Zhejiang Flashforge 3D Technology INVENTOR Inventor User Manual

Zhejiang Flashforge 3D Technology CO., Ltd. Inventor Users Manual

User Manual

Flashforge CorporationInventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086- 0579-822739891Flashforge Inventor 3D PrinterUser Guide
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐822739892ContentContent............................................................................................................................ 2Introduction..................................................................................................................... 5Notice.............................................................................................................................. 6Chapter 1: 3D Printing Technology.................................................................................91.1 Process................................................................................................................9Chapter 2 . About Inventor............................................................................................ 112.1 About Your Inventor......................................................................................... 112.1.1 Main view:.....................................................................................................11Chapter 3. Unpacking....................................................................................................15Chapter 4 . Hardware Assembly....................................................................................174.1 Mounting the Extruder Set............................................................................... 184.2 Installing Filament............................................................................................194.3 Plugging in Power Cord&USB Cable..............................................................204.4 Loading and Unloading Filament.....................................................................21Chapter 5: Build Plate Leveling.................................................................................... 26Chapter 6: About Software............................................................................................286.1 Software Installation........................................................................................ 296.2 Exploring FlashPrint........................................................................................ 29Chapter 7: Printing........................................................................................................ 547.1 Single-Extrusion and Dual-Extrusion Print......................................................547.2 Methods of printing..........................................................................................60Chapter 8: Advanced Printing....................................................................................... 658.1 Skills on Supports.............................................................................................738.2 Control over Printing Quality...........................................................................80Chapter 9: Supports and Service................................................................................... 85
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐822739893PrefaceNote: Each device must be tested before leave factory. If there are some residues in extruder orsome tiny scratches on the build tape, it is normal and won’t reduce the printing quality.On the completion of this User Guide, thanks all Flashforge engineers and theFlashforge 3D printer users for their unremitting efforts and sincere assistance.The Flashforge Inventor User Guide is designed for the Inventor users to start theirprinting journey with Flashforge Inventor. Even if you are familiar with earlierFlashforge machines or 3D printing technology, we still recommend that you readthrough this guide, as there is lots of important information about the Inventor for youto get a better 3D experience.For a better and more successful printing experience, you can refer to the followingmaterials:(1) Quick Start GuideUsers will find the Quick Start Guide together with the printer accessories. The QuickStart Guide will help you start your print journey as soon as possible.(2) Official Flashforge Website:http://www.flashforge.comThe official Flashforge website contains the up-to-date information concerningFlashforge software, firmware, device maintenance and so on. Uses are also able to getthe contact information from there.
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐822739894FCC STATEMENT :This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to thefollowing two conditions:(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must acceptany interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.Warning: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsiblefor compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for aClass B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designedto provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residentialinstallation. This equipment generates uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and,if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmfulinterference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interferencewill not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmfulinterference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning theequipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by oneor more of the following measures:　Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.　Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.　Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which thereceiver is connected.　Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.FCC Radiation Exposure Statement:This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for anuncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated withminimum distance 20cm between the radiator & your body.
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐822739895IntroductionNotes：The Flashforge Inventor 3D Printer User Guide contains the information needed foryou to set up and use this device.This User Guide including the following parts: Preface, Introduce and after-saleservice.The Preface section includes resource acquisition channel, the overall framework ofthe manual, and the problems that should be paid attention to printing.The introduction section contains the plate 3D printing technology, equipmentintroduction, unpacking and installation of equipment, software installation an use.After sale section contains the user how to get the support and help.·Please read Flashforge Inventor 3D Printer User Guide carefully before use.·The User Guide is written based on Windows 7 OS.·The version of the Flashprint is latest.
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐822739896NoticeSafety Notice!Notices: Read all the instructions in the manual and familiarize yourself with theFlashforge Inventor User Guide before set-up and use. Failure to comply with thewarning and instructions may result in individual injury, fire, equipment damage orproperty damage.PLEASE STRICTLY FOLLOW ALL THE SAFETY WARNINGS AND NOTICEBELOW ALL THE TIME.· Work Environment Safety①Keep your work place tidy.②Do not operate Inventor in the presence of flammable liquids, gases or dust.③Store Inventor out of reach of children and untrained people.· Electrical Safety①Always use the Inventor with a properly grounded outlet. Do not modify Inventorplug.②Do not use Inventor in damp or wet locations. Do not expose Inventor to burningsun.③Do not abuse the cord.④Avoid using the device during an electric storm.⑤In case of uncertain accident, please unplug the device if you do not use it for long.·Personal Safety①Do not touch the nozzle and build plate during printing.
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐822739897②Do not touch the nozzle after finish printing.③Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Keep your hair, clothing andgloves away from moving parts.④Do not operate the device while you are tired or under the influence of drugs,alcohol or medication.· Cautions①Do not leave the device unattended for long.②Do not make any modifications to the device.③To lower the build plate before loading/unloading filament. (The distance betweenthe nozzle and build plate should be kept for at least 50mm)④Operate the device in a well-ventilated environment.⑤Never use the device for illegal activities.⑥Never use the device to make any food storage vessels.⑦Never use the device to make any electrical appliance.⑧Never put the model into your mouth.⑨Do not remove the models with force.· Environment RequirementsTemperature: RT 15-30℃Moisture: 20%-70%· Filament RequirementsDo not abuse the filament. Please make sure you use the Flashforge filament or thefilament from the brands accepted by Flashforge.· Filament Storage
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐822739898All polymers degrade with time. Do not unpack until filament is needed. Filamentshould be stored at room clean and in dry conditions.Legal NoticeAll the information in this document is subject to any amendment or change withoutthe official authorization from Flashforge.FLASHFORGE CORPORATION MAKES NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND WITHREGARD TO THIS DOCUMENT, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THEIMPLIED WARRATIES OF MERCHANTA- BILITY AND FITNESS FOR APARTICULAR PURPOSE.Flashforge shall not be liable for errors contained herein for incidental consequentialdamages in connection with furnishing, performance or use of this materialThis document contains proprietary information protected by copyright.Copyright © 2016 Flashforge Corp. All Rights Reserved
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐822739899Chapter 1: 3D Printing Technology3D printing is transforming three-dimensional models into physical objects that youcan hold and touch. It is also called additive manufacturing because the 3D model iscreated by “adding” layers upon layers of material until the object is fully formed.Fused Filament Fabrication(FFF) is the most common method of 3D printing. It is alsothe method that the Inventor uses. It works by melting plastic material called filamentonto a print surface in high temperature. The filament solidifies after it cools down,which happens instantaneously after it is extruded from the nozzle. 3D objects areformed with the filament laying down multiple layers.1.1 Process3D printing involves three steps:1.) Make or download a 3D model2.) Slice and export the 3D model3.) Build the 3D model1.1.1 Make a 3D ModelCurrently, there are three ways of creating a 3D model.·Designing From Scratch You can use free CAD (computer-aided design) softwaresuch as 3DTADA, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Pro-E, and our own software Happy 3D todesign your own 3D model.·3D Scanners An alternative method to creating a 3D model is to scan anobject. 3D scanners work by digitizing a physical object, collecting its geometric data,and saving it to a file on your PC. There are also apps that can turn a mobile device
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398910into a 3D scanner.·From the Cloud The most popular way of obtaining a 3D model is to download itfrom websites that allow users to upload 3D models that they designed.E.g. www. thingiverse.com1.1.2 Slice and Export the 3D ModelSlice software is the software that prepares 3D models for printing and turns them intoinstructions for the 3D printers. FlashPrint is the slicing software used for theFlashForge Inventor.Using FlashPrint, you can prepare stl. files to be g. or gx. files for printing. Then thefiles can be transferred to your Inventor via USB cable, USB stick or Wi-Fi.1.1.3 Build the 3D ModelOnce the output file has been transferred to your Inventor, it will start to turn the 3Dmodel into a physical object by laying down layers of filament.
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398911Chapter 2 . About Inventor2.1 About Your Inventor2.1.1 Main view: 1. Camera2. Extruder fan3. Timing belt4. Vent5. Build plate6. Filament7. Power input8. Power switch9. Touch screen10. Reset button11. USB input12. SD card input13. Extruder intake14. Spring presser15. Extruder fun16. Z axis guide17. Ventilating fan18. NozzleExtruder ComponentWhole Machine
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐82273989122.1.2 Accessory Boxfilament*2 Power Cord USB Cord Vent*2Fan Baffle Cap Kit Box Build Sheet Quick State GuideTweezers SD Card Leveling Sheet ScrewdriverScraper Screw Box Carving Knife Stamping WrenchUnclog Tool Hex wrench（1.5、2.0、2.5、3.0mm）
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐82273989132.1.3 TermsBuild Plate The glass surface on which the Inventor builds anobject.Build Tape The blue tape that covers Inventor’s build plate so thatthe object can adhere to the build plate well.Build Volume The three dimensional amount of space that an objectwill use once it is completed. The largest build volumeof Inventor is 230*150*140mm.Leveling Knobs Knobs under the build platform that used for adjust thedistance between the nozzle and build plate.Extruder The device that draws the filament from the spool,melts it and pushes it through a nozzle onto the buildplate.Nozzle Also called “print head”, which located at the bottom ofthe extruder where heated filament is squeezed out.Extruder Fan To cool the outer assembly of the extruder and gearmotorFilament Intake An opening located at the top of the extruder .Filament Guide Tube A black plastic piece that guides the filament from thefilament box to the filament intakeFilament Cartridge A specific box for placing Flashforge filamentUnclog Tool A tool that used for cleaning the extruderStamping Wrench A tool that used for seizing the nozzle’s metal cube
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐82273989142.1.4 ReferenceName InventorNumber of Extruder 2Print Technology Fused Filament Fabrication(FFF)Screen 3.5’’ color IPS Touch ScreenBuild Volume 230*150*140mmLayer Resolution 0.05-0.4mmPrint Accuracy ±0.1mmPositioning Accuracy Z axis 0.0025mm; XY axis 0.011mmFilament Diameter 1.75mm（±0.07）Nozzle Diameter 0.4mmBuild Speed 30~200mm/sSoftware FlashPrintSupport Formats 3MF/STL/OBJ/FPP/BMP/PNG/JPG/JPEG;GX/GOS Win xp/Vista/7/8/10、Mac OS、LinuxProdcut Dimensions 485*344*382(402)mmNet Weight 10.7KgAC Input 100-240V~/4.5A-2.5AConnectivity USB cable, USB stick, WIFI
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398915Chapter 3. Unpacking(Reference video:Unpacking)This chapter will present you the whole unpacking procedure of Inventor 3Dprinter.(Note: Make sure you read the whole unpacking guide)1. （3-1）Put Inventor package on the clean, tidy workbench,using a knife to cut thetape ,then you can see two quick start guide,which will guide you know our Inventor3D Printer.3-12. （3-2）Remove the top protective foam pieces, which also houses the Inventor’slid. Set this aside for now. The Inventor unit will then be exposed.3-2
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐82273989163. （3-3）Lift the Inventor by its side openings and place it on a flat surface. ThenYou will see the Expert Kit,power cord,andUSB cable in the shipping box. In theExpert Kit, you can find a Carving Knife, a Scraper, Tweezers, a Sensor line anda Screw Box. What's more. a SD card and some screws, Wrenches in the Box.3-34.（3-4）The Inventor will have an accessory box on top of it, which will house theextruder set. Remove the box and the foam pad from the Inventor, and gently lay theextruder set on the Inventor build plate.Inside the accessory box, you will find an SD card,asidefanduct,andtwo piecesof removable side panels.3-45. (3-5) Move the build plate up carefully.
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐82273989173-56. (3-6)Take out the PLA filament and ABS filament carefully which is under thebuild plate.3-6(3-7)You’ve finished unpacking your Inventor. Next we will move on to the hardwareassembly.3‐7
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398918Chapter 4 . Hardware AssemblyThe Inventor comes pre-assembled and is almost ready-to-print (ARP). All you needto do is set the appropriate voltage, mount the extruder set, and install the filament. Itwill only take between 5 to 10 minutes before you can fire up the Inventor andprepare for your first 3D print!4.1 Mounting the Extruder Set4-1(4-1) Lay the extruder set on top of the extruder seat with the two extruder fans facingthe front.(4-2) Secure the extruder set onto the extruder seat by using two M3x12 from thebottom up.4‐2
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398919(4-3) Install the side fan duct. To do this, find the side fan duct and attach it onto theleft side of the extruder set. Secure it with the supplied M3x8 screw.Tip: place the M3x12 screw through the mounting hole of the extruder seat first.Afterwards, align the extruder set and tighten.4.2 Installing Filament(4-4) Lock the filament in place by securing it with the filament spool holder andturning it counter-clockwise.4‐34‐4
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398920(4-5) Feed the filament through the filament guide tube. Attach the guide tube ontothe two filament guide tube brackets.(4-6) Stick the build sheet to the build plate after installing filament, as picture shows.4.3 Plugging in Power Cord&USB Cable(4-7) Locate the power cord, and plug it into the Inventor.Optional: Locate the USB cord and plug one end into the Inventor and the other into4‐54‐64‐7
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398921your computer. The Inventor supports USB .4.4 Loading and Unloading FilamentFilament must pass through the extruder and into the heating block in order to bemelted. In this user guide, we will demonstrate loading and unloading filament usingthe left side extruder.Loading filament:(4-8) Remove the lid of the Inventor4-9(4-9) From the main menu, press the right icon labeled [Tools ].4‐8
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398922(4-10)Select [ Filament ] and [ Load Left ].4-11(4-11)Wait for the extruder to heat up to the operating temperature. The extruder willalert you once it is at the operating temperature. Load the filament by inserting it intothe extruder at an upright angle.(4-12) Filament will start to extrude out of the nozzle. Continue loading to ensure thatthe filament is extruding in a straight line. Refer to the troubleshooting section if thefilament is extruding at an angle.4‐104‐12
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398923Unloading filament:4-13(4-13) Remove the lid of the Inventor4-14(4-14) From the main menu, press the right icon labeled [Tools].(4-15) Select [ Filament ] and [Unload Left ].4-16
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398924
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐82273989254-17(4-16)Wait for the extruder to heat up to the operating temperature. The extruder willalert you once it is at the operating temperature.（4-17）Unload the filament by gentlyguiding it out of the extruder.
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398926Chapter 5: Build Plate LevelingA correctly leveled build plate will almost always guarantee a quality 3D object.When printed objects have issues, the first step to diagnose is to check anddouble-check to make sure the build plate is leveled. A general rule of thumb is toleave a gap that is the thickness of a piece of paper. However, for printing finerobjects (150 micron and lower), please use a feeler gauge to level the build plate as itrequires a lesser gap between the nozzle and the build plate.The Inventor utilizes a three-point leveling system for its build plate. At the bottom ofthe build plate, there is one spring-loaded knob in the front and two in the back.Tightening the screw will create a bigger gap between the build plate and the nozzlewhile loosening it will create lesser gap.5-11. （5-1）From the main menu, select [Tools] and [Level]. The extruder and the buildplate will begin to move to the starting position.5-2
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐82273989272. （5-2）Take out the leveling card (QR-Code for leveling video can be scanned)5-33. （5-3）Once the extruder and build plate stops moving, slide the piece of papercontinuously back and forth between the nozzle and the build plate. Andsimultaneously adjust the knob just enough so that the paper causes a slight friction.5-44. （5-4）Press [NEXT]and wait for the extruder to move to the second position.Slide the paper back and forth again, and adjust the screw to create the same amountof friction as the previous step.5-5
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐82273989285. （5-5）Press [NEXT]again and repeat the same leveling technique.5-66. （5-6）Press [NEXT]. The nozzle will move to the center of the build plate. Slidethe paper through to make sure there is a slight friction. Slowly adjust all the screwsby the same amount if there is no friction or too much friction.5-77. （5-7）Press [FINISH]once you have finished this.25
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398929Chapter 6: About Software6.1 Software Installation6.1.1 Software AcquisitionMethod 1: To get the installation package from the SD Card in the toolkit.Method 2: Open the link below to download the installation package:http://www.flashforge.comSupport---Downloads---Flashprint---chose the software version---download6.1.2 Software Installation and Start-up1. Decompress the zipped file or start the installation program, and then install thesoftware according to the direction.2. Start the software with the start menu shortcut or by clicking the software icon.(See6-1)6-16.2 Exploring FlashPrint6. 2.1 Machine Type Selection! After starting FlashPrint, you need to select the target machine type first.
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398930When you start FlashPrint, a dialog box will pop up. Just need to select FlashforgeInventor in the machine type list and click [OK]. You can also change the machinetype via clicking [Print]--[Machine type]. Please see graphic 6-2:6-26.2.2 Flashprint MenusLoad one or multiple files.Enter the support edit modeView FlashPrint home screen from one of six viewing angles.Move model around on xy-plane; shift+click to move along z axisTurn and rotate your modelScale the size of your object6‐3
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐82273989316.2.3 LoadingYou can load a model file or Gcode file into your Flashprint by the following sixmethods:Method 1: Click the Load icon on the main interface. Then select theobject file.Method 2: Select the file for loading and drag the file to the main interface of thesoftware.Method 3: Click [File]--[Load File]. Then select the object file for loading.Method 4: Click [File]--[Examples]to load the example filesMethod 5: Click [File]--[Recent Files]to load the files opened recently.Method 6: Select and drag the target file to the icon of Flashprint.Note: .STL, .OBJ, .3MF and .FPP,ways to store 3D models, are supported byFlashprint for editing.Generating RilievoLoading a png, jpg, jpeg, bmp picture file into the FlashPrint. And the followingdialogue box(6-4) will pop up. The setting box includes settings for shape, mode,maximum thickness, base thickness, bottom thickness,width, height, top diameter andbottom diameter.Shape: including plane, tube, canister and lamp.Mode: including “darker is higher”and “lighter is higher”.Maximum thickness: Z value of the modelBase thickness: The minimum raft thickness and the default value is 0.5mmCut the model into several partsPrint it directly with your Inventor or export to your USB stick.
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398932Width: X value of the modelDepth: Y value of the modelBottom thickness: For tube, canister, lamp and stea to set up bottom thicknessTop diameter: For tube, canister, lamp and stea to set up the top diameterBottom diameter: For tube, canister, lamp and stea to set up the bottom diameterPlane 6-56‐4
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398933Tube 6-6Cansiter 6-7
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398934Lamp 6-8Seal 6-96.2.4 Views①Changing viewsChange model views by moving, rotating, scaling.●DragClick the [View] icon and then you can move the object by the followingthree methods:
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398935Method 1: Hold down the left mouse button and drag.Method 2: Hold down the middle mouse button and drag.Method 3: Hold down the Shift key, hold down the right mouse button and drag.●RotateClick the [View] icon and then you can rotate the object by the followingtwo methods:Method 1. Hold down the right mouse button and drag.Method 2. Hold down the Shift key, hold down the left mouse button and drag.●ScaleRotate the mouse wheel to enlarge or shrink the build plate.②Set ViewAllows users to view the object on the build plate. Six views are under the view menu,that is, home view, bottom view, top view, front view, back view, left view and rightview.Method 1: Click the the [View] button, there are six views in the drop- down listMethod 2: Click the the [Look] icon on the left, click it again and asubmenu will appear with six views for selecting.③Reset ViewAllow users to reset views by the following two methods:Method 1: Click the [View] menu and select [Home View]Method 2: Click the [View]button on the left, click it again and you will see theviewing options, you can click [Reset].④Show Model OutlineClick [View]--[Show Model Outline], it will highlight the yellow border of theobject
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398936⑤Show Steep OverhangClick [View]--[Show Steep Overhang]. When the intersection angle between themodel surface and horizontal line is within the overhang threshold value, the surfacehas steep overhang and it becomes red in the software. Overhang threshold valuecould be set as needed. The default value is 45 degree.6.2.5 MoveSelect the object and move the object by the following two methods:Method 1: Click the [Move] icon on the left, hold down the left mousebutton and drag to adjust the location of the model in XY direction. Hold down theShift key, hold down the left mouse button and drag to adjust the location of themodel in Z direction. The distance and the direction of the movement shall bedisplayed.Method 2: Click the [Move]button on the left and then enter the distance value.Click [Reset]to reset distance values.Note: Users shall click [Center] and [On Platform] after the location adjustment toensure the model(s) be within the build area and on the build platform. If a specifiedposition is needed, only to click [On Platform].6.2.6 RotateSelect the target object and rotate the object by the following two methods:Method 1: Click the [Rotate] icon on the left and three mutuallyperpendicular rings appear around the object Click one ring and rotate on the presentaxis, you will see the rotation angle and direction in the center of circle. In this way,you could make the model rotate on X/Y/Z axis.
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398937Method 2: Click the [Rotate] icon on the left, and then enter into rotatingangel values in X/Y/Z axes positioning. Click [Reset] to reset rotating angel values.6.2.7 ScaleSelect the target object and scale the object by the following two methods:Method 1: Click the [Scale] icon on the left, hold down the left mouse buttonand scale the model. The corresponding values will display near the object..Method 2: Click the [Scale] icon on the left and then enter into scale valuesin X/Y/Z axes positioning. Click the [Maximum] button to get largest size possiblefor building. Click [Reset] to reset the size of model.Note: If the [Uniform Scaling] radio button is clicked, it will scale the model in equalproportion when changing value in any positioning of the model. Otherwise it willonly change the value of the corresponding positioning.6.2.8 CutLeft-click on the model to select it and double-click on the Cut icon to set the cutplane. The direction and position are available for setting.①Draw with Mouse
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398938②XPlane③YPlane④ZPlane6.2.9 Extruder(6-10) Choose L/R extruder to print, pitch on the model,click on two times,now you can set extruder .
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐82273989396-106.2.10 SupportsAfter loading the model, click [Edit]--[Supports]or click the Supports icondirectly, then you will enter the support edit mode(6-11). Click [Back]to exit whenyou finish editing.6-11①Support OptionsClick the Support Options, an option box will appear, supports options include“treelike”and “linear”, when choose “treelike”, click [OK], then the support generatedwill be treelike structure; when choose “linear”, click [OK], then the supportgenerated will be linear structure; if the model already had support, when you choose
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398940one of the supports options,software will judge whether existing supports need to bedeleted or not depend on the type of existing support, and will pop up thecorresponding prompt to let you make the choice.6-12②Auto SupportsClick the [Auto Supports] button, the software will judge the position where supportsare needed and generate corresponding treelike or linear supports. If the modelalready had support, the existing supports will be deleted and new supports will begenerated.③Add SupportsSupports will be added once clicking the [Add]button. Move the cursor to theposition where needs supports, left-click to choose the starting point of supports, holddown the left mouse button and drag the mouse the supports preview will show up(ifsupport surface doesn’t need support or the support column angle is too large, willhighlight the support review ).Loosen the left mouse button, if support column doesn’tmeet with model, then support will be generated on origin and terminal point(thehighlighted preview support won’t generate support structure )
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398941④Clear SupportsClick [Clear Supports], all supports will be deleted. The operation can be repealedvia clicking [Undo] or pressing the shortcut key Ctrl+Z.⑤Delete SupportsSupports will be deleted once clicking the [Delete]button. Move the cursor to thesupports needed deleting, current supports and its child node support will behighlighted, click the left mouse button to delete these highlighted support.6.2.11 Print①Preview: Choose to enter preview interface or not②Print when slice done: Print or not when slice done6‐13
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398942③Material type: Choose according to the type of model④Supports: When print with model contains part hanging in the air or top-heavy,support is necessary. Click [supports] to create support part for the printing.⑤Raft: This function will help the model to stick well on the platform.⑥Wall: During dual color printing, this function will help to clear the leakingfilament of another extruder.⑦Vase Mode: No capping for the model⑧Resolution：You have three resolution solution(with default setting)to choose from,high resolution is corresponding with slow printing speed, opposite for the lowresolution.For PLA printing, an extra solution “Hyper” is available.⑨More options: Click [More options] to set for layer, shell, infill, speed andtemperature. Different resolution solution is corresponding to different defaults, click[Restore Defaults] to back to default setting.●Layera. Layer: Layer thickness of the printing model. With a small number, thesurface of the model will be more smooth.b. First Layer Height: This is the first layer of the model, which will affect thesticking performance between the model and platform. Maximize is 0.4mm, usuallythe default is ok.c. Shell: Contains of the outside shell number, capping layer number (under vasepattern, top solid layer setting is invalid.)●Primeter Shells: Maximize is 10a. Top Solid Layer: Maximize is 10, minimum is 1.b. Bottom Solid Layer: Maximize is 10, minimum is 1.●Infill
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398943a. Fill Density means fill rate.b. Fill Pattern is the pattern of filling shape which effects printing duration.c. Combine Infill: You can select the layers for combining according to the layer thickness.The combined thickness should not exceed 0.4mm. “Every N layers” is for all the infills while“Every N inner layers” is only for inner infills, which generally can save print time.6-14●Speeda. Print Speed is the moving speed of the extruder. Generally, the lower speed is,the better print you will get. For PLA printing, 80 is recommended.b. Support Print Speed is needed to set when choosing Slic3r as theslice engine which can control the moving speed of the extruder when printingthe supports.c. Travel Speed is to control the moving speed of the extruder undernon-printing Status during work. for PLA printing, 100 is recommended.Note: Modify parameters settings to get better prints as different models needdifferent parameters.●TemperatureExtruder Temperature: Recommended extruder temperature is 230℃.Note: Different temperatures have subtle influences in prints. Please adjust thetemperature according to the condition in order to get a good print.●OthersPause At Heights: Allows users to pre-set a height in which the print willsuspend automatically. The function usually applied when you want to change the
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398944filament at a certain point.(5-7) Click[Edit], then you can add or remove a height.6.2.12 File Menus①New ProjectClick [File]--[New Project]can build a blank project. If there is an unsavedmodification on previous project, then will inform you whether the modificationneeds to be saved or not. Click [Yes]will save the modification , click [No]willabandon it. If click [Cancel]or close tool tip, then will cancel the new project.6-16②SavingAfter finishing the model edit and adjustment, there are two ways below to save allmodels in the scene.Method 1:Click [File]--[Save Project] in the menu bar, can save the file as a project file whichsuffix is ”.fpp” in this type of file,all models in the scene (include support) areindependent .after reloading the files, extruder configuration information and modelposition will be as same as the configuration during saving.Method 2:6‐15
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398945Click on [File]--[Save as...] to save the model as project file .fpp or .stl and .obj.For .stl and .boj, models are integrated as one(include support part). If load it again,only the position of the model was saved, not included the printing parameters.③PreferencesClick [File]--[Preferences], you can choose language and if needs detecting updatewhen start6-17●Language: The software supports six languages, that is Chinese(simplified Chineseand traditional Chinese), English, French, Korean, Japanese and Russian.●Printing Window Type: Including Base Mode and Expert Mode●Check for Update after start up: It is used to set if needs to activate the onlineautomatic update function, if choose yes, every time when you open software, it canonline detect if there is new version software, once new version found, it will remindsuses to download and install new version firmware.6.2.13 Edit Menus①UndoAllows users to undo the recent edits by the following two methods:Method 1: Click [Edit]--[Undo].Method 2: Press the shortcut Ctrl+Z.②Redo
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398946Allows users to redo the most recent edit you have undone to your model file by thefollowing two methodsMethod 1: Click [Edit]--[Redo]Method 2: Press the shortcut Ctrl+Y.③Empty Undo-stackTo clean up the recorded operating steps so as to release the memory.④Select AllBy the following two methods, you could select all models in the scene.(Whenmodelsare too small to be seen or out of viewing scope, please click [Center] and [Scale]buttons to adjust the model.)Method 1: Click [Edit]--[Select All].Method 2: Press the shortcut Ctrl+A.⑤DuplicateSelect the object and duplicate the object through the following two methods:Method 1: Click [Edit]--[Duplicate]Method 2: Press the shortcut Ctrl+D⑥DeleteSelect the object and delete the object through the following two methods:Method 1: Click [Edit]--[Delete]Method 2: Press the shortcut Delete⑦Surface to PlatformAfter selecting the model, you can make the model surface to platform via the followingoperation.Click [Edit]--[Surface to Platform]into surface to platform mode(6-18)
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398947（Surface to Platform 6-18）⑧Auto Layout AllClick [Edit]--[Auto Layout All]after loading one or more than one models, allmodels will be placed automatically as automatic placement rule.6.2.14 Print Menus①Connect MachineYou can connect the Inventor with your PC via a USB cable or WIFI.Note: The machine icon on the bottom right displays the connection status:ConnectedDisconnectedMethod 1：Connect Via USB Cablea. Connect your Inventor with your PC via an USB cable.b. Turn on your Inventor 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. If you can
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398948not find your machine, click the [Rescan] button to scan your machine and select it.Finally click [Connect] button to connect to the printer. If you still can not find yourmachine after rescan, which means you haven’t installed the driver in the software.6-19Method 2：Connect Via WIFI1. Turn on Inventor. Make sure the build plate is leveled and filament is loaded on theleft extruder.2.Turn on Wi-Fi on the Inventor. To do this, press [Tools],[ Setting ],[WIFI],and[WIFION].3.Aconnection called“HF-LPB” canbe foundon the list of available networks.Connect to this network.4. Open your Internet browser. Type in “10.10.100.254” and hit [ Enter ] on yourkeyboard. Enter the username and password to login. The default username andpassword are both “admin.” The control panel will appear after a successful login.6‐20
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐82273989496-215. Click on [WorkMode]and choose“AP+STA mode” and save it.6. Click on [STASetting], select a working network, enter the correspondingpassword and save.6-227. Restart the interface, close the page, turn off the Inventor, disconnect from thenetwork, and wait for 10 seconds.8. Turn the Inventor back on and connect to the Inventor network. In FlashPrint,choose [Print]from menu and select [ Connect ].9. Under “Connection Mode”, selectWi-Fi, and enter the “IP Address, Port” as shown on printer LCD screen. Then, click
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398950[ Connect ].10. If successfully connected, you will see the following red mark.①Connect Inventor with your PC under STA modea. Turn on the WIFI of Inventor and connect your PC with Inventor via the WIFI.②Disconnect InventorClick [Print]--[Disconnect] to disconnect your PC and Inventor.6.2.14 Tool Menus①Control PanelAfter connecting PC with Inventor, click [Tools]--[Control Panel] to open the controlpanel.●Jog Controlsa. 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).b. Six blue arrow direction button: Control the move along X/Y/Z axis. X/Y axis123456
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398951button control extruder move, Z axis button control build plate move. Click X-,extruder will move leftward a specified distance; Click X+, extruder will move aspecified distance rightward. Click Y-, extruder will move forward a specifieddistance; Click Y-, extruder will move backward a specified distance. Click Z-, buildplate will move upward a specified distance; Click Z-, build plate will movedownward a specified distance. (Specified distance refers to the move distance you setin Jog Mode.c. Stop: Click the [stop] button to abort the current movement.d. XYZ coordinateframe on the right side: Show the current position of extruder/build plate.e. Make Current Position Zero button: Set the current position of theextruder/build plate as (0, 0, 0). (NOTE: X, Y, and Z boxes are for display purposes.Changing the value in the boxes will not affect anything.f. Center X/Y/Z button: Extruder and build platform will back to the zero (0, 0, 0)you set last time.g. X/Y Speed and Z Speed: Set the move speed of extruder/ build platform.●Limit Switch: In order to protect your Inventor, three limit switches are equippedto control the maximum position, and the three limit switches corresponding to X/Y/Zaxis limit switch. It has two status:a. Not Triggered: If the extruder/build plate don’t move to its maximum, X/Y/Z axislimit switch is not triggered, and shows “Not Triggered”.b. Triggered: If the extruder/build plate moves to its maximum, X/Y/Z axis limitswitch is triggered, and shows “Triggered”.●Stepper Motor Controls: Allows users to control to stepper motor. Click [Enable],and lock the motor so it does not allow any movement; click [Disable], and unlockthe motor to be controlled manually.●LED Color: Allows users to change the LED color of Inventor.
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398952●Extruder Controls: You can set the value of “Motor Speed(RPM)”, which cancontrol the rotation speed of filament feeding wheel. The motor rotation time can becontrolled via setting the value of “Extruder Duration”.Generally we suggest theusers choose option of continuous time 60 seconds. The filament must loaded in theextruder before motor starts. Therefore, do not start rotation operation until theextruder temperature reach the printing temperature of filament. For PLAfilament, the extruder temperature should reach 220℃, after reaching the extrudertemperature, click the [Forward]/[Reverse] rotation button to control filament loadand filament unload. Furthermore, if you want to stop filament load and unload, youcan click [Stop].●Temperature Control: Input the temperature you want to get in the left frame,click [Apply], the printer will automatically heat the corresponding part, the right sideshows the current actual temperature of corresponding part. After start heating, thebelow curve of temperature form will start to change, different color corresponddifferent parts’ temperatures②Update FirmwareEvery time when you start Flashprint, it will automatically detect and download theup-to-date firmware. If any update is available, a dialog box will pop up for remindingthe users to update.Step 1: Click [Tools]--[Update firmware]. It needs to cut off connection beforeupdating firmware. If software and printer are already in connection, it reminds youcutting off the connection, choose [Yes] and go on to the next step.Step 2: Choose corresponding printer type and firmware version and click [OK] inthe firmware updating box. After confirming the printer is in free state, the softwarewill automatically update the firmware.
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐82273989536-23Step 3：Reboot you Inventor and wait for 4-5 seconds, then you can see the updateprocess 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.③On Board PreferencesWhen the computer and printer are in connection, click [Tools]--[On BoardPreferences], you can check the printer name.④Machine informationWhen the computer and printer are in connection state, click [Tools]--[Machineinformation], you can check the machine type, machine name and firmware etc.6.2.15 Help Menus①Help Contents：Click [Help]--[Help Contents], you can read the help contents.②Check for Updates ：Click [Help]--[Check for Update] to detect the availableupdates online.③About FlashPrint：Click [Help]--[About Flashprint], the software informationbox will pop up. The contents include the current software version and copyrightinformation.
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398954Chapter 7: PrintingThis chapter will provide a step-by-step guide on turning a 3D model into a physicalreality. Before proceeding, it is recommended that you go over prior chapters onloading/unloading filament, leveling the build plate, and the functions and capabilitiesof FlashPrint.There are two modes of printing: single-extrusion and dual-extrusion. With singleextrusion, you can choose the print head to use for making the print. Dual extrusion isuseful if you want to print dual colors or complex models that require supportingmaterial.There are three connection methods in order to print using the Inventor. All methods,which include USB, SD card, and Wi-Fi are covered in thischapter.7.1 Single-Extrusion and Dual-Extrusion Print7.1.1 Single-Extrusion Print1. Open FlashPrint by double-clicking on the icon.2. Click on [ Load ] and choose an .stl file from hard drive.3. The object will then be shown on the screen.4. Click on the object and then click on [ Extruder ],select[ Use left extruder ].*Left extruder will be used for illustration purposes.5. Now the 3D model is ready to be created.
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐82273989557.1.2 Dual-Extrusion Print1. Open FlashPrint by double-clicking on the icon.2. Press [ Load ] and choose an .stl file from hard drive.3. The object will then be shown on the screen.4. Press [ Load ] and choose another (or the same) file from hard drive.5. Click on the object and then click on [Extruder], select [ Use left extruder ].NOTE: one object is turned to green, that indicates it will be print wit the leftextruder.6. Now the 3D model is ready tobe created.Before introducing the connection methods, let me give you a brief introduction ofInventor’s interfaces.PrintRead the print file fromThe local memory cardThe SD cardReturn arrow
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398956Select the target print file among the listPrint: To begin printingCopy: To copy the files to the localmemory card from the SD card.(Noavailable [Copy] button for printingfrom local memory card )Delete: To delete the print filePrint interfaceAbort: To abort the print job.Pause/Resume: To suspend or resumethe print job.Tools: To change filament and set upauto shutdown during printing.Tools in print interfaceFilament: To change filament duringprinting.(Note: You need to suspend theoperation first)Wifi: To turn on the WifiCancel: To end the tool orders andreturn to the print interface.
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398957PreheatTap the [Preheat] button to enter thepreheat interface. Tap the [Start] buttonto heat up to the setting temperature.The default temperature is 230℃.Tap the temperature display bar to setthe temperature.To set the preheat temperature.Tap [Yes] to save the setting while tap[No] to cancel the setting.The picture displays the preheatinterface. It shows the actualtemperature and the target temperature.Tap the [Stop] button to abort thepreheat job.
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398958ToolTap [Tools] to enter tool options.Filament: To load/unload the filament.Level: To adjust the build plate.Home: To make the X, Y and Z axesback to the zero point.Manual: To manually adjust thepositions of X, Y and Z axes.Setting:To implement relevant functionsetups.Status: The check the real-time statusof the printer.About: Information about the printer.Return arrowManual adjustmentY+: The extruder moves to the zeropoint, that is, the back of the machineY-: The extruder moves to the directionopposite to the Y+.X+: The extruder moves to the zeropoints, that is, to the right directionX-: The extruder moves to the directionopposite to the X+.Z+: The build plate elevates.Z-: The build plate descends.Return arrowTap [Setting] to enter the settinginterfaceLanguage: To set the display languageTP Adjust: Adjust the touch screenFactory Reset: Restore factory defaultsFan on: To turn on/off the fanWIFI: To turn on/off the Wifi
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398959Update: To update the firmwarePulley: To choose the pulley typeReturn arrowLanguage:User can select corresponding languageas required.TP AdjustTo tap the “+” on the touch screen toadjust the touch screen.WIFI:Turn on the WIFI:Turnonthewifi,release the wifi hotspot and set the wifion computerReturn arrow
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398960Pulley:To select the equipped pulley type.Status:It displays the real-time status of theextruder temperature, the platformtemperature and the internaltemperature.About:It displays the basic information aboutthe device.7.2 Methods of printingPrinting from USB1. Connect Inventor to the computer using the included USB 2.0 cable.2. Turn on the Inventor. Make sure the build plate is leveled and filament is loaded tothe left extruder.3. Select [Print]from menu bar, then select [ Connect ].4. Click on [ Rescan ], then [ Connect ].
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐82273989615. Now the printer is connected with FlashPrint. A status box at the lower right cornerwill show the temperature of both extruders and the platform.6. Press [Print]icon, and a printing options screen will appear. Make sure that “ABS”is selected under Material Left. Advanced settings can be set under [ More Options ]icon. Check the box “Print When Slice Done” and click [OK].7. Save the file at any location, and the object will start slicing8. After the object is done slicing, it will automatically upload the gcode to theInventor.9. After the gcode is done uploading, the printer will go into a preheat phase . TheInventor will begin printing once it has finished preheating.Printing from SD Card1. Press [Print], and a printing options screen will show up.2. Make sure that the “Material Left”isselectedas“ABS.” Advanced settings can beset under [ More Options ] icon.3. Click [OK], and save the gcode file in the SD card.4. FlashPrint will begin slicing the 3D model.5.After the object is done slicing, take the SD card from the computer. Insert it intothe SD card slot on the Inventor.6. Turn on the Inventor. Make sure the build plate is leveled and filament is loaded onthe left extruder.7. Press [Print]and then press the middle SD Card icon.8. A list of file(s) will show up, press the file that you would like to print, then press[Yes].9. The printer will now enter preheating phase and will start printing once it finishespreheatingPrinting via Wi-Fi1. Turn on Inventor. Make sure the build plate is leveled and filament is loaded on the
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398962left extruder2. Turn on Wi-Fi on the Inventor. To do this, press [Tools],[Setting],[WIFI],and [WIFION].3.A connection called“HF-LPB” can be found on the list of available networks.Connect to this network.7-14. Open your Internet browser. Type in “10.10.100.254” and hit [Enter]on yourkeyboard. Enter the username and password to login. The default username andpassword are both “admin.” The control panel will appear after a successful login.7-2
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐82273989635. Click on [WorkMode]and choose “AP+STA mode” and save it.6. Click on [STASetting], select a working network, enter the correspondingpassword and save.7-37. Under “Connection Mode”, select Wi-Fi, and enter the “IP Address, Port”asshown on printer LCD screen. Then, click [ Connect ].8. Now the Inventor is connected with FlashPrint. A status box at the lower rightcorner will show the temperature of both extruders and the Platform.9. In FlashPrint, click [Print]. A printing options screen will appear Make sure that“ABS” is selected under “Material Left.” Advanced settings can be set by clicking on[ More Options ].Check the box of “Print When Slice Done,” and hit [OK].10. Save the file at any location, and the object will start slicing.After the object isdone slicing, it will automatically upload the gcode to the Inventor. After the gcode isdone uploading, the printer will go into a preheat phase. The Inventor will startprinting once preheating is finished.NOTE: Printing from SD card is unavailable when WIFI is ON.Printing with SupportIf the 3D model has excessive over-hang, then support will be needed. In the Slice
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398964options screen, select from “Supports” the left or right extruder.Click [OK]to beginslicing.
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398965Chapter 8: Advanced PrintingWhen you get familiar with your Inventor, you will definitely want to accomplishsome advanced prints. This chapter will take you to get to know the advanced printingskills.Expert Mode grants the users more freedom of parameter edition. There are twomodes are available for users, one is “Basic Mode” and the other is “Expert Mode”.8-1Select Profile: Allows users to select the required scheme. There are three options forusers (low/standard/high/higher) and the default is PLA standard. Different schemescorrespond to different parameter settings. High-quality scheme produceshigh-resolution object but at a low speed. On the contrary, low-quality schemeproduces low-resolution object but at a high speed. When printing with PLA, userswill find a “hyper” option available.General:
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398966a. Layer HeightThickness of each layer. The less thickness of layers, the more time will be used andthe better model will be printed.b. First Layer HeightWhen printed with thinner layers, comparative thicker bottom layer could improveadhesion and tolerance for non-perfect build plates.2）Speeda. Base Print Speed: The fiducial value of extuder’s movement speed duringprinting(For subsequent speeds counting ). With a lower speed, the printer can buildan objects with higher resolution and more smoothness.b. Speed at which extruder moves when not extruding filament.c. Minimum Speed: The minimum extruder’s movement speed during printingd. First Layer Maximum Speed: The max printing speed for printing the firstlayer(Note: It’s invalid to the model which has a raft )e. First Layer Maximum Travel Speed: The max travel speed for printing the firstlayer(Note: It’s invalid to the model which has a raft )3）TemperatureIt displays the temperature of “ Right Extruder” and “Platform”4）Retractiona. Retraction Length: Amount of retraction. Retraction can help users reduce stringingor oozing during printing. (The default value shall be suggested.)b. Speed: Speed at which the filament is retracted. The default value shall besuggested.
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐82273989678‐2Perimeter1）Thicknessa . Shell Count: Numbers of laps for each layer’s shell. Maximum: 10; Minimum: 1.b. Maximum Path Overlap: Max amount of overlapping extrusion for some models,especially small models.2）Speed:a. Exterior Speed: Speed at which the exterior shell is printed.b. Exterior maximum speed: Speed at which the exterior maximum shell is printed.b. Visible Interior Speed: Speed at which the visible interior shell is printed.c. Invisible Interior Speed: Speed at which the invisible interior shell is printed.3）Start Pointsa. Mode: There are two options for Start Point mode. One is “closest to specificlocation”, the other is “use random start points”.b. X: The coordinate value of Xc. Y: The coordinate value of Y
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398968InfillGenerala. Top Solid Layer: Number of solid layers on the upper surface of model.b. Bottom Solid Layer: Number of solid layers on the under surface of model.c. Fill Density: Determines the interior solidity of the model.d. Fill Pattern: Determines the infill pattern used for the interior of part, Hexagoninfill has higher strength and Line infill take less print time.e. Start Angle: Angle of the infill’s first layerf. Overlap Perimeter: The overlap width between the infill and the shell.g. Vase Mode: When enabled, the interior infill and top solid infill will notprinted.(Using this option will force 0% infill with only a single perimeter)2) Speeda . Solid Speed: Speed at which the top/bottom parts are printed.b. Sparse Speed: Speed at which the infill is printed.3）Combine Infilla. Maximum Combine Layers: Select the layer amount according to the layer height.8‐3
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398969The 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.Support1）Generala. Enable Support: Allows users to turn on/off the support option. Support structurecan prevent the model from collapsing. If choosing “Yes”, then both treelike andlinear supports are available for setting up. If choosing “No”, then both treelike andlinear supports are unavailable for setting up.b. Select extruder: Choose lfte or right extruder to print you model.2）Treelikea. Speed: Speed at which the treelike supports are printed.b. Space to Model(X/Y): The gap between the treelike supports and the model contactsurface (in the X/Y directions).
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398970c. Shell Count: To control the printing laps for support’s outer shell.3）Lineara. Speed: Speed at which the linear supports are printed.b. Space to Model(X/Y): The gap between the treelike supports and the model contactsurfaces (in the X/Y directions).c. Space to Model(Z): The distance between the treelike supports and the modelcontact surface (in the Z direction).d. Path Space: The distance between the adjoining paths.Additions1）Rafta . Enable Raft: Enable to print raft during printing. Raft could help the model stick tothe build plate.b. Select extruder: Choose lfte or right extruder to print you model.c. Margin: The distance between raft’s outline and outline of model’s first layer. If theraft is enabled, the extra raft area around the object is also enabled. Increasing themargin will create a stranger raft while using more matrial and leaving less area foryour object.8‐5
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398971d. Space to Model(Z): The gap between the raft top and the model’s first layer.2）Pre-extrusiona . Enable Pre-extrusion: Enable the extruder to pre-extrusion until .b. Space to Model: The maximum distance between the pre-extruded filament andmodel’s first layer.C.Path Length: The filament length of pre-extrusion.d. Speed: The printing speed of pre-extrusion.3）Walla. Enable Wall: Enable the extruder to print wall during printing. Enabling wall canprevent the object from stringing or oozing to some extent.b. 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 printer.Advanced1）Stepper Motor Voltage(Usually keep default)8‐6
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398972a. X-Axis: Voltage parameter of X-axis stepper motor. The bigger the value is, themore heater will produce.b. Y-Axis: Voltage parameter of Y-axis stepper motor. The bigger the value is, themore heater will produce.c. Z-Axis: Voltage parameter of Z-axis stepper motor. The bigger the value is, themore heater will produce.d. A-Axis: Voltage parameter of right-extruder stepper motor. The bigger the value is,the more heater will produce.e. B-Axis: Voltage parameter of left-extruder stepper motor. The bigger the value is,the more heater will produce.2）Othersa.Extrusion Ratio: The filament amount extruded by the extruder. Default: 109%Max:125% (Usually the default ratio is suggested)b. Path Width: The width of the path, the default value is 0.4mm. Keeping default issuggested.c. Path Resolution: The default value is 0.1mm. The bigger the value is, the lower theextrusion resolution is. On the contrary, the extrusion resolution is much higher.8-7
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398973OthersDimensional Adjustmenta. Enable Adjustments: Enable software to make compensation for errors.b. External Compensation: Enable software to make compensation for the outerdiameter error.c. Internal Compensation: Enable software to make compensation for the innerdiameter error.Save as newAllows users to save the model as a new file after parameter modification.How to do?After getting all the required parameters modified, click [Save as new], then adialogue box will pop up. Users need to enter the file name into the box, then click[OK]. Click the drop-down menu of [Select Profile], the new added scheme can befound in the list.RemoveAllows the users to delete the added scheme(s). Select one of the added schemes,click [Remove] and a dialogue box will pop up for confirmation. Click [Yes] toremove it or click [No] to cancel the current operation.Restore Default: Allows users to restore to the default settings.Save Configuration: Allows users to save the present configuration.8.1 Skills on Supports(Reference Video：Skills on Supports)Support structures enable the printing of models with steep overhangs andcantilevered sections. The Inventor 3D printer utilizes Fused Filament Fabrication(FFF) technology, which works on the additive manufacturing principle of heating
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398974and laying down material layer by layer to create an object. Many sophisticated 3Dprint designs require materials to be deposited on a layer where there was not aprevious layer, or the designs have steep angles which might cause undesireddrooping during the print. In these cases, support structures are needed to ensureobjects integrity and print quality.①Principle of 45 DegreesGenerally speaking, if the 3D model has an overhang of more than 45 degrees, youwill need supports. This angle is determined by the material, layer height, extrusionwidth, and temperature. It is critical to adjust the support structures accordingly toensure the best print result, especially for large 3D prints.The principle is raised by astage designer and widely accepted among the 3D printing industry.②Principle of ProportionalityAs for the application of supports, the users are suggested to comply with theprinciple of proportionality. Even though the supports algorithm has been developing,adding supports intelligently cannot be realized at present. Therefore, users are alwaysoriented in adding the supports. As we all know, excessive supports will definitelyresult in difficulty in supports removal, while limited supports cannot ensure thestability of the model. Since FashPrint has the function of manual modification, userscan add proper supports to their models according to the daily experience and theacademic principles.●Support TypesLinear Support Structure：Suitable for models with large-area overhang(s).Features：Full coverage of supports improves the model stability. But the supports onthe surface are difficult to be removed and will definitely reduce the print quality.Treelike Support Structure：Suitable for models with small area overhang(s).(Youare suggested printing a raft)
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398975Features：Treelike support structure is proprietary to Flashforge Corporation. And thisstructure can save support material and can be easily removed. However, comparedwith the linear support structure, it’s of less stability. So you are suggested tomanually add more supports after auto-generating treelike supports.Auto-supportsEg：1) Model with Large-area Overhang8-8Right:Treelike support structure
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398976Wrong:Linear support structure2) Model with Small-area Overhang
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398977Right:Treelike support structureWrong:Linear support structureManual Modification
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐82273989788-9For the experienced 3D printer users, the [Add] and [Delete] buttons are suggestedusing for manually adding or deleting supports.1）Manual Add8-10You can add the support structure manually to according to the actual shape of themodel.
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398979Left click [Add] on the left, and then click on the position when support structure isneeded. Press down the left mouse button and drag to generate the support.2）Manual Delete8-11Like the picture above, a hole inside the model doesn’t need any supports.
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398980Left click the [Delete] button and then left click the supports needed deleting. And thesupport will be deleted.8.2 Control over Printing Quality①Enhance the build plate adhesiveness●Leveling the build plate●Keeping the build plate smooth and tidy●Using the build tape or glue②Adjusting the printing speed●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 PlacementNot all the models are in the right positions after being loaded. Therefore, you need toplace it in an appropriate position for better print quality. Such as the models below,you need to put one of the surfaces onto the platform.(Please refer to 5.1.12-⑦Surfaceto Platform)①Improper Proper8‐12
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398981②③Further Reading：Cut FunctionLeft-click on the model to select it and double-click on the Cut icon to set the cutplane. The direction and position are available for setting.E.g：As for a big model or an irregular model, you need to cut it into several parts so as toreduce the printing limitation and to better the print quality. Look at the model below:Picture 8-15 is the preview of the model’s original placement and Picture 8-16 is thepreview of the model with support structure.Improper Proper8‐14Improper Proper8‐13
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐82273989828-15(8-16) Model with support structure8-16(8-17) Looking at the Picture 8-16, we will definitely find that the complex supportswill influence the smoothness of the model. By analyzing the model’s feature, cuttingfrom the Y plane will be suitable.
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐82273989838-17(8-18) The model preview after cutting.8-18(8-19) Click [Edit]--[Surface to Platform] to put the flat surfaces onto the platform.
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐82273989847-10Comparison
Inventor User Guide | www.flashforge.com 0086‐0579‐8227398985Chapter 9: Supports and ServiceFlashforge team standby and ready to help you overcome any challenges you mayhave with your Inventor. If the issues or questions are not covered in this User Guide,you can seek for solutions on our office website or contact us via telephone.There are solutions and instructions to common issues that can be found in ourknowledge base. Have a look first as most basic questions are answered there.http://www.flashforge.comThe FlashForge support team can be reached by e-mail or phone between the hours of8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PST Monday through Saturday. In case you contact us duringafter-hours, your inquiry will be answered the following business day.Tel：86-0579-89316036QQ：2850862986 2850863000 2853382161ADD：No. 518, Xianyuan Road, Wucheng, Jinhua, Zhejiang*When contacting support, please have your serial number ready.The serial number is a bar code on the back of your Inventor

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