FAQ

FAQ

We provide revolutionized 3D printing solutions !

Basics

What is 3D printing?

3D printing is an additive manufacturing technology that is used for a wide variety of purposes such as prototyping, manufacturing, and product refinement. A 3D printer machine is utilized for this process.

How do 3D printers work?

There are numerous 3D printers available in the market, each with a different operating principle. In general, however, a 3D printer builds a 3D model layer by layer, depositing each subsequent layer over the previous one until the whole print is ready.

What is slicing software?

Slicing software is used in the pre-prep phase of 3D printing. A 3D CAD model of the object to be printed is made and then it is sliced into several layers by the slicing software. These layers, or slices, represent the individual layers the 3D printer prints. The slicing profile is fed to the 3D printer, which then prints it out.

What are the materials used for 3d print materials?

1.ABS plastics 2.Glass-filled polyamide 3.Nylon 4.Epoxy resins 5.PLA 6.Wax 7.Photopolymers 8.Titanium 9.Steel 10.Polycarbonate Many other materials are also joining this list as 3d printing technology is maturing.

How many 3d printing technologies are there?

Currently, the following 3d printing technologies have been developed: 1. Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) 2. Stereolithography (SLA) 3. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 4. Selective Laser Melting (SLM) 5. Binder Jetting

Models

What is a 3d printing model?

It is a file that can be read and interpreted by a 3d printer. Through the model, a printer knows where to put its nozzle while printing certain objects. All geometrical information is in the model.

How to create a 3d print model?

You need to download a 3d modelling software for that. You can learn to use basic modelling software online.

How many 3d printing file formats are there?

The most common 3d printing file formats are STL, OBJ, PLY, and 3MF. Among these, STL and OBJ formats are supported by all major slicing software.

What can I get free printable models?

Thingiverse is a great source for this purpose. Cloud 3D Print allows you to import files from Thingiverse directly.

How many 3d printing file formats are there?

The most common 3d printing file formats are STL, OBJ, PLY, and 3MF. Among these, STL and OBJ formats are supported by all major slicing software.

Where can I get 3d models online?

In the Cloud 3D Print software, you can directly import 3d models from Thingiverse. Alternatively, you can also upload get 3d models from the following resources: 1. GrabCAD 2. 3D Via 3. 3D Marvels 4. Turbosquid: Free objects 5. Shapeways 3D Parts Database 6. Google 3D Warehouse 7. Ponoko Product Plans

Filaments

What are filaments in 3d printing?

The filament is the material used by the 3d printer to print the model. Filaments are fed to the extruder. Most filaments are made up of thermoplastics especially in the case of FDM technology. The filaments usually come coiled around a spool.

What are the types of filaments?

PLA and ABS filaments are the most used in FDM 3d printing. In addition, there are many other thermoplastics from which a filament can be made.

What is a PLA filament?

PLA (polylactic acid) filaments are made from biodegradable plastic. They are one of the most popular bioplastics. PLA filaments are among the most used filaments in 3d printing.

What is an ABS filament?

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is a thermoplastic and is frequently used in the injection moulding industry. ABS filaments are also often used in 3d printing.

Slicing

What is slicing in 3d printing?

3d printers print models layer by layer. A 3d CAD model has to be split or ‘sliced’ into many layers because the printer can print a single layer at a time. The slicer software slices the 3d model into those single layers and also records the path that must be followed (by the printer nozzle) while laying down molten plastic for making each layer.

What is the best slicer for 3d printing?

Cloud 3D Print is one of the best 3d printing slicer software out there. In addition, you can also check out other slicing software.

Can CAD files be sliced online?

Yes, with Cloud 3D Print software, you can slice your CAD files online.

What is an stl file?

An stl file stores information about your 3d model and is the most common file used in 3d printing. The format uses triangles to represent the raw surface of your model. The number of triangles increases as the complexity of the model increases. An stl file describes the geometry of your model. An stl file represents a format that is understandable by the 3d printer.

What is a g-code file?

G-code files are forms of CAD files that a 3d printer can read. G-code files contain information like where the printing parts should move, how fast the printer should move, and at what temperature it should operate.

How to convert stl files to g-code?

You need slicing software for that. The slicing software can automatically convert an stl file into a g-code file for the 3d printer. There are many slicing software available out there including Cloud 3D Print.

What is infill in 3d printing?

The structure printed inside an object is the infill.

What are supports?

Some objects have extruded or overhung features (like an arm sticking out of a figure). Supports or little stands help to hold up those features and help in proper printing.

What do we mean by the resolution of 3d printers?

There are two types of resolutions. One is the smallest allowed movement of the printer in the XY plane. The other is the minimum allowed layer thickness in the vertical direction (for FDM printers).

How long does it take to print an object?

The printing time depends on the size and complexity of the model, the infill, quality, and settings of your printer.

How big an object can I print?

150-300 mm per side is the average maximum size for desktop 3d printers.

Cloud 3D Print

What is Cloud 3D Print?

Cloud 3D Print is an innovative online 3D printing management software developed for 3D printing managers/enthusiasts. It offers an all-inclusive solution to 3D printing: slicing, project management, business dealing, and online monitoring/remote controlling. All user accounts are linked with our cloud system, where all data is backed-up in real-time.

How can I contact Cloud 3D Print?

You can find all contact information on our contact us page.

What services does Cloud 3D Print offer?

Cloud 3D Print offers a range of services to its customers. Our software’s main features include: 1. Online Slicing: Fully customizable with the intuitive 3D viewer. 2. Project Management: Project progress monitor and priority settings + business documentation (quotations, invoices, expenses, etc.). 3. Online Monitor/Control Modes: Live-feed via AI cameras with instant error detection code. 4. Cloud Storage: Well-organized and real-time cloud data storage. 5. Data Analytics: Variety of helpful reports for insights into business performance. To know more about these features, visit our website.

Will I get training to get started with Cloud 3D Print?

Cloud 3D Print runs an onboarding & training department to assist new customers in getting started. Our professional services include onboarding packages for 3D printing managers, educators, and entrepreneurs.

How can I access my Cloud 3D Print account?

You can access your Cloud 3D Print account from any computer device linked with our system.

Does Cloud 3D Print offer 3D printing services?

Yes, Cloud 3D Print offers professional 3D printing services. We have an assortment of 3D printers with varying print quality and materials.

Can I estimate the time for each print?

Yes, Cloud 3D Print software allows you to estimate the completion time for each print.

Can I estimate the amount of material required for each print?

Can I estimate the amount of material required for each print?

Can I monitor the printing process?

Yes, you can. Cloud 3D Print allows you to monitor the printing process in real-time. This is done with the help of AI-augmented cameras.

Can I store my models and g-code files online?

Yes, you can store your models and g-code files in our online database and excess them whenever you like.

Can Cloud 3D Print handle multiple prints?

Yes, you can slice and print multiple files using Cloud 3D Print.

Which printers are compatible with Cloud 3D Print?

As of now, Cloud 3D Print is focused on desktop FDM printers. Over time, more technologies will be added.

Are all FDM printers comptabile with Cloud 3D Print?

Some 3d printer manufacturers have purposely blocked third-party software access. Cloud 3D Print can’t access those printers. Besides, some 3d printers have highly customized firmware that lacks the software code needed to interact with Cloud 3D Print. So those 3d printers can’t be compatible as well.

Are there different subscription packages?

Yes, there are three separate packages. Free, premier, and educational & entrepreneurial package.

What can I get in the free package?

1. Each user will have 1GB free storage 2. Maximum upload file limitation will be 50 MB 3. Each user will have maximum 2 3D Printers 4. Each user will have 1 control panel 5. Each user will create maximum 10 projects 6. Log will display within 24 hours 7. Only one user can use the system. 8. Users can take snapshots 9. Slicing engine will be basic 10. Users can access statistics function and printing report 11. Users will have limited download and upload speed

What can I get in the premier package?

1. Each user will have 10 GB free storage 2. If users want to upgrade storage, there will be an additional 5GB / $1 / month 3. Users can have up to 8 3D printers. There is additional cost of 1 3D printer/ $5/month 4. Each user will have 3 control panels 5. Each user will create up to 100 projects. 6. Activity log will be unlimited 7. One user can use the system 8. Users can record printing video 9. Slicing engine will be advanced 10. Users can manage printing jobs and printing queue 11. Users will have fast download and upload speed 12. Users can create a time-lapse video 13. Users can access cloud monitoring (additional cost)

What can I get in the education & entrepreneurial package?

1. Each user will have 100 GB free storage 2. If users want to upgrade storage, there is additional 5GB / $1 / month 3. Users can have up to 100 3D printers. There is an additional cost of 1 3D printer/ $5/month 4. Each user will have 10 control panels 5. Each user will create unlimited projects. 6. Activity log will be unlimited 7. Unlimited users can use the system 8. Users can record printing video 9. Slicing engine will be advanced 10. Users can manage printing jobs and printing queue 11. Users will have fast download and upload speed 12. Users can create a time-lapse video 13. Users can access cloud monitoring (additional cost) 14. A whole organization can use the system.

Which slicer engines are available in Cloud 3D Print?

Users can use Cura and Super Slicer engines.

Can I choose a 3d printer on my own?

Yes, you can choose the desired 3d printers from our wide range of 3d printer assortment.

Where can I buy 3D printers?

Cloud 3D Print operates a dedicated online store for 3D printers and related items: Mech e-Store.

How many control panel options are available?

With Cloud 3D Print, users have 3 different types of control panels through which they can use the software and control the printers: 1. Raspberry Pi 0 W/2, 3B and 4 2. Desktop PC 3. Collaborative 3D Printer (Pre-configured printers by the Cloud 3D Print team).

I forgot my password, can I reset it?

Yes, you can reset your password from the sign-in page.

Which model type is supported by the software?

Cloud 3D Print supports ‘stl’ and ‘obj’ type files.

What is the maximum file size that I can upload?

You can upload a file with a maximum size of 200 MB.

Can I upload multiple files?

Yes, you can upload up to 12 files in a single upload.

Why is the software rejecting my models?

The software might be rejecting your models due to the following: - Your file size is larger than 200 MB. - You are using the same name for different files. - Your file format is other than ‘stl’ or ‘obj’.

Why are my project pictures not uploading?

The software might not upload your project pictures due to the following: - File type is not valid. It might have a ‘.jpg’ extension but not be a picture. - The files are encoded with different methods and are not readable by the software. - You have used 100% of your cloud storage.

Failure Detection by AI system

Which failure can I face while 3d printing?

If the first layer isn’t perfect, the chance of any type of print failure increases. The so-called spaghetti monster is a perfect example of this. What usually happens is that the printed object detaches from the print bed mid-printing, and the remaining layers stop sticking to the object. The other common source of this problem may be an error within the STL object.

Does Cloud 3D Print provide users with any solution to handle this kind of problem?

Cloud 3D Print just releases new functionality called AI Detection to detect failure—currently Spaghettis is supported, generated during printing and takes actions pre-set by the user.

How does AI Detection work?

AI Detection uses a deep learning artificial intelligence model to automatically detect print failures when the camera is plugged into your Pi and will pause/discard the job for you depending on the AI settings you make for your group or each individual printing task.

Do I need to purchase more hardware/software for the AI Detection?

AI Detection is on the cloud, you don’t need to purchase additional hardware/software except for a USB camera or CPI camera that provides a continuous picture stream for AI detection to scan.

Can I download the video/screenshots taken during the printing?

If AI service is enabled for printing, you can download the screenshots captured during printing. In those pictures, if there is Spaghetti detected, it will be marked with a red box and its confidence score.

Can I get a notification when the failure is detected?

Yes, If AI service is enabled, when failure is detected, there will be a small pop-up window with the latest snapshot returned by AI detection to notify you of the failure. You will also find a popup window containing detailed information at the right-top corner.

Can I set up the actions for the time when failure is detected?

Yes, you can set up the actions like auto-pause or auto-discard to be executed while high-level failure is detected. You can also set this kind of AI settings for a whole group or for an individual print task.

BTT Pi

BTT Pi