Robox 3d printer, User Manual

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4.0 Using Robox
4.2.2 Removing The Reel
Once the extruder motor has stopped, your filament has been fully ejected. Press
the two metal buttons on the top and bottom of the reel hub and pull the reel
away from the machine. Coil any extra material onto the reel - the loose end can
easily be held by weaving in and out of the holes in the rim.
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4.3 Filament Storage
Most plastics, including ABS and PLA are ‘hygroscopic’ in nature i.e. they absorb
water from the surrounding environment. This often has desirable effects, for
example in the case of Nylon, higher water content results in higher part strength.
However, when using plastic filament as a feedstock for 3D printing, higher water
content has a negative effect. As the plastic melts in the head, the water content
evaporates and turns into steam. As the molten plastic leaves the nozzle, the
reduction in pressure creates bubbles in the extrudate. This ‘outgassing’ of steam
can ruin the quality of the print, leaving pock marks in the surface finish where
the bubbles have popped.
It is therefore essential to store your filament somewhere very dry when your
Robox® is not in use for any extended period of time. SmartReels are packaged in
an airtight sealable bag with a sachet of silicagel, which should remove any water
from the bag and keep your filament dry. We recommend returning your filament
to its bag after each print to ensure it stays print fresh!
If you already have ‘wet’ filament, it can be dried using an off-the-shelf dessicant
or dehumidifier - look out for colour indicating silicagel which changes from
orange to green to indicate it has become saturated. It can then be dried in a
conventional oven to ‘recharge’ it - refer to it’s accompanying instructions.