How long does it take to assemble a machine myself? -

How long does it take to assemble a machine myself?

On average it takes between 6-8 hours depending on your skill level. The kits are not hard to assemble and there are no special tools required. We also have an online video training course that walks you though every step of the assembly process.

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What is the maximum thickness of aluminum I can cut through? »

Newest FAQs

3D Print Questions

Are there any specific 3D Scanners that work best with STEPCRAFT, or any other CNC?

Honestly, No. Most 3D scanners are capable of generating and saving files in common 3D file format. That is really all that is required for STEPCRAFT. The resolution will vary, though, from scanner to scanner and typically the more expensive they are, the better the scan resolution:

Here is a good article with a list of the top 11 3D scanners for 2017: https://pinshape.com/blog/the-11-best-3d-scanners-on-the-market/

Categories: 3D Print Questions, Common Pre-Purchase Questions, Project Design

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4th Axis

What software do I need to run the 4th Axis system?

In order to use the 4th Axis, you need to have a CAM program that will support creation of the tool path for the 4th axis. Two possible solutions include:

Vectric VCarve Pro (the Desktop version does not support 4th axis). VCarve Pro has a Gadget that will allow you to take a 2D design and wrap it around a cylinder to create a round object. The following video shows you how:

The other option is to use Deskproto Multi-axis addition. This software will also allow you to create a 4th axis job. An added benefit of this program is that it allows you to take a solid 3D model (stl, obj) and place inside a workpiece and then you can carve that object out. See video below showing a Homer Simpson being cut out of foam.

Category: 4th Axis

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Automatic Tool Changer

Does the Automatic Tool Changer require an air compressor?

Yes, it will require a small air compressor that is capable of outputting 110 PSI of air pressure. We use a small pancake compressor from Harbor Freight that we got for $119.00. They have pricing that ranges and sometimes you can get it for even less money. The direct link to the product is: https://www.harborfreight.com/3-gal-13-hp-100-psi-oilless-pancake-air-compressor-61615.html

Note: You will need a 1/4 in. FNPT x 1/4 in. I/M Steel Plug fitting to match your compressor’s hose. Here is one from Home Depot: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-1-4-in-FNPT-x-1-4-in-I-M-Steel-Plug-12234HOM/205330359

This is the fitting we use with our compressor from Home Depot 1/4 in. FNPT x 1/4 in. I/M Steel Plug. **Your air compressor may vary.**

**RECOMMENDED:** Central Pneumatic 6 gal. 1.5 HP 150 PSI Professional Air Compressor

Category: Automatic Tool Changer

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Before You Buy A CNC Router

What is better, lead screw or belt drive?

The short answer is that both will work, however, if you are looking for high accuracy then a screw drive system will outperform every time.

Belt-Drive Systems

Belt drive systems are much cheaper to produce and require less expensive components to make them work. A belt drive system is usually a one to one ratio between motor movement and gantry movement. Meaning that there is no gear reduction so as the motor moves, the gantry will move an equal amount. Because of this, the motor on a belt drive system will usually be much larger than a same size lead screw driven system. Belts are also more susceptible to stretching and wear. This will always affect accuracy. If the belt stretches that will immediately translate into an inaccuracy at the bit into your workpiece. Some might argue that a belt drive system will move the gantry faster, but keep in mind that moving faster into a material and having stretch on the belt will cause deflection and the belt will act more like a spring thus increasing the risk for lost steps and positioning.

Screw-Drive Systems

A screw driven system usually consists of a threaded rod (screw) that is either an Acme-type lead screw or a ball screw. The motor will rotate the screw and the gantry is attached to the screw with some type of threaded nut (lead screw nut or ball nut). As the screw turns, the gantry is moved in the corresponding direction. The number of threads per inch will determine how many rotations the screw must turn for the gantry to move one inch. This gear reduction means that you can either use much smaller stepper motors to control the movement and still maintain a very high accuracy, or you can use a larger motor and move a larger mass as compared to using the same size motor in a belt driven system. You will find much better repeatability and accuracy in a screw driven system with minimal to no linear free play. Due to the costs of lead and ball screws and components, you will find that these type of drive systems will cost more than a belt drive system.

Summary

If you are looking for high accuracy, a more rugged design, or if you plan to cut harder materials like hard plastics, hard woods and metals, then you will want a system that uses a screw-drive. If you are just planning to cut thin, softer materials like soft woods and plastics and accuracy is not as important to you, and if you do not have a large budget, then a belt-drive system might be right for you. Always keep in mind when looking at purchasing a CNC system what you might need in the future. You might think that your immediate need to make model parts out of thin plywood, thin plastic and balsa wood might not require a screw drive, but maybe in the future you want to cut hardwoods, thicker plastics or metals, or you get a project that requires a high cutting accuracy – in this case you might be kicking yourself for not spending the extra few hundred dollars for the better drive system.

Categories: Before You Buy A CNC Router, Common Pre-Purchase Questions

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Common Pre-Purchase Questions

Can I use Solidworks CAD/CAM software with a STEPCRAFT CNC?

Yes, you can use Solidworks CAD. Simply output the files in formats that are compatible with Vectric software (DWG, STL, etc.). As for the CAM part of Solidworks, as long as you can out put standard G Code, we find that it will work without problems. If there is a post processor for Mach 3, you can use that and the G Code will have the proper formatting for Stepcraft.

Category: Common Pre-Purchase Questions

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Deskproto CAM Software

Does Deskproto Multi-Axis Hobby Edition have the ability to use the entire bed of the STEPCRAFT-2/840?

Yes, there are no size limitations to Deskproto Multi-Axis Hobby Edition. For more information on Deskproto Multi-Axis please click HERE

To Purchase a non-commercial hobby license please visit https://stepcraft.us/product/deskproto-multi-axis-hobby-license-non-commercial-use-only/

Categories: Common Pre-Purchase Questions, Deskproto CAM Software

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Education

What is G-Code?

G-Code is the generic name for CNC machine control language. It is the way that you can tell a computerized machine (CNC machine) to make something. G-Code consists of instructions that tell the CNC machine where to move, how fast to move and what path to follow. As the machine is following the G-Code, it is continually removing material (except in the case of a 3D printer, where it is adding material) leaving behind a finished part.

You do not need to know how to program G-Code to run many of today’s personal desktop CNC machines. STEPCRAFT recommends using CAD/CAM software like Fusion 360, Vectric VCarve, Cut 2D or Cut 3D or Deskproto. These programs have an intuitive graphical interface that allows you to set all of the parameters for your job and then the software will output a fully-formatted G-Code file that you can load into your CNC’s machine control program to run the job.

It is, however, not a bad idea to learn the basics of G-Code so if there was ever a problem with a job, you can quickly reference the code and see and understand what the machine is doing (or supposed to do) for the given G-Code commands.

Categories: Common Pre-Purchase Questions, Education, Vectric Software (Cut 2D, Cut 3D, V Carve)

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End Mills and Cutters

What is the best bit or end mill to use when cutting Acrylic, and what are the best speeds and feeds?

Acrylic is a very common material to cut on a CNC. It can be used for anything from making windows in projects to making edge-lit LED signs. Acrylic can be a tricky material to cut successfully, mainly because many people will run the RPM of the cutter too fast with a feed rate that is too slow, thus causing melting of the plastic. The trick is to get nice clean chips as you cut.

The following article goes into this in detail: Cutting Acrylic – 8 Guidelines To Getting The Best Results

Categories: End Mills and Cutters, Working With Plastics

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Fusion 360

Can I use Fusion 360 from Autodesk with my STEPCRAFT CNC?

Yes, you can use Fusion 360 with STEPCRAFT. There is a post processor that you can download for the CAM portion of Fusion 360 by going to http://cam.autodesk.com/posts/. STEPCRAFT (www.stepcraft.us) includes a free one year subscription to Fusion 360 when you purchase a CNC system.

Fusion 360 is a very powerful program that can greatly expand the capabilities of what you can do with a STEPCRAFT (or any CNC for that matter).

Categories: Fusion 360, Software Troubleshooting

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Laser Cutter/Engraver Questions

What Vectric Post Processor do I use for the Stepcraft DL-445 Laser?

We have a special post processor that you need to use for the laser. You can download that file [here]

You need to place the file in the correct folder in your Vectric Program.

Do do this, open your program (V Carve, Cut 2D, etc)

In the FILE Menu, select OPEN APPLICATION DATA FOLDER

Look for a “PostP” or “My_PostP” folder

Copy the laser post processor file (downloaded above) Into both of these folders.

NOTE: if you copy the file into the My_PostP folder then when you open your Vectric Program, only the post processors in this folder will show. So I always recommend copying the post processors for my CNC into this folder so when you go to create a G Code file, you will not have to scan though a ton of files for other machines. If you do not want to use the My_PostP folder then simply copy the above Laser profile into the PostP folder and you will see it in the list of post processors.

ALSO, you will need to restart the program for the post processor to be visible in the list

Categories: Laser Cutter/Engraver Questions, STEPCRAFT Attachments and Accessories, Vectric Software (Cut 2D, Cut 3D, V Carve)

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Maintenance

My machine is in reset mode and I can not get it to reset, how can I fix this?

If your machine will not come out of reset mode, there are three things to check:

Make sure that UCCNC is not running in Demo Mode. If UCCNC is running in demo mode, the software will not reset.
Ensure that the emergency stop button is not press in on the front of the machine. You can disengage it by simply twisting it to the right slightly and it should pop out. If it is already out, then you can move on to #2.
Check the Y Axis limit switch wires on the back of the machine. Sometimes these wires can be accidentally knocked out and become disconnected. Be sure both wires are plugged in correctly.
Click on the DIAGNOSTICS tab in UCCNC. Check to see if any of the limit switch lights are on in the I/O Function Monitor. (Please see the video below starting at 1:36)

Categories: Maintenance, Software Troubleshooting, UCCNC

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Project Design

Can you scan your own design and create a tool path to cut the object out on a CNC (Image Tracing)?

Vectric software, such as Cut 2D and VCarve have the ability for you to import a bitmap image and then use a function called “Image Trace” to create a vector around the image. You can then adjust and modify the vector to your liking. From there you can select the vector(s) and create a tool path for the CNC machine to cut around. You can also vary the depth of the cut to meet your specific needs.

The following video show you how to do this:

Categories: Common Pre-Purchase Questions, Project Design, Vectric Software (Cut 2D, Cut 3D, V Carve)

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RMC 100 Wireless Controller

What is “MPG” on the STEPCRAFT RMC 100 Wireless Controller?

The term “MPG” stands for Manual Pulse Generator and is basically and electronic hand wheel. Selecting “MPG Mode” will allow you to rotate the wheel and move the axis on the machine in steps based on the indents in the wheel. This is a great way to move the spindle around, specifically when setting the starting position for each job.

Categories: RMC 100 Wireless Controller, STEPCRAFT Attachments and Accessories

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Shipping Questions

Will ordering my machine assembled, delay the shipment?

On average, if we have machines in stock, we can ship kits within 48 hours of purchase. If machines are in stock, it will take an average of 5 working days to ship.

Categories: Common Pre-Purchase Questions, Shipping Questions, STEPCRAFT Assembly Questions

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Software Troubleshooting

My machine is in reset mode and I can not get it to reset, how can I fix this?

If your machine will not come out of reset mode, there are three things to check:

Make sure that UCCNC is not running in Demo Mode. If UCCNC is running in demo mode, the software will not reset.
Ensure that the emergency stop button is not press in on the front of the machine. You can disengage it by simply twisting it to the right slightly and it should pop out. If it is already out, then you can move on to #2.
Check the Y Axis limit switch wires on the back of the machine. Sometimes these wires can be accidentally knocked out and become disconnected. Be sure both wires are plugged in correctly.
Click on the DIAGNOSTICS tab in UCCNC. Check to see if any of the limit switch lights are on in the I/O Function Monitor. (Please see the video below starting at 1:36)

Categories: Maintenance, Software Troubleshooting, UCCNC

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Spindles and Routers

My Q-Series will turn on while pressing the green button, but will not stay energized.

Your E-Stop could be active. Check to make sure the E-Stop in the front face of your machine is not engaged. Also, the US 110 volt edition of Q-Series machine has an additional spindle safety circuit to check – Make sure your 110 volt plug from the back of the machine is connected to a live power source, or, your spindle safety override switch (located on the top of the machine) is engaged.

Categories: Spindles and Routers, STEPCRAFT Attachments and Accessories

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STEPCRAFT Assembly Questions

Where do I attach the green ground cord on the Stepcraft D-Series machine?

The green ground cord is used to provide a way for any possible static that would build up on the machine to discharge back to earth ground. The ring terminal on the green ground cable that comes with your machine is attached to one of the screws from the control board mount on the bottom of the machine. Any of the screws will work just fine.

Category: STEPCRAFT Assembly Questions

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STEPCRAFT Attachments and Accessories

What Vectric Post Processor do I use for the Stepcraft DL-445 Laser?

We have a special post processor that you need to use for the laser. You can download that file [here]

You need to place the file in the correct folder in your Vectric Program.

Do do this, open your program (V Carve, Cut 2D, etc)

In the FILE Menu, select OPEN APPLICATION DATA FOLDER

Look for a “PostP” or “My_PostP” folder

Copy the laser post processor file (downloaded above) Into both of these folders.

ALSO, you will need to restart the program for the post processor to be visible in the list

Categories: Laser Cutter/Engraver Questions, STEPCRAFT Attachments and Accessories, Vectric Software (Cut 2D, Cut 3D, V Carve)

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STEPCRAFT Specifications

Does STEPCRAFT support helical interpolation?

Yes, you can easily do spiral (helical) ramping with most standard CAM software programs, which will generate the G Code for you. Vectric programs, such as Cut 2D and VCarve support this with the click of a button.

Category: STEPCRAFT Specifications

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Tool Length Sensor

How do I setup and install the Tool Length Sensor on my STEPCRAFT CNC?

The Tool Length sensor is a great addition to your Stepcraft 2 machine, saving time in zeroing the Z axis. There are a few steps to getting the sensor installed and configured properly.

1. Connecting to the mainboard:
Remove the Rubber plug on the front end plate of the machine and run wires inward through the chassis. Run the wires along the channel and through the grommet the X and Z wires are run. Connect the sensor wires to the mainboard in the two open positions between the emergency stop switch wiring and the X/Z end switch (Refer to the manual section 9.6.) Leave enough slack to be able to move the sensor throughout the work area.

2. Replacing the Macro file:
UCCNC needs instructions to be able to properly use the sensor. Download the replacement M31.txt file (listed below) to the machine profile macro folder. For example for a Stepcraft 2 Model 300 the folder is C:\UCCNC\Profiles\Macro_Stepcraft2_Model300 If you have a 3D printing head and plan to use the sensor with that as well make sure to copy to the 3D profile folder as well. You will need move the existing file first as it is set to read only and will not let you successfully copy the file otherwise.

Download the latest macro file here: http://www.stepcraftsupport.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/M31.txt

*Note: Opening the M31.txt will allow you to fine tune the height based on personal preference. Edit the newZ value (default 33) adding to the value to lower the Zero height. Since the setup will be separate for the 3D printer profile, you may want the print head slightly higher for 3d printing to avoid dragging.
3. UCCNC Setup:
Now we need to edit the profile for the machine so that it knows the tool sensor is connected. In the is C:\UCCNC\Profiles\ find the .PRO file for your machine. First right click on it and choose properties. On the properties box there will be an option for read only, make sure that box is not checked. Click apply and close the window. Now when you change the setting in UCCNC it will be able to save and be stored for each time you open UCCNC.

Go to the configuration tab and I/O setup from there. You will see the choice for “Probe pin:” change that to 10, and “Port:” to 1. At the bottom of the page click Apply settings, and then Save Settings.

4. Verify switch function and setup:
Almost there, to verify the switch is operational and that it is properly configured open UCCNC click on the diagnostics tab. Press the sensor switch directly and you should see I10 and Probe light up in green. I10 is showing that the switch is working and Probe is showing that it is correctly configured.

5. Using the sensor:
After homing your machine setup your machine with some test material and place the sensor on top. Move the axis over the sensor and zero all. Now press the tool probe button from the main screen. The Z axis will lower slowly until it contacts the sensor. It will then retract and calculate the Z zero taking into account the height of the sensor. Move the sensor out of the way and you can now click Go to Zero. The Z axis will lower to the calculated height for the work material.

Categories: STEPCRAFT Attachments and Accessories, Tool Length Sensor

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Touch Probe

Can I use a 3D scanner to create 3D models to carve as well as 3D print?

Yes, models created with a 3D Scanner are typically saved in common 3D formats like a .stl. These files can be imported into CAM programs like Vectric Cut 3D, Vectric V Carve and Deskproto where they can be assigned tool paths to carve the object out of a material. This is commonly done with two tool paths: Roughing and Finishing, using a standard end mill and a ball nose end mill, respectively.

These files created from a 3D scanner can also be used for a 3D printer.

Here is a good article with a list of the best 3D scanners for 2017: https://pinshape.com/blog/the-11-best-3d-scanners-on-the-market/

STEPCRAFT also has a 3D Touch Probe which can be used for 3D scanning. The following videos show how that works:

Categories: 3D Print Questions, Common Pre-Purchase Questions, Touch Probe, Vectric Software (Cut 2D, Cut 3D, V Carve)

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UCCNC

My machine is in reset mode and I can not get it to reset, how can I fix this?

If your machine will not come out of reset mode, there are three things to check:

Make sure that UCCNC is not running in Demo Mode. If UCCNC is running in demo mode, the software will not reset.
Ensure that the emergency stop button is not press in on the front of the machine. You can disengage it by simply twisting it to the right slightly and it should pop out. If it is already out, then you can move on to #2.
Check the Y Axis limit switch wires on the back of the machine. Sometimes these wires can be accidentally knocked out and become disconnected. Be sure both wires are plugged in correctly.
Click on the DIAGNOSTICS tab in UCCNC. Check to see if any of the limit switch lights are on in the I/O Function Monitor. (Please see the video below starting at 1:36)

Categories: Maintenance, Software Troubleshooting, UCCNC

Direct Link

Vectric Software (Cut 2D, Cut 3D, V Carve)

What Vectric Post Processor do I use for the Stepcraft DL-445 Laser?

We have a special post processor that you need to use for the laser. You can download that file [here]

You need to place the file in the correct folder in your Vectric Program.

Do do this, open your program (V Carve, Cut 2D, etc)

In the FILE Menu, select OPEN APPLICATION DATA FOLDER

Look for a “PostP” or “My_PostP” folder

Copy the laser post processor file (downloaded above) Into both of these folders.

ALSO, you will need to restart the program for the post processor to be visible in the list

Categories: Laser Cutter/Engraver Questions, STEPCRAFT Attachments and Accessories, Vectric Software (Cut 2D, Cut 3D, V Carve)

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Working With Carbon Fiber

Why are my circles are not perfectly round?

How come my circles are not perfectly round?

Then you are machining circles on a CNC and your circles are not coming out perfectly round, it is commonly caused because there is some backlash developing on the machine. Backlash is a tiny amount of play that appears over time and is noticed when a drive changes direction.

When running in a positive direction, the gears/lead screw are engaged with the lead screw nut on the gantry, but when the stepper motor reverses direction there is a tiny space between the lead screw and the lead screw nut that has to be made up before there is positive engagement in that direction. After many, many hours of use or if your machine is not properly maintained and lubricated, then this backlash can develop.

If this is happening to you, please download this document: Stepcraft UCCNC Backlash Compensation.

This will show you how to setup backlash compensation in UCCNC so that you can “dial” out any backlash and go back to having perfect circles again.

Categories: Maintenance, Software Troubleshooting, UCCNC, Working With Carbon Fiber, Working With Metals, Working With Plastics, Working With Woods

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Working With Metals

Can I use MDF as a spoil board when cutting aluminum?

Often times when cutting aluminum you will need a spoil board under the aluminum, especially when you are cutting all the way through the material. MDF is a very common material to use as a spoil board for the following reasons:

There is no grain so it cuts the same in any direction
It is usually pretty flat
It cuts easily so when your bit goes through your work piece, there is no additional strain on it when it makes contact with the MDF
It is easy to find and relatively inexpensive.

Some things to be careful of when machining aluminum with an MDF spoil board:

Make sure the MDF is secured well to the machine bed
Make sure the Aluminum is clamped tight to the MDF/machine bed – if it is not you will get vibration, chatter, poor cut finish, and can possibly break your cutting bit.
You can not use any lubricant when you use an MDF spoil board! It will swell and expand if it gets wet. So using spray or mist coolant or oils like Tap Magic is not recommended.

An alternative spoil board that we use is acrylic. Acrylic is hard, flat, easier to machine than aluminum so it will not strain your machine and if you want/need to use lubricant, then you can without worrying about it damaging the spoil board.

Categories: Working With Metals, Working With Plastics, Working With Woods

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Working With Plastics

Can I use MDF as a spoil board when cutting aluminum?

There is no grain so it cuts the same in any direction
It is usually pretty flat
It cuts easily so when your bit goes through your work piece, there is no additional strain on it when it makes contact with the MDF
It is easy to find and relatively inexpensive.

Some things to be careful of when machining aluminum with an MDF spoil board:

Make sure the MDF is secured well to the machine bed
Make sure the Aluminum is clamped tight to the MDF/machine bed – if it is not you will get vibration, chatter, poor cut finish, and can possibly break your cutting bit.
You can not use any lubricant when you use an MDF spoil board! It will swell and expand if it gets wet. So using spray or mist coolant or oils like Tap Magic is not recommended.

Categories: Working With Metals, Working With Plastics, Working With Woods

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Working With Woods

Can I use MDF as a spoil board when cutting aluminum?

There is no grain so it cuts the same in any direction
It is usually pretty flat
It cuts easily so when your bit goes through your work piece, there is no additional strain on it when it makes contact with the MDF
It is easy to find and relatively inexpensive.

Some things to be careful of when machining aluminum with an MDF spoil board:

Make sure the MDF is secured well to the machine bed
Make sure the Aluminum is clamped tight to the MDF/machine bed – if it is not you will get vibration, chatter, poor cut finish, and can possibly break your cutting bit.
You can not use any lubricant when you use an MDF spoil board! It will swell and expand if it gets wet. So using spray or mist coolant or oils like Tap Magic is not recommended.

Categories: Working With Metals, Working With Plastics, Working With Woods

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