Getting Started with Your 3D Printer
1. Unboxing and Initial Setup
Step 1.1: Inspect and Prepare Your Printer
- Remove all packaging materials and inspect the printer for any visible damage.
- Ensure all components listed in the box are present.
Step 1.2: Connect the Power and USB Cables
- Connect the power cable to the printer and a nearby power outlet. Do not turn it on yet.
- Use the provided USB cable to connect your printer to your computer.
2. Bed Leveling
Step 2.1: Manual Bed Leveling
- Make sure the printer is powered off and the nozzle is clean and is in the center of the print bed
- Rotate the two Z-axes manually to get the print head to the nearly the button close enough to the print bed
- Move the printhead to one of the print bed sides.
- Place a piece of paper between the nozzle and the bed. Adjust the bed height until you feel slight resistance when moving the paper.
- Repeat this process for the other side of the print bed.
3. Filament Installation
Step 3.1: Insert the Filament
- Heat the nozzle to the recommended temperature for your filament type.
- Trim the end of the filament at an angle to avoid clogging.
- Insert the filament into the extruder until you see it extruding from the nozzle.
4. Software Installation
Step 4.1: Install Printing Software
- Download and install the following open-source applications:
- Printrun: A printer management application.
- Cura: A slicing software to prepare your 3D models for printing.
Step 4.2: Configure Cura
- Open Cura and select your printer model.
- Import the provided
.3mf
template file that includes pre-saved printer settings as a Unified Cura Project
5. Preparing Your First Print
Step 5.1: Importing a Sample Model
- Download any 3d model file (.STL) fron any of the following web-sites
- Open Cura and import the
.stl
file.
- Adjust the orientation, scaling, and other settings as needed.
Step 5.2: Generate G-code
- Use the
.3mf
project template for optimized settings.
- Click “Slice” in Cura to generate the G-code file.
- Save the G-code file to your computer.
Step 5.3: Open G-code in Printrun
- Launch Printrun and load the G-code file.
- Use the controls in Printrun to start your print.
6. Troubleshooting and Next Steps
Common Issues
- Filament not extruding? Check for clogs and ensure the nozzle is heated properly.
- Print not sticking to the bed? Verify the bed leveling and clean the print surface.
Learn More
Congratulations! You are now ready to start your first 3D print. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our support team or explore additional resources on the Learning Hub.