Read below to learn the answers to common questions. If you need more help, please Contact our support team, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
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How big can the Afinia H-Series 3D Printer print? view answer
The H800 has a build envelope of 10 inches wide by 8 inches deep by 8 inches high, while the H400 has a build envelope of 4.7 inches cubed.
What is the cost of printing? view answer
A single reel contains 1.5 lbs (.7kg) of filament. The amount you print per lb/kg varies with the amount of raft and support material required, but it averages out to $.02-$.05 per cubic centimeter, or $.33-.82 per cubic inch. The easiest way to calculate the cost of the material that will be used for your model is to use the print preview option under the 3D Print menu. This will calculate the total weight of material used, including the raft and any support material. Then, use this formula: Cost to Print = Weight of Model x (Cost of Spool / Full Spool Weight)
Does it come with supplies? view answer
Yes. It comes with a starter spool, 1.1 lbs (.5kg) of filament and platform adhesive. It also comes with a set of work gloves and hand tools. The hand tools include: woodcut knife, screws, scraper, pliers, brush, nozzle wrench, hex wrench, and tweezers.
How fast is it? view answer
That depends, of course, on size. The choice of resolution, support material, and raft influence speed greatly. The included print software provides a time estimate before you begin printing.
What resolution does it print to? view answer
The plastic filament can be extruded at a variety of layer thicknesses, depending on what combination of print quality and speed is required. The H400 printer can print from 0.15 mm (about .006 in) up to 0.35 mm, while the H800 prints from 0.10 mm (about .005 in) to 0.40 mm.
Do I need 3D software? view answer
Afinia provides a 3D software that will lay out the model in the printing area, scale it, or duplicate it. The model needs to be designed and/or modified in a CAD program like SolidWorks, AutoCad or SketchUp Pro and then imported to our software as an “STL” file.
What kind of plastic filament is used? view answer
ABS and PLA plastic filament is used on the AFINIA H-Series 3D Printer.
Do you have to calculate the support material in your model? view answer
No. The 3D software lets you select the angle to which you would like to have support material, and it automatically places the material for any angle that exceeds it. There is a simple visual tool in the driver (it shows a bowl with varying sloped sides) to help you set it. You can also set whether or not to have the model print with a “raft”, or base piece.
Is the support material easily removed? view answer
Yes, the support material is the same plastic as the model. The support material is attached to the model at “pinpoints” so that it easily tears away.
How hard is it to set up? view answer
It’s very simple and comes with a step-by-step setup manual. Loading the software, plugging in a USB cable, and importing an STL file are explained thoroughly in the manual. When you first use the machine, use the Auto Platform Level Calibration and Auto Nozzle Height Detection to easily prepare for printing. For more information on the setup process, download the manual, or watch the setup video.
If I don’t know how to design, can I get files to print? view answer
Yes, there is a large community of designers sharing thousands of STL files online. STL files can be downloaded to your computer and imported to the AFINIA 3D Software for printing.
What colors of filament are available for printing? view answer
Currently, Afinia offers natural, black, red, blue, glow blue, yellow, green, glow green, silver, pink, white, and gold, along with several specialty filaments. You can see all available filaments in our store.
Can I print in multiple colors? view answer
To have more than one color in a single object, you must change out the filament during the printing process. This can easily be done by pausing the print in the software, and then using the utility to back out the existing filament and initiate the extrusion of the new filament.
Can I use anyone’s filament? view answer
Afinia supplied filaments have been tested and conformed with the H-Series 3D Printer’s specifications. Although other filaments may be used, it is not recommended as some filaments work poorly or can cause damage to the extruder head and machine.
How hot is the machine? view answer
The extruder nozzle (printhead) heats to 260 degrees Celsius. The platform is heated as well, but not as hot, to aid in depositing and removing the base layers.
What’s the difference between Premium and Value Line filament? view answer
The Premium filament has been designed specifically to the specifications of the H-Series 3D printer, the most important being the 260 degree Celsius extrusion temperature. The Value-Line filament has an extrusion temperature range between 210 and 250 degrees Celsius. This range allows for broad support among a number of different 3D printers on the market. For more information, and detailed differences, check out our filaments page.