Introduction

Now that you have your machine setup and ready for a print, you just need to prepare a print file to get started! Go to our Downloads page to download the latest version of NexaX, our comprehensive build preparation software. 

For your first print, we will print a plate of one of our standard models to verify that your machine is printing properly. You can download it here:

Video Overview

Instructions

Step 1 | Install Resin Parameters and Activate NexaX

You need need to download both NexaX (.exe file) and the resin parameters file (.nxp).  You can find the latest versions of these files here. You will need your printer serial number as the resin parameter file is specific to your model. 

• Install the NexaX .exe file on to your Windows computer and open it. Ensure your PC exceeds the minimum specs.
• It will first ask you to import your resin parameter file. Click Update NXP and navigate to the file on your computer. Paste your 36 character license key in the field shown and click Add License Key.

• For Resin, select the resin that was included with your machine. 
• Set Layer Height to 100.
• Leave everything else at default settings. For a more in-depth understanding of each selection, you can read about it here. 

• It should now prompt you for a license key. Paste your 36 character license key in the field shown and click Add License Key.

Step 2 | Import the Model

If you have not downloaded the example model, do so here.

• It should now prompt you for a license key. Paste your 36 character license key in the field shown and click Add License Key.

Step 3 | Orient the Part

Orientating the part correctly is critical for build success, minimizing post processing and dimensional accuracy. For this build, we will have you orient a part at an angle as opposed to horizontally, which is a good rule of thumb for bottom-up photopolymer systems. 

• Click on the second icon in the left tool bar, Transform. 
• Click Orient to Base Tool. This tool will allow you to select a face on the model and will orient the part so that face is both parallel and facing the build surface. 
• Click the inner wall of the cutout in the part so that it is orientated as shown. 

• Click on the part. The Transform window should now show controls for positioning, rotating and scaling the part. 
• Under Rotation - Z, enter 30.
• Under Rotation - Y, enter 10. 

Step 4 | Generate Support

The Support menu is shown below. From here, you can select strength and density defaults, manually edit both point/cone supports, and auto-generate scaffolding. For this example, we will just auto-generate scaffold for the part imported.

• Click on the model on the viewport. It should be highlighted. 
• Click on the 3rd icon down in the left toolbar. It should say Support when you hover over it.
• Click on Auto-Generate Supports

Step 5 | Duplicating Models

In some cases, you will want to pack the plate with as many parts as possible. In this example, we will fill the build area with as many of these models as possible with a defined spacing of 10mm between them (10mm is a good rule of thumb on minimum distance between parts).

Click on the model. There should be red X and yellow Y grab handles. Click and drag to reposition the part Drag the part all the way past the left edge of the build area. It will snap to the leftmost position on the build area.  Repeat the same step downward. The part should now be in the front left corner of the build plate.

The Array Duplication menu lets you define the number of duplicates to generate in both the X and Y directions as well as the adjacent spacing between them. For this example, we will pack the plate with 6 parts (3 x 2) with 10mm spacing.

Once you have duplicated the model, it is a good practice to center the batch of parts. Click and drag over all the parts to select them all. Go to the Transform menu and enter 0.00 for both the X and Y position.

Step 6 | Save the Job

The Save menu has the option to save both the job and scene files. The job file (.nxa) is the file you will transfer to your printer to start a job. The scene file (.nxs) is a NexaX project file. Saving a job will automatically save a scene as well. 

Click on the 2nd icon up from the bottom. It should show Save when you hover over it.  Enter "Nexa3D Keychain x6" in the pop up window and click Save.  Click Save Job. Since this is your first launch of NexaX, it will prompt you to select a save directory. Keep in mind that this is a save directory for all your files, not just this one. It is recommended you create a subdirectory called "NexaX Output" within a directory of your choosing.  You will see a green Success message in the lower left when it is complete and has generated your job.

Navigate to that NexaX output folder on the Windows file explorer and copy your "Nexa3D Keychain x6.nxa" to the root directory of your USB drive (there is a USB drive in your accessories kit if you do not have one).

What's Next

With the file in hand and copied to a USB drive, it is time to get the print started. However, you will need to do a few preparations steps on the machine beforehand. Follow on to the next guide in this Getting Started series. 

• Nexa3D Keychain.STL300 KB

Updated May 01, 2024 00:21