bq Witbox User Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. bq Manuals
  4. 3D Printers
  5. Witbox
  6. User manual

bq Witbox User Manual

Hide thumbs Also See for Witbox:
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Witbox
User Manual
Witbox

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the Witbox and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Related Manuals for bq Witbox

Summary of Contents for bq Witbox

  • Page 1 Witbox User Manual Witbox...
  • Page 2 Welcome to the world of Witbox! How to use this manual To ensure you use your Witbox correctly, read this manual carefully before using your printer for the first time. These instructions are based on the factory settings for the device.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    User Manual Witbox English CONTENTS Introduction What is a 3D printer? Online resources for the Witbox Getting started Box contents Basic glossary Unpacking your Witbox Attaching the side panels Attaching the top panel Attaching the print base Attaching the spool and support...
  • Page 4 Loading the object Rotating the object Changing the size of the object Simmetry View mode Exporting the object U pdating the printer’s firmware with Cura Parts, specifications and operation of your Witbox Extruder Hot-End X and Y unit Z unit Electronics Board components Most important connections on the board...
  • Page 5 User Manual Witbox English How to package your Witbox for transportation Safety precautions FCC Notification Technical specifications Correctly disposing of the product Declaration of compliance...

  • Page 6: Introduction

    A 3D printer (see fig. 1.1) is a device that is able to create solid three-dimensional objects using a design produced on a computer. Currently, there are various technologies that make this possible. Your bq Witbox uses the method known as Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), which builds objects by adding one layer of melted polymer filament on top of another until the item has been completed.

  • Page 7: Getting Started

    User Manual Witbox English GETTING STARTED Box contents Witbox 3D printer Print base Set of two keys Two side panels and one top panel USB cable Power cable Spool of 1.75 mm PLA filament Metal spool-holder SD card (preloaded with 3D test models)
  • Page 8 User Manual Witbox English 2 side panels and 1 top panel Print base Set of 2 keys USB cable Spool of 1.75 mm PLA filament Power cable Metal spool-holder SD card Printed test object...
  • Page 9 User Manual Witbox English Replacement Hot-End 4 underside supports 2 cleaning needles 3 Allen keys (1.5, 2.5 and 4 mm) Spatula Wire brush...

  • Page 10: Basic Glossary

    Print base: Rectangle of thick glass onto which the object is printed. Hot-End: Metal part through which the melted plastic is extruded; so called because it reaches high temperature during operation. Extruder: Device comprising the Hot-End, the filament-feeder motor and the fan. Filament spool: Spool of thermoplastic material with a thickness of 1.75 mm. PLA: The material that the filament is made of. Spool holder: Metal part that supports the filament spool, located at the rear of the printer. Fibonacci guide tube: Plastic tube that guides the filament towards the extruder. Its shape allows it to adapt to the movement of the printer and protects the filament. Power socket: Located at the back of the printer towards the bottom. On/Off switch: Dual-position switch for turning the Witbox on and off. USB port: Connector for the USB cable; located on the right-hand side of the printer.
  • Page 11 User Manual Witbox English...

  • Page 12: Unpacking Your Witbox

    Witbox English Unpacking your Witbox Your Witbox printer has been carefully packaged using durable materials that incorporate safety features to protect it during transportation. The box is made from two pieces of cardboard: a tray-shaped piece on the bottom and a printed cover on top. To remove the cover, first undo the two round plastic tabs connecting it to the bottom piece (fig.

  • Page 13: Attaching The Side Panels

    The Witbox sits on four metal underside supports that are designed to allow one printer to be stacked on top of another. These are packaged along with the Witbox and can be attached immediately in order to protect it. To avoid scratching the table, take care when moving the printer and try not to drag it.

  • Page 14: Attaching The Top Panel

    Remove the plastic protectors from both sides of the top panel and place it on top of the Witbox. In the box of accessories you will find four screws: place them in the holes in the corners of the panel and press down on them with your fingers (fig. 2.8).

  • Page 15: Attaching The Spool And Support

    User Manual Witbox English In the box of accessories you will also find the print base, which is made of glass and has four magnets attached to one side. Place it gently on the support inside the printer with the magnets facing downwards, as shown in figure 2.10.

  • Page 16: Connecting The Power Cable

    User Manual Witbox English Connecting the power cable Before connecting the power cable, make sure the switch is in the “0” position (fig. 2.12). Then connect the cable to the printer and plug the other end into the power socket (fig.

  • Page 17: Setting Up

    (SD---%) shows us how much of the object (in percentage terms) has been printed, while the third parameter shows us how long the printing operation has been going on. The last line on the display tells us that the printer is ready to be used: bq Witbox Ready.

  • Page 18: Main Menu

    User Manual Witbox English Main menu If you press the control wheel while you are on the main information screen, a new screen will appear showing the printer’s two menus (fig. 3.2). Figure 3.2 Main menu The main menu contains three options: Print from SD, Control and FW info. This last option tells you which version of the firmware is installed.

  • Page 19: Control Menu

    • Filament sub-menu (fig. 3.5) If you access this sub-menu you will find two options: ◦ Load: select this option to load the filament into your Witbox in order to start printing. ◦ Unload: select this option to unload the filament once the printer has finished printing, or if you wish to change the filament spool.
  • Page 20 User Manual Witbox English ◦ Jog: select this option to independently move any of the printer’s motors (fig. 3.6). There are three sub-options: -Move 0.1 mm -Move 1 mm -Move 10 mm These options can be applied to any of the motors; however, there are certain restrictions: - The Z-axis motor can only be moved by 1 mm at a time.

  • Page 21: Preparing The Print Base

    User Manual Witbox English • Preheat/Cooldown sub-menu This option allows you to preheat or cool the device (fig. 3.8). It can help you ascertain whether or not the printer is heating up correctly and to begin the heating process so that later, when it is time to print the object, it takes less time to do so.
  • Page 22 User Manual Witbox English If your printer has a methacrylate base, you must carry out the levelling process while the nozzle is cool. To cool it, go to the main menu and select the Control > Cooldown options. To help you with the levelling process, step-by-step instructions will be given on the LCD screen.
  • Page 23 User Manual Witbox English Press the wheel to start levelling (fig. 3.11). Figure 3.11 Starting the levelling process The extruder will first position itself at the reference point (the rear right-hand corner), then immediately move to the first levelling point (fig. 3.12). Check the space between the base and the extruder using the sheet of paper, and (if necessary) adjust it by turning the screws located underneath the print base.

  • Page 24: The Importance Of Adhesion

    The adherence of the polymer to the print base is another vital factor in determining the quality of the objects you print using your Witbox. It is therefore very important to ensure correct adhesion, particularly with regard to the first few layers of material.

  • Page 25: Loading The Filament

    English Loading the filament Now you’re ready to load the filament into the Witbox and print a test object: Go to Control > Filament > Load. The extruder will heat up to a temperature of 220 °C. You can monitor the temperature increase on the LCD screen. Once the correct temperature has been reached, the message Insert &...

  • Page 26: First Test Print

    Let the extruded plastic cool for a few minutes before opening the printer door. First test print The SD card that came with your Witbox has been pre-loaded at the factory with a number of files for printing test objects. All our printers are tested before they leave our facility.

  • Page 27: How To Remove Objects From The Print Base

    User Manual Witbox English When the printing process has been completed, open the door and take out the print base (fig. 3.22). Rest it on a table and pull firmly on the printed object to remove it. You can now check that it matches and connects to the test object that came with the printer (fig.

  • Page 28: Unloading The Filament

    User Manual Witbox English Unloading the filament To unload the filament, do the following: Go to Control > Filament > Unload. The extruder will heat up until it reaches a temperature of 220 °C. You can monitor the temperature increase on the LCD screen.

  • Page 29: Options During Printing

    User Manual Witbox English Options during printing If you press the control wheel while the printer is printing, a number of options will appear: • Pause print: pauses the ongoing printing process. Press it again to resume. • Stop print: stops the printing process completely.
  • Page 30 User Manual Witbox English To change the filament during printing, press the control wheel and do the following: Select the Change filament option. The printer will stop automatically and the following message will appear on the screen: Press & unload fil.

  • Page 31: Printing With The Cura Program

    User Manual Witbox English PRINTING WITH THE CURA PROGRAM What is Cura? Cura is a computer program designed by Ultimaker for printing objects using 3D printers. Its clear, intuitive interface lets users quickly and easily make decisions regarding the appearance and quality of the 3D object they wish to print. While users are setting the print parameters, Cura separates the design into layers so that it can be printed as quickly and easily as possible.

  • Page 32: Downloading And Installing The Software

    Downloading and installing the software Cura is designed by Ultimaker. You can download it free of charge via the downloads section on bq’s official website: www.bq.com/gb/products/witbox.html Because it is a free program, Cura is constantly evolving; for this reason, we recommend that you download the most recent version for your operating system.
  • Page 33 In the printer selection window (fig. 4.2), specify the printer you wish to set up. For the Witbox, click on Other. Then click on Next > in order to select the Witbox as your main printer (fig. 4.3). Figure 4.3 Printer selection window (Witbox)
  • Page 34 User Manual Witbox English After you have selected the Witbox as your main printer, a window will appear to tell you that the setup process is complete (fig. 4.4). Figure 4.4 Setup complete Click on Finish > to go to the main Cura interface (fig. 4.5).

  • Page 35: Working With Cura

    4. Toolpath to SD. This function saves the object you wish to print in .gcode format. 5. Share on YouMagine. Share the object with the YouMagine.com community. 6. View Mode. Changes your view of the object. 7. Witbox print area. 8. Previously imported object.

  • Page 36: Mouse Controls

    User Manual Witbox English 9. Rotate. Rotates the object along the three axes (X, Y, and Z) by the specified number of degrees. 10. Scale. Adjusts the scale of the object. 11. Mirror. This function allows you to make quick adjustments with regard to the object’s symmetry.

  • Page 37: Printing An Object

    User Manual Witbox English Printing an object Loading the object To print a 3D object you must first separate it into layers. Cura allows you to convert a 3D file into a layered .gcode file. To do this, click the Load button and a window will pop up where you can select the file you wish to convert (fig.

  • Page 38: Rotating The Object

    User Manual Witbox English Rotating the object Once you have loaded the object, one of the things you can do is change its orientation within the virtual space (fig. 4.7). Figure 4.7 Rotating the objecta Changing the size of the object This option allows you to change the size of your object.

  • Page 39: Simmetry

    User Manual Witbox English Simmetry This option allows you to apply conditions of symmetry to the object you wish to print. There are three symmetry options, to be used depending on the axis to which the symmetry is to be applied (fig. 4.9).
  • Page 40 User Manual Witbox English Below is a description of the different view modes: • Normal: the standard mode, allowing you to view the object exactly how it has been designed. • Overhang: this mode allows you to identify the critical areas of the object with regard to the printing process.

  • Page 41: Exporting The Object

    User Manual Witbox English Exporting the object Once you have loaded the object into Cura and made all the necessary adjustments, the next step is to export the object to the SD card. To do so, insert the SD card into your computer and click on Save toolpath (fig.

  • Page 42: Pdating The Printer's Firmware With Cura

    Our team of experts is constantly striving to improve the printer’s firmware and achieve optimum functionality. For this reason, we recommend that you download the latest updates from bq’s official website (www.bq.com) in order to keep your device up to date.
  • Page 43 User Manual Witbox English Figure 4.14 Main printer menu Figure 4.15 Select Install custom firmware Figure 4.16 Select the firmware you wish to load onto the printer...
  • Page 44 User Manual Witbox English The new firmware will be automatically loaded onto the printer (fig. 4.17). Figure 4.17 Software update in progress Your printer has now been updated! (fig. 4.18). Figure 4.18 Software update complete...

  • Page 45: Parts, Specifications And Operation Of Your Witbox

    Witbox English PARTS, SPECIFICATIONS AND OPERATION OF YOUR WITBOX This section of the manual will help you identify the main parts of your Witbox and learn how they work. Extruder As we mentioned in the introduction, the Witbox uses the...
  • Page 46 User Manual Witbox English • Fibonacci tube: this guides the filament into the extruder without it breaking. It ends at the tube connector. • Hot-End: this is the part that melts the polymer filament. As this element is more complicated, we will look at it in greater detail later on in this manual.

  • Page 47: Hot-End

    User Manual Witbox English Hot-End The Hot-End heats the filament so that it can be extruded. It is comprised of the following parts: Screw PTFE tube Ceramic heater Bushing 100K thermistor Nozzle Figure 5.4 Constituent parts of the Hot-End • Nozzle: the polymer is extruded from here. The nozzle is made of brass and has an opening of 0.4 mm.

  • Page 48: And Y Unit

    User Manual Witbox English X and Y unit The X and Y unit allows the extruder carriage to move along the X and Y axes. To do this, it uses a system of pulleys to transfer the movement of the motors onto the various moving parts.
  • Page 49 • Screw drive nut: connects the print base unit to the screw drive, enabling the print base support to travel along the Z-axis. • Guide rails: these are attached to the rear of the Witbox and help ensure correct travel along the Z-axis. They also provide the printer with extra stability while the base support is moving along the Z-axis.

  • Page 50: Electronics

    Witbox English Electronics The electronic components of your Witbox printer have been carefully selected to ensure it is capable of printing independently, without the need to be connected to a computer. Essentially, they comprise: • RAMPS 1.4 board with mosfet heat sink: the RAMPS 1.4 is a fully independent board designed by the RepRap community.

  • Page 51: Most Important Connections On The Board

    User Manual Witbox English Most important connections on the board Extruder Endstops Blower Hot-End motor LCD screen Power X-axis motor Y-axis motor Z-axis motor Figure 5.9 Most important connections on the controller board...

  • Page 52: Using And Maintaining Your Witbox

    Cleaning your Witbox If you use the Witbox frequently, dirt and debris can accumulate in the printer’s interior and on its exterior. To make it look like new again, you can use a damp cloth to clean both the interior and exterior.

  • Page 53: Cleaning The Nozzle

    Figure 6.1 Clean the nozzle with a wire brush If a blockage occurs, your Witbox also includes a set of two cleaning needles that you can use to unblock the nozzle. Below we explain how to unblock and/or clean the nozzle and keep it in optimum condition: First, load the filament in order to check whether the nozzle is genuinely blocked.
  • Page 54 User Manual Witbox English Open the printer’s main menu and select Control > Filament > Load. The Hot-End will be heated to 220 °C. This will also heat up any plastic residue that may be blocking extrusion of the melted filament.

  • Page 55: How To Replace The Hot-End

    • 1.5 mm Allen key • 2.5 mm Allen key You can find all these in the box of accessories that came with your Witbox. Below we explain the procedure step by step: Unload the filament from the extruder. To do so, switch on the Witbox and select the options Control >...
  • Page 56 User Manual Witbox English Select the options Control > Cooldown to cool the Hot-End so that it can be replaced with the new part. Turn off the printer via the switch at the back and unplug the power cable. Unscrew the printer’s top panel and lift it off.
  • Page 57 User Manual Witbox English Disconnect the Fibonacci tube from the extruder by pressing down on the connector and pulling the tube upwards. Remove the blower using the 2.5 mm Allen key. Remove the fan and heat sink using the 2.5 mm Allen key. The fan will remain partially attached to the extruder, although the heat sink can be removed completely.
  • Page 58 User Manual Witbox English Unscrew the extruder and detach it from the X-axis carriage. Disconnect the cables from the heater cartridge and thermistor. Using the 1.5 mm Allen key, undo the set screw on the Hot-End.
  • Page 59 User Manual Witbox English Gently remove the Hot-End and replace it with the new unit. Push the new Hot-End in as far as it will go, ensuring the cables are pointing backwards, and screw it in firmly to make sure it won’t slide out.
  • Page 60 User Manual Witbox English Position the extruder on the carriage and screw it back in carefully, taking care not to damage the cables. Put the fan and heat sink back into place. The heat sink must be positioned between the fan and the extruder.
  • Page 61 User Manual Witbox English To check that everything is OK, slide the motor along the X-axis. Screw the blower back on. Reconnect the Fibonacci tube, pressing down on the blue circle. Use the four screws to reattach the top cover...
  • Page 62 Print a test object to make sure everything is working well. How to avoid wear and tear Frequent use of the Witbox may cause dirt and debris such as dust, lubricant residue, etc. to accumulate on the X- and Y-axis guide rails and on the Z-axis spindle.
  • Page 63 User Manual Witbox English If you notice excessive friction when the carriage travels along the X-axis, this may be caused by incorrect alignment of the rails. To solve this problem, do the following. Loosen (but do not undo completely) the four screws that hold the X-axis rails in place.
  • Page 64 If you wish to transport your Witbox anywhere, we recommend that you follow the steps below in order to ensure the printer is not damaged while in transit. Unload the filament from the extruder. To do so, switch on the Witbox and select the options Control > Filament > Unload.
  • Page 65 User Manual Witbox English Remove the spool and metal spool-holder and place them in the box of accessories. Detach the two side panels, the top panel and the print base and place them in the box of accessories. Turn off the printer using the switch at the rear. Unplug the power cable and place...
  • Page 66 User Manual Witbox English Move the extruder over to the left-hand side of the printer in order to immobilise it on the X-axis. Immobilise the extruder using a cable tie Cut the excess material off the cable tie View from above of the extruder immobilised on the X-axis...
  • Page 67 User Manual Witbox English Move the extruder to the bottom left-hand corner of the printer in order to immobilize it on the Y-axis. Immobilise the extruder on the Y-axis using one long cable tie or two short ones joined together To allow the door to close, place the cable...
  • Page 68 User Manual Witbox English Prepare the packaging base on which the printer will sit. Arrange the foam pieces as shown below: Foam base on which the printer will sit Fold the four panels downwards View from above of the foam base with the four buffers Turn the base over in order to...
  • Page 69 User Manual Witbox English Place the four buffers in their respective slots The cardboard box in which the foam base will be placed Turn the foam base back over and place it in the cardboard box Add the final foam section to the middle of the base...
  • Page 70 Witbox English Carefully place the Witbox onto the base you have just assembled. Make sure there is nothing loose inside it, as loose items could cause damage during transit. Wrap the Witbox in its protective bag and place the protective foam corner pieces in the four corners of the box.
  • Page 71 User Manual Witbox English Fold the side pieces upwards as shown in the picture Position the four side buffers Place the assembled top protection onto the Witbox Place the box of accessories onto the top protection you have just assembled.
  • Page 72 User Manual Witbox English Slide the cover over the foam structure and secure it using the two circular white- coloured fasteners (turn them until you can see the image of the locked padlock). Finally, place the protective brown box over the cover and seal it using packing...
  • Page 73 The components under the cover should only be handled by qualified technicians. • The grooves at the rear of the Witbox are designed to allow air to flow out from the fans. For this reason, they must not be covered or blocked.
  • Page 74 • Make sure that small 3D-printed objects and other parts that could be hazardous to children are kept out of their reach. • Supervise the printing process while the Witbox is in operation. • To prevent the risk of fire, keep candles and other open flames away from the printer.
  • Page 75 User Manual Witbox English TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Dimensions Printer: (x)505 x (y)388 x (z)450 mm Print area: (x)297 x (y)210 x (z)200 mm Box: (x)620 x (y)515 x (z)620 mm Mechanics (general) Powder-coated steel chassis Toughened chrome bars for the X, Y and Z carriages...
  • Page 76 User Manual Witbox English Electronics Ramps 1.4 Mega 2560 LCD screen with rotary encoder and push-button navigation Non-heated glass base, size A4 (29.7 x 21.0 cm) 348W input power 100K thermistors in the extruder 40W 12V heater cartridge Software Marlin-derived firmware Recommended software environment: Cura Permitted file types: .gco, .gcode...
  • Page 77 This product and its electronic accessories should not be disposed of along with other commercial waste. FCC Notification The BQ WITBOX GO! complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: •...
  • Page 78 User Manual Witbox English If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: —...
  • Page 79 User Manual Witbox English For more information, contact: witbox@bq.com www.bq.com...

Table of Contents