Flashforge Creator3 User Manual
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Flashforge Creator3 User Manual

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FlashForge Corporation
FlashForge Creator3 3D Printer
User Guide
！ NOTE Please read FlashForge Creator3 3D Printer User Guide carefully before use. Please
well keep this User Guide for future reference.
Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com
0086- 0579-82273989

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  • Page 1 FlashForge Corporation FlashForge Creator3 3D Printer User Guide ！ NOTE Please read FlashForge Creator3 3D Printer User Guide carefully before use. Please well keep this User Guide for future reference. Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086- 0579-82273989...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Content............................2 Preface............................3 Introduction..........................4 Notice............................5 Chapter 1: 3D Printing Technology..................... 9 1.1 Process........................... 9 Chapter 2: About Creator3......................11 2.1 About Your Creator3....................11 Chapter 3：Unpacking......................35 Chapter 4: Hardware Assembly....................40 4.1 Filament Installation....................40 4.2 Printer Start-up......................41 4.3 Loading Filament......................41 4.4 Unloading Filament.....................

  • Page 3: Preface

    FlashForge Creator3. 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 Creator3 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 Creator3 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

    ① Always use the Creator3 with a properly grounded outlet. Do not refit Creator3 plug. ② Do not use Creator3 in damp or wet locations. Do not expose Creator3 to burning sun. ③ In case of device damage, please use the power supply provided by FlashForge.
  • Page 6 The device must be placed in a dry and ventilated environment. The distances of the left, right and back side space should be at least 20cm, and the distance of the front side space should be at least 35cm. Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 7 · Filament Requirements 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 at clean and dry conditions.
  • Page 8 Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. This document contains proprietary information protected by copyright. Copyright © 2018 FlashForge Corp. All Rights Reserved Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...

  • 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 Creator3 uses. It works by melting plastic material called filament onto a print surface in high temperature. The filament solidifies after it cools down, which happens instantaneously after it is extruded from the nozzle.
  • Page 10 Creator3 via USB stick, Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable. 1.1.3 Build the 3D Model: Once the output file has been transferred to your Creator3, it will start to turn the 3D model into a physical object by laying down layers of filament.

  • Page 11: Chapter 2: About Creator3

    Chapter 2: About Creator3 2.1 About Your Creator3 2.1.1 Views Front Left Right Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 12 15. Right Spool Box Handle 4. Right Extruder 10. Right Filament Intake 16. Ethernet Cable Input 5. Left Extruder 11. Left Filament Intake 17. Power Input 6. Nozzle Brush 12. Left Spool Box Cover 18. Power Switch Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 13 2.1.2 Terms The surface on which the Creator3 builds an object. Build Plate The blue tape that covers Creator3’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 14 Nozzle Diameter 0.4mm Print Speed 10~200 mm/s Software FlashPrint 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 627*485*615mm Net Weight 40Kg AC Input Input: 100V-240VAC, 47-63Hz Power: 500W Connectivity USB Stick, WiFi, Ethernet, Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 15  Back Print interface  Abort: To abort the print job.  Pause/Resume: To suspend or resume the print job. Left/Right Extruder temperature: Can be changed during printing. Platform temperature: Can be changed during printing. Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 16 Z axis position To set the printing speed during printing: Tap [Yes] to save the setting while tap [No] to cancel the setting. Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 17 Tap the [Start] button to heat up to the target temperature. The default temperature is Extruder 220℃ and Platform 100℃. Tap the temperature display bar to set the temperature. Tools Tap [Tools] to enter the tools interface . Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 18 6.Status: To check the real-time status of the printer. 7.About: Information about the printer. 8.Back Filament 1.Load； 2.Unload； 3.Load-Left Extruder； 4.Load-Right Extruder； 5.Unload-Left Extruder； 6.Unload-Right Extruder； 7.Begin:Tap [Begin] to start load/unload filament on Left/Right extruder. 8.Back. Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 19 Cancel:Tap [Cancel] button to abort preheat job. f. Back. g. Done: Operate according instruction on the touch screen,tap [Done] to finish filament load. h. Done: Operate according instruction on the touch screen,tap [Done] to finish filament unload. Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 20 Repeat the steps 5 to 8 to do the next two until you see [Finish]. points leveling Tap [Finish] to complete leveling. Note: By tapping [Next Step]，you can skip the point’s leveling, this will affect leveling result or printing effect. Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 21 Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 22  X+: The extruder moves to the zero points, that is, to the right direction.  X-: The extruder moves to the direction opposite to the X+.  Z+: The build plate descends.  Z-: The build plate elevates.  Back Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 23 9. Calibration: To adjust the initial distance between the extruder and the build plate. 10. Light Bar Control: To turn on/off the light bar control. 11. Factory Reset: Return to factory setting. 12. Update: To update the firmware version. Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 24 Tap to choose the display language. Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 25 WiFi Turn on the WiFi. Choose a wifi signal and input the passwords, then printer can be connected to internet. Back Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 26  Setup Wlan hotspot: To set the SSID and password. SSID: The name of hotspot. Password: The password of hotspot. Save: To save the setting. Back Door Opened Pause To turn on/off the Door Opened Pause. Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 27 Filament abnormal status won’t be detected when filament is used up or suspended. [Filament Check] function should be used with filament in the filament cartridge.This function is invalid if using filament out of the cartridge. Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 28 Z Calibration 1. Z axis calibration 2. Tap to cancel Z axis calibration 3. Z axis calibration completed. Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 29 X axis in the middle of the platform at coordinates(0,-100). 4. Choose whether the two lines coincide: Tap [next] to choose whether the two lines coincide: Yes/No. Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 30 2.Extruder begins to heat up. 3.Extruder begins to do the calibration： Right extruder prints a base line perpendicular to Y axis in the middle of the platform at coordinates(100,0), then left extruder prints a base line Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 31 Tap [Skip] button will skip the prompts and directly adjust deviation value. Tap [Recalibration] button to do the calibration. After recalibration, if the two lines coincide, click the [OK] button. Y axis calibration completed. Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 32 Factory Reset Tap to return to factory setting. Update Tap to update the firmware version. Before use this function, you need to connect the printer to internet with WIFI or Ethernet cable first. Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 33 About It displays the basic information about the device. Note: Please provide the printer serial number to aftersales when your printer need maintenance. Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 34 Accessories Filament Power Cable Quick Start Guide USB stick Allen Wrench Screwdriver Solid Glue Stamping Wrench Unclogging Pin Tool After-sales service card Grease Teflon Tube Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...

  • Page 35: Chapter 3：Unpacking

    Chapter 3：Unpacking This chapter will present you the whole unpacking procedure of Creator3 3D printer. (Note: Make sure you read the whole unpacking guide) (3-1) Place the packaging box on a clean work surface (Mind the upwards direction) Open the box, take out the protective foam on the top.
  • Page 36 （3-3）T , remove （3-4）Remove the box and foam on the bottom the wrapping plastic bag. Now, exterior package of Creator 3 have all been removed. （3-5） Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 37 USB stick*1, nozzle brush*2). （3-7）Remove the blue fastening tape on the front door and open front door, take out the front foam from the printer, on the front foam sheet, you can see: filament*2, Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 38 （3-9）Take out power cable and plug the power cable into the input on the back and turn on the power switch. Press the touch screen button and tap [Tools]. Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 39 Tap [Manual], then Tap [Z-] to partially elevate the build plate. （3-10） 3-11 （ 3-11 ） Remove the bottom foam pieces under the platform. Congratulations! You have unpacked your Creator3. Next, let’s move on to hardware assembly of Creator3. Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...

  • Page 40: Chapter 4: Hardware Assembly

    Your Creator3 has been installed before leaving factory, you can start up the Creator3 for printing after mounting the filament spool and completing leveling. 4.1 Filament Installation (4-1) The filament cartridge is on both sides of Creator3. Lift the cartridge out of the Creator3. Filament Detecting Equipment in the black.

  • Page 41: Printer Start-Up

    4.2 Printer Start-up (4-3) Insert the power supply into the power input on the back of the Creator3 and plug the power cord into an electrical outlet. 4.3 Loading Filament For stable filament loading and proper device protection, you need to install the filament guide tube properly.
  • Page 42 (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 43: 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 Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 44 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. Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...

  • Page 45: Chapter 5: Build Plate Leveling

    (5-2) Tap to choose extruder adjust level: Use Left or Right extruder to do the leveling. (5-3) Wait while the extruder and platform finish initial movements, Extruder move to the first point to do the leveling. Wait for the extruder verifying distance between nozzle and plate. Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 46 (5-6) Repeat the above steps to do the next two points leveling until you see [Finish]. Tap [Finish] to complete leveling. Note: You can skip the point’s leveling by tapping [Next Step] if you think levling is already OK, this may affect leveling result or printing effect. Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...

  • Page 47: 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 48 When you start FlashPrint, a dialog box will pop up. Just select FlashForge Creator3 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 Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com...
  • Page 49 Load files. Enter the support edit mode Print it directly with your Creator3 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 50 Bottom thickness: For tube, canister and lamp to set up bottom thickness Top diameter: For tube, canister lamp and seal to set up the top diameter Bottom diameter: For tube, canister, lamp and seal to set up the bottom diameter Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 51 Plane (6-5) Tube（6-6） Canister (6-7) Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 52 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. Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 53 [Reset]. ④Show Model Outline Click [View]--[Show Model Outline], it will highlight the yellow border of the object Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 54 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. Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 55 6.2.8 [Cut] Left-click on the model to select it and double-click on the icon to set the cut plane. The direction and position are available for setting. ①Draw with Mouse ②X Plane Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 56 ③Y Plane ④Z Plane 6.2.9 Extruder Choose to use Left/Right extruder to print the model, first tap the model twice and tap extruder button in FlashPrint twice, then choose Left/Right extruder to print the model. Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 57 Creator3 can print two identical models simultaneously: Tap and choose the model, then tap [Use Dual Extruder(Duplicate)] to auto duplicate model to two same models, the two models are aligned in the same direction and extruders are moving in the same direction; Tap [Use Dual Extruder(Mirror)] to auto mirror duplicate the model to two models, the two models are aligned in the opposite direction and extruders are moving along the X axis, doing mirror movements.
  • Page 58 Creator3 can print a model with two extruders cooperating with each other, tap to choose Left/Right extruder when slicing. NOTE: Before using dual extruder duplicate or mirror printing, Creator3 must do Z axis calibration first; Before using two extruders cooperate to print a model, Creator3 must do Z axis, X axis and Y axis calibration first.
  • Page 59 (if support surface doesn’t need support or the support column angle is too large, will Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 60 6.2.11 Print 6-12 ①Preview: Choose to enter preview interface or not ②Print when slice done: Print or not when slice done Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 61 ● Shells: Contains the outside shell value, capping layer value (under vase pattern, top solid layer setting is invalid.) a. Perimeter Shells: Maximum is 10. b.Top Solid Layer: Maximum is 30, minimum is 1. Bottom Solid Layer: Maximum is 30, minimum is 1. Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 62 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 Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 63 Method 1: [File]--[Save Project] Click in the menu bar to save the file as a project file with the “.fpp” suffix, all models in the scene (include support) are independent. After Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 64 ● Auto layout newly-imported model: Set Yes or No. ● Preferred Extruder: Right/Left Extruder. ● Printing Window Type: Including Basic Mode and Expert Mode Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 65 Select the object and duplicate the object through the following two methods: Method 1: Click [Edit]--[Duplicate] Method 2: Press the shortcut Ctrl+D ⑥ Delete Select the object and delete the object through the following two methods: Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 66 [Edit]--[Supports] to enter supports setting interface. 6.2.14 Print Menus ① Connect Machine You can connect the Creator3 with your PC via Ethernet Cable or WiFi. Note: The machine icon on the bottom right displays the connection status: Connected Disconnected Method 1：Connect Via Ethernet Cable a.
  • Page 67 Method 2：Connect Via WiFi ①Connect Creator3 with your PC under AP mode a.Turn on your Creator3 b. Tap [Tools]-[Setting]-[WLan hotspot]-[WLan hotspot ON]. c. Click on the wireless network setting in your computer, and find the wireless [Connect] signal-“Creator3”. Click to connect your computer with Creator3 via Wlan hotspot.
  • Page 68 ②Connect Creator3 with your PC under STA mode a. Tap [Tools]-[Setting]-[WiFi]-[WiFi ON] to turn on the WiFi of Creator3 and connect your computer and Creator3 with the same WiFi signal. [Print]-[Connect Machine] b. Click on FlashPrint. Then the following dialog box pops up.
  • Page 69 ③Check for Updates ： Click [Help]--[Check for Update] to detect the available updates online. ④ About FlashPrint ： Click [Help]--[About FlashPrint], the software information box will pop up. The contents include the current software version and copyright information. Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...

  • Page 70: Chapter 7: Basic Printing

    FlashForge Creator3 (7-2) Click to select [Load] (7-3)Click the icon to load a .stl model file and the object will display on the build area. [Edit]--[Surface to Platform] to make your model perfectly positioned （7-4）Click Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 71 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. Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...
  • Page 72 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. Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...

  • Page 73: Print Methods

    7.2 Print Methods After generating the Gcode file, you can transfer it to your Creator3. You can transfer the file through Ethernet Cable or WiFi or USB stick. 7.2.1 Print from Computer ( Ethernet Cable connection) ①Connect your Creator3 with your PC via a Ethernet cable.(Please refer to 6.2.13 ) ②Turn on your Creator3, level the build plate and load the filament.

  • Page 74: Print From Computer (Wifi Connection)

    7.2.2 Print from Computer (WiFi connection) ① Connect your Creator3 with your PC via WiFi. Enter into the IP Address shown on your Creator3 interface and then click [Connect]. ② Turn on your Creator3, level the build plate and load the filament.
  • Page 75 ● Click the [Print] button, the PC will transfer the Gcode file to the printer. 7-10 7-10 Creator3 User Guide | www.flashforge.com 400-699-1063...

  • Page 76: Print From Usb Stick

    7-11 7.2.3 Print from USB Stick ①Insert your USB stick with target .g or .gx file to your Creator3. . ②Turn on the Creator3. Make sure the build plate has been leveled and the filament is loaded. [Print] USB Stick ③...

  • Page 77: Chapter 8: Supports And Service

    FlashForge team is on standby and ready to help you with any challenges you may have with your Creator3. If the issues or questions are not covered in this User Guide, you can seek for solutions on our official website or contact us via telephone.

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