FLASHFORGE 3D PRINTER finder User Manual
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FLASHFORGE 3D PRINTER finder User Manual

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  • Page 1 Flashforge e Corporat Flashf forge e Find der 3D D Pri inter User G Guide Find der User Guid de | www.flash hforge.com 0086- - 0579-822739 9 89...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Preface ........................... 3 Introduction ........................4 Notice ..........................5 Chapter 1: 3D Printing Technology ................8 Chapter 2: About Finder ....................10 2.1 About Your Finder ..................10 Chapter 3 Unpacking ....................20 Chapter 4: Hardware Assembly ................... 25 4.1 Filament Installation ..................25 4.2 Printer Start-up ....................

  • Page 3: Preface

    Flashforge Finder. Even if you are familiar with earlier Flashforge machines or 3D printing technology, we still recommend that please read this guide, as there is lots of important information about the Finder for you to get a better 3D experience.

  • Page 4: Introduction

    ·The User Guide is written based on Windows 7 OS. ·The version of the Flashprint is latest. The Flashforge Finder 3D Printer User Guide contains the information needed for you to set up and use this device. This User Guide including the following parts: Preface, Introduction and after-sale service.

  • Page 5: Notice

    · Electrical Safety Always use th e Finder with a properly grounded outlet. Do not refit Finder plug. Do not use Finder in damp or wet locations. Do not expose Finder to burning sun. Do not abuse the cord. Avoid using the device during an thunderstorm.
  • Page 6 Do not abuse the filament. Please make sure you use the Flashforge filament or the filament from the brands accepted by Flashforge. · Filament Storage All polymers degrade with time. Do not unpack until filament is needed. Filament should be stored atclean and dry conditions. Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...
  • Page 7 Flashforge shall not be liable for errors contained herein for incidental consequential damages in connection with furnishing, performance or use of this material This document contains proprietary information protected by copyright. Copyright © 2016 Flashforge Corp. All Rights Reserved Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...

  • Page 8: Chapter 1: 3D Printing Technology

    Fused Filament Fabrication(FFF) is the most common method of 3D printing.It is also the method that the Finder uses. It works by melting plasticmaterial called filament onto a print surface in high temperature. Thefilament solidifies after it cools down, which happens instantaneouslyafter it is extruded from the nozzle.
  • Page 9 USB cable, USB stick or Wi-Fi. 1.1.3 Build the 3D Model: Once the output file has been transferred to yourFinder, it will startto turn the 3D model into a physical object by laying down layers of filament. Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...

  • Page 10: Chapter 2: About Finder

    Chap pter 2 2: Abo out Fi nder 2.1A About You ur Finder 2.1. .1 Views Front Right Back 6. L Leveling kn 11. Spr ring presser 1. Touch s screen 12. US SB cable input 7. F Filament ca artridge 2.
  • Page 11 2.1.2 Terms The surface on which the Finder builds an object. Build Plate The blue tape that covers Finder’s build plate so that Build Tape the object can stick to the build plate well. Build Volume The three dimensional amount of space that an object will use once it is completed.
  • Page 12 Input:3MF/ STL/OBJ/FPP/BMP/PNG/JPG/JPEG Output:GX/G Win xp/Vista/7/8/10 Mac OS Linux Product Dimensions 420*420*420mm Net Weight 11Kg Adapter Power Input: AC 100V-240V, 50/60Hz ,1.7A Output: DC 24V , 2.71A , 65W Connectivity USB cable, USB stick, WIFI Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...
  • Page 13 ) yDelete: To delete the print file Print interface yAbort: To abort the print job. yPause/Resume: To suspend or resume the print job. yMore: To change filament and set up auto shutdown during printing. Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...
  • Page 14 The default temperature is 220 . Tap the temperature display bar to set the temperature. To set the preheat temperature. Tap [Yes] to save the setting while tap [No] to cancel the setting. Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...
  • Page 15 The extruder moves to the zero points, that is, to the right direction yX-: The extruder moves to the direction opposite to the X+. yZ+: The build plate elevates. yZ-: The build plate descends. Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...
  • Page 16 Factory Reset return to factory setting yUpdate: To update the firmware version. yReturn arrow WIFI: yTurn on WIFI: Turn on the WIFI, release the WIFI hotspot and set the WIFI on computer yReturn arrow Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...
  • Page 17 Actually, the present servo status is on. And the servo’s swing arm withdraws. Tap ‘+’ or ‘-’ to adjust the status of swing arm. Tap ‘+’, the arm swings down while tap ‘-’ , the arm swings up. Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...
  • Page 18 Status: It displays the real-time status of the extruder temperature, fan and filament. About: It displays the basic information about the device. Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...
  • Page 19 Accessor ries Fila ment*1 Power C Cable USB Ca able ilament Gui ide Tube U S B stick Alle n Wrench Screwdr M2.0/2.5 iver lue Stick amping Wren Unclog Too Power Adapt ter Finde er User Guide | www.flashfo orge.com 0086-057 79-82273989...

  • Page 20: Chapter 3 Unpacking

    Make sure you read the whole unpacking guide) (3-1)Place the packaging box on a clean work surface Open the box, grasp the two handles and then lift your Finder out of the box. Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...
  • Page 21 (3-3)Your Finder is wrapped by packaging materials, remove these materials step by step. (3-4)Remove the side protective foam sheets. (3-5) Remove the bag to unveil the Finder Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...
  • Page 22 Allen wrenches*3, stamping wrench*1, unclog tool*1, and screwdriver*1). 3-7 Remove the tape on for fixing the flat cable (3-8) Cut off four ribbons that used for fixing the guide rod. Then slide the extruder to Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...
  • Page 23 (3-9) Take the filament(Assign random color)out of the Finder. 3-10 (3-10) Lift the build plate up and take out the glue stick, power cable and USB cable. Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com...
  • Page 24 Congratulations! You have unpacked your Finder. Next, let’s move on to hardware assembly of Finder. Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...

  • Page 25: Chapter 4: Hardware Assembly

    Your Finder has been installed before leaving factory, you can start up the Finder for printing after mounting the filament spool and completing leveling. 4.1 Filament Installation (4-1) The filament cartridge is at the rear of Finder. Lift the cartridge out of the Finder. Black Filament Detecting Equipment (4-2) Take out the filament and thread it through the filament detecting equipment.

  • Page 26: Printer Start-Up

    After installing the filament, put the cartridge back to the printer. 4.2 Printer Start-up (4-3)Insert the power supply into the power input on the back of the Finder and plug the power cord into an electrical outlet. (4-4) Press the starter button to start the device.
  • Page 27 Next, we will load the Flashforge filament.(Note: Please lower the build plate to increase the distance between the nozzle and build plate to 50mm at least for avoiding nozzle jam.) (4-7) Tap[Tool]. (4-8) Tap [Filament]--[Load] Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...

  • Page 28: Unloading Filament

    4-10 Insert the filament into the extruder at an upright angle. Then the filament will be drawn through the extruder. Do not tap [Cancel] until the filament load the extruder steadily. 4.4 Unloading Filament 4-11 (4-11) Tap [Tool]-[Unload] and the extruder starts heating up. Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...
  • Page 29 Note: Do not pull out the filament with force as it will damage the gears. If the melted filament has cooled down in the extruder, please repeat the steps above. Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...

  • Page 30: Chapter 5: Build Plate Leveling

    The distance between the plate and nozzle increases while tightening the knobs. On the contrary, the distance reduces. (5-1) Tap [Tools] - [Level] on your Finder touch screen. Please wait while the extruder and platform finish initial movements. After that, operate according to the guide on the touch screen.
  • Page 31 (5-4) If the distance is appropriate, tap [OK] to second point leveling. If still not, please follow the prompts to adjust again till you see [OK] button. (5-5) Repeat steps 2 through 4 above to complete second and third points leveling and then Tap [Finish] to exit. Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...
  • Page 32 7 Then move to the center of the build plate for a check. Confirm that the paper slides between the nozzle and build with a moderate amount friction. 8 Tap the Abort button and finish leveling. Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...

  • Page 33: Chapter 6: About Software

    2. Start the software with the start menu shortcut or by clicking the software icon.(See 6-1) 6.2 Exploring FlashPrint 6. 2.1 Machine Type Selection ! After starting FlashPrint, you need to select the target machine type first. Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...
  • Page 34 When you start FlashPrint, a dialog box will pop up. Just select Flashforge Finder in the machine type list and click [OK]. You can also change the machine type via clicking [Print]--[Machine type]. See graphic 6-2: 6.2.2 Software Introduction Load one or multiple files.
  • Page 35 Print it directly with your Finder or export to your USB Stick View FlashPrint home screen from one of six viewing angles Move model around on xy plane; shift+click to move along z axis Turn and rotate your model Scale the size of your object Cut model into several parts 6.2.3 Loading...
  • Page 36 Bottom thickness: For tube, canister and lamp to set up bottom thickness Top diameter: For tube, canister lampand steal to set up the top diameter Bottom diameter: For tube, canister, lampand steal to set up the bottom diameter Plane(6-5) Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...
  • Page 37 Tube 6-6 Cansiter(6-7) Lamp(6-8) Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...
  • Page 38 Method 1. Hold down the right mouse button and drag. Method 2. Hold down theShiftkey, hold down the left mouse button and drag. Scale Rotate the mouse wheel to enlarge or shrink the build plate. Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...
  • Page 39 Overhang threshold value could be set as needed. The default value is 45 degree. 6.2.5 Move Select the object and move the object by the following two methods: Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...
  • Page 40 X/Y/Z [Scale] axes positioning. Click the [Maximum] button to get largest size possible for building. Click [Reset] to reset the size of model. Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...
  • Page 41 6.2.8 Left-click on the model to select it and double-click on the Cut icon to set the cut plane. The direction and position are available for setting. Draw with Mouse X Plane Y Plane Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...
  • Page 42 “linear”, click [OK], then it will generatelinear structure; if it is a model with supports, when you choose one of the supports options,software will judge whether existing supports need to be deleted or not on the Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...
  • Page 43 ).Loosen the left mouse button, if support column doesn’t meet with model, then support will be generated on origin and terminal point(the highlighted preview support won’t generate support structure ) Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...
  • Page 44 6.2.10 Print 6-12 Preview: Choose to enter preview interface or not Print when slice done: Print or not when slice done Material type: Choose according to the type of model Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...
  • Page 45 Primeter Shells: Maximize is 10 a. Top Solid Layer: Maximize is 10, minimum is 1. b. Bottom Solid Layer: Maximize is 10, minimum is 1. Infill a. Fill Density means fill rate. Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...
  • Page 46 Others Pause At Heights: Allows users to pre-set a height in which the print will suspend automatically. The function usually applied when you want to change the filament at a certain point. Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...
  • Page 47 [File]--[Save Project] “.fpp”suffix,all models in the scene (include support) are independent . After reloading the files, extruder configuration information and model position will be the same as the configuration during saving. Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...
  • Page 48 6.2.12 Edit Menus Undo Allows users to undo the recent edits by the following two methods: Method 1: Click [Edit]--[Undo]. Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...
  • Page 49 Method 1: Click [Edit]--[Duplicate] Method 2: Press the shortcut Ctrl+D Delete Select the object and delete the object through the following two methods: Method 1: Click [Edit]--[Delete] Method 2: Press the shortcut Delete Surface to Platform Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...
  • Page 50 6.2.13 Print Menus Connect Machine You can connect the Finder with your PC via a USB cable or WIFI. Note: The machine icon on the bottom right displays the connection status: Connected Disconnected Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com...
  • Page 51 Method 1 Connect Via USB Cable a. Connect your Finder with your PC via an USB cable. b. Turn on your Finder and start Flashprint. c.Click [Print]--[Connect Machine], then select USB in the [Connection Mode]option and select machine you want to connect in [Select Machine] option.
  • Page 52 If successfully connected, you will see the following red mark. Connect Finder with your PC under STA mod e a. Turn on the WIFI of Finder and connect your PC with Finder via the WIFI. Press [ Tools [ Setting...
  • Page 53 Select WIFI mode as STA mode, and then complete the corresponding setups, you can change the SSID(the WIFI’s name) and the password, select[Enable] in DHCP auto get IP, then click [Save]. The following interface will appear. 6-22 Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...
  • Page 54 Click the [Restart] button. You need to restart your Finder’s WIFI. And then your Finder will connect with your computer via the WIFI that you’ve set up. Disconnect Finder Click[Print]--[Disconnect] to disconnect your PC and Finder. 6.2.14 Tool Menus...
  • Page 55 X/Y Speed and Z Speed: Set the move speed of extruder/ build platform. Limit Switch: In order to protect your Finder, three limit switches are equipped to control the maximum position, and the three limit switches corresponding to X/Y/Z axis limit switch.
  • Page 56 [Yes] Step 2: Choose corresponding printer type and firmware version and click [OK] in the firmware updating box. After confirming the printer is in free state, the software will automatically update the firmware Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...
  • Page 57 6-24 Step 3 Reboot you Finder and wait for 4-5 seconds, then you can see the update process bar. When the update finishes, it will go back to the main interface. Step 4 Tap[Tools]--[About] to check] to check whether the updated version is right.

  • Page 58: Chapter 7:Basic Printing

    (7-2)Click[Print]--[Machine Type] to select Flashforge Finder (7-3)Click the [Load] icon to load a .stl model file and the object will display on the build area. Click[Edit]--[Surface to Platform] to make your model perfectly positioned Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...
  • Page 59 Note If you’ve place your model in a right place, you can skip the step above. (7-5) Click the Print icon on the top, you should make some setups for your print job. Preview: If you check the [Preview] box, you can preview your model after slicing is done. Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...
  • Page 60 .g or .gx file, click [Save] to generate a Gcode file. Note: .gx files are available for preview while the .g files are not. They are displaying as follows: g. Files gx. Files Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...

  • Page 61: Print Methods

    Next, we are going to print the model. 7.2 Print Methods After generating the Gcode file, you can transfer it to your Finder. You can transfer the file through USB cable and USB stick. 7.2.1 Print from Computer (USB connection) Connect your Finder with your PC via a USB cable.
  • Page 62 Flashprint at the status of USB connection or WIFI connection, then click the [Print] button on the top-right. Load the target Gcode file into FlashPrint. Click the [Print]button, the PC will transfer the Gcode file to the printer. 7 10 Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...
  • Page 63 7.2.3Print from USB Flash Disk Insert your USB flash disk with target .g or .gx file to your Finder. . Turn on the Finder. Make sure the build plate has been leveled and the filament is loaded. Tap[Print]and then tap the SD Card icon in the middle.

  • Page 64: Chapter 8: Advanced Printing

    Chapter 8: Advanced Printing When you get familiar with your Finder, you will definitely want to accomplish some advanced prints. This chapter will take you to get to know the advanced printing skills. Expert Mode grants the users more freedom of parameter edition. There are two modes are available for users, one is “Basic Mode”...
  • Page 65 Retraction Length: Amount of retraction. Retraction can help users reduce stringing or oozing during printing. (The default value shall be suggested.) b. Speed: Speed at which the filament is retracted. The default value shall be suggested. 8 -2 Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...
  • Page 66 “use random start points”. b. X: The coordinate value of X c. Y: The coordinate value of Y Infill General a. Top Solid Layer: Number of solid layers on the upper surface of model. Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...
  • Page 67 Maximum Combine Layers: Select the layer amount according to the layer height. The total height shall not be over 0.4mm. b. Combine Mode: Including “Sparse and Solid” and “Sparse Only”. “Sparse Only” mode only applies for the inner infill layers. Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...
  • Page 68 Space to Model(X/Y): The gap between the treelike supports and the model contact surfaces (in the X/Y directions). c. Space to Model(Z): The distance between the treelike supports and the model contact surface (in the Z direction). d. Path Space: The distance between the adjoining paths. Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...
  • Page 69 Shell Count: To control the printing laps for support shell. c. Space to Model: The minimum distance between the wall and model. d. Speed: Speed at which the wall is printed. Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...
  • Page 70 B-Axis: Voltage parameter of left-extruder stepper motor. The bigger the value is, the more heater will produce. 2 Others a.Extrusion Ratio: The filament amount extruded by the extruder. Default: 109% Max:125% (Usually the default ratio is suggested) Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...
  • Page 71 Enable Adjustments: Enable software to make compensation for errors. b. External Compensation: Enable software to make compensation for the outer diameter error. c. Internal Compensation: Enable software to make compensation for the inner diameter error. Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...

  • Page 72: Skills On Supports

    Supports) Support structures enable the printing of models with steep overhangs and cantilevered sections. The Finder 3D printer utilizes Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) technology, which works on the additive manufacturing principle of heating and laying down material layer by layer to create an object. Many sophisticated 3D print designs require materials to be deposited on a layer where there was not a previous layer, or the designs have steep angles which might cause undesired drooping during the print.
  • Page 73 However, compared with the linear support structure, it’s of less stability. So you are suggested to manually add more supports after auto-generating treelike supports. Auto-supports Eg 1) Model with Large-area Overhang Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...
  • Page 74 Right:Treelike support structure Wrong:Linear support structure Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...
  • Page 75 2) Model with Small-area Overhang Right:Treelike support structure Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...
  • Page 76 Wrong:Linear support structure Manual Modification For the experienced 3D printer users, the [Add] and [Delete] buttons are suggested using for manually adding or deleting supports. Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...
  • Page 77 1 Manual Add 8-10 You can add the support structure manually to according to the actual shape of the model. Left click [Add] on the left, and then click on the position when support structure is Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...

  • Page 78: Control Over Printing Quality

    Low (Fast) (Print Speed 80mm/s Travel Speed 100mm/s) Standard (Print Speed 60mm/s Travel Speed 80mm/s) High (Slow) (Print Speed 50mm/s Travel Speed 70mm/s) Hyper (Print Speed 50mm/s Travel Speed 70mm/s) 8.3 Skills of Model Placement Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...
  • Page 79 Such as the models below, you need to put one of the surfaces onto the platform.(Please refer to 5.1.12- Surface to Platform) Improper Proper 8-12 Improper Proper 8-13 Improper Proper 8-14 Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...
  • Page 80 Look at the model below: Picture 8-15 is the preview of the model’s original placement and Picture 8-16 is the preview of the model with support structure. 8-15 (8-16) Model with support structure 8-16 Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...
  • Page 81 By analyzing the model’s feature, cutting from the Y plane will be suitable. 8-17 (8-18) The model preview after cutting. 8-18 (8-19) Click [Edit]--[Surface to Platform] to put the flat surfaces onto the platform. Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...
  • Page 82 7 10 Comparison 8 19 Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...

  • Page 83: Chapter 9: Supports And Service

    Flashforge team is on standby and ready to help you withany challenges you may have with your Finder. If the issues or questionsare notcovered in this User Guide, you can seek for solutions on our official website or contact us via telephone.
  • Page 84 FCC Radiation Exposure Statement: This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment .This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20cm between the radiator& your body. Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086-0579-82273989...

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