Now that you’ve unboxed and set up your MoonRay, it's time to turn our attention to RayWare, the print-preparation and slicing software that we’ll use. Download RayWare here. Install the software on your Mac or PC. If you have any issues while installing or using RayWare, please reach out to customer support.
Connect to MoonRay
Now that you’ve downloaded and installed RayWare, it’s time to connect to your MoonRay. On the center-right-hand side of your screen is a red button with an outline of MoonRay with a slash through it. When you click on this button, a box will populate. At the top of this box, you’ll see a red button that says, “Connect A Printer”. Click to open a connection wizard that will guide you through this process.
Add Your Model
Click the “+” button at the top-left of your screen to add a model. RayWare accepts .STL files, which are the standard blueprint format for 3D printing. Depending on the size of your model and the speed of your computer, the import process can take several minutes. Once your model is loaded, you can left click to select it, which changes its color from gray to blue.
For our tutorial, we’ll be printing the MoonRay keychain. To follow along, you can download the .STL file here.
Explore Your Options
Your model becomes blue when selected and gray when unselected. You can only alter your model when it is currently selected.
On the left side of your screen, you’ll see several buttons in a column. We’ll descend from the top to give you a brief overview of what each of these does.
Size and Scale: Make your model larger or smaller while keeping its integrity and proportions.
Rotation and Base: The Select Base tool is the easiest way to position models with a flat base flush against the build platform. Clicking the icon in the top-center of the overlay or clicking the Select Base button on the rotation tab will change your cursor to an arrow tool. When you click a surface of the model with this tool, RayWare will reorient your model so that surface is flush against the platform. Rayware does not edit or smooth your model, so there needs to be a flat surface for you to click in order for this tool to work. You can rotate your camera to view the platform from underneath to see the first layer that would print with the current positioning.
Position: You can move your model around by clicking and dragging it, or you can use this option to change its position.
Instances/Duplication: If you want to print multiple copies of the same model simultaneously, you can use this option to select how many copies (instances) you’d like.
Support Density and Strength: 3D printed models often require temporary supports in order to print properly. These supports are like scaffolding, allowing the printer to create complex parts that might otherwise fail to print. If you’re unsure about these options, leave them at the default setting to increase the likelihood of a successful print. This flat model does not need supports, but RayWare allows your to generate supports for any part.
Print Settings
Now that you’ve connected your printer and have a basic understanding of RayWare, press the MoonRay button in the center-right-side of the screen. There are still a few decisions to make before printing our keychain.
Material: This selection is absolutely critical to successfully printing. Each resin needs specific exposure settings and will only cure correctly if this selection matches what is in the tank. MoonRay supports all SprintRay and NextDent brand resins.
Volume: Shows a proper estimation of how much resin will be used by this print. Note that all resin used in a print must be above the min fill line in the tank. Note that the min line is 100 ml and the max is 250ml - that means you can print 150ml from the max line without topping off resin.
Enhance Surfaces: This special RayWare feature creates an anti-aliasing effect on your models, decreasing the visible layers and lines on your finished parts. However, it makes small adjustments that can affect precision. Do not use this feature for dental models or applications.
Layer Thickness: You can choose between three options of layer thickness, each listed in microns. As layer thickness increases, printing time time and detail level decrease. For most prints, we recommend either using the 50 or 100 micron resolution.
Print Time: An estimated print time based on part height, layer thickness, and resin choice. This is very precise but can vary slightly based on calibration settings.
Print Away!
Press that red “Print” button and watch MoonRay go to work! When your print is finished, head on over to our finishing guide to learn the best ways to remove supports, clean your part, and ensure that your final product is exactly what you wanted.