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-how much the refill material cost?
For additive materials (we suggest PLA), you'll be able to use your own. No proprietary cartridge check is in place
-What are your plans for servicing the printers if they become faulty or require a tune up?
We mostly foresee jammed extruders or damaged milling motors for tool crashes etc.
Since these parts are mounted in the dual head carriage, We'll send a new dual head for the costumer to easily replace himself, upon retrieval of the faulty/failed unit.
Fine tuning consist in semi-automated (computer assisted) Plane leveling and occasional belt tensioning.
While the other components are pretty strong, we'll give any assistance needed, included repairing the unit at our expenses within 2 years of the purchase.
-What file formats can I use to print from?
FABtotum uses standard Gcode, therefore any software that can create a toolpath in Gcode is valid.This means you can use any software you like to print from STL files, 3ds Obj or similar.
-Do I need to import the machining/printing file into dedicated printing software?
FABtotum is controlled by a web interface over Wifi or Ethernet cable, therefore you can use commonly used open source software as Printrun by Kliment, Cura or equivalents to prepare the print and run them.
More details will be unveiled after we fix the specifications of FABtotum's Web interface.
-What software will be available for FABtotum?
We are focusing on delivering a good machining platform,therefore our initial software will be pretty basic.
FAbtotum will have a computer assisted printing-plane leveling procedure running with a small application you should use before printing, for best results.
For scanning or Z-level probing a simple command line automated script will generate the point cloud in a separate file.
Both will be available as binaries too, for developers to expand upon.
-What software will I use for scanning objects?
We'll most likely create a small batch application for probing,laser scanning.
Output will be a point cloud you can easily convert and correct in freeware software.
-you are using a bowden extruder. I heard it gives worst results(?)
bowden extruders consist of a feeder motor separated from the moving head.
while it's true they are less responsive to retraction and can suffer from oozing, a good tuned bowden extruder can produce quality prints [see: Ultimaker].
On top of that, without the heavy Nema 17 motor (it weights approx 1kg) the machine can do rapid movements and accelerate quickly, avoiding stringing during the print of gaps. If you would like to add a multi colored direct drive printing extruder, you can do so , removing the dual head and using the space to mount it.
-What do I Have to do with Coupons?
You can redeem them in our shop (soon to be open on fabtotum.com).
It’s a personal, single-use code. We suggest you to save it or print it and keep it somewhere safe.
Once redeemed the coupon expires.
-Can I preorder FABtotum?
All backers (except who already got a FABtotum Ready-to-go package or Fabtotum Kit) will receive a email to place a order before the store opens.
The shipping order will be based on the backer contribution date. If you backed this project early you can place your order as late as possible (preorder windows) and still be in the front line before non-backers!
FABtotum kits, FABtotum ready-to-go packages will have priority over coupons.
-I‘m not a backer, When I’ll be able to place a preorder?
Assuming the campaign is successful, you’ll have to wait the store to be opened. Please also note that backers will have priority shipping over any other order.
-I’m a backer, what happens if I miss the preorder window?
You’ll still be able to purchase FABtotum, but you will lose the opportunity to receive it early than non-backers. In fact, you will still be able to redeem your coupon code before it expires.
-I’m a backer. Will FABtotum price change after the campaign?
If you are a backer you’ll be able to preorder at this same pricing before the shop opens.
After that, only coupon codes will grant the same pricing (until they expires).
-Will prices change after the campaign?
Good question! We hope to bring FABtotum at the lower price possible as we demonstrated in this campaign, We will, however ,be facing fixed costs during production such as rent,machinery,personnel.
Mantaining this pricing policy depends on how those costs will compare with sales.
-Do you accept external donations?
We are currently NOT collecting any kind of donation anywhere else.
-What I’m getting in the consumer version of FABtotum?
Please refer to the Award description and the "the Prototype & the Future" paragraph for an overview of the consumer version improvements over the prototype shown.
