Flashforge Finder User Manual
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Flashforge Finder User Manual

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FlashForge
ge Corpora
ation
Flas
ashFo
orge F
Finde
der 3D
Printer
nter
Use
er Gu
Guide
Find
nder User Guid
de | www.flash
hforge.com
0086-
- 0579-822739
989

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  • Page 1 FlashForge ge Corpora ation Flas ashFo orge F Finde der 3D Printer nter er Gu Guide Find nder User Guid de | www.flash hforge.com 0086- - 0579-822739...
  • Page 2 FlashForge ge Corpora ation ser Guide Upda pdating De etails: Finder Flashpr ashprint Softw ware is user guide Firm mware Editi ition Edition is su s suitable for 20180409 3.22.0 Update Date Upda pdate Chapter Upda pdate Content Jan 13th, 2018 Chapter pter1 1.1.2...

  • Page 3: 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 ....................24 Chapter 4: Hardware Assembly ..................28 4.1 Filament Installation..................28 4.2 Printer Start-up ....................

  • Page 4: 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 5: 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 6: Notice

    Always use the 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. In case of device damage, please use the power supply provided by FlashForge.
  • Page 7 20cm, and the distance of the front side space should be at least 35cm. Filament Requirements Do not abuse the filament. Please make sure you use the FlashForge filament or the Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 8 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.

  • Page 9: 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 10 Using FlashPrint, you can turn stl. files into g. or gx. files for printing. Then the files can be transferred to yourFindervia USB cable, USB stick or WiFi. Finder support Simplify3D software, software not developed by FlashForge may need register or charge extra fee, please choose to use(or not) according to your needs.

  • Page 11: Chapter 2: About Finder

    Chap pter 2: 2: Abo out Fi nder 2.1A About You our Finder 2.1. .1 Views Front Right Back 6. Leve 6. Leveling knob knob 11. Spri ring presser 1. Touch sc ouch screen 12. US USB stick inpu nput 7.
  • Page 12 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. The three dimensional amount of space that an object Build Volume will use once it is completed.
  • Page 13 FlashPrintt Support Simplify3D Input:3MF/ STL/OBJ/FPP/BMP/PNG/JPG/JPEG Support Formats Output:GX/G Win xp/Vista/7/8/10 Mac OS Linux Device Size 420*420*420mm Net Weight 10Kg AC Input Input: 100V-240V, 50-60Hz Power: 65W USB cable, USB stick, WiFi, Connectivity FlashForge Cloud, Polar Cloud Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 14 2.1.4 .4.1 Interfac face Menus enus Build Read the print file fr t file from ŸTh he local mem mory card ŸTh he USB stick ŸTh he Polar Cloud oud printing ŸBack Back Choose hoose Batch files 1. T Tap and hold d to selectth he file 2.
  • Page 15 Prin nt interface ŸAbo bort: To abort t rt the print job. ŸPau use/Resume: e: To suspend nd or resume e the prin nt job. ?Too Tools:To chec eck status or modify setti settings duri ring printing: build time, Z axis, filam ment used d, printing...
  • Page 16 Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 17 The picture displays the preheat interface. It shows thereal-timetemperature and the target temperature. Tap the [Abort] button to abort the preheat job. Tap [Back] to back to the previous interface but not abort the preheat job. Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 18 ŸX+: The extruder moves to the zero points, that is, to the right direction ŸX-: The extruder moves to the direction opposite to the X+. ŸZ+: The build plate elevates. ŸZ-: The build plate descends. ŸBack Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 19 Wlan hots tspot. ŸPo olar Cloud Conn onnection: To t turn on/off th he Polar Cloud ud Connection. Ÿ Flas FlashForge Cl Cloud Connecti ection: To t turn on/off th he FlashForge ge Cloud Conn onnection. ŸEx xtruderCalibrati ration: To a...
  • Page 20 WLan hotspot ŸOFF FF/On: To tur rn on/off the W Wlan hotspo ŸSe Setup Wlan h hotspot:To se set the SSID pass assword. ŸSSI SSID:The name e of hotspot. ŸPass Password: The password of hotspot. ŸSa Save: To save t the setting.
  • Page 21 Extr truder Calibrati ration just Z-axis t to the right po position and d tap [OK] Ÿ+: The build plate ele late elevates. Ÿ-: T The build plate late descends. ŸOK: OK: To save th he setting and nd back to setti setting menu nus.
  • Page 22 Power Sa wer Saving M Mode On e power savi ing mode stat status is turned If th here is no op operation with hin half an h hour, printer will autom matically shut down wn.(Power sa saving mode will not wor rk in process of p printing)
  • Page 23 Abou bout:(Second page) It d displays the basic inform mation about t the vice. Lice License It d displays the basic inform mation about t the lice license. Finde nder User Guide | www.flashfo o rge.com 00-699-1063...
  • Page 24 Accessor ries Filament*1 *1 Power Cab USB Ca USB Cable Filamen ent Guide Tub Quick Start G art Guide USB stic USB stick Screw ScrewdriverAlle Allen Wrench(M M2.0/2.5) Glue Stick Stam mping Wrench Unclog ogging Pin T Tool ower Adapter After After-sale Car rdPTFE Tub...

  • Page 25: 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 400-699-1063...
  • Page 26 (3-3)Your Finder is wrapped by packaging materials, remove these materials step by step. (3-4)Remove the side protective foam sheets. Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 27 (3-5) Remove all protective wrapping, and then you will see your Finder. 3-6 On the top foam sheet, you can see one Quick Start Guide and a tool bag( USB stick*1, leveling knob*1, Allen wrenches*2, stamping wrench*1, unclogging pin tool*1, grease*1, and screwdriver*1).
  • Page 28 (3-10) Lift the build plate up and take out the glue stick, power cable, power adapter and USB cable. Congratulations! You have unpacked your Finder. Next, let s move on to hardware assembly of Finder. Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com...

  • Page 29: 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. The black part isFilament Detecting E ip (4-2) Take out the filament and thread it through the filament detecting equipment.

  • Page 30: Printer Start-Up

    (4-3) 3)Insert the po power supp pply into the power inpu ut on the ba back of the F Finder and p plug the po he power cable le into an elec ectrical outle et. Then tur rn on the po ower switch.
  • Page 31 (4-6) Insert the filament from the filament guide tube into the filament intake. 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.)

  • Page 32: Unloading Filament

    4-10 Press the spring presser,and then 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 Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 33 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 400-699-1063...

  • Page 34: Chapter 5: Build Plate Leveling

    Chapter 5: Build Plate Leveling Finder creatively adopts three-point intelligent leveling system, which will give clear and comprehensive feedback to users. There are three spring-loadedknobs under the build platform. The distance between the plate and nozzle increases while tightening the knobs. On the contrary, the distance reduces.
  • Page 35 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 400-699-1063...

  • Page 36: Chapter 6: About Software

    Chapter 6: About Software This chapter talks about the basic function of FlashPrint. For more information about advanced function, you can browse our website www.FlashForge.com. 6.1 Software Installation 6.1.1 Software Acquisition Method 1: To get the installation package from the USB stick in the toolkit.

  • Page 37: Exploring Flashprint

    Note! After starting FlashPrint, you need to select the target machine type first. 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...
  • Page 38 Load files. Enter the support edit mode. 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.
  • Page 39 Bottom thickness: For tube, canister and lamp to set up bottom thickness Top diameter: For tube, canister lampand seal to set up the top diameter Bottom diameter: For tube, canister, lampand seal to set up the bottom diameter Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 40 Plane(6-5) Tube 6-6 Cansiter(6-7) Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 41 Change model views by moving, rotating, scaling. Drag Click the [View] icon and then you can move the object by the following three methods: Method 1: Hold down the left mouse button and drag. Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 42 Method 2:Clickthe [View] button on the left, click it again and you will see the viewing options, you can click [Reset]. Show Model Outline Click[View]--[Show Model Outline], it will highlight the yellow border ofthe object Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 43 In this way, you could make the model rotate on X/Y/Z axis. Method 2: Click the [Rotate] icon on the left, and then enter into rotating angel values in X/Y/Z axes positioning. Click [Reset] to reset rotating angel values. Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 44 6.2.8 Left-click on the model to select it and double-click on the [Cut] 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 400-699-1063...
  • Page 45 After loading the model, click [Edit]--[Supports] or click the Supports icon directly, then you will enter the support edit mode(as shown in the picture below). Click [Back] to exit when you finish editing. Support Options Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 46 Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 47 Move the cursor to the supports needed deleting, current supports and its subnode support will be highlighted, click the left mouse button to delete these highlighted support. 6.2.10 Print 6-12 Preview: Choose to enter preview interface or not Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 48 Shell: Contains the outside shell value, capping layer value (under vase pattern, top solid layer setting is invalid). Primeter Shells: Maximize is 10 a. Top Solid Layer: Maximize is 30, minimum is 1. Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 49 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 Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 50 .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 Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 51 Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 52 Method 1: Click [Edit]--[Select All]. Method 2: Pressthe shortcut Ctrl+A. Duplicate Select the object and duplicate the object through the following two methods: Method 1: Click [Edit]--[Duplicate] Method 2: Press the shortcut Ctrl+D Delete Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 53 [Edit]--[Supports] to enter supports setting interface. 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 Method 1 Connect Via USB Cable a.
  • Page 54 Machine]on FlashPrint. Then the following dialog box pops up. You need to select Wi-Fi in Connect Mode. Enter into the IP Address shown on the Finder touch screen and then click [Connect]. 10.10.100.254:8899 may not be the correct IP address according to your printer present status.
  • Page 55 Tap [Tools]-[Setting]-[WiFi]-[WiFi ON] to turn on the WiFi of Finder and connect your PC and Finder with the same WiFi network. Click[Print]-[Connect Machine]on FlashPrint. Then the following dialog box pops up. You need to select Wi-Fi in Connect Mode. Enter into the IP Address shown on the Finder touch screen and then click [Connect].
  • Page 56 6.2.14 Tool Menus Control Panel After connecting PC with Finder, click[Tools]--[Control Panel] to open the control panel. 6-23 Jog Controls a. Jog Mode Select the distance that extruder/build plate move a single time (that is, the distance extruder/build plate move upon your single click).
  • Page 57 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 58 After confirming the printer is in free state, the software will automatically update the firmware 6-24 Step 3 Reboot you Finder and wait for 4-5 seconds, then you can see the update Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 59 Contents], you can read the help contents. Check for Updates Click[Help]--[Check for Update]to detect the available updates online. About FlashPrint Click [Help]--[About FlashPrint], the software information box will pop up. The contents include the current software version and copyright information. Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...

  • Page 60: Chapter 7:Basic Printing

    (7-1)Double-click the icon of FlashPrint to start the software. (7-2)Click[Print]--[Machine Type] selectFlashForge 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 400-699-1063...
  • Page 61 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 400-699-1063...
  • Page 62 Gcode file. Note: .gx files are available for preview while the .g files are not. They are displaying as follows: g. Files gx. Files Next, we are going to print the model. Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...

  • Page 63: Print Methods

    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 64 Click the [Print]button, the PC will transfer the Gcode file to the printer. 7-10 After finishing transferring, the printer will heat up automatically. And when heating finishes, the print will start to build the model. Finder User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 65 7-11 7.2.3Print from USB Stick Insert your USB stick 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 theUSB Stick Card icon in the middle.
  • Page 66 2) Register a FlashForge Cloud account with your computer, on website: https://cloud.sz3dp.com/ 3) Register your account on FlashForge cloud: After activate your account through your email box, login in Flashforge cloud with your account. 4) After login in cloud with your own account, click[My printer] click[Add printer].
  • Page 67 Adven dventurer3 print ters all suppo support FlashFo ashForge Cloud oud connection. on. Using F FlashForge C Cloud conn connection to pri rint, printer rs and print jobs manag anagement can be don can be done i n batches.
  • Page 68 click ck[Print],ente er the edit m model interf rface to edit m model. 7) Se Select the pri inter for thi s print job o ob on left uppe upper position, C on, Click[Print] Click ck[Start]to st tart printing, ng, the select ted printer w will start pri inting autom...
  • Page 69 7.2.5 5 Print from m Polar Cl oud connec ection Register a Po a Polar Cloud accoun d account wi with your com mputer, on w website: https://pola ar3d.com/ Regi ister your accou account using one o ng one of the he four follow wing option ns, take the...
  • Page 70 Connec onnect the pri nter to inter rnet with W WiFi ; [Tools]-[Se Settings]-[Po Polar Cloud c onnection] on printer s s touch scre een; Inpu nput your pola ar 3D cloud account d account s E Email addre ss(as ID) an nd PIN Code, Tap ode, Tap[save save] .
  • Page 71 3 En Enter the Po e Polar Cloud h d homepage w with your co omputer aga again. Tap [Exp Explore] on the he left uppe upper corne ner showed in n the picture be e below, the en Tap [Obj ects] Ente er the object...
  • Page 72 Polar 3D Cloud accoun oud account, Flash ashforge Guide derIIS/Guide derII Finder der Invento orIIS/Invent torII Adve dventurer3 prin nters all supp support Pola ar 3D Cloud connec ud connection.
  • Page 73 5) B By using Po Polar3D Cl loud platfor rm, you can can create G G-CODE p printing job ob by upload oading your r own sliced ced print files. es. Print files s can be tra ansferred to o correspon ding print ter and prin...
  • Page 74 Click ck the printe er you want to delete. Click ck [MANAG AGE] button on on on the right t upper posit tion of this printer s de etails webpage. ebpage. Then c Then click [SETT SETTINGS] bu button on the e right uppe upper position o of the next w...

  • Page 75: Chapter 8 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.

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