. Screenshots show WaxJetPrint 2.3 on a WaxJet 400; menus on version 3.4.2 may differ slightly. Items marked "To confirm" will be checked on a WaxJet 51C.
PART 6 OF 6
Jump to: Getting started · Settings · Models · Fix and view · Printing · Checklist
Checklist