Quick Start
The guide that follows gives high-level steps in order to help with your ongoing success with the AON-M2 machine. Please make sure that all sub-referenced articles are read in their entirety as this article is only meant to serve as a universal quick start guide.
Clean the Machine
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Make sure that the machine is clean and that there is no unwanted material(s) around the lead screws and/or around the linear guides and guide rails.
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Make sure that the nozzle is clean. Use the wire brush to clean the nozzle.
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Before the machine XYZ-axes can be calibrated, or a print can be started, make sure that the print surface is clean and free of solvents and/or unwanted materials.
Refer to Clean Build Platform and Build Chamber.
Do not use compressed air to clean the machine component(s) unless otherwise specified. The use of compressed air can cause damages to machine component(s).
Build Plate and Build Sheet Installation
The build plate, or build sheet, must be correctly installed to get satisfactory print results.
- For the AON M2+ (CE), AON M2+ (R-NZ) and AON M2+ machines: Refer to the Install Build Sheet procedure.
- For the AON-M2 2020 and AON-M2 machines: Refer to the Install Build Plate procedure.
Inspect Machine Status
Make sure that the machine status shown in the top left of the Graphical User Interface (GUI) is Idle. This shows that the machine is ready to start a print job.
Vacuum Bed Feature
The AON M2+ (CE), AON M2+ (R-NZ) and AON M2+ have the Vacuum Bed Feature. This technology will help the user succeed with the demands of ABS, PEEK and other high-performance polymers.
Refer to Vacuum Bed Feature.
Load/Change Filament
Make sure there is sufficient filament on the spool before a print is started. Simplify3D® gives an estimate on the weight of filament necessary for each part in the G-Code viewer. To calculate the weight of filament necessary:
- Weigh the spool of filament to be used.
- Subtract the weight of an empty spool from the weight of the spool of filament to be used.
- Compare the above results to the estimated weight in Simplify3D®.
- Refer to the Load Filament procedure.
- Refer to the Replace Filament procedure.
Make sure that the filament density in Simplify3D® is entered correctly. In Simplify3D®, select Edit Process Settings > Other.
Filament Runout Detection (FRD) Feature
The machines have the Filament Runout Detection (FRD) feature. When enabled, this feature pauses a print when the filament runout sensors sense no filament in the feed paths, and the Graphical User Interface (GUI)/web browser shows the user how to remove and install a roll of filament. The user can continue with the print when the filament has been loaded into the feed path, and sensed by the filament runout sensors.
Refer to Filament Runout Detection (FRD) Feature.
Pause and Resume Feature
The Pause and Resume Feature can help the user with the operations that follow:
- When a change of filament is necessary. Refer to Replace Filament.
- When an adjustment must be made to components found in the build chamber.
Refer to Pause and Resume Feature.
Machine/Computer Connection
To connect to the AON3D machine through the web browser on your computer (Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox):
- On the GUI, select the Settings tab.
- Select the Network tab.
- Record the machine IP address on paper.
- Enter the machine IP address into your computer web browser address bar.
- Select Enter.
- The AON3D machine is now linked to your computer web browser.
Load File
To upload a file into the GUI:
- On the web browser, select Files.
- Select
Upload Files, and import the G-code file onto the AON3D machine.
Refer to Toolpath Files.
Preheat Build Chamber Components
Refer to Preheat Build Chamber Components.
Calibration
Z-Axis Calibration
Once the temperature of the build chamber components are stable, the Z-axis must be calibrated.
Refer to the Calibration Index to select the correct calibration procedure for your machine:
- For the AON M2+ (CE), AON M2+ (R-NZ) and AON M2+ machines, refer to the Z-Axis Calibration (M2+) procedure.
- For the AON-M2 2020 and AON-M2 machines, refer to the Z-Axis Calibration procedure.
X/Y Toolhead Offsets Calibration
- The X/Y Toolhead Offsets Calibration should be performed before a print is started, and/or, whenever changes have been made to the toolhead(s) (a change to the heater block assembly, an adjustment to the hot end position in the probe assembly, nozzle change and/or cleaning, etc.).
- To make sure that the X/Y Toolhead Offsets Calibration procedure is done correctly, AON3D provides STL files to help with the user.
Refer to the X/Y Toolhead Offsets Calibration procedure.
Heat the Toolheads
Heat the two toolheads to the necessary target temperatures before a print is started.
Start the Print
- On the GUI/web browser, select Files.
- Select
Printon the file to print. - Select
Printto confirm.
First Layer Evaluation
- Make sure that the quality of the first layer height is correct before a print can continue.
- The Z-offset calibration can be adjusted in minute increments to help get the correct first layer.
Refer to the First Layer Guide.
Hot Ends Filament Retraction
Filament must be retracted from the AON M2+ (CE), AON M2+ (R-NZ) and AON M2+ hot end assembly(ies) when there is no print in progress.
Two methods can be used to retract the filament from the hot end(s):
- The use of the GUI/web browser to perform an automated retraction of 20 mm (AON3D recommended).
- The user must manually disengage the extruder(s) internal drive gears, disconnect the feed path PTFE tube from the extruder fitting, and carefully remove the filament from the selected extruder.
Failure to retract the filament from the hot end(s) can signal the GUI to give an error message.
