Question 1

Software?!

Accepted Answer

We don't make our own software. The machine is operated via a web page served by the controller (so the computer needs to be on the same network as, or directly connected to, the H5 machine.) Jobs utilize standard G-code which is produced by any slicer or CAM package.   We do provide a small piece of desktop software to help with rotary 3D printing.

Question 2

What slicer should I use?

Accepted Answer

The H-Series uses standard RepRap G-code, and is compatible with any slicer. That said, we have standardized around Simplify3D and Cura, and primarily support that software.

Question 3

What CAM software can I use?

Accepted Answer

The H-Series uses industry-standard G-code, so any CAM package should work. That said, we standardize around, and support, Fusion360 and CAMWorks (for Solidworks). We offer a post for these CAM packages in our online manual.

Question 4

What materials can I print?

Accepted Answer

Anything you want. You can print any 1.75mm filament up to 310°C.   We use Flexion Extruders for our print heads, which means you can print flexible and ultra-flexible filament. The Flexion is the ONLY extruder than can print below 85 ShoreA filament (feels like a rubber band).    Here is a short list of possible filaments: TPU (Ultraflex) TPU (Ninjaflex) TPU (Semiflex) ABS (including loaded) - we offer a carbide nozzle for certain loaded filaments PLA (but it is a bad engineering material) PVA PETG Nylon (including loaded) Polycarbonate   New filaments come out constantly. As long as the print temperature is below 300°C, then it will almost certainly work on the H-Series. The hotend is well-designed with state-of-the art features, and Diabase constantly tests and monitors the performance with various filaments.

Question 5

How much does it weigh?

Accepted Answer

The H5 CNC weighs 260lbs without add-ons. The crate that it comes in can weight up to 400lbs. A minimum of two strong adults are required to lift and move the machine. We recommend 3 adults or a lifting device (the H5 machine has a lifting point)

Question 6

How loud is it?

Accepted Answer

When milling aluminum with the enclosure shut, the maximum sound level is 65dB.

Question 7

How large is it?

Accepted Answer

Approximately 3' x 4' footprint. With some disassembly, the H5 can fit through a 32in doorway.

Question 8

Can I upgrade the machine after purchase?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Everything is upgradeable. Going from a CNC Lite to a CNC Full version will require a service call. Everything else - such as the 4th and 5th axes, are plug-and-play.

Question 9

Is the H-Series reliable?

Accepted Answer

Yes - we have had machines running for years with minimal maintenance. There is a maintenance schedule for lubricating ballscrews and bearings, and typical wear parts must be replaced. The machine weights hundreds of lbs and is made primarily of cast and CNC milled aluminum parts.

Question 10

What kind of power does it require?

Accepted Answer

Regular mains power - so 120V @ 10A in North America, and 230V elsewhere.

Question 11

How does Rotary Printing work?

Accepted Answer

Start with the Example, then blog posts, then dig into the manual. Basically, we provide software that unwraps a round print, it slices normally in Simplify3D, and our software rescales it for use with the rotary axis.

Question 12

Can I use the scanner to verify parts?

Accepted Answer

No. The scanner is designed to digitize low-angle contours (footprints). It does that task very well. But it does not do vertical walls, sharp corners, or rotary scanning particularly well. The touch probe is better-suited to metrology/verification.

Question 13

Can I measure parts on the machine?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the touch probe is a very-accurate way to measure certain feature types (vertical and horizontal surfaces, round cavities, shallow contours). This data could be used to locate the part and do further operations, or to bring data back into your CAD software.